Westminster Record August 2017 by RCWestminster

Westminster Record

August 2017 | 20p

Schools branch out

#Together4GrenfellDOW

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Pages 10 & 11

Students helping students

Riding for CAFOD

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Cardinal Vincent ordained seven men to the priesthood at Westminster Cathedral on the Nativity of St John the Baptist, 24th June 2017. Bishop Nicholas and over 100 priests concelebrated the Mass. The seven men ordained are Rev Julio Albornoz, Rev Michael Jarmulowicz, Rev Michael Maguire, Rev Brian McMahon, Rev Joseph Okoro, Rev Carlos Quito and Rev John Warnaby. The candidates for ordination were presented by Canon Roger Taylor, Rector of Allen Hall Seminary. Noting that it was the Nativity of St John the Baptist, Cardinal Vincent began his homily saying, ‘What a wonderful day on which to be ordained a priest!’, noting that like the prophet, these men are called by the Father who ‘has chosen you, from all eternity, to be companions to his Son, sharing in his mission, in the power of the Holy Spirit.’

During the ordination rite, the candidates promise ‘to celebrate the mysteries of Christ, faithfully and religiously… for the glory of God and the sanctification of Christ’s people.’ The Cardinal exhorted them: ‘Remember, please, that in every sacramental celebration, the person at the heart of the action, who occupies centre stage, who commands our attention, must never be the priest. It must always and only be the Lord.’ Referring to the ‘four events of sheer destructiveness’ that have taken place over the past three months in London, he focused on the work and ministry of priests in aftermath of the terrible Grenfell Tower fire, bringing ‘a recognisable presence and special comfort and prayer to so many who were bewildered, bereaved or homeless’. He spoke too of their care in the churches, hospitals and schools ministering to those affected by the fire, and at the base of tower offering ‘comfort and encouragement’ to the fire fighters. He painted a compelling picture as he related how the priests standing together, with one of our bishops, ‘prayed in the heart of that darkness, the site of so many cruel deaths. They prayed for those who had died and they sprinkled that mangled debris with holy water, the sign of God’s presence and of the promise of eternal life.’ ‘This, for me, is a most remarkable image of

Eight New Priests for Diocese

priesthood, etched in sharp detail against that towering, blackened skeleton,’ he said. ‘This is the work, the ministry, of the priest, a ministry, which you, my brothers, embrace today. ‘This is what accompanying people in a pilgrim church actually means: accompanying them in life’s dark valleys, whether cruelly public or hidden in the privacy of a home and a heart; dark places where God is so easily forgotten yet where God is never forgetful of any one of his precious children.’ On 15th July Rev Andrew Bowden was ordained to the priesthood at Our Lady and Mount Carmel in Enfield by

Cardianl Vincent. During his homily the Cardinal said that today is the day the Lord has been preparing Rev Andrew for his whole life. He went on to say that ‘Our way of life is our discipleship, no matter where we are, whatever company we are in. And that discipleship begins in the heart: knowing that Jesus is our constant companion.’ The Cardinal concluded the homily saying that, if Rev Andrew continued to love God above all else, he will provide ‘true service’ to the people entrusted to his care. In September, the newly ordained priests will take up their new ministries. Fr Julio Albornoz and Fr Andrew

Bowden are appointed Chaplains at Westminster Cathedral, Fr Michael Jarmulowicz is appointed temporary Priest in Charge at Holy Apostles, Pimlico, Fr Michael Maguire goes to Our Lady of Grace and St Edward, Chiswick as Assistant Priest, Fr Brian McMahon will take up the role of Assistant Priest in Stevenage Parishes, Fr Joseph Okoro is appointed to Holy Rood, Watford as Assistant Priest, Fr Carlos Quito is appointed Assistant Priest to Bishop’s Stortford Parish, and Fr John Warnaby becomes Assistant Priest at St Monica’s, Palmers Green. Please keep these men and all our priests in your prayers.

Editorial

Westminster Record | August 2017

Westminster Record – Contact us Editor Mgr Mark Langham Archbishop’s House, Ambrosden Avenue SW1P 1QJ Managing Editor Marie Saba 020 7798 9031 Inhouse writers Martha Behan 020 7798 9030, Sharon Pinto 020 7798 9178 and Lucie May Photos Mazur/Catholicnews.org.uk 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.

September publication dates Editorial deadline: 11th August 2017 Listings email: communications@rcdow.org.uk News and stories call 020 7798 9030 Email: communications@rcdow.org.uk Advertising deadline: 18th August 2017 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.

Great Expressions of Faith exodus from organised religion by young people. Yet there is another tale to tell. Time and again, our diocese is enlightened, challenged and revitalised by the witness of our young people. Their passion for justice, desire to help the needy, and search for holiness can inspire us all. As I write this editorial, many young adults are in Lourdes with our diocesan pilgrimage, showing serious commitment towards those Emphasising the importance of normally on the margins of our attention. Further evidence of the laity, Cardinal Newman this came as the school year joked to a sceptical prelate that ‘the Church would look foolish closed, when pupils worked and donated with generous hearts without them’. The same is towards the victims of the even more true of our youth, Grenfell Tower tragedy, as we without whom we would look report in our centre pages. We not merely foolish, but cover other impressive school hopeless. Many of us of an initiatives, and hear from one of older generation have a the incoming volunteer SPEC tendency to be forlorn about the missionaries. There is so much to be proud of in our young people, future and the well-publicised

Pope Francis makes History with Sea Sunday Tweet Pope Francis made history with Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) by tweeting for the first time about Sea Sunday on 9th July, a move widely seen as his way of personally reaching out to seafarers on their mobile phones and devices. The pontiff’s tweet, which went out at 12:30pm read, ‘I entrust sailors, fishermen, and all those in difficulty on the seas far away from home, to the motherly protection of Mary, Star of the Sea’. Besides the English version of the tweet, there were also versions in Spanish, French, Italian, German, Latin, Polish

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such great expressions of faith and, for all of us, hope for the future. Over the last five years our diocese has been fortunate to have Fr David Reilly as coordinator of its youth ministry, whose enthusiasm and sheer stamina have made him an inspiring leader of a dedicated Youth Ministry team. Westminster Youth Ministry has a great role in nurturing, supporting and challenging young Catholics as they live out their faith in a difficult world. As Fr David steps down, we hear from him in his final column for us in his current role. The editorial team of the Westminster Record wishes all of you, young or old, a blessed and restful summer.

and Arabic. The tweet in Arabic is particularly poignant given recent media reports about an increase in crew abandonment cases in the Gulf region. According to the Gulf Times, nearly 100 Indian seafarers are stranded in UAE waters on 22 ships, with distress calls on the rise. Besides Indian crew, there are also seafarers from Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Myanmar and Pakistan on the ships. The paper says the men have not been paid their wages and are living in harsh conditions with a lack of food, fresh water and fuel.

Thousands of churches around the world marked Sea Sunday this year with Mass and prayers for seafarers, their families and those who support them. Proceeds from the Sea Sunday collection in Great Britain will ensure the work of AoS with seafarers and fishermen can continue. This October, AoS will hold its World Congress in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, to explore further ways in which it can strengthen its global network and increase support to seafarers, with a particular emphasis on tackling human trafficking and injustices of fishers.

Westminster Record | August 2017

Prayers and Pastoral Support for Grenfell Families

One month on after the disastrous fire that consumed Grenfell Tower, the tragedy continues to dominate the news media and the charred Tower looms over the skyline at Latimer Road. As the survivors face the loss of their loved ones and the effects of the trauma, the pastoral and practical support of the community remains.

In the days following the fire, the extent of loss affecting our schools became apparent. Teachers, students and alumni from seven schools were among the victims. On 7th July, Cardinal Vincent visited St Francis of Assisi Primary School to offer prayers and support. The sense of community among our schools was demonstrated in the outreach from all corners of the diocese. On Friday 23rd June, students from across the diocese showcased their creativity to raise funds for their peers. Some held non-uniform days, others sports and baking events. They tweeted their efforts using #Together4GrenfellDOW. The centre spread this month

features some examples. Together they raised considerable funds for the Catholic Children’s Society’s work with the Grenfell students. The Education Service has been working closely with the schools in the area to put in place provisions for the summer holidays, to give students a sense of normal routine and a welcome break. They continue to work on other support programmes for the schools in time for the new academic year. As victims of the fire are identified, the task of providing pastoral care for the bereaved, often meeting several families on a daily basis, and of arranging funerals is now underway at

the three parishes closest to the Tower. Priests have the difficult task of listening to harrowing tales and providing comfort for the families in their bereavement. As Fr Gerard Skinner explained, ‘this is why we are here.’ Over the past weeks, the community has felt the need to pray as Catholics and together with members of other faith communities. On 13th July, one month following the outbreak of the fire, St Francis of Assisi Church was the location of a Mass, celebrated by Bishop Wilson and priests from the area, for survivors, family and friends of those who have died, and the local community. Earlier in the day, Frs Gerard Skinner, Peter Wilson and Peter Scott had attended a

multi-faith service at the foot of the Tower. Following the service and at the request of some of the families of those who have now been identified as having died, they again prayed over the site of these deaths. Since then, ecumenical and multi-faith prayers have continued regularly. As we went to press, Bishop John Sherrington and Fr Gerard Skinner took part in another multi-faith service on 27thJuly at the foot of the Tower. This solidarity in prayer continues to be a positive force uniting the community and, while it is still early days, is surely a necessary salve for the deep wounds created by this tragedy.

Welcome Mass for New Nuncio On Tuesday, 4th July, a Mass of welcome for His Excellency Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams, Nuncio to Great Britain, was celebrated at Westminster Cathedral. Cardinal Vincent was the principal celebrant, along with Cardinal Cormac over 20 Archbishops and Bishops from dioceses across England and Wales, the Metropolitan Chapter of Canons, and several priests.

At the beginning of Mass, Fr Chris Thomas, General Secretary of the Bishops’ Conference, welcomed the Nuncio on behalf of the Bishops of England and Wales, and Canon Michael Brockie, Provost of the Chapter, welcomed the Nuncio to Westminster Cathedral. Alluding to the Nuncio’s nationality, Cardinal Nichols began his homily with a reference to the American

celebration of Independence Day, thanking Abp Adams for being present on this day ‘which must have a special place in your heart’. Reflecting on this theme of independence, the Cardinal explained that it ‘is a great yearning of every human being: that ability, space, resources and moral support to pursue a destiny and a way of life that corresponds to the person’s self-understanding and vision’.

He cautioned that an independence which focuses only on individual aspirations ‘can push a person into an individualism that becomes blind to the reality of the interdependence that is part of our human nature’. In contrast, he said, the independence being celebrated on this day ‘marks the fashioning of a way of life, which sought to respect in a new way both conscience and the sacrifices required of a greater identity’.

Pope Francis, he added, ‘embodies, in his ministry to the Holy See, that bond of Catholic faith, which circles the world’ and is a ‘powerful sign’ of the ‘inter-dependence of our human family’. This inter-dependence, he explained, ‘is rooted in a far greater bond of dependence’ on Jesus, who is ‘the true foundation of our lives, the one on whom we place our trust, on whom we depend, from whom we seek no independence’. Recalling too the words of Pope Benedict placing his trust in the Lord who is always present, the Cardinal affirmed that it was a ‘declaration of dependence, which far outshines all claims of independence because it is the road to our true fulfilment, our true freedom’. Adding that ‘we live in a blessed time in the life of the Church when we have been guided, strengthened, sustained by great Popes’, he welcomed ‘most warmly our Apostolic Nuncio, who in his person brings us close to Pope Francis in his fatherly care for all the churches’ and assured him of cooperation and prayers. Abp Adams was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain by Pope Francis on 8th April Page 3

Westminster Record | August 2017

Strengthening Ties with Lithuania to Combat Human Trafficking

In his role as President of the Santa Marta Group, Cardinal Vincent was invited to address the Seimas (Lithuanian Parliament) and meet with Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis to strengthen the links with Lithuania and encourage their commitment to the struggle against human trafficking. He was accompanied by Kevin Hyland, independent Antislavery Commissioner. Cardinal Vincent explained why the Catholic Church was committed to ending human trafficking and slavery. The foundations from which the Church acts are ‘a radical commitment to the dignity of every human person, a dignity which has to be protected and promoted in every circumstance and time; a dignity which does not depend on the abilities or status of a person but which is rooted entirely in the inner depth of the person’s existence, in the gift of human life which always comes from the Divine Creator who has shown himself to be our loving Father. ‘Human trafficking and slavery radically strip a person of this fundamental dignity, reducing them to the status of a commodity. It is an evil crying out to heaven. That there are over 20 million people callously held in modern slavery in our world today is a mark of deep shame on the face of our human family that no words alone can remove.’ Page 4

The Cardinal praised the remarkable work of Commissioner Hyland in helping to establish human trafficking as one of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals and thus the official commitment of every UN member state to work for the eradication of human trafficking and modern slavery. At the heart of this commitment are clear aims for the Santa Marta Group: the well-being of every victim of human trafficking, for it is the victim who must always be central to our efforts; the enhancement of the work of law enforcement; the breaking up of criminal networks, the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators; and thirdly the strengthening of the legal frameworks within which this work is carried out. ‘All of this work depends on one essential quality: trust. That trust takes time to build up and effort to sustain but once established it allows both law enforcement and the Church to be work together effectively and within their areas of expertise. For the Church that is caring for vulnerable people; and for police officers it is their honourable vocation to deter crime and prosecute lawbreakers. ‘Together this in some ways unlikely partnership is making a real contribution to the common good,’ said Cardinal Vincent.

Following the address to the Seimas, the Cardinal met with law enforcement officials and then with Prime Minister Skvernelis, Minister of the Interior Eimutis Misiūnas, and Chancellor Algirdas Stončaitis. In the UK, the focus of the Santa Marta Group has been on building local partnerships between dioceses and police forces, the Border Force, Customs and Excise and the National Crime Agency to: raise awareness and intelligence gathering; care pastorally for victims, (in the Diocese of Westminster this has focused on Caritas Bakhita House, a refuge for victims) and help them reintegrate into society through the help of volunteers such as doctors and lawyers; develop best practice and knowledge by opening a Centre for the Study of Modern Slavery at St Mary’s University in London; work with our national Safeguarding agency to use its network of paid and volunteer staff to identify potential victims. We also liaise with our agency for seafarers, the Apostleship for the Sea/Stella Maris, to give specific support to the crews of ships entering British ports. Another essential network is our wide range of chaplains to national and ethnic communities. This work is taking shape with many groups, including Lithuanians, in dioceses such as Salford, East Anglia, Southwark and Westminster.

Cardinal Vincent Reacts to Extension of Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme Cardinal Vincent reacts to extension of Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme Cardinal Vincent has issued the following statement on 3rd July in response to the Home Secretary’s announcement that the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme will be extended with immediate effect to include non-Syrians fleeing the conflict area. In the statement, the Cardinal says: ‘I am very pleased that Her Majesty’s Government has made this important extension to the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme with immediate effect. ‘The devastating conflict in and around Syria has affected people of many different nationalities. That is why the Catholic community has been calling for our resettlement programme to be made accessible to the most vulnerable refugees whatever their background. ‘Resettlement opportunities for those who have particular

needs that cannot be met in the region are a vital complement to the international community’s wider humanitarian response. ‘As Catholics we will continue to play our part both through supporting the local Church’s relief efforts in the region and through the Community Sponsorship Scheme for refugees arriving in the UK.’ The Cardinal was reacting to a statement issued earlier in the day by Home Secretary Amber Rudd, announcing an extension of the scheme ‘to enable UNHCR to refer the most vulnerable refugees in the MENA region who have fled the Syrian conflict and cannot safely return to their country of origin, whatever their nationality’. ‘This provides refugees with a more direct and safe route to the UK, rather than risking the hazardous journey to Europe which has tragically cost so many lives,’ added the Home Secretary.

Westminster Record | August 2017

Papal Honour for John Gibbs John Gibbs was presented with the Knight Commander’s cross of the Order of St. Gregory the Great on Thursday 6th July; he was made a Knight Commander of the Order in March this year by Pope Francis. This is a special honour bestowed upon those who show great dedication in their service to the Catholic Church and the admirable example they set for their communities.

John’s longstanding commitment to the Church is evident in his many years serving various Catholic organisations. He was Treasurer of the Association of Papal Orders in Great Britain for 27 years, before standing down in May of this year after being elected Chairman of the Association. He has also been governor of a number of schools including St Thomas More Language College, and is the Chair of Governors at Westminster Cathedral Choir School.

Among his many activities, he serves as a Trustee and Treasurer for the Catholic Children’s Society, and on the Investment Committee for the Catholic Trust for England and Wales. He was also responsible for key aspects of Pope Benedict’s visit to the UK in 2010, as the Chairman of Papal Visit Ltd. John was presented with the medal by Cardinal Vincent following a Mass of thanksgiving.

Armenian Bishop Urges Pilgrims to Visit the Holy Land At the annual Friends of the Holy Land (FHL) garden party in Kensington, His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, the Armenian Primate of Great Britain, made a plea for more pilgrims to travel to the Holy Land, to see the places where Jesus was born, preached and died on the cross. Bishop Hovakim, recently back from his third visit to the region, where the Armenian quarter in Jerusalem is amongst the oldest established communities, informed the audience that in his tradition, every Christian was expected to make at least seven visits there in their lifetime. His Grace explained: ‘Jerusalem is a wonderful city where you can see the meeting of different cultures, religions and people. But it is not just a geographical location, it is a spiritual place which is in the heart of every Christian’. He did warn, however that ‘Christians are leaving this place to seek better lives abroad and, unfortunately, Christianity there has become a minority religion. It is important that life becomes better for them so that they will stay there. Every single Christian can and should help us with this challenge’. Maria McCaffrey, Friends of the Holy Land’s Director of Development, reiterated the shocking statistics which tell their own story: ‘Some sixty years ago, one third of the Holy Land was Christian. Today the Christian population Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

there is down to 2%. Our aim at FHL is to give hope and assistance to that tiny, yet still dwindling, minority.’ Today many Christians there live in poverty, with restricted mobility and the stress of uncertainty. The garden party, sponsored by

Latymers estate agents, raised £4,860. ‘This,’ commented Mgr James Curry, parish priest of Our Lady of Victories Church, ‘will help us to support the “living stones” of the Holy Land, the community of faith who trace their roots, and ours, back to the first Christians.’

Spiritual Refreshment in Ealing

Once a month members of the Ealing Abbey Lay Plainchant Choir sing the Mass at Chestnut Lodge, a residential home for older people suffering from dementia. The staff prepare an altar and seating in the communal lounge for the many residents wishing to attend. Each individual is greeted by the Rev. Dom Thomas Stapleford OSB upon his arrival from nearby Ealing Abbey. It is heartening to see the response Follow us on Instagram at: @rcwestminster

of those participating in the Mass, demonstrating the power of prayer sung through Gregorian Chant. To many of them the singing from the Kyriale rekindles treasured memories of their childhood. The reading of the Gospel and the words of encouragement from Fr Thomas give spiritual refreshment to all who listen. The choir says is privileged to sing at this Mass outside the Abbey and always welcomes new members. Page 5

Westminster Record | August 2017

Farewell Mass for Fr Christian at the German Church Bishop Nicholas Hudson celebrated a farewell Mass for Fr Christian Dieckmann on 15th July. Fr Christian will be returning to his order in Germany. Referring to parishes such as St Boniface in the heart of a city, Bishop Nicholas said in his homily: ‘Ever since his first year as Pope, Pope Francis has stressed the need for us to be more evangelizing. Many of the churches I have served have been, like St Boniface, located in town or city centres. Worshipping in a city centre church leads one to reflect on what it means to ‘be the Church’ in the heart of the city. ‘He makes the point that it is interesting that the goal towards which the whole of humanity, according to the Bible is moving, is a city, the heavenly city, which Scripture calls the New Jerusalem. He calls all of us who live in the city to be above all contemplative; to look at the city with a contemplative gaze, the gaze of faith which sees God dwelling there in its homes, its streets, its squares. ‘He suggests cities, because they know the struggles of life, often have a deeply religious sense. He notes also the many

deadly realities which we encounter in the city: corruption, abuse, human trafficking, abandonment – and says we need to speak the Word of Life to each of these situations.’ In a tribute to Fr Christian’s years of service, Bishop Nicholas said the following at the end of the Mass: ‘Father Christian will be much missed! In the six years that he has been in Adler Street, he has made his mark on the City of London; and will be a loss to the Diocese of Westminster. As Bishop with responsibility for Ethnic Chaplains, I was particularly grateful to Fr Christian for his support of and contribution to that group. He was also a faithful attender of the local Deanery of Catholic clergy. He will be missed not only by his neighbouring Catholic priests but also by neighbouring communities, local Germanspeaking Protestant churches and the Jewish community. ‘One did not need to know Fr Christian long before one discovered he was a Benedictine monk. He exemplified the tradition of Benedictine hospitality through the warm welcome extended to diverse groups

and individuals. His monthly evening prayer-times, Ora et Pakora, have enriched the lives of many city workers. Every visitor, from the very young to the elderly, was made to feel equally at home. His interest and enthusiasm encouraged many individuals to feel a part of Saint Boniface’s. Significant was the testimony of one parishioner who told me how much she had been helped by

Fr Christian’s communication of a close relationship with the loving God. ‘Fr Christian leaves to his successor a thriving community, with deep foundations for his successor to build upon. I look forward to seeing St Boniface’s continue to grow from strength to strength. Meanwhile, I would wish to assure Fr Christian that his

Quiz Time at St Mary’s East Finchley by Sandra Lipner Who were the greatgrandparents of King David? Why is Solomon famous? Who was the short man who climbed a tree to see Jesus? Who said ‘Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof’? Can you receive the Sacraments in any order? Who administers the Sacrament of Matrimony? The parish of St Mary’s East Finchley has been abuzz with questions like these since Lent as parishioners were invited to take three quizzes about the Old and New Testaments, as well as the Sacraments. Young and old were able to take part online or on paper, and parents commented happily how keen their children were to read their bibles at home.

memory will live on in the City of London and that he leaves us with gratitude for his ministry among us and the assurance of our prayers for his return to monastic life.’ Canon John O’Toole (back row, right) of Southwark Archdiocese, the former Ethnic Chaplaincies Coordinator, and Fr Victor Camilleri OFM (front row, right), the Maltese Chaplain, also helped celebrate the Mass (pictured above with Bishop Nicholas, Fr Christian and two altar servers).

The initiative was intended to provide faith education beyond the first communion and confirmation classrooms with an element of fun: every quiz carried two book prizes and a chance to be given a St Mary’s Award. Those who completed all three quizzes were entered into a big prize draw. The winners were Niamh Mooney, Erin and Evie O’Gorman, Milly and Nathan Etwi-Yeboah and Michael Horby. Their names were announced at the inclusive Mass and talent show this month celebrating the end of the summer term. Judges at the show included members of this year’s confirmation group. Many thanks to all who were involved and happy holidays!

Sandra Lipner is the Director of Christian Education at St Mary’s East Finchley

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Westminster Record | August 2017

Schools branch out with fundraising for the Catholic Children’s Society

Newman Catholic College has been celebrating after their crowd fund appeal smashed its £10,000 target after only 8 days on 27th June, making it one of the most successful schoolsbased appeals on the Crowdfunder platform. The school, based in Willesdon, London, first started their Syria Summer Camp in 2016, with the aim of providing tuition and activities for Syrian children during the summer holidays. Encouraged by great results last year, they wanted to expand this year’s camp and turned to crowdfunding to raise the money. The college was recently awarded ‘Refugee Welcome School’ accreditation, only the second school in London to achieve this status. Danny Coyle, the NCC headmaster, said: ‘We have been taken aback by the support and generosity we have received from the public. It really is inspiring to know that so many people support

this project. We are grateful for all the contributions, large and small, which will allow us to expand the summer camp and help more children’. The Syria Summer Camp takes place over four weeks this July and August, providing tuition in English, Maths and Science subjects, as well as enrichment activities for up to 50 children from 5-15 years old every day with the help of volunteer teachers from across London.

Amanda Wooster, the project leader of the camp, said: ‘The Syria Summer Camp builds on the UKs reputation for supporting individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths, beliefs and cultures. The camp aims to help refugee families settle in the UK as proud British citizens.’ The Crowdfunder page is still taking donations so if you wish to contribute to the cause, please follow this link: http://www. crowdfunder.co.uk/syriasummer-camp

Pope Paul Primary School turns 50

by Lucie May On Wednesday 5th July, Westminster Cathedral was the setting for the annual Good Shepherd Masses, one celebrated in the morning by Bishop John Sherrington, and one in the afternoon by Bishop Paul McAleenan. In attendance were many children from various primary schools within the diocese, some of whom also took part in the Masses by readings, serving at the altar and helping with the offertory. The main theme running throughout the Mass was that of growing together, portrayed during the homily through the words of Jesus: ‘I am the vine, you are the branches’ from the Gospel of John. Branches stretch a long way from the vine, as we also venture far from Jesus as we grow as people, but we will always remain connected to him and one another. This point was very effectively illustrated by

School’s Crowdfunder for Syrian children’s Summer Camp gets fantastic response

the Bishops as they invited some of the children onto the altar to hold hands and link in a circle, showing visually how we are all connected as members of one branch. There was also mention of Jesus being the ‘good shepherd’ in the way that he leads us all through life, guiding us in the right direction and looking after us. During Lent, the schools had been doing various fundraising activities to raise money for the Catholic Children’s Society; during this Mass, they presented their proceeds towards the charity. Similarly, the previous week saw the Good Samaritan Mass, held on Tuesday 27th June and celebrated by Canon Christopher Tuckwell. It was attended by the diocese’s secondary schools, who had also been fundraising for the same cause.

On 12th July Cardinal Vincent celebrated a Special Mass at Our Lady and St Vincent Parish, Potters Bar for the 50th Anniversary of the Pope Paul Catholic Primary School. The Church was filled with over 400 people in attendance. The congregation was made up of pupils, parents and staff of the school, past governors, past and present members of the FOPPS (Friends of Pope Paul School). Mass was concelebrated by current

Parish Priest Fr Timothy O’Connor and previous PP Fr Bill Wilby, with Deacon Don Hopkins serving. The homily focused on the school’s mission prayer ‘We are learning in the light of Christ’ with the Cardinal encouraging pupils and staff to live this prayer out in their daily living. ‘’We are all God’s handy work,’ he said. The Pope Paul choir led the singing, with the little shining stars decked in their light Follow us on Instagram at: @rcwestminster

yellow uniform singing the praises of God. Since Fr Timothy will soon be retiring from active ministry at the beginning of September, Cardinal Vincent took the opportunity to thank him for the last 15 years of service at Potter’s Bar. After Mass, there was time to enjoy a walk around the new International Garden and to admire the mosaic in the reception area, made especially for the 50th anniversary. Page 7

Westminster Record | August 2017

St Benedict’s artists selected for Royal Academy Exhibition

James Bartle Paintings and sculptures by three A level Art students at St Benedict’s School, Ealing have been selected from over 2,400 submissions for the Royal Academy A-level Summer Exhibition Online. The exhibition of 49 outstanding pieces is the online equivalent of the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition, and is a showcase for some of the UK’s most promising artists aged 16 to 18. Rommy Georgiou’s painting is a study of isolation: ‘Barren 2 creates a sense of loneliness as this football pitch is devoid of children, removing life, changing our expectations,’ she said. James Bartle describes his selected sculpture as ‘inspired

by urban decay and industrialism. The rough paint symbolises human imperfections in construction and the masking of manufacturing with culture and design.’ Teddy Loxton’s sculpture, Alone, is inspired by the work of Anthony Gormley: ‘This sculpture explores the fear of isolation. The translucent shell is both protective yet fragile, reflecting our strengths and weaknesses as human beings.’ Head of Art at St Benedict’s, Rod Pereira, said: ‘This is another wonderful year for our students, who are consistently successful, year on year, in this most prestigious national Art and Design competition.’

Rommy Georgiou

Teddy Loxton Page 8

Baroness Cox urges young people to ‘Show love to others’ St Benedict’s School Ealing, west London welcomed Baroness Cox of Queensbury as Guest of Honour at Prize Giving this year. Baroness Cox founded the Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust or (HART), which provides aid and advocacy for people suffering oppression and persecution around the world. Known as ‘the feisty baroness’, she narrowly escaped an ambush by Islamist gunmen during a humanitarian visit to Nigeria last November. Describing herself as ‘a nurse and social scientist by intention, and a baroness by astonishment,’ Caroline Cox gave an inspiring address about her humanitarian work, which takes her to conflict and post-conflict zones. She spoke of the people of Sudan, who are forced to live in snake-infested mountain caves in order to protect themselves from militia attacks. Through all the chaos and danger they face, she said that their priority is always education. Baroness Cox described how children

routinely take a large rock with them to lessons, which take place outside, to keep their exercise books safe in the event of a militia attack. She also read from a poem by a young Polish boy, written under martial law in the 1980s: ‘I believe in the sun even though I cannot see it, and I believe in love even though I cannot feel it.’ Love, she said, is not about sentimentality and mere words, but about actions. Addressing St Benedict’s students, Baroness Cox said: ‘Always believe that love is there. Be the love. Give the love. Be filled with enthusiasm, which means ‘God within us’, throughout your lives.’

In his opening address, the Headmaster, Andrew Johnson, said: ‘We emphasise the importance of academic success and are celebrating impressive academic achievement at Prize Giving. What distinguishes us as a Benedictine school, however, is how we help pupils to build selfconfidence, resilience, discipline, generosity, compassion, faith, eloquence, and wisdom. In short, it’s how we develop character, and how we equip them to face the pressure and pace of modern life.’ Photo: Baroness Cox with the Headmaster, Andrew Johnson, and the Head Boy and Girl, Lorcan O’Brien and Jolie Bediako.

St Thomas More School council meets Haringey Police Borough Commander

On Thursday 29th June, Wood Green Police Station was visited by ten students from St Thomas More Catholic School’s Student Council. Here they met with Superintendent Helen Millichap, the Haringey Police Borough Commander Chief, to discuss the safety of the community. The students were allowed the opportunity to explore the police station and even try out some of the uniform of the first response staff, as well as

learning about police officer rankings and the use of handcuffs and batons. Emmanuelle Mayisa-Daniel, a Year 9 pupil, stated that ‘hearing the opinions of the people who save our lives every day is reliable and it was eye-opening to see this’. The Superintendent expressed her astonishment at the level of intelligent questions asked by the pupils; these included, ‘What would a student do to protect themselves to prevent being a

victim of knife crime?’ and ‘What are the police force doing to proactively reduce or control the crime rate in London?’. She credited the school for their maturity and good behaviour and recommended a more regular meeting with the school council. This initiative demonstrates that the Metropolitan Police and local schools take their roles seriously in developing and maintaining a close-knit community in Wood Green.

Westminster Record | August 2017

Bishop Challoner Student Wins Fulbright Scholarship

Nasir Ismael, a Year 13 student at Bishop Challoner Sixth Form, has been offered a full scholarship to Princeton University. Nasir is one of 62 students who have won scholarships to US universities via the Sutton Trust US Programme run in conjunction with the US-UK Fulbright Commission. He will fly to New Jersey to start his studies at the end of August. Princeton is an Ivy League university and the forth oldest university in the United States.

Nasir, who lives in Millwall, joined Bishop Challoner in Year 7 and has always had a strong interest in community service. Alongside his studies, over the years he has spent a large part of his time volunteering and fundraising for the worst off in his local community whilst also tutoring at community centres and at school. This year he sat A Levels in Biology, Spanish and Maths and an EPQ on poverty in Tower Hamlets, using experience gained during volunteering. He is excited about studying in the US as he has the freedom of an open and liberal arts curriculum where he can study a broad range of subjects. He is a first generation university student and will be the first of his family to go to university abroad. Nasir says: ‘Living in Tower Hamlets, having the opportunity to apply to one of the top universities in the world is rare enough but to have been given a scholarship to attend Princeton University is something that I never thought would happen. I know that if it weren’t for the amazing support and guidance

provided by Bishop Challoner and the Sutton Trust US-UK Fulbright Commission I would not be in this position.’ Helen Livermore, joint Head of Bishop Challoner Sixth Form says: ‘We are incredibly proud of all that Nasir has achieved during his 7 years at Bishop Challoner. And a full scholarship to Princeton is an incredible achievement and one that is so well deserved. His altruism, intellect, kindness and humility are a real inspiration to all of our community.’ The US Programme is aimed at encouraging academically talented students from low and moderate income backgrounds in the UK to consider applying to study abroad in America. The Sutton Trust also runs a programme in the UK for American students in a similar position. The US-UK Fulbright Commission was established in 1948 with the intention of nurturing cultural understanding between the two nations via educational exchanges.

Gumley House celebrates 176 years of education with pilgrimage

In 2016 Gumley House School FCJ marked its 175 year history in educating young people. Their whole-school pilgrimage on 6th July was an important part of this ongoing celebration. The pilgrimage gave them an opportunity to celebrate their foundress, Marie Madeleine d’Houet, who travelled in 1841 from France to London (a considerable distance in those days) to

establish a school for the education of girls and local women in order to fulfil her vision of education for all. Gumley House is one of many locations in Europe where the FCJ Sisters have schools and they are also fortunate to share their site with the FCJ Generalate. The pilgrimage also gave their students and staff valuable time away from their busy schedules to reflect on what gives meaning to their lives. They chose to start their pilgrimage at Syon House, a place of great spiritual significance to the school. St Richard Reynolds, who is one of six saints commemorated by the school and represented in one of the student houses, ministered at Syon Abbey in the early 16th century. The walk from Syon House to Gumley House School was followed by a special celebration Mass with Fr Mark Leenane of Osterley Parish. The day ended with a wonderful picnic on the school lawn.

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Westminster Record | August 2017

A huge thank you to all the schools in the diocese for their tremendous efforts in raising money for the Catholic Children’s Society in aid of the Grenfell Tower victims! The children wanted to help their fellow students affected by the tragedy by hosting a variety of fundraising events on Friday 23rd June. Here are a few examples of their efforts. Well done to all of our other schools in the diocese who also put in a massive effort to raise money to help the CCS in providing relief to those in need. Many of the students took to social media to share news of their fundraising. To see more of what they got up to, search the hashtag #Together4GrenfellDOW on Twitter.

es had a School in Hay se u o H ll e s. tw Bo renfell victim G e th f o id a Mufti day in

Pope Paul Catholic Pr imary School in Hertfo rdshire decided to com their 50 Years Garden bine Party with a non-unifo rm day in aid of the di fund, as pictured abov saster e. The children took pa rt in lots of fun activiti and each class created es a garden based on a de cade in the life of the school from 1967 – 2017 , raising £820 for the ca use.

ed ov Priory, Ealing rais s e’ in st gu u A St The girls at . non-uniform day £1,300 with their

The Card inal Vau ghan Me Holland morial S Park had chool in a cake sa girls vs b le and a oys netb sponsore all match d . Team GB triple jumper Nathan Fox visited Holy Rood Catholic School in Watford where all children from Reception to Year 6 took part in a sponsored circuit training session which he designed for them.

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

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

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

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

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Westminster Record | August 2017

es had a School in Hay se u o H ll e s. tw Bo renfell victim G e th f o id a Mufti day in

ed ov Priory, Ealing rais s e’ in st gu u A St The girls at . non-uniform day £1,300 with their

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

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

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

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

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Westminster Record | August 2017

Director’s Spotlight

Harvest the fruits of the Word

Coordinator of Marriage and Family Life Ministry Nurturing a culture of vocation to marriage and family life throughout the Diocese. Hours of work: Full-time 35 hours per week Salary: £36k per annum Closing Date: 1st September 2017} Interview: 13th September 2017 If interested in applying, please download our job application form from http://rcdow.org.uk/diocese/jobs/coordinator-of-marriageand-family-life-ministry-/and submit to humanresources@rcdow.org.uk. Please note we do not accept CV’s.

Phil Ross, Youth Ministry Director

It’s exciting times for youth ministry in our diocese and we’re proud of the work we undertake in support of the journey of faith of our young people. One of our greatest joys is the opportunities we have to spend quality time with young people. We are blessed that each year we engage with our teenage constituency and together support those in a greater need on the diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes. Earlier this year we led a pilgrimage to Rome and this enabled our pilgrims to truly understand the longstanding responsibilities that Rome, and in particular, the Vatican City, have in the support of our Catholic life. A pilgrimage is a genuine opportunity to re-engage with our faith and appreciate the diversity and scale of the Catholic world. It is hard to believe but it’s already been twelve months since we headed to Poland for World Youth Day. Even more staggering is that we’re now already immersing ourselves in the planning for the next World Youth Day to Panama in January 2019. Here we go again! Rather like Rio 2013, we head for the Americas and this is again a real opportunity to witness that Latin feel to our faith. And noise and colour ! The numbers we’re able to support on this journey are exceptionally limited so I’d recommend that you maybe get your name down early if you’re intending on joining us. As usual, World Youth Day will be amazing. Don’t miss out! Enjoy the rest of the summer. With my prayers. Page 12

Catechesis Adviser Tourists fill the hot, city streets in August, enjoying the fruits of their year’s work: harvesting the money they have saved, to spend on a trip of a lifetime, or just a few days away to enjoy the sites. Families with young, excited children are living out their dream holiday, visiting the shows and the fairgrounds, the palaces and the museums, and the high-rise viewing points that take their breath away, taking trips on the river or train journeys to the beach. It is right that we can reap the rewards of our labours, having that break from the workplace, visiting somewhere new, to be re-energised, and feeling content that we have done a good job through the year. In the countryside, the fields of wheat and barley are turning white; they too are ready for harvesting. The tractors are already to-ing and fro-ing through the towns and villages at all times of day and night, bringing in the precious grain. For the evangeliser, you and me, we too look toward the harvest. We look to the fruits and rewards of God’s Word that has been planted before us: sometimes on poor ground, sometimes on the path, but sometimes on the rich earth, received and fed and allowed to grow strongly, so that now it is ready to harvest, to bring home. In our busy society, many who hear the Word, which brings light and hope, often ignore it; the seed doesn’t grow. For others, there is excitement at first; but they do not nurture

a newly growing faith, and perhaps we miss opportunities to support them, and so it withers. Then there are those who welcome the Word, a message they have been longing to hear. Perhaps with our help the seed of faith grows to produce rich fruit, as they become new followers of Jesus Christ. As disciples of Jesus, we are called to share in the work of planting the seeds faith and helping them to grow, to speak out, to tell others about Jesus, to bring them to the knowledge that God loves them and is waiting for them. Speaking out is not always easy; there are many challenges to our faith which we may feel unprepared to meet. But we can learn how to become more confident in addressing challenges, to become expert witnesses of our faith. Catholic Voices is an organisation that, through their ‘Reframe’ programme for parishes, trains ordinary Catholics in public speaking, and so respond to the call of Pope Benedict during his 2010 visit that ‘we put the Church’s case, in the public square’. Further information on Reframe can be found on the Catholic Voices website. The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few. We pray that God will send labourers, that he will give us the courage to go out into the world, to bring home those who are longing for God, to bring home the harvest. Deacon Adrian Cullen Evangelisation Coordinator

Helping parishes develop sacramental formation and all-age catechesis. Hours of work: Part-time, 21 hours per week/3 days (flexible) Salary: £16 per hour Closing date: 1st September 2017 Interview: 12th September 2017 If interested in applying, please download our job application form from http://rcdow.org.uk/diocese/jobs/catechesis-adviser/ and submit to humanresources@rcdow.org.uk. Please note we do not accept CV’s.

Westminster Record | August 2017

Being a Missionary

We chat with SPEC volunteer missionary Mia, 19, who is from the United States. She tells us about her experiences being an overseas missionary, including her recent trip to Nicaragua. James: So tell us, Mia, why did you go to Nicaragua? Mia: I went to Nicaragua to visit my family. They’re missionaries there, with a small mission company. James: What was it like? Mia: I was there for only a week, so it was hard to get an in-depth sense of what they’re doing there in the short space of time. However, they’ve been there for only three months, so they’re still figuring things out, getting to know the country, its people, working out what the local people need, and what are we able to give them. James: Why is your family doing this? Mia: My family have done missions since 2010 and quite recently they joined this small mission company, which was only in the United States before this. This is the mission company’s first time outside the States. What they’re doing is called Friendship Evangelisation. They’re not really setting up a whole bunch of catechesis programmes. They’re more just trying to live out their faith there and to just try to be there with the people.

They’re also hoping to set up a business in Nicaragua; the idea is they’re going to set up a business that can eventually be run by locals, so it’ll be selfsustainable and will help the economic situation there. It’s just a small way of helping; they’re not hoping to transform the whole country! They’re just hoping to make a lasting difference, rather than just giving handouts to the locals. James: Do you think it’s important for young people to be doing overseas missionary work? Mia: Yeah, but I think it’s really good for the local people as well. I have quite a few siblings (Mia is one of 12 children), so I think it’s good for local people to see this large Catholic family that’s living out their faith. I think it’s good for the young people of Nicaragua to have that kind of positive influence in their lives, which is quite new. I think it’s just really good for young people to be able to grow in their faith and to see it in action and see what the point is of what we’re doing. When you’re in a developing country and actually helping people who are in need, you think this is why we do what we do. James: Where else have you been on mission? Mia: I’ve been to Mexico, St

Chaplain’s Corner Lucia and the Philippines. And now in England. James: Do you have a favourite? Mia: They’re all quite different. The Philippines is by far my favourite. The people are a very generous people and their food was really good. James: Why do you, on a personal level, do this missionary work? Mia: The reason I choose to do mission work is because my family took me to other countries and I was able to see for myself why we do what we do and I wanted to continue doing that. After I left my family, I wanted to take more ownership of it myself. James: How does missionary work in Britain compare to other countries you’ve been to? Mia: I guess the kind of mission work I do here in England is very different from what I’ve done before. Obviously, I’m not in a developing country and I’m not actually around people living in poverty. In the other places, whenever we went out, we never actually lived in a nice part of town. We tried to live with the people. So here it’s very different, because I’m not helping people on a material level, it feels solely on a person-to-person and spiritual level. James: What’s the most important thing about being a missionary? Mia: As Catholics we’re all supposed to be missionaries, and I guess the way my family and I are doing it is a particularly active way. An important aspect is helping people encounter Jesus, because that’s obviously the point of what we do. But I feel like a really important part of it is each of us personally encountering Jesus and having a relationship with him, because you also give out what you receive. I can’t tell the young people to have a relationship with Jesus if I don’t. James: Thanks for taking the time to chat with us Mia. Mia: Thank you!

Fr David Reilly, Diocesan Youth Chaplain In the summer of 2011, Cardinal Nichols asked me to become Diocesan Youth Chaplain. With some trepidation, I accepted an appointment which has lasted six years and is now coming to an end. Among many other things, I think of six years of writing this column for the Westminster Record! I hope that those of you who have read these reflections, whether young or ‘young at heart’ have appreciated them and the spirit in which they have been offered. I especially want to mention how wonderful the young people of the diocese are – the teenagers and young adults of our parishes, schools and movements. As I look back over the last six years, I think of many wonderful colleagues who have worked with or been involved in Westminster Youth Ministry. Whether they have been members of diocesan staff or one of our many volunteers, so many have given of their time and talents, contributing towards the mission of the

diocese in a wonderful way. In particular, I would like to Phil Ross, whom we appointed as Director of Youth Ministry back in 2012. His work for the diocese continues to be outstanding. Many projects have been accomplished along the way. I think especially of the creation and opening of the new Centre for Youth Ministry at Somers Town, the acquisition of our site at Pinner, and the building of our new residential campus at SPEC, all of which have been important to our mission. Pastorally too, we have taken part in three World Youth Days in Madrid, Rio and most recently Krakow, and many other pilgrimages, including Lourdes; the celebrations connected with the Years of Faith and Mercy, especially ‘You Believe’ which was a year-long programme of catechesis and formation for young adults, and all of this in addition to our essential ministry of supporting parishes in their youth ministry. These are only a small ‘snap shot’ of things that spring to mind. As Coordinator for School Chaplaincies, I also think of and thank our wonderful school chaplains and the staff and students they work among. For over six years, I have got to know the secondary schools of the diocese especially well – what wonderful places they are! Now, I will hand over the column and this work to Fr Mark Walker, the new Diocesan Youth Chaplain, as I head to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, New Southgate, to become their Parish Priest. Please pray for us, and may God continue to bless you all.

Fr David at the opening of the Centre for Youth Ministry in 2013 Follow us on Instagram at: @rcwestminster

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Westminster Record | August 2017

Westminster Men Ordained to the Diaconate

Inside the hospice: Getting ready for the fourth stage

Fr Peter Michael Scott

On 14th June, two students from the Beda College in Rome, Ronald Seery and John Tabor, were ordained as deacons for service in the Diocese of Westminster by Bishop Seamus Cunningham, Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, at the Papal Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls. They were among a cohort of 12 men from nine different dioceses from across the world, which included five men from England, three from Australia, two from Malaysia, one from India and one from South Africa. This reflects the international flavour of the Beda, which, while it is under the care and responsibility of the Bishops of England and Wales, welcomes students from across the English-speaking world, and sometimes beyond. June is always a busy month at the Beda, beginning with examinations and then a few days’ relative quiet before the arrival of friends and guests for the diaconate ordinations, which themselves mark both the climax and the end of the college year. This year was no exception and the added factor of the early summer heat (it was 34C on the day itself), heightened the feeling of year’s end. For those being ordained, the day itself can be seen as the Page 14

climax of one’s time at the Beda, and certainly the solemnity and sense of new beginnings which the event occasion does lend itself to this idea. Nonetheless, the diaconate, while it does publicly mark a new beginning, should not be seen as the end; rather it is perhaps the end of the beginning. In his homily, Bishop Seamus considered the phrase ‘the Lord be with you’ in the life of a deacon. It is a call to service, just as when the Angel greeted Our Lady with these words at the Annunciation. The Beda has a motto, taken from St Bede: Miserando atque Elegeno,‘lowly but chosen’. This phrase sums up very well what it is for each one of us, called by God in discerning a vocation to the priestly life. God has initiated the call and we, in responding to that call to the best of our ability, offer ourselves in service to the people of the diocese, from whom we have been drawn. It is an opportunity to serve them and so build up vibrant communities accompanying each other in love and charity. Deacon Ronald will spend the next year in service at Burnt Oak Parish. Deacon John returns to Rome in October for a final year of studies at the Beda. On 12th July, another Roman seminarian, Antonio Pineda,

who is studying at the Venerable English College was also ordained to the diaconate. Deacon Antonio also returns to Rome for a final year of studies at the Venerable. Please keep these men and all who were ordained to the diaconate and priesthood for our diocese this summer in your prayers. Additional photos of Deacon John and Deacon Ronald’s ordination are available at the College website: www.bedacollege.com

Some grief therapists say there is a common threefold acceptance of dying. The seeds are sown when we are children and, by the time we reach old age, we usually find that we have grown accustomed to the inevitable. At any rate that is the general idea; however, we fluctuate due to our unique and different lives. As children, death and dying are usually experienced in stories or dramatised on television or film. It can seem a little unreal, until a beloved pet, grandparent or an elderly neighbour dies. Children should never be side-lined by being judged as to whether they grieve or not. They might play one minute and be sad the next, but they still grieve. It is important to remind them that grieving is very normal and part of being human. They usually find this information quite a relief, as grief can sometimes feel far from what they perceive as normal. The second ‘age’ of acceptance is midlife. By this time, a parent or a sibling or a work colleague has died and those in their middle years suddenly realise they are next

in line. This can be a crisis time, with questions like ‘what have I done with my life’ being asked. This is often the hardest time, and it is important that the search for meaning is not devalued. It is in our middle years that we sometimes begin to understand the precise nuance of what it is to have faith Generally, by the time we reach old age (which is becoming quite late: 90 is the new 60), we know friends and family who have died, our bodies have endured a few medical interventions, and we have acknowledged our faults and surrendered them into God’s merciful care. Death is more accepted, less resisted and seen as inevitable. However there is a fourth stage and this is summed up by Pope Francis ‘Death is behind us, not in front of us. In front of us is the God of the living, the definitive defeat of sin and death, the start of a new time of joy and endless light.’ (General Audience 2013) This, by far, sounds like the best stage! Please pray for the patients, staff and volunteers of St Joseph’s Hospice.

Westminster Record | August 2017

A Century for Canon Louis Thomas Festivities to mark Canon Louis Thomas’ centenary took place on 9th July at Nazareth House in Finchley, as Cardinal Vincent, Bishop John Sherrington, Sr Clement Doran, priests from the diocese, friends and former parishioners joined in to wish Canon Louis a happy birthday. Ordained in 1943, Canon Louis served in several parishes, including St Agnes in Cricklewood, both Chelsea parishes of Holy Redeemer and St Mary’s Cadogan Street,

St Mary Moorfields in the City, St Mary and St Joseph in Poplar, but his longest association has been with St Philip the Apostle in Finchley (photo), where he served as Parish Priest from 1964 to 1993. In addition to his parish ministry, Canon Louis also served as hospital chaplain at St Luke’s in Chelsea, St George’s in Hyde Park, St Bartholomew’s Hospital in the City, and Finchley Memorial Hospital. He was appointed a Canon of the Metropolitan Chapter in 1987. He retired in 2001 and now lives in Nazareth House, not far from the parish he served for nearly three decades.

Golden Jubilee for Bishop Pat Bishop Patrick O’Donoghue celebrated his Golden Jubilee anniversary on 21st May in Cork, Ireland. Bishop Pat served as Bishop of Westminster and then Lancaster before his retirement in 2009. He was joined by priests, family and friends including Archbishop Malcolm McMahon Archbishop of Liverpool, Archbishop Patrick Coveney Apostolic Nuncio Emeritus to Greece, Bishop William Crean Bishop of Cloyne, Ireland and Bishop Michael Campbell Bishop of Lancaster, who gave the homily. At the reception afterwards many people from different walks of life praised Bishop

Pat’s ministry and social conscience. This was expressed through his leadership such as in projects helping the homeless and progressing Catholic education in schools for which he wrote three papers and had been praised by the Pope. It was apparent that he was held in great affection and his ministry had affected and improved the lives of others.

On Saturday 8th July, Cardinal Vincent ordained six new permanent deacons, following an ancient practice of the first Christian communities, which was revived in the 20th century, of ordaining deacons for life-long service. Pictured with the Cardinal are (L-R) Paul Quinn, Tony Barter, Reginal Abrahams, Jeremy Yates, Liam Lynch and Stephane Joiris de Caussin To find out more about Vocations please contact Canon Stuart Wilson Office: 0207 739 5620 Mobile: 07515 065 696 email: vocationspromoter@ rcdow.org.uk web: www.rcdow.org.uk/vocations/news/

Are you looking for: Prayer Community Spirituality Service Is God calling you to the Discalced Carmelites? Please contact Fr John at: johnmcgowan50@gmail.com Tel: 07598 913986 Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

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Westminster Record | August 2017

Oratory Students Explore Seas

Lampedusa Cross

Barbara Kentish

Westminster Justice and Peace organised an evening of prayer for refugees, peace and victims of violence in front of the Lampedusa Cross in Westminster Cathedral on Friday 23rd June towards the end of Refugee Week. The Cross is situated permanently in the St Andrew’s side chapel, and is made of wood from the wrecks of boats carrying refugees across the Mediterranean. Fr John Scott, chaplain at the cathedral led the prayers, attended by over 70 people. Refugees from war, persecution and climate change were remembered, and also those who had suffered from

the violent terrorist attacks in the UK. The congregation was invited to write messages of hope for asylum seekers to be sent through CAFOD to refugee camps in Eastern and Southern Europe. Prayers were followed by a talk and discussion with the Brothers of St John of God and staff of Olallo House, a hostel serving asylum seekers, and trafficked people, as well as recovering homeless TB sufferers. Situated in Central London, Olallo House is above all a safe house, offering safety and hospitality to people without recourse to public funds.

BEne funeral

Pupils of the London Oratory School explored the world of shipping and seafarers thanks to a presentation from Apostleship of the Sea on 26th June. Shipping, the lives of seafarers and the work of the Church in this area were almost completely unknown to the Year 9 students. The UK’s reliance on maritime trade for many of their daily necessities and the challenges seafarers face were a surprise to many of the pupils. John Green from Apostleship of the Sea also outlined the work of the charity’s port chaplains and ship visitors in the more than 300 ports they work in around the world, providing practical help for seafarers as well as working to support their faith.

Our Lady of Willesden Torchlit Procession Sunday 8th October 2017 From 7pm

Join us to pray to Our Mother for her protection, that she may wrap her mantle around London

Our Lady of Willesden Church 1 Nicoll Road NW10 9AX Page 16

Westminster Record | August 2017

Tour de Hemel Hempstead for CAFOD For the fifth year in a row, the Catholic Parish of Our Lady Queen of All Creation, Hemel Hempstead, has run a Children’s Bike Ride, raising over £350 for CAFOD. Using the parish car park for the track, the children were divided into age groups, given CAFOD vests and then let loose to cycle, scooter or rollerblade their way around the course. The children were sponsored for the number of laps they could do in a ten minutes slot. the groups had completed the cycle, they were rewarded with welldeserved drinks, biscuits and cake. The event began five years ago when CAFOD volunteer at the parish, Andy McCarthy, felt moved to galvanise the young parishioners into fundraising. Andy said: ‘I was helping at children’s liturgy and thought, wouldn’t it be nice to do something to raise money and to help the children recognise that there are children in the world who have nothing.’

Of the event this year, Andy said: ‘It was a good time, a lot of new people came and it’s always a nice event for the little ones. The main problem is stopping them, they’re very enthusiastic. We have one girl who started when she was three years old and now four years later she’s leading the younger ones. The biggest kid on the day was our assistant priest, Fr Derek, he was more difficult to control than the children!’

Pedalling in Pinner On Sunday 18th June a number of Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, leaders and parents from 3rd Pinner (St Luke’s) Scout Group attached to St Luke’s Church, Pinner took part in a sponsored bike ride in the grounds of Merchant Taylors School, Northwood in aid of Group Funds and Mary’s Meals. 9 adults including parents and leaders started from Merchant Taylors School in Northwood and cycled 50 miles to Tring and back. Later in the day many Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and parents cycled many laps of a course set up in the grounds of Merchant Taylors and, at approx 4.30pm as the Tring Cyclists arrived back, joined them in a lap of honour. On Thursday 6th July a cheque for £1,900 was presented to a representative from Mary’s Meals by the Group.

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Westminster Record | August 2017

Saints of the Month: 30th August Margaret Clitherow, Anne Line and Margaret Ward

This particular feast day is shared by three female English martyrs, all of whom died whilst protecting Catholic priests during the reign of Elizabeth I, a time when Catholicism was effectively illegal. Saint Margaret Clitherow, born in York in 1556 as Margaret Middleton, began life as a protestant. At 15, she married the butcher John Clitherow, with whom she had three children. Three years later she became a Catholic; her husband, although not converting himself, was supportive of her decision and paid her fines for not attending protestant church services. Margaret began running a small school for her own and neighbour’s children and

celebrating Mass, and in doing so her house became a significant hiding place for fugitive priests in northern England. The authorities were alerted to her secret in 1586 after becoming suspicious that her eldest son was being sent abroad for school; as it turned out, he had gone to Rheims to train for the priesthood. She was put on trial for harbouring Catholic priests but, in order to protect her children from testifying and being subjected to torture, she refused to plead and received the punishment of being crushed to death. The Bar Convent in York houses a relic, said to be her hand. St Anne Line, born as Alice Higham in Essex around 1563, followed a similar path. She too

converted to Catholicism as a teen along with her brother William and future husband Roger Line. Both men were disinherited for their decision, with Alice losing her dowry and changing her name to ‘Anne’ among Catholics. While attending Mass, Roger and William were arrested together, imprisoned and fined. William was released but Roger was exiled to Belgium and later died in 1594. At this time, Anne was assisting Jesuit John Gerard in running a house of refuge for hiding priests. She was arrested in 1601 and sentenced to death. Just before she was hanged, she loudly declared: ‘I am sentenced to die for harbouring a Catholic priest, and so far I am from repenting for having done so, that I wish, with all my soul, that where I have entertained one, I could have entertained a thousand’. Very little is known about St Margaret Ward’s early years aside from her birth in Congleton, Cheshire in the mid1500s. She later moved to London and it was here that she heard of the severe mistreatment of Fr Richard Watson, a priest held at Bridewell Prison. She obtained visiting permission and after a while of regular visits, the

authorities began to weaken their security searches, allowing her to smuggle in a rope, which Fr Watson used to escape, but he hurt himself in the process and left the rope dangling from a window. Anne had arranged for a boatman to carry him down the river away from the prison, but when the time came, he refused. This forced her to confide in another boatman, John Roche, who kindly offered to help instead. Roche provided the boat and swapped clothes with the priest, who managed to escape. This was, however, at the expense of Roche who was captured in his place, as well as Anne who was arrested as the priest’s only known visitor. She endured eight days of torture without disclosing his whereabouts. She admitted to helping him escape during her trial and rejoiced in ‘having delivered an innocent lamb from the hands of those bloody wolves’. She was then offered a pardon if she attended a protestant service, which she declined and so was hanged alongside John Roche in 1588. They are commemorated among the 40 martyrs in the ceiling mosaics in the Chapel of St George in Westminster Cathedral.

Canon Peter Gilburt RIP Canon Peter Gilburt died on 19th July. Born on 31st December 1926, he was ordained in June 1963 following studies at Allen Hall Seminary, then located in Ware. He served as Assistant Priest at Our Lady of the Assumption in Potters Bar and then at Our Lady of Grace and St Edward the Confessor in Chiswick, where he subsequently became Parish Priest in 1989. In 1991, he became Parish Priest of St Vincent de Paul in Osterley and was appointed Episcopal Vicar for the West Area of the diocese 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

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in 1992. In the same year, he was appointed a Canon of the Metropolitan Chapter. In 1998, he moved to Camden where he became Parish Priest of Our Lady of Hal. In retirement, Canon Peter lived in Chiswick where he continued his ties with the parish community and was much loved by parishioners, who celebrated his 90th birthday with a party on New Year’s Eve. He died peacefully at Pembridge House Palliative Care Centre in St Charles Square. May he rest in peace.

In Memoriam: August 1 Fr Richard Johnson (1992) Fr Ignatius Tonna (1993) 2 Fr Thomas Stack (1984) Fr Michael Archer (2014) 3 Mgr Canon John Mostyn (1981) 5 Fr William Lynagh (1977) Fr Alan Fudge (2011) 6 Fr Anthony Sacre (2015) 9 Fr John Greene (1980) 11 Fr Laurence Allan (1981) Fr Guy Martin Heal (2009) 12 Fr Roderick Cuming (1981) Fr Wilfrid Soggee (1990) Fr Joseph Finnegan (2002) Fr John Milne (2001) Fr John D’Arcy Dutton (2013) 14 Fr Philip Dwerryhouse (1986) 15 Fr John Adam (1979) Fr Bernard Mortimore (1980) 16 Canon Denis O’Sullivan (1983) Fr Peter Latham (2005) 17 Mgr Walter Drumm (2015) 19 Canon George Davey (1986) Fr Leslie Cole (1997) 20 Cardinal Bernard Griffin (1956) Fr Joseph McVeigh (1977) Fr Desmond Mullin (1988) 21 Fr Percival Fielden (1990) Fr Edward Houghton (2009) 24 Fr Patrick Cassidy (2007) 25 Fr James Gunston (1972) Mgr Canon Herbert Haines (2004) Fr Raymond Legge (2015) Fr Sean McWeeney (2016) 26 Fr Thomas Kilcoyne (1972) Fr Peter Keenan (1984) 27 Mgr John Coonan (1979) Fr Norman Wrigley (2015) 29 Fr Edward Fowler (1973) Fr Michael Lynam (1984) 31 Fr William Rees (1984) Canon Maurice O’Leary (1997)

Summer Accommodation in London Allen Hall Seminary in Chelsea offers comfortable rooms in central London in July and August. Beautiful gardens and chapel. Rooms from £50 per night (including breakfast). Website: www.allenhall.org.uk Email: allenhall@rcdow.org.uk Telephone: 020 7349 5600 (option 0)

Free Catholic Tours in the City of London Qualified Catholic tour guide leads 'Saints and Scholars' walk first Sunday of the month including Mass. Contact Peter FFI on 07913904997 or circlingthesquaretours@hotmail.co.uk

Events & Calendar

REGULAR EVENTS Westminster Record | August 2017

Liturgical Calendar - August

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

Prayer Groups SUNDAYS

Taizé at St James, Piccadilly W1J 9LL every third Sunday 5pm. Call 020 7503 5128 for details. Tyburn Benedictines Monastic afternoon Every first Sunday 2-5pm Martyrs’ Crypt, Tyburn Convent, 8 Hyde Park Place W2 2LJ. Westminster Cathedral Young Adults meet socially after the 7pm Mass on Sundays and then at the nearby Windsor Castle pub. For further details please contact: westminsteryoungadults@gmail.com

MONDAYS

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

TUESDAYS

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Tuesdays 6-9pm concluding with Benediction at Newman House, 111 Gower Street WC1E 6AR. Details 020 7387 6370.

Prayers for London at the Shrine of Our Lady of Willesden Tuesdays 7.30pm. Organised by the Guild of Our Lady of Willesden, Nicoll Road NW10 9AX. Our Lady of Walsingham Prayer Group First Tuesday of the month 2.30pm to 4.15pm in the Chapel of St George and the English Martyrs in Westminster Cathedral. Details: antonia@walsingham.org.uk

Vocations Prayer Group Second Tuesday of the month 8pm at 47C Gaisford Street NW5 2EB. Taizé at St James’, Spanish Place, W1U 3UY every first Tuesday of the month at 7pm. Email: penny28hb@aol.com or just come along.

WEDNESDAYS

Wednesdays on the Wall (WOTW) Every first Wednesday of the month. 6pm at All Hallows on the Wall, 83 London Wall EC2M 5ND. A short service of prayer and reflection at 6pm, coffee at 6.45pm followed by discussion. Corpus Christi Contemplative Prayer Group for Young Adults Wednesdays from 7pm at Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane WC2E 7NB. For further details please contact corpuschristipg@yahoogroups. co.uk.

Our Lady, Untier of Knots, Prayer Group of Intercession meets every third Wednesday at St Anselm & St

Cecilia, Lincoln’s Inn Fields. Parish Mass at 6pm followed by Prayer Group until 8.45pm. Rosary, Adoration, Silent prayer and Divine Mercy Chaplet. Email: Antonia antonia4161@gmail.com.

THURSDAYS JCFL

Jesus Christ the Fullness of Life (JCFL) provides a space for Christians of different traditions to join together in prayer and friendship. For further details please visit www.jcfl.org.uk.

NFG Prayer Group meet weekly at 8pm for praise and worship followed by a social. Monthly a DVD is watched followed by a time of sharing. Held in St Mark’s Room, Christ the King Church N14 4HE. Contact Fr Christophe: christophe.brunet@chemin-neuf.org. Soul Food A Catholic charismatic prayer group for young adults meets Thursdays 7-9pm at St Charles Borromeo, Ogle Street W1W 6HS. Details at www.soulfoodgroup.org.

St John Paul II Prayer Group Every second Thursday of the month 7-8pm, Mass, Adoration and Prayer at Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane WC2E 7NB.

FRIDAYS

Divine Mercy Prayers and Mass Every first Friday 2.30-4.30pm at Our Lady, Mother of the Church, 2 Windsor Road W5 5PD.

Westminster Cathedral Charismatic Prayer Group meet every Friday 7.30pm Prayer, Praise and Teaching. First Friday is a healing Mass. For details, please call 020 8748 2632.

1 Tue

St Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop & Doctor

2 Wed

Feria, Seventeenth Week of Year 1 or St Eusebius of Vercelli, Bishop or St Peter Julian Eymard, Priest

3 Thu 4 Fri

Feria St John Vianney, Priest

5 Sat

Feria or the Dedication of the Basilica of St Mary Major; Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday

6 Sun

+ THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD

7 Mon

Feria, Eighteenth Week of Year 1 or Sts Sixtus II, Pope &

8 Tue 9 Wed

Companions, Martyrs or St Cajetan St Dominic, Priest ST TERESA BENEDICTA OF THE CROSS, Virgin & Martyr, Patron of Europe

10 Thu 11 Fri

ST LAWRENCE, Deacon & Martyr St Clare, Virgin

12 Sat

Feria or St Jane Frances de Chantal, Religious or Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday

13 Sun

+19th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

14 Mon 15 Tue

St Maximilian Mary Kolbe +THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

16 Wed

Feria, Nineteenth Week of Year or St Stephen of Hungary

17 Thu

Feria

18 Fri 19 Sat

Feria Feria or St John Eudes, Priest or Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday

20 Sun

+20th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

21 Mon

St Pius X, Pope

22 Tue 23 Wed

The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary Feria, Twentieth Week of Year 1 or St Rose of Lima, Virgin

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

24 Thu

ST BARTHOLOMEW, Apostle

25 Fri

Feria or St Louis or St Joseph Calasanz, Priest

26 Sat

Feria or Blessed Dominic of the Mother of God, Priest or Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday

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

27 Sun

+21st SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Low Mass 9am, The Oratory, Brompton Road SW7 2RP.

28 Mon

St Augustine, Bishop & Doctor

29 Tue

The Passion of St John the Baptist

Low Mass 5pm, St Bartholomew, St Albans AL1 2PE.

30 Wed

Feria, Twenty-First Week of Year 1 or Ss Margaret Clitherow, Anne Line and Margaret Ward, Martyrs

Low Mass 5.30pm, Shrine of Our Lady of Willesden, NW10 9AX.

31 Thu

Feria or St Aidan, Bishop, and the Saints of Lindisfarne

Fridays:

Low Mass 8am The Oratory, Brompton Road SW7 2RP. Low Mass 6pm St Etheldreda, Ely Place EC1N 6RY. First Friday only.

SATURDAYS

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

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

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.

Pope’s Intentions for August Artists: That artists of our time, through their ingenuity, may help everyone discover the beauty of creation. Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

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.

Queen of Peace Prayer Group at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Acton. Every Friday evening after 7pm Mass. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, a homily, recitation of the Holy Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. All welcome

Other regular Masses

Low Mass 4.30pm, Side Chapel, Westminster Cathedral SW1P 1QW. Second Saturday only.

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Westminster Record | August 2017

200 Years of Catholic Education in Poplar

Bishop Nicholas Hudson made a special visit to Poplar, East London on 6th July 2017 to celebrate Mass at Our Lady and

St Joseph’s School to mark 200 years of Catholic education at Wade’s Place, the street which the school is situated on.

This street has seen a lot of change within these last 200 years. The first recorded school here was a boys’ school set up by the parish in 1816 to cope with the huge demand from the increasing Irish immigration attracted to the docks; it had 104 boys crammed into a 16ft room. The Wade Street site gained a chapel in 1818, and along with it came the creation of the new Parish of St Mary and St Joseph. This served as the parish church until 1856 when a new church was built in Canton Street. In the following years it was uncovered that in the East End area there were between 1,500-2,000 Catholic children in need of education and only two schools in existence, one being the Wade Street School. Something needed to be done and in 1821 the East London Catholic

Institute was created with the aim of improving education in the area. They secured a larger space for the Wade Street School, enabling it to grow, and a separate girls’ school was also opened nearby. The Faithful Companions of Jesus taught at the school from 1881 until the World War II evacuation in the 1940s; their motto can be found on a dedication stone at the site: A.M.D.G. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam which reads as ‘To the greater glory of God’. Following the war, the Sisters of Mercy replaced them at the school, overseeing various rebuilds and the incorporation of the Holy Child School in 1983. In 2014, the amalgamation of the Holy Family at Wade’s Place and Our Lady’s, Limehouse created the new school as we see it today: Our Lady and St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School.

During the Mass to celebrate the historic occasion, Bishop Hudson focused his homily on tradition: ‘Tradition means handing down. In school, teachers hand down the things that they have learned, and the most important facts that they have handed down are all the different things we know about Jesus. Jesus lived about 2,000 years ago, but there have been Catholic schools in Wade’s Place for only one tenth of that time. We know so much about Jesus because it has been handed down from one generation to the next.’ The tradition of handing down has been guided by the Holy Spirit, and so Bishop Hudson led a round of prayers in thanks for this.

Uniting the Generations to Combat Loneliness

On the 20th June, Caritas Development workers Elizabeth Wills and Phoebe Prendergast took 30 reception pupils from Our Lady’s Primary School in Hitchin to visit the Bethany Club at Our Lady and St Andrew Parish. This visit was planned as part of the schools Love in Action work. The Bethany Club is a drop in lunch for elderly people, to encourage parishioners to come together and combat loneliness. Elizabeth said about the visit ‘The children were amazing and beautifully behaved, the elderly guests absolutely loved their visit’. Page 20

Caritas first visited the school a month before to talk about the work that we do and start a discussion about how the schools can help in their local community. The children and their teacher Chloe Green learnt about some of the principles of Love in Action and decided to visit the Bethany Club at the local parish. The children introduced themselves one by one to the club members, sang three songs with actions and then spent 15 minutes chatting and mingling with the guests. The children said that chatting with the guests was their favourite part ‘because they were very nice’.

Elizabeth really enjoyed being part of this saying: ‘I spoke to one lady in particular who really pulled on my heart strings. I asked her if she was enjoying herself and she replied “I lost my husband a couple of weeks ago and I didn’t want to come out today, I am so glad I did; these lovely children have made my day, thank you for bringing them here and cheering me up.”’ ‘This quote says it all for me and demonstrates how much impact a small gesture of kindness can make on the lives of others. Most importantly it shows and teaches the children at a young age the importance of giving their time (for nothing) to help others.’ Teacher Chloe Green said: ‘The children in my class gained so much from reaching out to the wider community and visiting the Bethany Club.’ She added: ‘They have learnt how to think about others and show love and care to all, a life long lesson that is so important in the world they will grow up in. The children enjoyed getting to know and

spending time with older members of their community. As their teacher, I have witnessed them blossoming into true disciples of Jesus and his teachings. Many thanks to the Hitchin Caritas Team! It has been an absolute pleasure to be a part of the Caritas project that Phoebe and Elizabeth have pioneered at our school. The children in my class gained so much from reaching out to the wider community and visiting the Bethany Club. They have learnt how to think about others and show love and care

to all, a life long lesson that is so important in the world they will grow up in. The children enjoyed getting to know and spending time with older members of their community. As their teacher, I have witnessed them blossoming into true disciples of Jesus and his teachings. Many thanks to the Hitchin Caritas Team!’ These trips will hopefully continue and form part of the school’s action plan when they continue with Love in Action in September.