Westminster Record September 2014 by RCWestminster

Westminster Record September 2014 | 20p

Success in Diocesan Schools

Financial Review

St Elizabethâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Hertfordshire

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Centre spread

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Dona Nobis Pacem

By Chris Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Callaghan In 1914 H.G. Wells wrote a series of articles incorporated into a book entitled The War To End All Wars, describing impending war in Europe and how the British should fight against the Central Powers and German militarism. This description rapidly became a catchphrase as Europe was ravaged for the following four years. 21 years later, an equally devastating war was written into our history and heritage. On 4 August a Pontifical Requiem Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Vincent in Westminster Cathedral, preceding the National Remembrance Service in Westminster Abbey to mark the centenary of the declaration of war against Germany by Prime Minister Herbert Asquith. The service honoured the sacrifices of British and Commonwealth personnel who had

served so valiantly in and beyond the fields and trenches of Europe. As we mark the beginning of one of the biggest mobilisations of the British nation in history and remembered solemnly their sacrifices, war continues to be a part of daily life in the Middle East. As silence fell and the lights went out across Britain on the night of 4 August, Israeli and Hamas rockets were at the same time lighting up the night sky under which Our Lord offered himself as the sacrifice of reconciliation for all 2,000 years ago. A few hundred miles away IS militants continued their advance through Syria and northern Iraq, demanding that Christian communities there convert to Islam or face execution. While we remembered in silence, the Middle East prayed desperately for the same quiet and stillness and for the promise and gift of peace.

Editorial

Westminster Record | September 2014

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‘Blessed are the peacemakers’

Editor Bishop John Arnold Archbishop’s House, Ambrosden Avenue SW1P 1QJ Managing Editor Marie Saba 020 7798 9031 Inhouse writers Chris O’Callaghan 020 7798 9030 & John Scott 020 7798 9370 Design Julian Game Proofing John Scott To order copies contact Andrea Black 0161 214 1216 or email andrea.black@thecatholicuniverse.com

The international news of the last month has been Print management and distribution by The Universe Media Group Ltd. heartrending. The cameras have shown us daily the suffering and anguish of innocent people drawn into conflicts not of their making. Indeed, they long to live in Editorial Deadline: 15 September peace. For those who could Listings email: communications@rcdow.org.uk bear to search for it, the Internet brought images of News and stories call 020 7798 9178 savagery. The claims of Email: communications@rcdow.org.uk politicians to justify their actions seem so very remote Advertising Deadline: 19 September from the daily tragedies that To advertise call 0161 214 1200 or 020 7798 9178 destroy homes, displace people Produced by the Communications Office of the Diocese of and claim lives. While the Westminster. News and articles published in the Westminster Record “news” has been most often about Iraq, there have been do not necessarily represent the views of the Diocese of Westminster, reports which remind us of the unless specifically stated otherwise. precarious situation in

September publication dates

Ukraine. Almost entirely gone are the reports of the continuing destruction and bloodshed in Syria where over nine million people are displaced and the conflict now extends from months into years; and we hear little or nothing of the more than two hundred Nigerian schoolgirls who were abducted months ago. The list goes on. There have always been war and conflict, but it seems cruelly and particularly ironic that our world should be witnessing so much conflict just as we commemorate a centenary of the “War to end all wars”. Modern communication brings this all very close to home yet we feel powerless to do anything. Decisions lie with governments and politicians, we may think. That is not entirely true, though, for ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’. The very foundation of Christ’s teaching calls us to build, promote and encourage peace. That must begin with us and in the details of our own

lives, to the extent that we can be and are responsible. We may seem to be all too small and insignificant and our individual lives irrelevant in the vast scale of conflict, but our individual contributions to peace-building are a vital ingredient, a yeast that can have consequences beyond our imagining. Our world stands in dire need of peace. To whatever small degree you and I can contribute to that fabric of peace, we can be part of a process of change. We preach peace by actions rather than by words. As Christians, we bear the name of Christ, who is our peace. We begin by being at peace within ourselves, then with those around us. May each one of us learn to banish all forms of violence, in word or deed, from our lives and, by our actions, may we assist others to do the same.

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A case of embroidery By Anne-Marie Micallef In the Treasures of the Cathedral Exhibition three exceptional vestments are on display. Cardinal Manning (1808-92) became Archbishop of Westminster just 15 years after the restoration of the Hierarchy in 1850 by Pope Pius IX. Three years later, in 1868, Pope Pius X summoned the First Vatican Council at which Manning is believed to have worn the cope which we have. A set of Low Mass vestments of white silk thread belonged to another Cardinal, Edward Henry Howard, who became Cardinal Bishop of Frascati in 1877. Born in England, he travelled widely and was also a protector of the English College in Rome before retiring finally to Brighton. His tomb is in the Fitzalan Chapel at Arundel in Sussex.

We also show a dalmatic (the deacon’s vestment) in red silk, part of a set made for Cardinal Bourne who became Archbishop in 1903, the same year that the first regular celebrations of the Divine Office and Mass began in the Cathedral.

The embroidery on all three vestments is exquisite; do come and see for yourself. Treasures of the Cathedral exhibition tickets are available from the Cathedral bookshop; please note that the Exhibition is free on every Monday in September. Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

News

Westminster Record | September 2014

Cardinal marks Centenary of Declaration of the Great War He also recalled the thirtyseven priests of the diocese who served as chaplains in the war and the accounts they provided of the horrors of the trenches. At the end of Mass Cardinal Vincent, with Bishops John Arnold and Nicholas Hudson and priests of the Diocese who concelebrated, moved first to the Chapel of St George and then to the Chapel of St Patrick to lay wreaths at the respective war memorials in both. Later that night the Cardinal represented Catholics nationally at the Memorial The Catholic community in the Diocese of Westminster joined Cardinal Vincent for the celebration of a Requiem Mass for the Fallen Soldiers of the First World War at Westminster Cathedral on 4 August, the centenary of the declaration of war by the British Government. It was the first of a series of national remembrance events to be held over the coming four years. In his homily he remembered the soldiers who lost their lives in the British ranks, including Australians, Canadians, South Africans, New Zealanders, Indians and Irishmen who had volunteered to fight. 'This evening we

salute their sacrifice. We commemorate their heroism, their loyalty and their bravery, often in utterly impossible circumstances of horror and helplessness. And in our Catholic tradition, we pray for them. We pray for the repose of their souls in the peaceful presence of God and we pray for the coming of that final Resurrection when they will rise again, from every horrendous grave, to live for ever in the glorious presence of God. This is our faith. This is the faith of the Church. We are proud to profess it, especially on this solemn day.' 'It is for them that we pray this evening, in this Requiem Mass.'

Service held in Westminster Abbey which was attended by leaders of all faiths in the country, members of the Royal family, politicians and members of the Armed Forces. He led the assembled congregation in one of several prayers for peace offered by religious leaders during the service. Shortly after, at 11pm, lights were switched off across the country marking the time when Herbert Asquith, then Prime Minister, had announced that the British Government had declared war in 1914.

Mgr Phelim Rowland, former Vicar General of the Army, and Fr Michael Dunne, military chaplain, after the Mass.

Edmund Adamus appointed to Parliamentary Family Group Edmund Adamus, the diocese’s Director for Marriage and Family Life, has been appointed to join Parliament’s Lords and Commons Family and Child Protection Group, which provides Members of both Houses with empirical information on issues relating to the family and child welfare. He will co-chair the Working Party on the Sexualisation of Children, whilst other topics being studied include Sex and Relationships Education in Schools, Same-Sex Marriage Implications and Teenage and Gang Culture. Legal advice is also offered on interpreting legislation which impacts on freedom of religion and conscience. Edmund's participation will help to ensure that the Church’s voice and vision for family values do not go unnoticed in these important national debates.

Bishop joins French Commemorations Bishop Nicholas represented Cardinal Vincent at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on 24 August at a Mass to mark the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the French capital from the Nazis in August 1944. The Mass also commemorated the anniversary of the D-Day Landings. Bishop Nicholas concelebrated with Cardinal André Vingt-Trois, Archbishop of Paris. Reflecting afterwards Bishop Nicholas said: ‘My thoughts throughout the Mass were with all those who had suffered in that war; those who had fought that we might be free. I was thinking much of my French mother, liberated in Paris as a 16-year-old; of my English father steering his landing-craft onto Juno beach just a few weeks before. My mother expressed, to her dying day, the French people’s gratitude to the Allies for liberating her country. I am sure she joined in the Cardinal’s prayers that we might all learn to be peacemakers.’ Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

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Middle East A View from the Syriac Chaplaincy By Mgr Nizar Semaan

Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, and Palestine, but over the past Every Sunday we gather in 25 years numbers in those Holy Trinity Church, Brook lands have dwindled as many Green to celebrate Mass in the have left to start a new life Syriac Rite. There are 350 elsewhere. Yet many of us still families in our community, have close family in Iraq, with some in Manchester, Cardiff my own parents in Qaraqosh, and Birmingham, and about where there are about 50,000 80% in London. They are people in a close-knit based all over the capital and community. drive up to an hour each week Here in the UK, we are very to attend Mass. It’s a big worried about the present sacrifice, but it’s our way of situation in Iraq, trying to help keeping up with our in every way we can. We have traditions. raised and sent funds to the We are an immigrant local bishop for food and community, with some families medicine. It doesn’t resolve the from Syria, but the majority problem, but it helps and it’s from Iraq. The roots of our duty. We try to be a sign of Christianity are very deep in hope for these people, these countries. Our Syriac Rite speaking on their behalf to the dates back to the third century media and to government. We and is celebrated in Arabic and act as their voices, raising their Syriac, which belongs to the issues and asking that their Aramaic family of languages, dignity be restored. although we have some It is already a human English in our celebration to disaster for all those, help the children understand. Christians and people of other Most of our community faiths, who have been were originally based in Iraq, displaced. Now the winter is

coming; what will happen to these people? They need to be assured they’re going to be safe, to be able to return home without worrying about being attacked again. If they are not allowed to live in peace and no longer feel safe, then they will have no choice but to leave with sadness. If Iraq is left without Christianity, it will be a sad day indeed; a light will have gone out and Iraq will enter a dark age. Through all the years we have served Iraq as doctors, engineers and university professors. If Christians leave, education, culture and diversity will all suffer in Iraq. If that happens, then IS and its radical members will have realised their project. When we came to the UK, the British government gave us rights and asked us to fulfil our duties. That is how people should be treated with dignity. That is all we that ask for our community in Iraq, too.

Westminster Record Westminster RecordSeptember | September2011 2014

Syriac Chaplain for the Diocese of Westminster, Mgr Nizar Semaan

Cardinal Issues Urgent Iraq Appeal The Cardinal's full statement follows:

Cardinal Vincent issued a statement on 8 August 2014, asking for 'urgent help and protection' for the persecuted communities in northern Iraq. The Cardinal called on Her Majesty's Government to lead the efforts to 'provide urgent humanitarian aid' and 'ensure long term security'. He also encouraged the Catholic community 'to continue to give generously to our agencies working to support the people of Iraq' and 'to turn to God in prayer this weekend'. Page 4

I have followed with deep sadness the unfolding disaster in Mosul, in Sinjar and Qaraqosh, and in other towns and villages across northern Iraq. This is a persecution of immense proportions in which Christian, Yezidi and other communities have been targeted by ISIS and forced to flee their ancestral homes in the Nineveh Plains in search of temporary safety. All they are doing is trying to escape certain death. Today, I add my voice to those of the Church leaders in Iraq as well as all the Bishops of Oriental Churches who met in Beirut yesterday alongside the Apostolic Nuncio. Along with Christian and Muslim leaders in England and Wales and many others we appeal for help and protection for these persecuted communities facing a threat to their very existence in their biblical homelands. It is imperative that the international community ensure the physical protection

of all communities in Iraq and their human rights including the right to religious freedom. I urge Her Majesty’s Government to lead the efforts in the face of such a human calamity in order to help restore these shattered

communities, provide them with urgent humanitarian aid and work with others to ensure their long term security in the land of their birth. I encourage our own Catholic community to continue to give generously to

our agencies working to support the people of Iraq. Above all I invite all people of faith to turn to God in prayer this weekend and seek for our world the change of heart and the gift of grace that alone can bring us peace.

Middle East

Westminster Record | September 2014

Cardinal’s Concerns for Emerging Middle Eastern Crises Cardinal Vincent Writes to the Foreign Secretary about Iraq

I have followed the unfolding disaster in Iraq with growing concern as both media reports and the testimony of Iraqi Christians illustrate the desperate threat posed by ISIL to many of Iraq’s oldest communities. Christians and other religious minorities, above all the Yezidi, now face destruction in areas such as Mosul, Sinjar and Qaraquosh that had previously been relatively protected. This is a catastrophe not only for those tens of thousands of people directly affected, but also for what hopes remain for Iraq as a plural society in which indigenous minorities will have any future. I welcome the humanitarian efforts that Her Majesty’s Government has made in the past few days and the professionalism of the RAF and other UK personnel in delivering aid in difficult conditions. I urge you to increase that relief operation as well as the crucial diplomatic efforts needed to create a political environment in which ISIL’s offensive can be defeated. Over the last ten years Iraqis of all communities have suffered terribly from the violence of extremists. For that brutality to stop there needs to be a sustained focus on creating a more stable society based on respect for fundamental human rights, especially freedom of religion, and the rule of law. Britain has a role to play in that and I ask that you increase the existing efforts made by the Foreign Office to promote a culture in which the dignity of the person is paramount. For your information, I enclose with this letter a statement on the crisis in Iraq, signed by my fellow presidents of European Bishops’ Conferences, and addressed to the members of the United Nations’ Security Council. It illustrates the anguish of Europe’s Catholics at what is happening in Iraq. That profound concern is expressed practically through the work of our relief agencies which, led by Iraqis and supported by Catholics from all over the world, provide vital help to people of all communities. I know that our agencies cooperate with DFID and trust that relationship will deepen during this crisis. Please be assured of my prayers and best wishes as you begin your leadership of the Foreign Office in such difficult and challenging circumstances.

Yours sincerely,

In a letter sent to Philip Hammond, the Foreign Secretary, on 12 August 2014, Cardinal Vincent ‘welcomed the humanitarian efforts’ that the British government has so far made in Iraq in the recent weeks as violence has escalated and urged that the ‘relief operation’ and ‘crucial diplomatic efforts’ be increased. The Cardinal notes that: ‘there needs to be a sustained focus on creating a more stable society based on respect for fundamental human rights, especially freedom of religion, and the rule of law. Britain has a role to play in that and I ask that you increase the existing efforts made by the Foreign Office to promote a culture in which the dignity of the person is paramount.’ The letter closes with an assurance of prayer and best wishes as the new Foreign Secretary begins his leadership ‘in such difficult and challenging circumstances.’ The full text of the Cardinal’s letter to the Foreign Secretary is shown here.

Dear Foreign Secretary,

Cardinal issues Statement on Gaza As the initial violence escalated in the Gaza Strip between Israeli and Palestinian Hamas forces, Cardinal Vincent issued a statement on 31 August regarding the situation: ‘Faced with the increasing violence that is engulfing the people of Gaza, my thoughts and prayers, and those of the Catholic community, are constantly with all those who have lost loved ones and whose lives are shattered in this conflict. The pain, anguish and sense of hopelessness of those men, women and children cry out that war is not the answer. As this conflict shows, violence breeds violence. Along with so many others, I plead for an immediate truce in Gaza that will not only put an end to this latest carnage but that will also address at last the core problems behind this conflict which has so blighted the lives of all the peoples of the Holy Land’. Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

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Education News

Westminster Record | September 2014

Diocese of Westminster Heads of Religious Education Conference Over the summer 46 Heads of Religious Education from the diocese attended their annual conference in the crypt of St Etheldreda’s, Ely Place. The keynote speaker was Fr Brian Davies OP, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Fordham University, New York, and a world authority on St Thomas Aquinas. The teachers had used Fr Brian’s books on Aquinas in their own studies and now use his material teaching A Level Religious Studies – Philosophy and Ethics, which draws heavily on the writings of the thirteenth-century Dominican philosopher and theologian. Fr Brian gave two stimulating lectures, one on ‘Aquinas on God and Evil’ and the second on ‘Aquinas on Teaching and Learning’. In the latter, he reminded his audience of the significance of their role in their students’ lives. ‘Aquinas holds that teachers should be

Diocese of Westminster Heads of Religious Education with Professor Brian Davies (seated), Stephen Horsman (Assistant Director of Education) and John Williams (Adviser Catholic Education – Secondary)

proud of themselves since they share in God’s work … “The minds of teachers … are watered by the things that are above in the wisdom of God, and by their ministry the light of divine wisdom flows down into the minds of students.” (from Aquinas’s inaugural lecture as a Master of Theology at Paris, 1256)’.

Fr Brian’s new book ‘Thomas Aquinas’s Summa Theologiae - A Guide and Commentary’ (OUP) is now available and the second of the lectures which he gave at the conference is due for publication in New Blackfriars later this year.

Success in Diocesan Schools A message from JP Morrison, Director of Education for the Diocese. The Diocese is delighted to see very many of its schools achieving so well at both A Level and at GCSE this year. In particular, the significant increase in pass rates is testimony to the hard work of the staff and governing bodies investing in the whole person, helping students to utilise their gifts and potential in a way that allows excellence to flourish. Catholic education is far more than a league table or headline-grabbing figure; it is about the nurture and care of the individual based on Gospel values and has at its heart the teaching and example of Christ. We celebrate the achievement of all, regardless of ability or aptitude. Our schools are to be commended for their continued success in reaching out to the most vulnerable in our society and shaping them into fine citizens ready to take their place in the world. This year witnessed new challenges for schools to maintain and increase high standards of attainment and progress, and we are delighted that so many met this challenge; we look forward to continued success over the coming year. More detail about some of these results can be found in the Education News section of the diocesan website. Visit www.rcdow.org.uk/education/

St Elizabeth’s School and College Success

Following retirement and reorganisation, we are seeking

TWO AMBITIOUS, OUTSTANDING CATHOLIC TEACHERS TO START JANUARY 2015 for two new key Assistant/Deputy grade appointments. Working alongside and reporting to the Executive Director of Education, these two newly created posts, Head of School (45-55 pupils age 5-19) and Head of College (30-40 learners age 18-25), will complete the senior management team driving forward our specialist education services within a larger charity employing over 650 staff. Exceptional opportunity for career advancement and support permanent, full time posts - excellent pay and benefits including teachers’ pension. 20 minutes from M11 (J8 - Hertfordshire) For details visit www.stelizabeths.org.uk or telephone 01279 843451 or email recruitment@stelizabeths.org.uk

CLOSING DATE 8 OCTOBER 2014 Stop Press: School Ofsted Social Care Inspection Report 2014: • 100% of parents surveyed would recommend the school to other parents • The school has ambitious vision and continually strives to improve • The holistic approach to behaviour management is a key strength of the school • Pupils truly benefit from the multi-disciplinary (teaching, care, nursing and therapy) expertise available - outcomes for residential pupils are outstanding.

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Cardinal Vincent had plenty to celebrate, apart from Mass, on a recent regional visit to St Elizabeth’s Centre in Hertfordshire! St Elizabeth’s supports many families across the UK with a Catholic day/residential special School and a College for young people, (irrespective of background or belief), who have complex medical needs and associated learning disabilities, often caused or complicated by severe epilepsy and/or autism. The Centre, established over 100 years ago by the Daughters of the Cross of Liège, also has Adult Residential Care Homes. It takes its mission from the words of the gospel “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full”. St Elizabeth’s treats everyone as unique individuals who should be valued and supported to realise their full potential in all areas of life. The Cardinal toured the brand new £2.3m “ARC Building” providing College learners with enhanced first

James R Connolly and Sr Annette Clemence with Cardinal Vincent

class teaching facilities and a modern sports hall, (and adults with a new day centre). St Elizabeth’s College, where courses concentrate on learner’s developing life skills to enable more independent living, has gone from strength to strength and there has been a 50% per cent increase in demand for places this year. Cardinal Vincent also commended St Elizabeth’s School on its recent Ofsted Social Care Inspection report, which graded the

provision “outstanding” for the fifth year in a row. Looking to the future Sr Annette Clemence, (Sister Superior), commented “we have ambitious plans to build on our success by now creating and offering an excellent seamless school/college and adult special education service that can support young people right through to adulthood and also offer the opportunity for life-long learning for adult residents in our care homes if they so desire”.

Parish Profile

Westminster Record | September 2014

St Peter’s, Hatfield: Nurturing and Outgoing By Marie Saba

atfield is an ancient community, long associated with the Church and the monarchy. At Hatfield House Elizabeth I was told of the death of her half-sister Queen Mary and her own accession to the throne in 1558. Less obvious to most visitors is the long association with the Church. The second Council of the English Church was held here in the 7th century, whilst the town was officially called Bishop’s Hatfield since it was owned by the Bishop of Ely. Nowadays St Peter’s Hatfield, one of two Catholic parishes, is situated on Bishop’s Rise in an area which, until the middle of the last century, consisted of open fields. ‘The parish itself is quite compact,’ explains Fr Mark Vickers, Parish Priest, ‘and one of the few in Hertfordshire that you can walk around. It is entirely residential, built for the workers in the aerospace industry here after the war.’ Across the road from the parish is the University of Hertfordshire. Originally the national college for the aerospace industry, it attained university status 25 years ago. Today, it boasts 23,000 students. As Fr Mark explains: ‘There is a large international component, which means we

have a large number of practising Catholic students.’ He came to Hatfield both as Parish Priest and Catholic chaplain to the university. ‘We originally set up a Sunday evening Mass because that’s the time that students are awake,’ recalls Fr Mark, with a chuckle, ‘and today they come in significant numbers.’ Peter Richards, a longstanding parishioner and member of the parish council, estimates that 100 or more attend that Mass, students as well as parishioners. ‘We don’t think of ourselves as “parishioners” and “students”. It just so happens that we are fortunate to have a lot of young people.’ Fr Mark adds: ‘Parishioners are delighted to see the young practising their faith and it contributes to the life of the parish. There is a culture of vocation as well. One of our former presidents of the Catholic Society is to be ordained deacon next year. Another one is starting seminary next month. Several others are thinking about priesthood and half a dozen students are looking at getting married soon. It’s all very encouraging.’ The make-up of the parish has also changed in the time Fr Mark has been there. ‘When I arrived a large proportion of

Parishioner and Parish Council member Peter Richards

Fr Mark in front of the newly refurbished sanctuary

people had worked for British Aerospace and were retired. It was largely an English/Irish community. Today, it’s more like a London parish, with people from a range of ethnic backgrounds, including significant Nigerian and West African communities, a number from Zimbabwe, the Philippines, India and the subcontinent. With a strong sense of community between those who arrived together in the 1950s and 60s to work in the aerospace industry, they’ve nonetheless been very welcoming to the new communities who have integrated well.’ Fr Mark describes his parishioners as very generous. ‘People are always ready to respond, organising things on a regular basis, such as the monthly lunches for Mary’s Meals.’ The parish also has a strong spiritual life, with keen pilgrims to Walsingham each year and 43 going to Spain to the Carmelite shrines in Compostela in October. Fr Mark notes that: ‘People are very good at supporting each other, taking Communion to the sick and housebound. There is an active social life

here, with great support for parties and international evenings.’ The people also credit their Parish Priest with inspiring them. Peter says: ‘If you feel there is someone there reaching out and interested in you, then people react well to that. I think Fr Mark projects that interest and the whole parish has followed his lead, becoming outward-looking.’ Parish outreach extended to the local area last year at Christmas, with a mailing to everyone living within the parish boundaries, giving Mass times, telling people how welcome they are, what the Christmas season means for us, and inviting them to join us. A list of the roads in the area was posted and leaflets left at the back of the church. Parishioners just took what they thought they would be able to deliver and the task was easily done. Peter characterises the parish as very nurturing, with everyone getting involved. He sums up this relationship between Fr Mark and his parishioners with the story of a parishioner who was in hospital in Stevenage. ‘She was really touched that Fr Mark had taken the time to make the

hour-long round trip to see her. When we as parishioners see our priest making that effort, we are inclined to respond in kind.’

Statue of Our Lady in St Peter’s

Founded: 1959 Consecrated: 1961 Mass Times: 9.15, 11 (Children’s Liturgy), 6pm Address: Bishop’s Rise, Hatfield AL10 9HN Telephone: 01707 262121 Website: www.stpetershatfield.org Page 7

Westminster Record | September 2014

Director’s Spotlight

The Youth Team’s schedule is inexorably linked to the school calendar, meaning that June and July are busy as we work with schools on their year-end reflections and Masses. This year was especially manic as we were also supporting the Redcaps on the Silver Jubilee Pilgrimage to Lourdes, a very special occasion with both Cardinals and Bishop John Sherrington leading us. There are also summer festivals and the team have been in Walsingham with Youth2000 for their event. Naturally, though, our attention turns to the new school year and its impact on many of our young people. It’s a scary and exciting time for some as they move to ‘big’ school, whilst for others it’s a time to consolidate, looking towards upcoming GCSEs and A level exams. The further move from home and familiar surroundings to university can be a seismic shift for many

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young adults, and it’s crucial that they have a strong support structure in place, even if only people around them who can do help with ferrying of vital ‘stuff’ to their halls of residence. We should all be prepared to support our young people and young adults at this testing time. A five-minute listen to worries is often all that is needed. Can you offer this? At the beginning of the year the Youth Team works closely with schools on their induction programmes; these are great fun and we hope that our reflective sessions help allay some of the nervousness about unfamiliar surroundings, new teachers and new friendships. This time can be a real opportunity for our young people to flourish, and we pray that all students find their feet quickly and adapt to their new worlds. Our work with parish youth groups also sees some changes at this time. Most are organised around school age group ranges (e.g., Years 6 to 8), so some young people will join the youth group in September and others move on. This is an exciting time as new young people inject a fresh dynamic, bringing with them unknown talents and a real opportunity for the leadership teams to refresh approaches and update programmes. It’s a watershed month and often testing for everyone, but it’s always exciting and full of fresh opportunities. I like September.

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

Youth 2000

It was not only the Westminster Lourdes Pilgrimage that kept its 25th Anniversary this summer; Youth 2000 threw a great celebration and teaching event to mark its own Silver Jubilee. The focus for the activities was a circus-like tent, where we had charismatic-inspired daily Mass, in which we were all encouraged to take our part. That also led into Eucharistic Adoration, with its different tone of space and silence with the Lord. A particularly wellproduced colour booklet guided us not only through the liturgies but also pointed us to the variety of talks and

Follow Westminster Youth Ministry on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/doywm

workshops. For young people questions about relationships and meaning for our lives are always relevant and one workshop in particular, which looked at Pope Francis’ Evangelii Gaudium, drew my attention. Through a series of testimonies we realised how our own mission depends on our personal prayer and journey of faith. We draw others to Jesus only through the reality of grace working our own conversion first. One understanding that I brought away from the whole experience was that, whilst we can think modern British society is quite hostile or indifferent to faith, God implants in our hearts a desire for knowledge of himself, however this is felt. As Pope Francis has emphasised, if others see the joy in our lives they may be drawn in. All we need to do is to let go of our Follow Westminster Youth Ministry on Twitter at: twitter.com/dowym

fear and become the person we were created to be. Youth 2000 was a great experience and it was a blessing to be with so many other young people, joyful in their faith and full of love. Let’s hope we can celebrate its 50th anniversary in 25 years’ time!

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

Financial Review

Westminster Record | September 2014

Financial report to the parishes for the year ending 2013 Each one of us is a missionary disciple called to proclaim the joy of the Gospel. This means saying ‘Yes’ to everything that promotes human dignity, but ‘No’ to any kind of poverty that excludes our brothers and sisters from society. In Evangelii Gaudium Pope Francis makes it clear that the basis of our concern for society’s most neglected members is our faith in Christ, who was always close to the poor and outcast. Our faith in Christ impels us to love the poor as a manifestation of 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’ (Intima Ecclesiae Natura). This is why we founded Caritas Westminster. A primary task of Caritas Westminster is to identify poverty and exclusion within our Diocese. There may not be the same poverty and exclusion as experienced by so many in other parts of our world. Nevertheless, from my own pastoral visits and meetings with pastoral workers arranged by Caritas Westminster, I know that there are numerous families struggling to live on an income insufficient to cover basic outgoings and who find themselves in serious debt; people without adequate housing or none at all; children who go to school in the morning without breakfast; disabled people deprived of opportunities to participate fully in society; old people isolated and alone. The good news is that Caritas Westminster is already making a genuine difference to these people’s lives. In this Review you will discover how, under its umbrella, people in our parishes and Church organisations are reaching out to those otherwise relegated to the edges of society. From parish food banks and school breakfast programmes to professional support services, their work is sometimes the only thing standing between families and destitution. Without Caritas Westminster, and its partners in other Christian communities, religious groups and charities, the dehumanising effect of poverty would cut far deeper and be far more widespread. Thank you very much indeed to all who support the mission of Caritas Westminster with their expertise, unwavering dedication, financial contributions, and above all by their prayers. A sincere word of gratitude, too, to those who compiled this Report and the annual accounts they contain. So many are giving so generously in so many different ways; but please let us never forget that we also receive richly from those whom Caritas Westminster serves. Through them Jesus knocks at the door of our hearts, wishing to be let in, calling on us to step outside of ourselves and be liberated from our selfishness and self-satisfaction. Through them our hearts are filled with the joy of the Gospel.

His Eminence Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

Disability and Sensory Impairment ‘We are God’s work of art, created in Christ Jesus to live the good life as from the beginning he had meant us to live it.’ Ephesians 2.10

The Church insists upon a positive appreciation of people with disabilities and a consequent duty to provide for their needs. Charity must be expressed in such a way that the individual becomes an active agent in a relationship of love and not just the object of charitable actions. The diocesan St Joseph’s Pastoral Centre was founded in 1978 in Hendon, North West London. It celebrates the gifts of people with learning disabilities and enables them to participate fully in the life of their church and community. Its work encompasses two main areas. Outreach Co-ordinators and Volunteers offer spiritual and social support to families in our parishes who embrace members with learning disabilities; and at the Activities Centre in Hendon over 190 students participate in lifeenhancing therapeutic, vocational or leisure courses. There are also reflective courses on offer, such as sacramental preparation, support and advice, training and a telephone befriending service. St Joseph’s is truly a place where the talents of people with learning disabilities are recognised and where they are at the heart of everything that happens. Everyone at St Joseph’s has a sense of belonging, whatever their connection to this community. Its growing reputation was strengthened in 2013 as it came under the Caritas Westminster umbrella. There was an increase in numbers attending the Activities Centre and its profile in parish communities grew as services continued to improve and develop. More Saturday Clubs were established, additional training was

developed for clergy and catechists, and there was more volunteer interest and awareness of the needs of people with learning disabilities and their families. This has been achieved through the commitment and dedication of staff, volunteers and the people who use our services. The Deaf Service is based at St Joseph’s Pastoral Centre. Throughout the diocese it works with support groups for the hard of hearing, deaf, and deafblind, allowing them to share their gifts and participate fully in the life of the Church. Meetings of the Bible Study Group, Retired People’s Lunch Group, Liturgy Group and Prayer Group, ran throughout 2013, offering support for those who face the challenge of hearing loss. Members have the opportunity to listen and explore ideas and encourage and inspire one another as they overcome the limiting effects of hearing loss. There are groups that run catechesis and adult faith formation, such as in Welwyn Garden City and Kings Cross, where families are supported as their children prepare for First Holy Communion. They help with general life skills and offer counselling for issues such as anger management. The Signing Priests Group also runs courses for liturgical signing. In 2013 the Service organised annual pilgrimages to Walsingham and Lourdes, and a World Youth Day @ Home event at Aylesford, when the Service provided interpretation. The response was so positive among young people that workshops were set up with over 75 young people learning to sign the ‘Our Father’. The success of these services

has led us to consider expansion. In 2014 we hope to pilot a Connect @ St Joseph’s in a parish centre, thereby establishing a hub where local people can find activities, lifelong learning and advocacy services. Such services are scarce and demand is high across the diocese. The hub will be a visible sign of Catholic social action, providing services and attracting volunteers from the parish and the wider local community. By providing specialised training for dedicated catechists and tailored materials for those with intellectual disabilities and their families, the hubs will provide an opportunity to enhance and encourage those young individuals and their families to participate fully in the sacramental and social life of the parish. The Caritas Development Workers in these key hubs will also enable the Westminster Deaf Service to expand its reach. Supported by the Core Team, they will be able to facilitate deaf awareness and sign language training and offer more comprehensive sacramental and social inclusion in the life of parishes across the diocese.

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Financial Review Social Isolation of the Most Vulnerable

Westminster Record | September 2014

Financial Review

Westminster Record | September 2014

Parish and Curia Income and Expenditure Review

‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second resembles it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’

Debt Challenge ‘Do not be one of those who go guarantor, who go surety for debts: if you have no means of paying you will find your bed taken from under you.’ Proverbs 22:26-27

Matthew 22:37-39

separated community. St George’s parish group in Enfield has fielded a volunteer cohort of mixed ages reaching out to lonely and isolated individuals from beyond the Catholic community. Each guest is collected from home by a volunteer driver and taken to a host’s home, where they are warmly welcomed to join a small group for tea, talk and companionship. The group has a different host each month, but the drivers and guests remain the same. These enthusiastic volunteer drivers, willing bakers, tea In a world of ever more fragmented lives, families and party hosts and group coordinators build up caring communities, loneliness and relationships by embracing once isolation are taking their toll. isolated older guests. Real Among our rapidly ageing friendships are formed when population, it is one of the some volunteers help guests greatest challenges facing with weekly shopping and society, a problem of epic transport to hospital proportions which is gaining appointments, and check up on recognition on the political their general welfare. agenda. Acquaintances turn into friends It is often the cumulative and loneliness is replaced by effect of small actions, such as companionship, which helps to saying good morning over the garden fence, that help alleviate address the emotional needs of older people who wish to loneliness and make us feel remain in their own homes, but human. whose diminished mobility In this past year Caritas Westminster has focused on the makes it difficult for them to plight of the isolated and lonely maintain regular social contact. They are brought back into the over-75s in our communities. Those who once were objects of heart of their community. This is a highly successful respect, love and admiration model which Caritas find that with families far Westminster will roll out in removed and old friends gone other interested parishes in the they now experience disability, frailty or lack of confidence. The coming year. Caritas Westminster will also consequence is that many expand its reach next year to languish within the confines of address the plight of three their four walls. groups of people who suffer Contact the Elderly, a indignity and social exclusion: partner organisation of Caritas vulnerable young people who Westminster, has helped create are classified as Neets (Not in monthly tea parties in fellow Education, Employment or parishioners’ homes. The tea Training) and whose numbers parties operate once a month, are steadily rising; migrants and normally on a Sunday asylum seekers, including many afternoon, the time that older with young children, who people living alone are disproportionately fall through particularly likely to feel lonely. the social safety net, and Two such tea parties set up therefore are at greater risk of in 2013 with the support of destitution, exploitation and Caritas Westminster are now abuse; and victims of human thriving. St Monica’s in Palmers trafficking, which is shamefully Green consists of volunteers increasing in the UK and and previously active, older becoming painfully more parishioners, reuniting a once apparent. Page ii

The roots of debt and homelessness are varied and complex, and the Catholic Church has always been a quiet source of compassion and practical support in this challenging area. Caritas Westminster helps those struggling with debt, those balancing the household budget or, indeed, those moving from homelessness back into secure, affordable accommodation. It has been working with credit unions and Christian money management organisations to explore how to support stretched communities in meeting and addressing financial hardships in these difficult times. The development of practical money advice and courses that reflect the Catholic ethos help people take control of their money by encouraging them to save what they can and, when affordable, take out low-cost, transparent loans from local credit unions when needs arise. The St Albans Credit Union was set up in 2002 with the backing of St Bartholomew’s, St Albans South and the drive and expertise of parishioner Antony Baker. He still serves as a volunteer director and explains: ‘My aim has always been to help people who struggle with good financial management to understand their finances. I think the attraction of the credit union is that it is a co-operative; it is not “us and them”. All the members of the credit union Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

are encouraged to work together, to pool their savings to lend to one another and help run the credit union and, if possible, to volunteer for roles. This is done in a “not-forprofit” way, so the cash is only used to run the service and reward the members, not to pay outside shareholders, like most other financial institutions.’ To work in a credit union Anthony describes the need to be both a people person and a numbers person. He notes: ‘Being a “people person” helps deal with members’ queries and concerns, but then there is the “numbers” or spreadsheet person where we are concerned mainly to ensure that the credit union runs properly as a regulated body, like any bank or building society.’ It is not only affluent parishioners who gift part of their savings who help. Credit unions also need an army of savers who are not necessarily high-earners but are solvent, and who also could on occasion benefit from a shortterm loan. It is this volume and variety of clients that sustains the credit union, thereby increasing its ability to offer more crisis loans, which are risky, to those who have fallen through the safety net. Caritas Westminster is encouraging support for credit unions and the development of debt and money management education, all in the heart of parishes. It is also working with the Joseph Roundtree Foundation and other charities from the London Funders organisation to develop a more robust and comprehensive response to the problem of homelessness. It is also creating a guide for parish priests for those times when destitute people call at their presbytery, providing general advice on managing this issue sensitively and with compassion and practical information on where to find warm food and shelter in the locality, relieving immediate distress. Page iii

Financial Review Social Isolation of the Most Vulnerable

Westminster Record | September 2014

Financial Review

Westminster Record | September 2014

Parish and Curia Income and Expenditure Review

Debt Challenge ‘Do not be one of those who go guarantor, who go surety for debts: if you have no means of paying you will find your bed taken from under you.’ Proverbs 22:26-27

Matthew 22:37-39

Financial Review

Westminster Record | September 2014

Food Poverty â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you made me welcome.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Matthew 25:35

At the heart of our faith is the Eucharist, our spiritual food. Receiving it makes us more aware of those in our affluent society, particularly children and older people, who go hungry. Caritas is responding directly with an active faith that supports and empowers those who go without and engages with the marginalised. Page iv

The Borehamwood Foodbank: Based in the parish of St Teresa of the Child Jesus, the food bank was launched in March 2013 and has fed over 1,200 families and individuals, giving out over 12.5 tons of food aid. Caritas Westminster provided seed funding for the initial set-up and now offers general ongoing support. It is an ecumenical and community endeavour that involves the parish, participating churches, other faith organisations and schools, who donate nonperishable, in-date food. Collections also take place at the local supermarket, where volunteers ask shoppers to buy extra items for local people in crisis. Those in need are issued with vouchers by local care professions, which they bring to the food bank, where they can be redeemed for three daysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; emergency food. Volunteers also meet clients

over a cup of tea or meal to signpost them to agencies who can help solve longer-term problems. There is also a delivery service at Borehamwood taking emergency food boxes to clients living in rural areas who cannot afford to get to the food bank. School Lunches: Recently, Borehamwood parish has started running family lunches during school holidays in response to the realisation that those children who receive free school meals were probably not getting the same nourishment during holidays. This is a chance for the whole family to come and eat with others in a welcoming relaxed space where they are given an additional bag of provisions and any remaining food to take home. Caritas Westminster is applying for a local community grant to develop this service. Magic Breakfasts: Caritas Westminster has been working

in partnership with national charity Magic Breakfast. It has extended its reach into five diocesan primary schools, encouraging more pupils to attend and expanding food provision beyond the start of the day to first lesson feeding for late pupils and bagels at break-time. Groundwork has also been laid to move to the second stage of the programme: parental and pupil nutritional education, to create a routine of regular, healthy eating habits beyond the school gates. Concrete improvements in attendance, punctuality, performance, behaviour and social skills have been the hallmarks of this initiative. Since Borehamwood Foodbank launched, Caritas Westminster has been sharing expertise with interested parishes to support the development of three further food banks in Bow, East Finchley and St Albans which were expected to launch in early 2014. It is also exploring different models of food aid, such as FoodCycle dinner clubs and FareShare distribution of surplus retail food to charities. It aims to involve parishes in

implementing these initiatives in the local community. This is all in addition to other diocesan food aid initiatives such as soup kitchens, sandwich runs, meals and night shelters. In 2014 Caritas Westminster is hosting a roundtable on food poverty, with a view to pooling resources and expertise to enhance current provision and to increase the reach of food aid for those in need in our diocese.

Youth

Westminster Record | September 2014

Chaplain’s Journal

Shalom-on-Thames

SEPTEMBER 2014 Fr David Reilly, Diocesan Youth Chaplain

The words ‘Back to School’ have filled many children and young people with a certain dread! However, each of us must admit that the start of a new year is, in fact, full of potential and hope: friends are reunited and new friendships are made; there are opportunities to build on past achievements and learn from challenges. New beginnings in life are a blessing for each of us. The promise of a new experience enriches our lives. Conscious of what has gone before, we can be sure that God, in his goodness, has many blessings and wonderful experiences in store for us. He calls us to grow in faith and charity. As Jesus says, ‘Every scribe trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of

his storeroom things both new and old’ (Matthew 13:52). God always offers us a new beginning in Jesus, who rose from the dead. The earliest Christians often called Sunday the ‘Eighth Day’ to express the truth that the Resurrection established a new beginning, a new day. Each of us, in our faith, can rejoice that we are able to overcome or build on the past and always begin anew with the Lord.

We want your News You can send us your latest news online, please email communications @rcdow.org.uk To find out more about the Youth Ministry and experiences of our young people at: wym.rcdow.org.uk.

Brazil is home to a large Catholic community called Shalom, whose annual festivals in Fortaleza draw tens of thousands of people every year. They produce great charismatic music and have branched out into all sorts of areas, such as publishing. Now they have brought their distinctive style to England. Whilst very small here at the moment, they make me think of the early settlers who left Europe to evangelise the New World. In an interesting reversal, missionaries are arriving from the New World to reevangelise the Old. I took part in a recent boat party on the Thames organised by Shalom London. An Icon of Our Lady welcomed hundreds of us onboard, underlining the warmth of greeting and level of hospitality which we all enjoyed. Although predominately Brazilian in its character and ethos, Shalom made great efforts to make all feel comfortable. Such is their charism, it’s easy to feel right at home with the community. A friend of mine, who isn’t religious, didn’t know anyone at the start, but left the party with a beaming smile on his face.

Follow Westminster Youth Ministry on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/doywm

London is such a large and diverse city that it can seem difficult to be heard or acknowledged in any way in the midst of it all. But I hope and pray that through events like the boat party, Shalom’s charismatic and confident witness to our Christian faith will shine brightly here in the capital and across our country.

Follow Westminster Youth Ministry on Twitter at: twitter.com/dowym

Upcoming Event Post-Lourdes Reunion Saturday 13 September Centre for Youth Ministry 20 Phoenix Road, Euston NW1 1TA A great opportunity to meet those new friends from Lourdes! For more details dowym.com/events

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

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Social Action

©CAFOD/Tony Sheen

Preparing for the 2014 Harvest Fast Day

Fr Carlo Bonelli & Jon Stricklin-Coutinho in our Westminster Office

Our Westminster office recently welcomed Fr Carlo Bonelli, who has spent ten years working with communities affected by drought in Kenya and has witnessed the positive effects that your generosity has year on year. His testimony reminded us of why our annual Fast Days are so important in enabling CAFOD’s mission. Over the weekend of 27/28 September parishes across the diocese will welcome speakers in advance of this year’s Harvest Fast on October 3, with retiring collections on 4/5 October. Please talk with your parish priest or CAFOD group to find out if a talk has been arranged in your parish. For more information about Harvest Fast Day please visit: www.cafod.org.uk/harvest

Westminster Record | September 2014

Hands on Kitui

The Diocese of Kitui in southeastern Kenya was once green and fertile, with a dam providing water to over 600 families. Now the soil is bare, the dam has dried up and people walk for miles to reach a river, whose water is often unclean. Working with CAFOD, the people now have a plan to restore their land and water supply in just two years. Digging terracing, planting ten thousand trees and restoring their dam, they will lay the foundations of a better future with access to a safe water

supply and with more time to work, earn money and grow food, and with the children having the chance to stay in school. Stella, who will benefit from the project, explains the difference it will make to her: ‘I will be in a position to have my own small business and establish my own vegetable garden. The life of my family will be really changed.” To achieve their goals, the

Visit: cafod.org.uk/Give/Donate-to-CAFOD/Hands-On to find out more and make a direct debit pledge to stand in solidarity with the people of Kitui.

Depaul Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Appeal for Help In response to the growing number of young people sleeping rough across the country, Depaul UK was founded in 1989 through the partnership of three Catholic charities and the vision of the late Cardinal Hume. This year the charity marks its 25th anniversary with a Thanksgiving Mass at Westminster Cathedral at 2pm on 27 September, the feast day of St Vincent de Paul, presided over by the charity’s patron, Cardinal Vincent. The anniversary falls at a time when more than ever need help. An unprecedented rise in youth homelessness has increased demand by 300% in just 12 months in some parts of the country. Depaul is calling on households across the Catholic community with a spare room to consider making it available to a young homeless person through a network called Nightstops. This places homeless young Page 10

people aged 16-25 in the homes of over 740 approved volunteer hosts. They provide a room, evening meal and a listening ear for one night or up to two weeks. Depaul staff can then work with the young person in partnership with local agencies to help them address why they became homeless, provide family mediation and secure longerterm accommodation. Martin Houghton-Brown, Chief Executive of Depaul UK comments: ‘The Mass is a great opportunity to thank the Catholic community for the invaluable support that has helped us transform the lives of so many. But recent times have been tough on young people, with an estimated 80,000 becoming homeless or sleeping rough last year. Nightstop is a unique and increasingly vital service made possible by the generosity of inspirational people with a spare room and a desire to help.’

community need to get moving as soon as possible. But they need you to get Hands On with a regular donation to fund this life-changing work. Because you will be directly funding it, your regular gifts are essential to the project’s success. As soon as you get Hands On you’ll receive a welcome folder with information about the people and the project, and you’ll hear from those this work will do so much for.

CAFOD Diary Friday 3 October – Harvest Fast Day CAFOD envelopes will be distributed and speakers available at Masses on the weekend of 28 September, with a retiring collection on the weekend of 5 October. Please can you ensure that these dates are in your parish diary?

A Nightstop host welcomes a young person to stay for the night. Photo: Courtesy of Depaul UK

If you would like to sign up as a host family, visit www.depaulnightstopuk.org to find your local Nightstop. Alternatively contact us via Twitter and we will put you in touch with the right project: @DepaulNightstop. For more information, contact: Andrew Collis - 07932 725267 or andrew@acolliscommunications.com Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

Friday 7 November – CAFOD Pope Paul VI Lecture - This year’s speaker will be Bishop Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo, the Argentinean BishopChancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. He will speak around the theme of sustainable development. Further details to follow. For more information or to book for this event, call 0208 449 6970 or email westminster@cafod.org.uk Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

Social Action

Westminster Record | September 2014

Seafarers Call for Mass in Time of Need

There is a saying that ‘Without shipping half the world would starve, while the other half would freeze’. Still today shipping plays a vital part in our daily lives, bringing us up to 95% of goods sold on our high streets, from food to fuel and mobiles to medicines. The City of London is no longer a major trading port, but continues to be a global hub for shipping, with services

such as marine insurance, ship finance, maritime arbitration and shipping agencies all based in the capital. Part of this continued presence is the Catholic charity the Apostleship of the Sea (AoS). AoS looks after the pastoral and practical needs of seafarers arriving in the UK, deploying 14 chaplains in Britain’s largest ports, which thousands of seafarers visit each year. Many of these reflect the congregations in our diocese, coming from the Philippines, Poland and India. The port of Tilbury, less than 30 miles from central London, is where AoS lay chaplain Wojciech Holub and his team of volunteers go onboard to meet the crews and help in any way they can. In August AoS was present on the ship where 35 migrants were found in a shipping container, a story which made national headlines. Chaplains were present to support the ship’s crew who were

distressed by the discovery. They set up a temporary altar for Mass near the spot where the container had been placed. Afterwards, holy water was sprinkled on areas identified by the crew. Work on the vessel stopped for an hour while the service was conducted. Bishop Patrick Lynch, Bishop for Migrants at the Bishops’ Conference, said that the Church’s prayers are with those who experienced terrible suffering trapped in the container. ‘It is becoming increasingly apparent that vulnerable men, women and children are being exploited by criminals all over the world and that we must respond compassionately to their cries for help,’ he said in a statement. Because of the island geography of England and Wales, AoS chaplains are always busy. Last year they visited 9,968 ships, assisted 199,360 seafarers and celebrated 166 Masses on ships.

The ministry of the AoS is an indispensable asset in the national ministry of the Church and is wholly reliant on voluntary donations, such as the Sea Sunday appeal, and legacies to continue its work.

For more information contact John Green, Director of Development on 020 7012 8607 or 07505653801 or email johngreen@ apostleshipofthesea.org.uk

AoS chaplain Wojciech Holub at work with Filipino crew members.

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Marriage & Vocations

Westminster Record | September 2014

Courage: A Different Perspective By George Day Courage is an apostolate of the Catholic Church, endorsed by the Pontifical Council for the Family, to support those with same-sex attraction in striving to live chaste lives in accordance with Catholic teaching. The Five Goals of Courage, identified by the first members and which act as the charism of the apostolate, are Chastity, Prayer and Dedication, Fellowship, Support and Good Example/Role Model. Meanwhile, EnCourage reaches out to involved parents, family members and loved ones. Each year, Courage’s

members are invited to meet in conference. The theme for this year was ‘Move beyond the confines of the homosexual label to a more complete identity in Christ,’ a topic often discussed in our local chapters. At the opening Mass on the first day, Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia spoke about the importance of doing what is right even when we know it is difficult; it doesn’t stop being a responsibility and a burden, but because we carry it with the Lord it is lighter as result. The conference featured a mixture of speakers who approached the theme from

theological, pastoral and personal perspectives. A highlight of the conference was the showing of the new documentary, Desire of the Everlasting Hills, which attempts to change the framework of the discussion on same-sex attraction in the Church. The 60-minute film, which avoids loaded terms, focuses instead on human stories, emphasising the work of grace that can lead to growing epiphanies of the truth of Catholic teaching on human sexuality.

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The National Evangelisation Conference will take place in Birmingham on 11 July 2015. On the theme of ‘The Joy of the Gospel: Building a Missionary Parish’, it will offer practical ideas to inspire and encourage parishes to evangelise. Free materials for parish use will be available in early 2015 and diocesan training days will also follow the conference in autumn next year. For more information, visit http://catholic-ew.org.uk/Home/SpecialEvents/The-Joy-of-the-Gospel-Building-a-MissionaryParish/Information A limited number of tickets are available for the conference. To express interest, please email catadmin@rcdow.org.uk

Training and Support for Catechists

Year of Consecrated Life Pope Francis has announced that 2015 will be a year dedicated to Consecrated Life. Beginning on 30 November and continuing until 2 February 2016, this will serve as an opportunity for all to celebrate and reflect on those

Save the Date: National Evangelisation Conference

living out the witness of consecration in the Church. They themselves are especially invited to make grateful remembrance of the recent past, embrace the future with hope and live the present with passion. In an interview given earlier this year, the Pope said: ‘Evangelical radicalness is not only for Religious: it is demanded of all. But Religious follow the Lord in a special prophetic way. It is this witness that I expect of you. Religious should be men and women able to wake up the world.’ In a letter entitled ‘Rejoice: A message from the teachings of Pope Francis’, the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life looks forward to the year being ‘experienced in such a way that the whole Church may enjoy the fruits of the mystery of communion which it lives.’ To mark the opening of this special year, Cardinal Vincent will celebrate Mass at Westminster Cathedral at 2 pm on 29 November. In future issues, we will bring you news of other events being organised to help us all become more aware of and give thanks for the witness of Religious men and women.

The Catechetical Support Team offers a range of resources and programmes to assist catechists with their own ongoing development. At the beginning of each academic term, there is a morning of prayer and catechesis. The next one, led by Bishop John Arnold, takes place on 13 September from 9.30 to 11.30 at Vaughan House. For catechists looking for a solid foundation to build their knowledge, there is the Archbishop’s Certificate in Catechesis, a two-year study programme that combines computer-based modules with study days in a London location. There will be taster sessions for catechists who would like more information about the course at 7 pm on 9 and 15 September, at 1.30 pm on 13 September and 10.30 am on 20 September. There are also information sessions about the Maryvale Certificate in Catechesis at 6.30 pm on 12 September and 1.30 pm on 13 September. To find out more about these and other forthcoming events, please go to http://rcdow.org.uk/faith/catechesis/training/

Vocations

Westminster Record September 2011

Westminster Record | September 2014

A Young Man Takes a Big Step By Fr Richard Nesbitt and Tim Mangatal

This September six new men will begin seminary formation for Westminster diocese, which means that we currently have 32 men studying for the priesthood. Below, Tim Mangatal, at 22 the youngest of our six new men, reflects on the most important influences on his journey to seminary…

Family Born in West London and raised in a Catholic family, my faith was formed by my grandmother and encouraged by my father. Sadly my parents divorced in late 2002 and my grandmother died the year after. But my aunt recognised the seed that my grandmother had sown, and nurtured my faith which enabled me to develop both spiritually and in other ways. She then adopted me and my younger brother and has raised us since 2002. She has been, and continues to be, a rock in my life, supporting me in every way and I owe her a great debt of gratitude. Family life has had its ups and downs but has also made me who I am today and I thank God for it. School and Parish Life I have been very blessed to have had a Catholic education from the beginning.

I attended Rosary Primary School in Heston, St Mark’s Catholic School in Hounslow and St Mary’s University College in Twickenham, where I graduated in Theology and Religious Studies. More recently, I have had the opportunity to study abroad in Rome and Jerusalem. My home parish is Our Lady and St Christopher’s in Cranford, an important place where my faith has developed. I have been an altar server for many years and also helped with the youth group. My parish priests and more recently Fr David Reilly, as Diocesan Youth Chaplain, have supported and encouraged me. A Calling to the Priesthood The first time that I thought about vocation to the priesthood was at 13 when my R.E. teacher asked me out of the blue: ‘Have you ever thought about becoming a priest?’, to which I replied ‘No, not really’. To my surprise, I didn’t feel disturbed by the question; instead, it felt normal. From that moment on, her question has never left me. It has resurfaced during different circumstances and taken many different forms, sometimes being asked by people whom I had never met before. Over the years I began more and more to think, reflect and pray to know if the priesthood was indeed God’s will for me. SPEC After finishing my degree, I was uncertain what to do next. A good friend advised me to apply as a Volunteer

Missionary at SPEC, the Diocese’s Youth Retreat Centre, where I might continue to discern in a structured and prayerful environment where God was leading me. Now that my year there has finished, I can see it as a real privilege to have had the opportunity to grow in my own faith while helping young people from all over the diocese to deepen their own relationship with God. My own decision to apply for seminary was affirmed when I was accepted by Cardinal Vincent in March for priestly formation. I go to begin my propaedeutic year in the English seminary in Valladolid in mid-September. Of course, this coming year too will be a time for further discernment, a journey which will continue, I am sure, right up to the day of, God willing, ordination to the Priesthood. Lourdes One more important influence on my life I must mention. Since 2004 I have been on the annual Westminster Pilgrimage to Lourdes. I’ve played my part in many different roles such as altar server, singer, Reds helper and, in recent years, Redcap and team leader.

Tim, Fr David and Moira Tauiliili, a Volunteer Missionary at SPEC.

This year, my eighth visit to Lourdes, I took on a new role, that of seminarian, joining my brother seminarians in this beautiful and blessed place. Lourdes is most definitely a cornerstone in my life, especially in regard to my relationship with Mary. Over the years I have come to recognise how important God’s Mother is, how close she is to Christ, her Son and our Saviour, and how close she is to us too. She continues to intercede, showing me the way to Jesus and to God’s will for my life. I humbly ask for her continuing prayers and protection for me as I begin this next stage of my journey and I also ask your prayers for myself and all my fellow Westminster seminarians: we can’t do this without you!

Vocations Discernment Group The Vocations Discernment Group is for young men and women (18-30’s) searching for their path in life. The meetings begin again with ‘The Year of Consecrated Life – an invitation to deeper discipleship for us all’ with Fr Richard Nesbitt on Friday 26th September from 7 to 9 pm in the Hinsley Room, Morpeth Terrace next to Westminster Cathedral. For more information about the group, please contact Fr Richard.

For more information on vocations please contact Fr Richard Nesbitt richardnesbitt@rcdow.org.uk or 020 7349 5624 If you have a story or an event you would like to have featured on this page, please contact communications@rcdow.org.uk or 020 7798 9030

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Saints & Obituary St John Chrysostom (13 September) Fr Michael Archer RIP

Westminster Record | September 2014

ignore the poor begging at the doors of the church? They must see Christ himself in them, whilst not forgetting to give generously for the beautifying of the church and its liturgy. Have they just become Christians at the Easter Vigil? Then why are they at the Games or the Races two days later, rather than in the Church? From our perspective it is difficult to avoid the conclusion that the faithful of Antioch quite enjoyed being told off, for public speaking and rhetoric were highlyprized abilities and sources of pleasure for Christians and pagans alike. John’s fame led to his being appointed Archbishop of Constantinople in 397. As the home of the Imperial Court, the city offered more danger to a preacher accustomed to plain speaking. The rich and powerful, let alone the clergy, were unwilling to submit to denunciation and within six years John had been deposed. A popular uprising effected his return from exile, but further preaching, directed at the excesses of the Empress Eudoxia, procured his banishment to the Caucasus in 404. In these years John continued to write to his people and the letters,

which record his suffering as he was dragged from place to place by unsympathetic guards, are among the most moving of his writings. Finally, journeying into deeper exile, he died in 407. It might have seemed like failure; but St John has inspired the whole Church ever since and he still speaks to us with ‘golden mouth’.

It will have come as a shock to those who were on the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes to discover that, shortly after returning home, Fr Michael died peacefully in Cathedral Clergy House on Saturday 2 August. He was the last priest remaining of those ordained in 1959, with his contemporaries Mgr Ralph Brown and Fr Horace Hosford both having died earlier this year. His ministry was lived out as parish priest at Northwood and Welwyn Garden City, after earlier appointments at Hoddesdon, Chelsea 1 and Carpenders Park parishes, with a brief excursus to St Vincent and the Grenadines. Statue of St John Chrysostom in St Patrick’s Cathedral, New York City. However, he will be "St Patrick's Cathedral NYC2" by Doctor Swan - Flickr. Licensed under Creative Commons

The clue is in the name: St John is called a Bishop and Doctor of the Church, but his nickname, Chrysostom, tells us that he is ‘Goldenmouthed’. Born at Antioch perhaps in 349 AD of Christian parents, their faith did not in any way prevent him from studying with Libanius, one of the most prominent orators of the age who was also a pagan. John appears to have been baptized in his early 20s; several years later we find him retreating into the hills to live as a hermit. This was not a total success; the rigours which he imposed upon himself were so severe that he did lasting damage to his digestive system and eventually returned to Antioch. Ordained deacon in 381, he proceeded to the priesthood five years later and laid the foundations for his celebrity by his 11 years of preaching in the city’s cathedral. His homilies combine a straightforward exposition of the scriptures with moral exhortation of the people. Frequently he will repeat his exhortations when, as often, he finds the people’s responses to be inadequate. Do they swear constantly? They are rebuked. Do they

remembered with gratitude by many for the quiet and faithful service which characterised his presence among the Cathedral Chaplains in recent years. Simple persistence in greeting people, celebrating Mass and offering gentle attention and wise counsel in the confessional count for much and were the hallmarks of Fr Michael’s priestly service. In his preaching he could illuminate the lives of the saints through the scriptural readings, often concluding with an encouragement to prayer. At Clergy House many tributes to his ministry were received, underlining the encouraging truth that humanity and holiness are completely compatible. One phrase used, perhaps, sums up Fr Michael’s life: ‘He was a gentle man in every sense.’ May he rest in peace

In Memoriam: September 2 Fr Gerard Strain (1980) 3 Deacon Timothy Marsh (2013) 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) 16 Canon Nicholas Kelly (1988) 17 Fr Frederick Thomas (1986) Fr John Pakenham (1987) 18 Canon John L Wright (1978) 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)

We want your News You can send us your latest news online, please email: communications @rcdow.org.uk Page 14

Events & Calendar

Westminster Record | September 2014

REGULAR EVENTS

Liturgical Calendar - September

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

Prayer Groups S UNDAYS 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.

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

T UESDAYS 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.

W EDNESDAYS Wednesdays on the Wall (WOTW) Every first Wednesday 6pm at All Hallows on the Wall,

83 London Wall EC2M 5ND. A short service of prayer and reflection at 6pm, coffee at 6.45pm followed by discussion. Corpus Christi Contemplative Prayer Group for Young Adults Wednesdays from 7pm at Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane WC2E 7NB. For further details please contact corpuschristipg@yahoogroups. co.uk. Evangelisation prayer group for young adults meets from 7pm on Wednesdays at Notre Dame de France, 5 Leicester Place WC2H 7BX. For further details please contact Armel at apostles.jesus@yahoo.co.uk.

T HURSDAYS Jesus Christ the Fullness of Life - Every first Thursday of the month. Young adults from all Christian denominations pray and share a meal. Details www.jcfl.org.uk. Soul Food A Catholic charismatic prayer group for young adults meets Thursdays 7-9pm at St Charles Borromeo, Ogle Street W1W 6HS. Details at www.soulfoodgroup.org. 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.

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

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

1 Mon 2 Tue 3 Wed 4 Thu 5 Fri 6 Sat 7 Sun 8 Mon 9 Tue 10 Wed 11 Thu 12 Fri

feria, 22nd Week of Year 2 feria ST GREGORY THE GREAT, Pope & Doctor feria or St Cuthbert, Bishop feria; Friday abstinence feria or Blessed Virgin Mary + 23rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY feria, 23rd Week of Year 2 or St Peter Claver, Priest feria feria feria or the Most Holy Name of Mary; Friday abstinence

13 Sat

St John Chrysostom, Bishop & Doctor

14 Sun 15 Mon 16 Tue 17 Wed

+ THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS Our Lady of Sorrows Sts Cornelius, Pope and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs feria, 24th Week of Year 2 or St Robert Bellarmine, Bishop & Doctor

18 Thu 19 Fri

feria feria or St Januarius, Bishop & Martyr; Friday abstinence

20 Sat

Sts Andrew Kim Tae-gon, Priest and Paul Chong Ha-Sang and Companions, Martyrs 21 Sun + 25th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 22 Mon feria, 25th Week of Year 2 23 Tue St Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest 24 Wed Our Lady of Walsingham 25 Thu feria 26 Fri feria or Sts Cosmas and Damian, Martyrs; Friday abstinence 27 Sat St Vincent de Paul, Priest 28 Sun + 26th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 29 Mon STS MICHAEL, GABRIEL and RAPHAEL, Archangels 30 Tue

St Jerome, Priest & Doctor

Praying with Pope Francis in September Universal Intention: That the mentally disabled may receive the love and help they need for a dignified life. For Evangelisation: That Christians, inspired by the Word of God, may serve the poor and suffering. St Francis of Assisi Catholic Ramblers’ Club meets on every Sunday of the year for walks around London and the Home Counties. Contact: antoinette_adkins2000@yahoo.co.uk 020 8769 3643 or see www.stfrancisramblers.ukwalkers.com Free Catholic Tours. ‘Saints and Scholars’ walk first Sunday of the month, including Mass. Contact Peter on 07913904997 or circlingthesquaretours@hotmail.co.uk.

Other regular Masses Deaf Community Mass First Sunday of the month 4.30pm, Westminster Cathedral Hall, Ambrosden Avenue SW1P 1QW. Young Adults Mass First & Third Sunday of the month, 114 Mount Street W1K 3AH. Quiet prayer 7.15pm, Mass 7.30pm. Social gathering afterwards. Contact: organise@fsplus.info or visit www.fsplus.info. 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 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. 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 Fridays only. Low Mass 6pm St John the Baptist Church, King Edward's Road E9 7SF. First Fridays only. Low Mass 6.30pm, Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane WC2E 7NB. Second Fridays 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.

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Spotlight

Westminster Record | September 2014

St Elizabeth’s: ‘A Rare Jewel’ entitlement as other young people of that time. The school has flourished ever since (surviving a Zeppelin raid during WW1) and was soon joined by an adult residential care service and, more recently, a specialist FE College with year-round care for young people aged 18-25. Today St Elizabeth’s employs over 650 staff (teachers, lecturers, nurses, therapists, learning assistants and care workers) supporting up to 200 vulnerable clients according to its Mission Statement, taken from the Gospel: ‘I have come that they may have life and have it to the full’ (John 10:10). Sr Annette Clemence, Sister Superior, explains that: ‘There Enduring Gospel values was no National Health St Elizabeth’s forms part of Service nor Welfare State when a Catholic charity administered we started in 1903, but even by the Congregation of the today there remains a very real Daughters of the Cross of need and demand from Liège. The residential school individuals and their families for children (aged 5-19) was for our support. St Elizabeth’s first established by the has changed and adapted Daughters of the Cross in 1903 continuously to ensure at the request of Cardinal excellent, up-to-date Herbert Vaughan, an professional services for clients indefatigable social reformer, of all faiths or none, but always within an ethos built upon who campaigned for children enduring Gospel values, with learning disabilities to working with especially have an opportunity for vulnerable people and schooling with the same

t Elizabeth’s Centre in Hertfordshire, described by Cardinal Basil Hume as a ‘rare jewel’, is expanding its services for both children and adults in response to growing demand from families seeking residential education or adult care for people with complex health needs. The Centre includes a Catholic Special School, an FE College and Adult Care Homes with Nursing, all offering a unique care service for people of all ages with severe epilepsy, associated neurological disorders, learning disabilities, autism and other complex, sometimes life-threatening, medical conditions.

recognising them as unique individuals who should be valued, supported and enabled to fulfil their potential in all areas of life.’ Practical action James Connolly, Chief Executive, puts much of the Centre’s success down to the ‘special atmosphere’ at St Elizabeth’s often remarked upon by families. ‘The Sisters have given living witness to their beliefs through their work here over the years and established a compassionate culture which also recognises the importance of the spiritual dimension, religious or otherwise, in people’s lives. It is not enough for any truly person-centred service just to provide for basic functional needs; we also aim to reflect upon what it is to live as a

and a Head of College, each overseeing their respective academic teams but also working together and reporting to a new Executive Director of Education. This will enable more consistent pathways for supporting children’s learning (e.g., using the same framework for curriculum development and having consistency in how progress is measured and achievement recognised). This should benefit students by reducing unfamiliar and unsettling changes and will ease their transition from school to college. In line with new legislation, St Elizabeth’s will be able to develop a seamless, outstanding special education service to support young people right through to the age of 25, giving everyone something to celebrate.’

fulfilled human being and translate our values into practical actions that give dignity, purpose, happiness, hope and fulfilment to a person’s life. This is what makes St Elizabeth’s such a special place.’ Looking forward, Mr Connolly sees St Elizabeth’s going from strength to strength: ‘All 105 places in our adult care bungalows are currently occupied and our short-term adult respite care provision is almost completely booked for the rest of the year, so we have recently opened a new building which will enable us to offer more day care places and stimulating activities through our awardwinning Social Enterprises. ‘Demand for residential College places is up 50% this September and we are planning to offer more nonresidential College day places next year as well. The School is currently term-time only, but after successfully piloting our first children’s residential respite care scheme this summer, we have applied to register as a year-round children’s service and this has already attracted a number of new enquiries from families and local authorities for places next year.’ Outstanding special education ‘We also plan a more integrated management structure from January 2015 for the school and the college to reflect best practice expectations in the new Children and Families Act. We are currently seeking to recruit for a Head of School

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For more details about placements or jobs at St Elizabeth’s see: www.stelizabeths.org.uk