11.07.2014 Views

Issue 24 - The Pilgrim - February 2014 - The newspaper of the Archdiocese of Southwark

The February 2014 issue of "The Pilgrim", the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Southwark

The February 2014 issue of "The Pilgrim", the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Southwark

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

<strong>Issue</strong> <strong>24</strong> <strong>February</strong> <strong>2014</strong><br />

Filipinos set<br />

example<br />

Page 2<br />

What does<br />

education mean?<br />

Page 8<br />

Meet Kent’s<br />

episcopal vicar<br />

Page 12<br />

Social action survey<br />

launched in <strong>Southwark</strong><br />

Greg Watts<br />

Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), <strong>the</strong><br />

social action arm <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Catholic Church in<br />

England and Wales has launched a survey in<br />

<strong>the</strong> <strong>Archdiocese</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Southwark</strong> to help<br />

document all work that is being undertaken<br />

by parishes, schools and Catholic<br />

communities in <strong>the</strong> service <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />

Announcing <strong>the</strong> launch <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> survey,<br />

Helen O’Brien, chief executive <strong>of</strong> CSAN<br />

said: “<strong>The</strong>re are some fantastic and<br />

inspirational projects being undertaken<br />

across <strong>Southwark</strong>, working with children<br />

and families living in poverty, refugees,<br />

homeless people, people with disabilities,<br />

travellers and older people.<br />

“This survey aims to chart <strong>the</strong> work taking<br />

place across <strong>the</strong> <strong>Archdiocese</strong>. We hope that<br />

this questionnaire will be a stepping stone<br />

to raise <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>ile <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> work our charities<br />

do and a way <strong>of</strong> encouraging more Catholics<br />

to assist and become actively involved in<br />

<strong>the</strong>se projects.”<br />

Dr Monica Janowski, CSAN’s research<br />

<strong>of</strong>ficer said, “This survey is part <strong>of</strong> a wider<br />

research project which is looking at social<br />

action done through <strong>the</strong> Catholic Church in<br />

England and Wales. This research aims to<br />

obtain a picture <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> scale and scope <strong>of</strong><br />

social action done through <strong>the</strong> Church.”<br />

All Parishes, Catholic schools, religious<br />

orders and Catholic voluntary sector<br />

organisations in <strong>Southwark</strong> are receiving<br />

<strong>the</strong> questionnaire and are encouraged to<br />

complete it by 28 <strong>February</strong>.<br />

Archbishop Peter said, “This<br />

questionnaire is a timely opportunity to<br />

reflect on Pope Francis’ call to be a<br />

Church for <strong>the</strong> poor. I would encourage all<br />

Catholic schools, parishes, charities and<br />

projects to complete <strong>the</strong> survey.<br />

“We hope that this survey will enable us<br />

to bring our projects closer toge<strong>the</strong>r so that<br />

as a Catholic community we can coordinate<br />

our efforts in tackling <strong>the</strong> poverty and<br />

deprivation that exists on our doorstep.<br />

<strong>The</strong> archdiocese will also be holding a<br />

Caritas Social Action Roadshow on 19 June<br />

to bring toge<strong>the</strong>r those working on social<br />

justice and social action projects.<br />

Organisations or individuals wishing to<br />

have a stall at <strong>the</strong> event are encouraged<br />

to contact Rebecca Hedges at CSAN<br />

on Rebecca.hedges@csan.org.uk or call<br />

020 7633 4974.<br />

Kingston<br />

school scoops<br />

national<br />

award<br />

Holy Cross Preparatory School in<br />

Kingston has been named <strong>The</strong> Sunday<br />

Times Independent Preparatory School<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Year.<br />

Holy Cross is a girls-only Catholic day<br />

school on Kingston Hill, educating 288<br />

pupils aged 4-11. Last year 100% <strong>of</strong><br />

11-year-old pupils passed English and<br />

97% passed maths in Sats at key stage 2,<br />

level five - <strong>the</strong> standard expected <strong>of</strong><br />

children two years older.<br />

Head teacher Sarah Hair said,<br />

“A young child is highly curious and it’s<br />

very important to sustain that<br />

throughout <strong>the</strong>ir life at school. If you<br />

have a breadth <strong>of</strong> curriculum at this<br />

stage, you sow so many seeds - <strong>the</strong>se<br />

can be developed now or lie dormant<br />

until later in life.”<br />

In January, Archbishop Antonio<br />

Mennini, Apostolic Nuncio to Great<br />

Britain, celebrated Mass at <strong>the</strong> school to<br />

give thanks for <strong>the</strong> award and to<br />

commemorate <strong>the</strong> 150th anniversary<br />

<strong>of</strong> Mo<strong>the</strong>r Anna Bernarda Heimgartner,<br />

<strong>the</strong> foundress <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sisters <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Holy Cross.


Guest Editorial <strong>The</strong> <strong>Pilgrim</strong> <strong>February</strong> <strong>2014</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong><br />

2012<strong>Pilgrim</strong><br />

50p<br />

December 2011/ January <strong>The</strong> <strong>newspaper</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Catholic <strong>Archdiocese</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Southwark</strong>, covering s<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Archdiocese</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Southwark</strong><br />

Archbishop Peter Smith<br />

020 7928-<strong>24</strong>95<br />

archbishop@rcsouthwark.co.uk<br />

www.rcsouthwark.co.uk<br />

<strong>The</strong> Filipino community are<br />

a model for integration<br />

Bishop Pat Lynch<br />

Area bishops<br />

Kent<br />

Bishop John Hine<br />

01732 845486<br />

jhine@absouthwark.org<br />

South-West London<br />

Bishop Paul Hendricks<br />

020 8643 8007<br />

bishop.hendricks@gmail.com<br />

South-East London<br />

Bishop Patrick Lynch<br />

020 8297 9219<br />

bishoplynch7@btinternet.com<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Pilgrim</strong>,<br />

Archbishop’s House<br />

150 St George’s Road<br />

London SE1 6HX<br />

Editor: Greg Watts<br />

pilgrim@rcsouthwark.co.uk<br />

Advertising: Carol Malpass<br />

0161 214 1<strong>24</strong>4<br />

carol.malpass@<strong>the</strong>catholicuniverse.com<br />

Distribution: Andrea Black<br />

0161 214 1216<br />

andrea.black@totalcatholic.net<br />

Print management, design and<br />

distribution by <strong>The</strong> Universe Media<br />

Group Ltd<br />

About fourteen years ago in<br />

response to an acute shortage<br />

<strong>of</strong> nurses in <strong>the</strong> Kent and<br />

Sussex Hospital in Tunbridge<br />

Wells and <strong>the</strong> Pembury<br />

Hospital in Pembury <strong>the</strong><br />

National Health Service<br />

secured <strong>the</strong> services <strong>of</strong> about<br />

one hundred nurses (male<br />

and female) from <strong>the</strong><br />

Philippines.<br />

Soon after <strong>the</strong> nurses<br />

arrived <strong>the</strong>y were joined by<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir husbands and wives<br />

most <strong>of</strong> whom were not<br />

medical workers but who did<br />

very soon get work in <strong>the</strong><br />

area. Very quickly <strong>the</strong> nurses<br />

became an integral part <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> local community and <strong>the</strong><br />

parish <strong>of</strong> St. Augustine’s in<br />

Tunbridge Wells.<br />

Today, nearly fifteen years<br />

later, <strong>the</strong>re are<br />

approximately three hundred<br />

Filipinos including children in<br />

<strong>the</strong> area. Many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

children attend <strong>the</strong> local<br />

parish school and many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

adults are involved and<br />

engaged in different areas <strong>of</strong><br />

parish life – as special<br />

ministers <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Eucharist, as<br />

readers and as catechists -<br />

while many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> children<br />

have become altar servers.<br />

<strong>The</strong> contribution <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Filipino community is also<br />

deeply appreciated in <strong>the</strong><br />

hospitals and homes where<br />

<strong>the</strong>y work – not only in <strong>the</strong><br />

new 500 bed hospital in<br />

Pembury, but also in <strong>the</strong><br />

cottage hospitals, nursing<br />

homes and care homes in <strong>the</strong><br />

area where <strong>the</strong>ir commitment<br />

to <strong>the</strong>ir work and <strong>the</strong>ir care<br />

for patients is renowned and<br />

respected.<br />

On January 1st every year<br />

<strong>the</strong>re is a special Mass and<br />

reception for <strong>the</strong> Filipino<br />

community, <strong>the</strong>ir families and<br />

friends and <strong>the</strong>ir fellow<br />

parishioners. Everyone is<br />

welcome to attend and enjoy<br />

<strong>the</strong> singing, <strong>the</strong> dancing and<br />

<strong>the</strong> noodles.<br />

This outreach is replicated<br />

in <strong>the</strong> wider community when<br />

an annual Filipino music and<br />

food festival is arranged for<br />

<strong>the</strong> people and <strong>the</strong> town <strong>of</strong><br />

Tunbridge Wells.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Filipino community in<br />

Tunbridge Wells has been an<br />

outstanding example <strong>of</strong> how<br />

an immigrant community can<br />

be fully integrated into <strong>the</strong><br />

community but also share its<br />

particular gifts and culture<br />

with <strong>the</strong> local community.<br />

This is an extract from<br />

Bishop Pat’s homily at St<br />

George’s Ca<strong>the</strong>dral on<br />

January 19 to celebrate<br />

World Day for Migrants and<br />

Refugees and <strong>the</strong> feast <strong>of</strong><br />

St Nino.<br />

Why are we fascinated by celebrities?<br />

Bishop Paul Hendricks<br />

Why are so many people are<br />

fascinated by celebrities? This is a<br />

question I’m asked from time to<br />

time – not because I’m an expert<br />

but because it’s a curious aspect <strong>of</strong><br />

our society and something people<br />

can’t help wondering about.<br />

A quick search on Google<br />

revealed a lot <strong>of</strong> interest in this<br />

topic, and a number <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ories.<br />

For people who aren’t happy with<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir lives, celebrities show <strong>the</strong>m<br />

a different way <strong>of</strong> life which <strong>the</strong>y<br />

like to see, even if <strong>the</strong>y can’t<br />

share it.<br />

Older people like me will<br />

remember <strong>the</strong> amount <strong>of</strong> interest<br />

<strong>the</strong>re was in <strong>the</strong> American TV<br />

series Dallas, even though no one<br />

in Britain and very few in America<br />

would have anything in common<br />

with <strong>the</strong> people in <strong>the</strong> story.<br />

But perhaps that’s <strong>the</strong> very<br />

reason for <strong>the</strong> interest – it’s<br />

larger than life. In <strong>the</strong> eighteenth<br />

century, when novels were first<br />

becoming popular, most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

characters were lords and ladies,<br />

because ordinary people were<br />

thought to be less interesting.<br />

Only later did writers realise that<br />

more down-to-earth characters<br />

could be just as interesting,<br />

perhaps more so.<br />

Ano<strong>the</strong>r view is that it’s about<br />

distraction. People don’t want to<br />

face <strong>the</strong> serious issues <strong>of</strong> life,<br />

such as war, poverty and crime –<br />

so <strong>the</strong>y focus on o<strong>the</strong>r people’s<br />

lives instead.<br />

I suppose that, in <strong>the</strong> days<br />

before <strong>newspaper</strong>s and<br />

television, people would gossip<br />

about o<strong>the</strong>r people in <strong>the</strong> same<br />

village or street. One advantage<br />

<strong>of</strong> this is that we don’t have to<br />

make difficult decisions about<br />

our own life. It’s safer to argue<br />

about what so-and-so should<br />

have done, when we’re not<br />

personally involved.<br />

When television came along, we<br />

could do <strong>the</strong> same with<br />

Coronation Street or East-Enders.<br />

It didn’t matter that <strong>the</strong> setting<br />

wasn’t glamorous, as it was in<br />

Dallas. <strong>The</strong> attraction comes from<br />

<strong>the</strong> complication and <strong>the</strong><br />

difficulty <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> lives <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

people in <strong>the</strong> story. <strong>The</strong> greater<br />

<strong>the</strong> difficulties, <strong>the</strong> greater <strong>the</strong><br />

satisfaction in knowing that it<br />

isn’t my problem!<br />

One person said that celebrity<br />

is an “opium <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> people” – an<br />

expression that Karl Marx used<br />

about religion, for similar<br />

reasons. <strong>The</strong> idea is that if people<br />

are distracted from <strong>the</strong> realities<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir own life, <strong>the</strong>re’s less<br />

danger that <strong>the</strong>y will be<br />

concerned with improving <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

situation and upsetting <strong>the</strong><br />

people in power.<br />

I seem to remember reading<br />

that <strong>the</strong> Roman Emperors did<br />

something similar. <strong>The</strong>y provided<br />

“bread and circuses”: hand-outs<br />

to stop people going hungry and<br />

entertainment to<br />

stop <strong>the</strong>m getting<br />

bored and<br />

discontented.<br />

I should point<br />

out that,<br />

although religion<br />

can be used (or<br />

ra<strong>the</strong>r misused)<br />

in this way, that<br />

doesn’t mean<br />

this is what<br />

religion is<br />

basically all<br />

about.<br />

Similarly,<br />

religion is<br />

<strong>of</strong>ten accused<br />

<strong>of</strong> being <strong>the</strong><br />

cause <strong>of</strong><br />

wars, and we<br />

<strong>of</strong>ten find it difficult to argue<br />

against this. I would say that<br />

people throughout history<br />

have misused religion as an<br />

excuse for wars, whose real<br />

causes are human greed, pride<br />

and ambition.<br />

I suppose that, on <strong>the</strong> whole,<br />

<strong>the</strong>se ideas about celebrity are<br />

somewhat negative – but perhaps<br />

<strong>the</strong> greatest danger is for <strong>the</strong><br />

celebrities <strong>the</strong>mselves. If <strong>the</strong>y<br />

start to believe in <strong>the</strong>ir own<br />

“myth”, <strong>the</strong>y can lose touch with<br />

reality and that can lead to<br />

all sorts <strong>of</strong> problems.<br />

Even for those lesser mortals<br />

like you and me, <strong>the</strong>re is nearly<br />

always a difference between <strong>the</strong><br />

‘self’ that I present to <strong>the</strong> world<br />

and <strong>the</strong> ‘real me’ that only God<br />

knows. Only <strong>the</strong> great saints,<br />

our genuine celebrities, come<br />

closest to that complete selfknowledge<br />

which brings peace<br />

with God, with those around us<br />

and with ourselves.<br />

Page 2


<strong>The</strong> <strong>Pilgrim</strong> <strong>February</strong> <strong>2014</strong><br />

News<br />

First Kent<br />

Catholic<br />

academies<br />

Two Catholic schools in Kent have become <strong>the</strong> first academies.<br />

From January, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary in Aylesham and St Simon<br />

Stock Secondary in Maidstone have taken on increased freedoms over<br />

matters such as curriculum, spending, staffing and school improvement.<br />

<strong>The</strong> move is part <strong>of</strong> a proposal for all thirty-two voluntary-aided Catholic<br />

schools in Kent to become academies as part <strong>of</strong> Kent Catholic Schools<br />

Partnership.<br />

Bridie Dodson, head teacher and principal <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> new St Joseph’s Catholic<br />

Primary School said, “I am very proud that St Joseph’s is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> first<br />

schools to take this step. Being an academy as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Kent Catholic<br />

Schools’ Partnership will mean we can make sure even more <strong>of</strong> our<br />

resources go directly to improving still fur<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> excellent learning and<br />

faith outcomes achieved by our pupils.”<br />

Brendan Wall, Headteacher and Principal <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> new St Simon Stock<br />

Catholic Secondary School said, “It’s <strong>the</strong> best <strong>of</strong> both worlds: as staff and<br />

governors we get to decide more <strong>of</strong> what works for students, and as part <strong>of</strong><br />

KCSP we get to support and learn from similar schools so that Catholic<br />

education in Kent is among <strong>the</strong> best education in <strong>the</strong> country.”<br />

Jesuits hand over Wimbledon parish<br />

<strong>The</strong> Jesuits have handed over <strong>the</strong> parish <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> Scared Heart in Wimbledon to <strong>the</strong><br />

diocese.<br />

Archbishop Peter presided at a Mass to<br />

mark <strong>the</strong> event. He also inducted <strong>the</strong> new<br />

parish priest, Monsignor Nicholas Hudson.<br />

Among <strong>the</strong> concelebrants were Bishop<br />

Howard, Bishop John Arnold, auxiliary in<br />

Westminster, Fa<strong>the</strong>r Dermot Preston SJ,<br />

and former parish priest Fa<strong>the</strong>r Keith<br />

McMillan SJ.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Jesuits first arrived in Wimbledon<br />

136 years ago when <strong>the</strong>y established a Mass<br />

centre in <strong>the</strong> house <strong>of</strong> Edith Arendrup.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Jesuit community will continue to<br />

reside in <strong>the</strong> parish.<br />

Seminarians meet<br />

<strong>Southwark</strong> seminarians joined Bishop Patrick, Fr Stephen Langridge<br />

and <strong>the</strong> vocations team, toge<strong>the</strong>r with clergy and parishioners <strong>of</strong><br />

St Peter <strong>the</strong> Apostle in Woolwich on for Mass and a post Christmas<br />

and New Year ga<strong>the</strong>ring.<br />

It provided an opportunity for <strong>the</strong> seminarians from Wonersh and<br />

<strong>The</strong> Venerable English College to socialise and to receive<br />

encouragement from Bishop Pat, who told <strong>the</strong>m how each <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m<br />

is valued for <strong>of</strong>fering himself for formation for <strong>the</strong> priesthood in<br />

<strong>the</strong> diocese.<br />

Sidcup students help at food bank<br />

Students at Christ <strong>the</strong> King: St Mary’s<br />

in Sidcup have helped out at Bexley<br />

food bank. <strong>The</strong> students, part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

chaplaincy charity group, spent <strong>the</strong><br />

day assisting volunteers by sorting,<br />

organising, stacking and storing huge<br />

quantities <strong>of</strong> food that had been<br />

donated.<br />

Lower sixth student Erin Watkins,<br />

said, “One <strong>of</strong> my roles was to sort<br />

through food that had been given<br />

from different primary schools and<br />

it was amazing to see <strong>the</strong> amount<br />

<strong>of</strong> food that had been donated.<br />

I found it particularly rewarding<br />

when we found out that we had<br />

sorted more food than <strong>the</strong> original<br />

aim at <strong>the</strong> start <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> day, and it<br />

felt good to know that I had<br />

helped out.”<br />

German children<br />

give blessing<br />

A group <strong>of</strong> German children blessed Archbishop’s<br />

House to mark <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> Christmastide.<br />

<strong>The</strong> children, known as Sternsinger, were<br />

dressed as <strong>the</strong> Magi. <strong>The</strong>y sang for Archbishop<br />

Peter and chalked symbols representing “May<br />

Christ bless this house” on <strong>the</strong> front door.<br />

Afterwards, <strong>the</strong> children requested an <strong>of</strong>fering<br />

towards <strong>the</strong> outreach to refugee children<br />

undertaken by <strong>the</strong> Pontifical children’s relief<br />

organisation in Germany.<br />

Radio station seeks talent<br />

Heaven’s Road FM internet radio station are<br />

seeking talented Catholics to join its team.<br />

<strong>The</strong> station, based at St John’s Seminary,<br />

near Guildford, is looking for volunteer<br />

interviewers, studio technicians, musicians,<br />

and o<strong>the</strong>rs with skills it might use.<br />

For more information, e-mail<br />

admin@heavensroadfm.com<br />

Archbishop Nichols named<br />

as a cardinal<br />

Archbishop Peter has<br />

welcomed <strong>the</strong> news that<br />

Archbishop Vincent Nichols<br />

<strong>of</strong> Westminster is to<br />

become a cardinal.<br />

“I was delighted to hear<br />

<strong>the</strong> news this morning that<br />

Archbishop Vincent Nichols, recently<br />

appointed by Pope Francis as a member <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> Congregation <strong>of</strong> Bishops, will be<br />

created a cardinal at <strong>the</strong> next consistory in<br />

Rome on <strong>the</strong> 22nd <strong>February</strong>,” said<br />

Archbishop Peter.<br />

“We assure him <strong>of</strong> our prayers and ask<br />

for God’s blessing as he generously takes on<br />

<strong>the</strong>se new responsibilities in assisting <strong>the</strong><br />

Holy Fa<strong>the</strong>r in <strong>the</strong> governance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

universal Church.”<br />

Cardinal-elect Nichols is eligible to vote in<br />

<strong>the</strong> next conclave, but Cardinal Cormac<br />

Murphy-O’Connor, <strong>the</strong> previous Archbishop<br />

<strong>of</strong> Westminster, will not, as he is over 80.<br />

ADVERTISING TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ACCEPTANCE<br />

Advertisements submitted must contain accurate, complete and true information, comply with requirements <strong>of</strong> all relevant legislation<br />

and <strong>the</strong> British Code <strong>of</strong> Advertising Practice and <strong>the</strong> Advertising Standards Authority. <strong>The</strong> publisher has <strong>the</strong> right, at its discretion,<br />

to refuse, omit, suspend, or change <strong>the</strong> position <strong>of</strong> advertisements, or require artwork or copy to be amended to comply with any<br />

moral or legal obligations.<br />

<strong>The</strong> publisher will not be liable for any loss incurred as a consequence <strong>of</strong> non publication or incorrect reproduction <strong>of</strong> an advertisement.<br />

Advertisements may be cancelled within two weeks <strong>of</strong> an order being received and a minimum <strong>of</strong> <strong>24</strong> hours before deadline for entry.<br />

Any cancellations outside this period will not affect <strong>the</strong> buyer’s liability for payment for <strong>the</strong> advertisement. Payment for advertisements<br />

must be received within 30 days.<br />

Loose inserts – If inserts are provided outside our standard specification we reserve <strong>the</strong> right to charge <strong>the</strong> customer.<br />

Booking Deadlines<br />

ROP Display advertising – 8 working days prior to publication.<br />

<strong>The</strong> placing <strong>of</strong> an order verbal or written for <strong>the</strong> insertion <strong>of</strong> an advertisement amounts to an acceptance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se conditions.<br />

A full copy <strong>of</strong> “Terms <strong>of</strong> business for Advertisers” is available on request.<br />

To advertise in this <strong>newspaper</strong><br />

contact Carol Malpass. Tel: 0161 214 1<strong>24</strong>4<br />

or email: carol.malpass@<strong>the</strong>catholicuniverse.com<br />

Page 3


News <strong>The</strong> <strong>Pilgrim</strong> <strong>February</strong> <strong>2014</strong><br />

Teacher wins Oxford award<br />

A teacher at <strong>The</strong> Holy Cross School in<br />

New Malden has won a prestigious award<br />

from Oxford University<br />

Deputy head teacher Andrea Lucas has<br />

been awarded <strong>the</strong> University <strong>of</strong> Oxford<br />

Inspirational Teachers Award. <strong>The</strong><br />

scheme was launched in 2010 in order to<br />

recognise <strong>the</strong> critical role that teachers<br />

play in encouraging talented students in<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir schools.<br />

A selection <strong>of</strong> current first-year Oxford<br />

undergraduates were chosen to nominate<br />

a teacher or careers advisor who fostered<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir passion for a particular subject,<br />

encouraged, supported or inspired <strong>the</strong>m<br />

to apply to Oxford.<br />

Oxford student Isabel Linehan, who<br />

attended <strong>The</strong> Holy Cross School,<br />

nominated Mrs Lucas for <strong>the</strong> award.<br />

“Mrs Lucas taught me religious studies<br />

Mizens receive MBE<br />

Jimmy and Margaret Mizen received<br />

<strong>the</strong> MBE on <strong>the</strong> New Year’s honours<br />

list.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Catholic couple run <strong>the</strong> Jimmy<br />

Mizen Foundation, set up after <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

sixteen-year-old son Jimmy was<br />

murdered in Lee in 2008. Its aim is to<br />

increase young people’s awareness <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> consequences <strong>of</strong> violent crime.<strong>The</strong><br />

CitySafe campaign, which encourages<br />

young people to provide places <strong>of</strong><br />

safety for o<strong>the</strong>rs who are fleeing<br />

violence, has been in operation across<br />

London and Liverpool.<br />

Mr Mizen, 62, said he was<br />

“absolutely overwhelmed” and<br />

humbled at <strong>the</strong> recognition. “It speaks<br />

just as much about everyone else in<br />

<strong>the</strong> family and hundreds <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs who<br />

support us as well,” he said.<br />

for five years and in that time she<br />

always supported me. She was <strong>the</strong> first<br />

teacher to tell me that I both could and<br />

should aim to get A* in all my subjects at<br />

GCSE and yet she never seemed to put<br />

pressure on me achieving.<br />

“She did not make me feel I had to<br />

excel; making a mistake or handing in a<br />

weaker essay was fine so long as I learnt<br />

from <strong>the</strong>se errors. Mrs Lucas has helped<br />

me enjoy learning and taught me to<br />

always pay attention to my previous<br />

errors, so that I made my weaknesses my<br />

strengths over time,” she said.<br />

Mrs Lucas said she was surprised by <strong>the</strong><br />

award. “I love my work and always aim<br />

to communicate my passion for learning,<br />

so it is very rewarding when students<br />

such as Isabel respond to <strong>the</strong> challenges<br />

set and reach <strong>the</strong>ir potential.”<br />

Students help<br />

terminally ill girl<br />

Students at St Columba’s Catholic Boys’<br />

School in Bexleyheath have raised over<br />

£2,000 for a terminally ill girl.<br />

<strong>The</strong> money will go towards building a<br />

l<strong>of</strong>t conversion for four-year-old Rosie<br />

Staunton <strong>of</strong> Crayford, who has a brain<br />

tumour.<br />

Knowing that Rosie loves pink, staff wore<br />

pink roses and used pink collecting buckets<br />

to raise funds in school in <strong>the</strong> run up <strong>the</strong><br />

Christmas break. <strong>The</strong> efforts culminated in<br />

a non-uniform day in December. Students<br />

paid £2 to wear <strong>the</strong>ir own clo<strong>the</strong>s and staff<br />

paid to wear a pink rose.<br />

Heythrop lectures<br />

explore Eastern<br />

Catholicism<br />

<strong>The</strong> Lent <strong>2014</strong> Lecture Series at <strong>the</strong> Centre<br />

for Eastern Christianity at Heythrop College<br />

in Kensington will focus on <strong>the</strong> Eastern<br />

Catholic tradition today.<br />

<strong>The</strong> lectures will explore Catholicism<br />

from perspectives ranging from Albania to<br />

Antioch and Greece to Ukraine. <strong>The</strong>y begin<br />

on January 22, when Dr Robin Gibbons<br />

explores <strong>the</strong> Greek Catholic tradition, and<br />

will start at 3.00 pm<br />

For more details, visit www.heythrop.ac.uk<br />

Camberwell students<br />

highlight global hunger<br />

Students at Sacred Heart School in Camberwell led a week long school fundraiser to raise<br />

awareness <strong>of</strong> food poverty in developing countries.<br />

As part <strong>of</strong> Cafod’s “Big Share” initiative, a group <strong>of</strong> Year 12 students devised a lunch<br />

menu for fellow pupils and staff alike, using recipes from Europe, South America, Asia, and<br />

<strong>the</strong> Caribbean.<br />

Each day had a different <strong>the</strong>me, and was accompanied with a newsletter that <strong>the</strong> students<br />

had produced to help explain <strong>the</strong> issues surrounding world hunger and food production.<br />

One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> students, Michael Asolo, said, “<strong>The</strong> Big Share gave us <strong>the</strong> chance to educate<br />

younger students in our school on <strong>the</strong> hardships people face on a daily basis in o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

countries.”<br />

“By <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> week, we wanted pupils to reflect on <strong>the</strong> poverty and lack <strong>of</strong> food in<br />

o<strong>the</strong>r parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world. In this way, <strong>the</strong>y were able to empathise with a situation <strong>the</strong>y<br />

would never have to face given that <strong>the</strong>y live in a privileged country like England.”<br />

Page 4


<strong>The</strong> <strong>Pilgrim</strong> <strong>February</strong> <strong>2014</strong><br />

Features<br />

How can <strong>the</strong> Old Testament be<br />

about Jesus Christ?<br />

In <strong>the</strong> fourth in his series <strong>of</strong> articles about<br />

<strong>the</strong> Old Testament, Fr David Gibbons,<br />

director <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> diocesan Centre for<br />

Catholic Formation, looks at what it says<br />

about Jesus.<br />

Besides historical parallel and symbolism<br />

or allusion, a third example <strong>of</strong> how <strong>the</strong> Old<br />

Testament is about Jesus are <strong>the</strong><br />

prophecies. Perhaps <strong>the</strong>se are <strong>the</strong> most<br />

obvious examples <strong>of</strong> what I am talking<br />

about.<br />

We must remind ourselves that prophets<br />

“forthtell” <strong>the</strong> Word <strong>of</strong> God, ra<strong>the</strong>r than<br />

foretell <strong>the</strong> future. Even so, <strong>the</strong> pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />

whe<strong>the</strong>r a prophet is genuine – in <strong>the</strong><br />

Jewish faith – is whe<strong>the</strong>r or not what he<br />

spoke came true.<br />

Our Christian interpretation is that <strong>the</strong><br />

prophets were all, without exception,<br />

making prophecies which were fulfilled in<br />

Jesus <strong>of</strong> Nazareth. <strong>The</strong> books <strong>of</strong> Isaiah,<br />

Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel and <strong>the</strong> twelve<br />

minor prophets all point to Jesus Christ.<br />

An obvious example is <strong>the</strong> prophecy in<br />

Isaiah 7: 14: “<strong>The</strong>refore <strong>the</strong> Lord himself<br />

will give you a sign. Behold, a young<br />

woman shall conceive and bear a son, and<br />

shall call his name Immanuel”. Much ink<br />

has been spilt over this verse, mainly over<br />

<strong>the</strong> question <strong>of</strong> whe<strong>the</strong>r it refers to a<br />

virgin or not, but to a Christian it clearly<br />

foresees <strong>the</strong> birth <strong>of</strong> Christ to Mary in<br />

Bethlehem.<br />

Ano<strong>the</strong>r good example is <strong>the</strong> story <strong>of</strong><br />

Jonah. Jonah, who preaches repentance<br />

and is dead for three days (“in <strong>the</strong> belly <strong>of</strong><br />

a whale”), is a prototype <strong>of</strong> Jesus, whose<br />

first preaching was about repentance, and<br />

who descended into Hell for three days. If<br />

<strong>the</strong> story <strong>of</strong> Jonah does not refer to Jesus,<br />

it is ra<strong>the</strong>r a spooky co-incidence, as Dame<br />

Edna Everage would say!<br />

I have previously mentioned <strong>the</strong><br />

suffering servant prophecies in Isaiah (see<br />

Isa 53). <strong>The</strong>se too find <strong>the</strong>ir full realisation<br />

only in Jesus Christ.<br />

<strong>The</strong> fourth and final category is <strong>the</strong> Law<br />

fulfillment. <strong>The</strong> first five books (<strong>the</strong><br />

Pentateuch) are known as <strong>the</strong> Torah, <strong>the</strong><br />

“Law”. Jesus Himself said that He came<br />

not to abolish but to complete <strong>the</strong> law.<br />

<strong>The</strong>se books <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Law help us to<br />

understand Jesus as our high priest, our<br />

Saviour, our judge, our lawgiver, and as <strong>the</strong><br />

one who can cleanse us <strong>of</strong> sin. Leviticus is<br />

not <strong>the</strong> easiest Old Testament book to<br />

make sense <strong>of</strong>, but if we read it all <strong>the</strong><br />

while remembering that Christ is our high<br />

priest, who makes <strong>the</strong> perfect sacrifice to<br />

atone for our sins, it begins to be more<br />

comprehensible.<br />

A final example <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Old Testament<br />

centering on Jesus Christ is <strong>the</strong> verse in<br />

Genesis 3:15, known as <strong>the</strong><br />

Protevangelium. Ra<strong>the</strong>r than quote it here,<br />

I encourage you to read it in your Bible,<br />

and meditate on Christ as <strong>the</strong> new Adam.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re is a song by Aaron Je<strong>of</strong>frey called<br />

“He Is”, which summarises how each book<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bible is about Jesus. It is too long<br />

for me to quote all <strong>of</strong> it (you can Google it<br />

to find <strong>the</strong> whole), but it begins<br />

In Genesis, He’s <strong>the</strong> breath <strong>of</strong> life;<br />

In Exodus, <strong>the</strong> Passover lamb;<br />

In Leviticus, He’s our High Priest;<br />

Numbers, fire by night;<br />

Deuteronomy, He’s Moses’ voice.<br />

Page 5


Behind <strong>the</strong> scenes <strong>The</strong> <strong>Pilgrim</strong> <strong>February</strong> <strong>2014</strong><br />

<strong>The</strong> centre that helps Cat<br />

<strong>The</strong> Centre for Catholic<br />

Formation at Tooting Bec is<br />

responsible for overseeing<br />

catechesis, adult formation,<br />

and evangelisation in <strong>the</strong><br />

diocese. Its director Fa<strong>the</strong>r<br />

David Gibbons explains how it<br />

came about and what it does.<br />

<strong>The</strong> year 1968 was momentous,<br />

both for <strong>the</strong> world and for <strong>the</strong><br />

Church. It was <strong>the</strong> year <strong>of</strong> violent<br />

anti-war demonstrations, <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

assassinations <strong>of</strong> Martin Lu<strong>the</strong>r<br />

King and Senator Robert Kennedy,<br />

and <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> election <strong>of</strong> Richard<br />

Nixon as US President. Harold<br />

Wilson was our Prime Minister. It<br />

was also <strong>the</strong> year when Pope Paul<br />

VI published <strong>the</strong> still controversial<br />

encyclical Humanae Vitae.<br />

In <strong>the</strong> middle <strong>of</strong> that year, <strong>the</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong>n Archbishop Cyril Cowderoy<br />

opened <strong>the</strong> new Diocesan<br />

Catechetical Centre at Tooting<br />

Bec. Later its name changed to<br />

<strong>the</strong> Centre for Christian Education<br />

and Formation, but this was soon<br />

shortened to <strong>the</strong> Christian<br />

Education Centre.<br />

More recently, partly to avoid<br />

confusion with schools and partly<br />

better to express its purpose, <strong>the</strong><br />

Centre was renamed <strong>the</strong> Centre<br />

for Catholic Formation (CCF).<br />

Such centres had been<br />

recommended as far back as<br />

1935, in <strong>the</strong> Instruction Provido<br />

Sane Consilio <strong>of</strong> Pope Pius XI, so it<br />

only took <strong>the</strong> <strong>Archdiocese</strong> thirty<br />

years or so to respond!<br />

<strong>The</strong> building in Tooting Bec,<br />

close by Tooting Bec Underground<br />

station, was originally a private<br />

house. It <strong>the</strong>n became a small<br />

school run by <strong>the</strong> La Retraite<br />

sisters, but <strong>the</strong>y didn’t use all <strong>of</strong> it<br />

and <strong>the</strong> provincial <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> order<br />

<strong>of</strong>fered part <strong>of</strong> it to <strong>the</strong> Archbishop<br />

for <strong>the</strong> new catechetical centre.<br />

In time <strong>the</strong> Centre took over <strong>the</strong><br />

whole building.<br />

Fr George Telford was <strong>the</strong> first<br />

Director, until 1976. In <strong>the</strong><br />

beginning <strong>the</strong> focus <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Centre<br />

was on schools and religious<br />

education, but this gradually<br />

shifted to helping and training<br />

catechists, especially for Catholic<br />

children at non-Catholic schools.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Centre no longer has<br />

responsibility for schools in <strong>the</strong><br />

diocese: that lies with <strong>the</strong><br />

diocesan Education Commission.<br />

Under <strong>the</strong> Directorship <strong>of</strong> Fr<br />

John Redford and his team in <strong>the</strong><br />

1980s, <strong>the</strong> Rite <strong>of</strong> Christian<br />

Initiation <strong>of</strong> Adults (RCIA) was<br />

successfully introduced into <strong>the</strong><br />

diocese, and this remains an<br />

important component <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Centre’s work. <strong>The</strong> CCF continues<br />

every year to organise <strong>the</strong> Rite <strong>of</strong><br />

Election and Call to Continuing<br />

Conversion in Lent and <strong>the</strong> Mass<br />

for New Catholics after Easter.<br />

Fr Tom McHugh was Director<br />

from 1986 to 1992, and this<br />

period saw two significant<br />

developments. Adult Christian<br />

formation was now seen as a<br />

priority in <strong>the</strong> diocese (especially<br />

after <strong>the</strong> post-synodal apostolic<br />

exhortation <strong>of</strong> Pope John Paul II<br />

Christifideles Laici <strong>of</strong> 1988).<br />

Also in 1988, <strong>the</strong> first Adviser<br />

for disability was appointed, to<br />

<strong>The</strong> day for catechists Mass last year at St George's Ca<strong>the</strong>dral.<br />

foster an awareness <strong>of</strong> disability<br />

issues and to support parishes in<br />

<strong>of</strong>fering appropriate catechesis.<br />

Later on, when Cristina Gangemi<br />

was <strong>the</strong> disability adviser, <strong>the</strong><br />

work <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Centre in this area<br />

became something <strong>of</strong> a national<br />

leader in <strong>the</strong> Church in England<br />

and Wales.<br />

<strong>The</strong> publication <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> General<br />

Directory for Catechesis in 1997<br />

and <strong>the</strong> Catechism <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Catholic Church also in 1997<br />

reinforced <strong>the</strong> work <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Centre, and gave it <strong>the</strong> necessary<br />

<strong>the</strong>ological and practical<br />

underpinning.<br />

In June 2008 <strong>the</strong> Centre marked<br />

its 40th anniversary, and adopted<br />

as a sort <strong>of</strong> motto, displayed<br />

prominently in <strong>the</strong> Centre, some<br />

words from Novo Millenio Ineunte,<br />

<strong>the</strong> 2000 apostolic letter <strong>of</strong> John<br />

Paul II: “remember <strong>the</strong> past with<br />

gratitude, live <strong>the</strong> present with<br />

enthusiasm, and look forward to<br />

<strong>the</strong> future with confidence”.<br />

<strong>The</strong> CCF is <strong>the</strong> diocesan agency<br />

for three things:<br />

• evangelization<br />

• catechesis<br />

• adult formation<br />

In part, <strong>the</strong> Centre strives to do<br />

<strong>the</strong>se things itself. It organises<br />

talks and events, such as <strong>the</strong><br />

recent Year <strong>of</strong> Faith course on<br />

“Women <strong>of</strong> Faith” and <strong>the</strong> annual<br />

diocesan day at <strong>The</strong> Friars,<br />

Aylesford for all abilities.<br />

It co-ordinates various courses<br />

for catechists, teachers, parish<br />

workers and all who wish to<br />

deepen <strong>the</strong>ir faith; <strong>the</strong>se courses<br />

include a foundation degree in<br />

pastoral <strong>the</strong>ology at St Mary’s<br />

University College, Twickenham,<br />

<strong>the</strong> Catholic Certificate in<br />

Religious Studies, and <strong>the</strong> new<br />

Diocesan Diploma in Catechesis.<br />

But <strong>the</strong> main part <strong>of</strong> its work is<br />

in assisting catechists and o<strong>the</strong>rs<br />

in our parishes and ethnic<br />

chaplaincies. We provide inservice<br />

training for catechists,<br />

especially in <strong>the</strong> highly popular<br />

yearly Day for Catechists at <strong>the</strong><br />

<strong>The</strong> diploma or<br />

certificate in catechesis<br />

This important new course, in collaboration with <strong>the</strong> Maryvale<br />

Institute in Birmingham, and approved by <strong>the</strong> Catechetical<br />

Office in Rome, began in January.<br />

<strong>The</strong> course gives a solid foundation in <strong>the</strong> key areas <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Catholic faith, and includes practical aspects <strong>of</strong> catechesis for<br />

those who wish to pass on <strong>the</strong> faith to o<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />

<strong>The</strong> certificate requires 3 – 5 hours study a week, and <strong>the</strong><br />

diploma requires 5 – 6 hours. <strong>The</strong>re are three study days a<br />

year, plus one retreat day, all on a Saturday at <strong>the</strong> Amigo Hall<br />

at St George’s Ca<strong>the</strong>dral. In addition, participants study at<br />

home using specially written distance-learning course books.<br />

It is a two-year course.<br />

<strong>The</strong> cost will be £585 in year one. It is recommended that for<br />

catechists and parish workers <strong>the</strong> parish pays half and <strong>the</strong><br />

individual pays half.<br />

Page 6


<strong>The</strong> <strong>Pilgrim</strong> <strong>February</strong> <strong>2014</strong><br />

Behind <strong>the</strong> scenes<br />

holics deepen <strong>the</strong>ir faith<br />

What does an adult formation adviser do?<br />

Molly Styant is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> adult formation advisers. Her main role is <strong>the</strong> formation <strong>of</strong> catechists.<br />

She has led formation sessions for catechists and those who work with Liturgy <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Word for<br />

Children, pastoral councils on ministry and collaboration, RCIA Groups, and sacramental<br />

preparation catechists. She has also led retreat days, days <strong>of</strong> reflection and taught on <strong>the</strong> Catholic<br />

Certificate in Religious Studies.<br />

In 2009, <strong>the</strong>n Archbishop Kevin MacDonald asked <strong>the</strong> Catholic Education Centre (CEC) to update<br />

<strong>the</strong> small A5 booklets on Sacraments. It was decided that one large book on <strong>the</strong> preparation for<br />

Sacraments would be a good resource for <strong>the</strong> Diocesan clergy and catechists.<br />

In dialogue with catechists from parishes and colleagues in <strong>the</strong> diocesan agencies, a new booklet<br />

was prepared called Becoming More Like Christ.<br />

Molly and <strong>the</strong> CEC Team worked on this overview <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sacraments <strong>of</strong> initiation and<br />

Reconciliation, working with <strong>the</strong> format <strong>of</strong> reflecting on <strong>the</strong> gift <strong>of</strong> each sacrament, <strong>the</strong> principles<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ology and Church teaching, <strong>the</strong> preparation, celebration with suggestions for our continuing<br />

sacramental life.<br />

Molly has helped plan <strong>the</strong> Rite <strong>of</strong> Election and <strong>the</strong> Mass for new Catholics. During <strong>the</strong> Year <strong>of</strong><br />

Faith in 2013 she presented sessions on <strong>the</strong> impact <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Second Vatican Council.<br />

Ca<strong>the</strong>dral each June.<br />

We <strong>of</strong>ten respond to invitations<br />

from parishes or deaneries to<br />

provide training, to facilitate<br />

“away days” and days <strong>of</strong><br />

recollection, and to deliver<br />

study days.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re is a bookshop, open on<br />

weekday afternoons for you to<br />

come and browse and from<br />

which books etc can be ordered.<br />

In short, <strong>the</strong> CCF is a key<br />

resource for <strong>the</strong> whole diocese in<br />

<strong>the</strong> three areas <strong>of</strong> evangelization,<br />

catechesis, and on-going<br />

formation.<br />

Without overstating <strong>the</strong> case,<br />

it is <strong>of</strong>ten remarked that in our<br />

modern, post-Christian society,<br />

not only are many people<br />

completely ignorant <strong>of</strong> our<br />

Christian heritage but also<br />

many Catholics do not know <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

faith well.<br />

Evangelization – spreading <strong>the</strong><br />

faith – followed by good<br />

catechesis and faith formation<br />

are thus more important than<br />

ever. In addition, education is<br />

changing: increasingly courses<br />

will be available on-line ra<strong>the</strong>r<br />

than as printed books, and <strong>the</strong><br />

CCF is at <strong>the</strong> forefront in <strong>the</strong><br />

diocese in using <strong>the</strong> new forms <strong>of</strong><br />

IT. We can come to your parish to<br />

help you in this if you want.<br />

Do visit <strong>the</strong> CCF’s website<br />

(www.ccftootingbec.org.uk),<br />

where you will find information<br />

about what <strong>the</strong> Centre <strong>of</strong>fers. On<br />

<strong>the</strong> downloads page you can<br />

download <strong>the</strong> <strong>Archdiocese</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>Southwark</strong> Sacramental<br />

Guidelines Becoming More Like<br />

Christ, essential reading for all<br />

parish catechists.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Centre is approaching its<br />

50th birthday. Much has changed<br />

since 1968, and much has stayed<br />

<strong>the</strong> same. Like <strong>the</strong> wider Church<br />

it serves, this is a “living<br />

tradition”, in which we seek to<br />

pass on <strong>the</strong> timeless Catholic<br />

faith in new contexts and using<br />

new media.<br />

Januarycover<br />

DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION (NEW)<br />

<strong>The</strong> digital edition <strong>of</strong> Catholic Life has an<br />

exclusive early release and a<br />

special online price, so why<br />

not subscribe today?<br />

www.exacteditions.com<br />

/read/catholiclife<br />

3 months (recurring) £5.99.<br />

One year subscription £19.99<br />

or search for Catholic Life<br />

on iTunes, single issue £1.99.<br />

Subscription <strong>of</strong>fer<br />

12 issues for<br />

<strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> 9<br />

£31.50 RRP £42.00<br />

(A saving <strong>of</strong> £10.50)<br />

Available from <strong>the</strong> first Sunday <strong>of</strong> each month,<br />

<strong>the</strong> magazine is designed to be read by<br />

Catholics <strong>of</strong> all ages who want to immerse<br />

<strong>the</strong>mselves into <strong>the</strong> history and present culture<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir religion. A4 - 64 pages.<br />

To subscribe or order single issues<br />

1. Tel: 0161 214 1215<br />

2. Complete <strong>the</strong> form and<br />

return to our address<br />

You can also order back issues at<br />

discounted prices.<br />

Follow Catholic Life at -<br />

twitter.com/Catholic_LifeUK<br />

Available to read: • Online • iPad<br />

• iPhone • Android.<br />

<strong>The</strong> January <strong>2014</strong> issue features<br />

• Some aspects <strong>of</strong> Catholicism in France 1789-1871: Part 1 -<br />

<strong>The</strong> impact <strong>of</strong> <strong>The</strong> French Revolution on <strong>the</strong> Catholic Church<br />

• André Bessette - <strong>the</strong> life and times <strong>of</strong> Canada’s<br />

first male native-born saint<br />

• <strong>The</strong> Leeds Martyrs <strong>of</strong> Charity (1847)<br />

• <strong>The</strong> Flight into Egypt. J.B. Burke studies this<br />

biblical event through <strong>the</strong> medium <strong>of</strong> art<br />

• Maryknoll Sister helps build peace in Iraq<br />

• Adrian Chiles explains his conversion to Catholicism<br />

• Tony Galcius visits <strong>the</strong> grounds <strong>of</strong> England’s oldest<br />

Augustinian priory<br />

• Archbishop Denis Hurley OMI - Hammer <strong>of</strong> apar<strong>the</strong>id<br />

ON SALE NOW in your local parish church or order your<br />

copy today by filling in <strong>the</strong> form below.<br />

■ Catholic Life January <strong>2014</strong>. £3.50 POSTAGE FREE No. <strong>of</strong> copies<br />

Subscripton <strong>of</strong>fer. UK Full Year ■ £31.50 UK Half Year ■ £15.75<br />

Please state which month to start subscription<br />

Total Order Value £<br />

■ I enclose a cheque for £ (Sterling)<br />

payable to Universe Media Group Limited<br />

■ Please charge my VISA/Mastercard/Maestro/Switch/Delta - Card Number:<br />

■■■■ ■■■■ ■■■■ ■■■■<br />

Expiry ■■ ■■ Valid from ■■ ■■<br />

■■■<br />

<strong>Issue</strong> no. ■■<br />

SINGLE<br />

ISSUE PRICE<br />

£3.50<br />

POSTAGE<br />

FREE<br />

Last 3 digits on<br />

back <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> card<br />

Signature: ..............................................................................................................<br />

Name: ....................................................................................................................<br />

Address: ................................................................................................................<br />

...............................................................................................................................<br />

Tel No (incase <strong>of</strong> inquiry):............................................................................................<br />

Email:.....................................................................................................................<br />

Universe Media Group Ltd. Catholic Life Magazine, Alberton House,<br />

St Mary’s Parsonage, Manchester M3 2WJ. Tel: 0161 214 1215<br />

From time to time we may wish to inform you exclusively <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r exciting promotional opportunities.<br />

Please indicate if you do wish to be contacted Yes ■ No ■<br />

Page 7


Features <strong>The</strong> <strong>Pilgrim</strong> <strong>February</strong> <strong>2014</strong><br />

What education really means<br />

Dr Anne Bamford<br />

Sunday <strong>February</strong> 16 is Education Sunday -<br />

a national day <strong>of</strong> prayer and celebration<br />

for everyone involved in <strong>the</strong> world <strong>of</strong><br />

education. For more than 100 years <strong>the</strong>re<br />

has been an annual recognition <strong>of</strong><br />

Education Sunday in England and Wales.<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>the</strong>me for this year is “Going above<br />

and beyond”.<br />

As I visit <strong>the</strong> more than 174 schools in<br />

<strong>the</strong> Diocese (where over 71,000 young<br />

people are educated) I see many examples<br />

<strong>of</strong> pupils, teachers, leaders, governors,<br />

parents and clergy “going above and<br />

beyond” what is expected <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m.<br />

Certainly this occurs in terms <strong>of</strong> national<br />

measures <strong>of</strong> success. For example,<br />

according to Catholic Education Service<br />

(CES) statistics for 2012/13 at age 11,<br />

Catholic pupils outperform <strong>the</strong> national<br />

average for English and Maths SATS scores<br />

by 5% and at GCSE level, Catholic schools<br />

outperform <strong>the</strong> national average by 5%.<br />

About 83% <strong>of</strong> Catholic schools in <strong>the</strong><br />

Diocese are graded outstanding or good in<br />

Ofsted inspections compared to 71% <strong>of</strong><br />

schools generally (HMCI Annual Report<br />

2012/13). In terms <strong>of</strong> Religious Education,<br />

collective worship and <strong>the</strong> Catholic life <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> school, 92% <strong>of</strong> Catholic Schools in <strong>the</strong><br />

diocese are graded outstanding or good in<br />

Section 48 inspections.<br />

Diocesan schools are clearly “going<br />

above and beyond”, but perhaps <strong>the</strong><br />

focus on Education Sunday needs to be<br />

less about <strong>the</strong>se external measures <strong>of</strong><br />

success and more about celebrating <strong>the</strong><br />

way in which a good education allows<br />

humans to become something beyond<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir potential and above <strong>the</strong>ir own and<br />

o<strong>the</strong>rs’ expectations.<br />

Despite technological changes, education<br />

continues to function in much <strong>the</strong> same<br />

way as it has always done. Education is not<br />

only attending an academic institution or<br />

knowing how to read or write. Education<br />

makes you who you are and education<br />

brings both freedom and responsibility.<br />

It is not surprising <strong>the</strong>n that teaching<br />

was at <strong>the</strong> heart <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> life <strong>of</strong> Jesus Christ<br />

and in <strong>the</strong> work <strong>of</strong> His early followers. It is<br />

worth thinking about <strong>the</strong> style <strong>of</strong> education<br />

<strong>of</strong> Jesus. As a teacher he relies almost<br />

solely on talking and story-telling.<br />

Importantly, He draws on circumstances<br />

and examples at hand and from everyday<br />

life to make his teaching relevant. Jesus<br />

uses questioning to encourage people<br />

towards understanding moral directives.<br />

He <strong>of</strong>ten issues an invitation that<br />

demands a response from His listeners.<br />

By using parables and metaphors, He works<br />

through <strong>the</strong> imagination <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> hearers<br />

in order to arouse an active exploration<br />

<strong>of</strong> conscience.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Church has both <strong>the</strong> right <strong>of</strong> -<br />

and <strong>the</strong> duty for - education. This is<br />

achieved through recognising that parents<br />

are <strong>the</strong> first educators <strong>of</strong> a child and that<br />

education should lead to <strong>the</strong> formation <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> whole person.<br />

It is widely recognised in literacy<br />

research that parents who read with <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

children from <strong>the</strong> earliest age are likely to<br />

produce children with a love <strong>of</strong> reading.<br />

Similarly, parents who value <strong>the</strong><br />

importance <strong>of</strong> education and learning<br />

in <strong>the</strong>ir own lives are most likely to be<br />

able to support <strong>the</strong> education <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong>ir children.<br />

You may be one <strong>of</strong> those people who<br />

struggled with formal school processes,<br />

but through education you developed your<br />

personality and individuality. For o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

people, education provides life chances or<br />

opens up opportunities.<br />

Education gives us a myriad <strong>of</strong> chances<br />

to choose <strong>the</strong> right path – not just in our<br />

pr<strong>of</strong>essional lives but also in our social and<br />

personal lives. Education builds self<br />

confidence in us which helps us to face <strong>the</strong><br />

real world and take actions wisely.<br />

So perhaps pause for a moment on<br />

Education Sunday and think about what<br />

education has given you in your life and<br />

continues to give you through a love<br />

<strong>of</strong> learning.<br />

We can all do great things<br />

Nana Anto-Awuakye<br />

When <strong>the</strong> news <strong>of</strong> Nelson Mandela’s passing was announced, I was at<br />

our <strong>of</strong>fice Christmas party. We all stopped, and those <strong>of</strong> us with<br />

iphones and Blackberrys quickly logged on to news websites to<br />

confirm what we had heard was true.<br />

Nelson Mandela was one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most iconic and transformational<br />

figures <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> latter half <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 20th century. Ordinary people make<br />

history in <strong>the</strong>ir daily actions and collective struggles, but some<br />

leaders come to shape and symbolize <strong>the</strong> movements ordinary<br />

people carry out.<br />

Mandela was one <strong>of</strong> those leaders, as <strong>the</strong> face <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> anti-apar<strong>the</strong>id<br />

struggle and as South Africa’s first black president, taking <strong>the</strong><br />

country on a journey <strong>of</strong> reconciliation during <strong>the</strong> transformation<br />

from apar<strong>the</strong>id to a new South Africa.<br />

<strong>The</strong> next day, I went down to South Africa House opposite Trafalgar<br />

Square with a dear friend <strong>of</strong> mine, who spent time in South Africa in 1994, not long after its<br />

historic elections. We queued for about two and a half hours to sign <strong>the</strong> condolence book<br />

and while we waited, people joined <strong>the</strong> queue with flowers and candles. O<strong>the</strong>rs sang songs<br />

and gave speeches, and <strong>the</strong> world’s TV cameras captured every moment.<br />

Our patience paid <strong>of</strong>f and we finally reached <strong>the</strong> entrance and <strong>the</strong> room with tables set<br />

out with condolence books on <strong>the</strong>m. A beautiful formal portrait <strong>of</strong> Nelson Mandela looked<br />

down from <strong>the</strong> wall.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re wasn’t much space, but I’m sure <strong>the</strong>re would have been a familiar <strong>the</strong>me running<br />

through <strong>the</strong> hundreds if not thousands <strong>of</strong> entries. Familiar words <strong>of</strong>: “forgiveness”,<br />

“humility”, “strength”, “greatness” “thank you”, I’m sure peppered people’s tributes.<br />

My nine-year-old son asked me, after I explained to him how important Nelson Mandela<br />

was, “Does this mean that <strong>the</strong>re is no one left in <strong>the</strong> world that can do great things?”<br />

I told him that one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> wonderful things about Nelson Mandela is that he told people<br />

that we are all great and we are all able to do good things.<br />

My son promptly rattled <strong>of</strong>f his list <strong>of</strong> good things that he plans to do: I’ll do my homework<br />

properly and in my best handwriting, I’ll make sure I put my clo<strong>the</strong>s in <strong>the</strong> wash-basket,<br />

and I’ll eat my vegetables.<br />

“Will that make me great like Nelson Mandela?” he asked.<br />

“You are on <strong>the</strong> right path to greatness in Mummy’s eyes, if you manage to keep those<br />

resolutions for <strong>the</strong> next 356 days,” I said.<br />

Nelson Mandela actually said: “Overcoming poverty is not a task <strong>of</strong> charity, it is an act <strong>of</strong><br />

justice. Like slavery and apar<strong>the</strong>id, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be<br />

overcome and eradicated by <strong>the</strong> actions <strong>of</strong> human beings. Sometimes it falls on a generation<br />

to be great. You can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.”<br />

<strong>The</strong>se wonderful and inspiring words by Nelson Mandela challenge me to do more and be more.<br />

Page 8


<strong>The</strong> <strong>Pilgrim</strong> <strong>February</strong> <strong>2014</strong><br />

Features<br />

What we should really<br />

celebrate on Valentine day<br />

Fr Ashley Beck, assistant priest at St Edmund <strong>of</strong><br />

Canterbury, Beckenham, and lecturer in<br />

pastoral ministry at St Mary’s University<br />

College, Twickenham, begins a new series<br />

looking at major Catholic saints and thinkers.<br />

Hunger for God<br />

in Ireland<br />

John Pridmore<br />

People <strong>of</strong>ten ask me when I travel abroad<br />

what <strong>the</strong> faith is like in Ireland. <strong>The</strong> only<br />

way I can answer that is by saying that<br />

when we do <strong>the</strong>se missions <strong>the</strong> response <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> Irish people is phenomenal, with<br />

packed churches almost everywhere we go.<br />

<strong>The</strong> great thing about a mission is that it<br />

is an opportunity to invite people who<br />

don’t normally come to church, and I can<br />

see that God is working powerfully in<br />

Ireland and bringing his healing and mercy<br />

in a beautiful way.<br />

About 12 years ago, just after I had first<br />

moved here, I went to visit <strong>the</strong> Regina Coeli<br />

hostel for <strong>the</strong> homeless in Dublin, which<br />

was set up by Frank Duff <strong>the</strong> founder <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Legion <strong>of</strong> Mary, who was an amazing man<br />

<strong>of</strong> God.<br />

As I was being shown around <strong>the</strong> shelter I<br />

saw a picture on <strong>the</strong> wall <strong>of</strong> Jesus and he<br />

was surrounded by <strong>the</strong> poor, <strong>the</strong> sick and<br />

<strong>the</strong> lame and all manner <strong>of</strong> men, women<br />

and children who were searching for<br />

comfort and hope.<br />

As I looked at this picture, I knew that<br />

God was calling me to Ireland. I began<br />

travelling around <strong>the</strong> country, speaking in<br />

schools, parishes, and prisons. And that was<br />

<strong>the</strong> birth <strong>of</strong> St Patrick’s Community, just<br />

outside Carrick-on-Shannon, where I’m<br />

now based.<br />

A few months after this, I travelled to<br />

England to run a youth retreat in<br />

Glastonbury. An old friend <strong>of</strong> mine called<br />

Niall happened to be <strong>the</strong>re. As we were<br />

chatting, he asked me why I was in Ireland,<br />

when <strong>the</strong>re was enough work to do in<br />

England. I told him that I felt God wanted<br />

me <strong>the</strong>re.<br />

After this Niall went into <strong>the</strong> church and<br />

a man came and sat down next to him<br />

and put his hand on his shoulder and said,<br />

“It must come from Ireland!”<br />

“What must come from Ireland?”<br />

said Niall.<br />

<strong>The</strong> man replied, “<strong>The</strong> re-evangelisation<br />

<strong>of</strong> Europe, it must come from Ireland!”<br />

Niall was blown away by this, and a few<br />

months later he came to Ireland himself<br />

and has been a part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> community for<br />

<strong>the</strong> last 11 years.<br />

A couple <strong>of</strong> years later we were conducting<br />

a healing service at a church in Donegal<br />

and <strong>the</strong> people were crowding round Jesus<br />

in <strong>the</strong> Blessed Sacrament. You could see <strong>the</strong><br />

burdens <strong>the</strong>y were carrying but also <strong>the</strong><br />

incredible faith <strong>the</strong>y had in <strong>the</strong> Lord.<br />

As I watched I was reminded <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

picture I seen at <strong>the</strong> Regina Coeli hostel<br />

and I really felt that God was showing me<br />

this is why he brought me here. From that<br />

point onwards invitations to run missions in<br />

parishes began to flood in.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Church in Ireland has been through a<br />

turbulent time, as a result <strong>of</strong> all <strong>the</strong> cases<br />

<strong>of</strong> clerical abuse that have come to light.<br />

<strong>The</strong> victims rightly feel deeply wounded<br />

and betrayed by what <strong>the</strong>y experienced.<br />

Yet despite this, <strong>the</strong> hunger <strong>of</strong> people in<br />

Ireland for God is as strong as ever. This<br />

reminds us that even <strong>the</strong> worst kind <strong>of</strong><br />

situations, whe<strong>the</strong>r it is in <strong>the</strong> Church, or in<br />

our own lives, cannot prevent <strong>the</strong> Holy<br />

Spirit from working.<br />

On <strong>the</strong> 14th day <strong>of</strong> this month, when many people<br />

exchange Valentine cards, in our churches in<br />

Europe we celebrate <strong>the</strong> feast day <strong>of</strong> two <strong>of</strong><br />

Europe’s patron saints, Cyril and Methodius.<br />

Many Catholics, including some clergy, might be<br />

hard pressed to explain why we have a<br />

celebration in honour <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se two great<br />

figures ra<strong>the</strong>r than <strong>the</strong> legendary Roman<br />

solider Valentine.<br />

<strong>The</strong> reason is that Blessed John Paul II in 1980<br />

made <strong>the</strong>m patron saints <strong>of</strong> Europe, joining<br />

St Benedict, so named by Pope Paul VI in 1964.<br />

He did so to stress, at a time when most <strong>of</strong> Eastern<br />

Europe was under Communist rule, that Europe<br />

was not simply western Europe or <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>n EEC.<br />

He described eastern and western Europe as<br />

being <strong>the</strong> continent’s two lungs. Ano<strong>the</strong>r reason was his commitment to restoring<br />

unity between <strong>the</strong> Catholic Church and <strong>the</strong> Eastern Orthodox churches.<br />

Cyril and Methodius were bro<strong>the</strong>rs who lived in <strong>the</strong> 9th century. <strong>The</strong>y were from<br />

<strong>The</strong>ssalonica in nor<strong>the</strong>rn Greece. Although <strong>the</strong>y came from a Byzantine senatorial<br />

family <strong>the</strong>y became monks and worked in and near Constantinople with peoples<br />

who had recently converted to Christianity and who needed Christian teachers.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re and in what is now <strong>the</strong> Czech republic, hundreds <strong>of</strong> miles to <strong>the</strong> north,<br />

<strong>the</strong>y had to teach people in <strong>the</strong> Slavonic language, and to aid this process Cyril<br />

invented a new alphabet, a mix <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Latin and Greek alphabets, still known as <strong>the</strong><br />

“Cyrillic” alphabet and used in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Bulgaria and Serbia.<br />

Some <strong>of</strong> this missionary work aroused opposition but <strong>the</strong> bro<strong>the</strong>rs enjoyed <strong>the</strong><br />

support <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> pope. Cyril died in <strong>the</strong> year 869; Methodius became a bishop and<br />

died in 885. Both are buried in Rome, in <strong>the</strong> beautiful <strong>of</strong> San Clemente.<br />

One reason why <strong>the</strong> saints became important was because <strong>the</strong>y helped build up<br />

a distinctive and popular linguistic culture, not dominated by <strong>the</strong> languages <strong>of</strong><br />

Greek or Latin: <strong>the</strong>y helped bring <strong>the</strong> eastern European peoples into <strong>the</strong> community<br />

<strong>of</strong> Europe.<br />

Very little has been published in English about <strong>the</strong> lives <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se exceptional<br />

bro<strong>the</strong>rs: our Catholic schools could do something to help children and young<br />

people learn more about what <strong>the</strong>y did. <strong>The</strong>y help us understand something which<br />

<strong>the</strong> Church constantly stresses: <strong>the</strong> essential place <strong>of</strong> Christian faith in <strong>the</strong> history<br />

and life <strong>of</strong> Europe.<br />

When Blessed John Paul made <strong>the</strong>m patron saints <strong>of</strong> Europe, he was pointing out<br />

to <strong>the</strong> Communist leaders in <strong>the</strong>ir lands, in <strong>the</strong> twilight <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir hegemony, that <strong>the</strong><br />

very words <strong>the</strong> letters <strong>the</strong>y used every day were rooted in <strong>the</strong> preaching <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

gospel eleven hundred years earlier. Although <strong>the</strong> iron curtain has gone, that<br />

message about <strong>the</strong> centrality <strong>of</strong> Christ in Europe is as important now for all <strong>of</strong><br />

us now.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re are at least two o<strong>the</strong>r things we learn from this feast day and from <strong>the</strong><br />

importance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se saints. <strong>The</strong> first is <strong>the</strong> Catholic commitment to <strong>the</strong> unity <strong>of</strong><br />

Europe. <strong>The</strong> Catholic Church, shown in <strong>the</strong> teachings <strong>of</strong> Blessed John Paul and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

popes, and in that <strong>of</strong> bishops in Europe, is committed to European unity and<br />

integration, recognising <strong>the</strong> part that common European institutions have played<br />

in building peace and reconciliation after decades and centuries <strong>of</strong> conflict.<br />

<strong>The</strong>se institutions were inspired by <strong>the</strong> social teaching <strong>of</strong> our Church: you cannot be<br />

a Catholic and a euro sceptic.<br />

<strong>The</strong> second thing springs from <strong>the</strong> parts <strong>of</strong> Europe where Cyril and Methodius<br />

worked. <strong>The</strong>re has been a lot <strong>of</strong> scare-mongering and panic in <strong>the</strong> last few months<br />

stirred up by politicians and <strong>the</strong> press about people from two <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> many countries<br />

evangelized by <strong>the</strong>se saints, Bulgaria (where <strong>the</strong>y are particularly venerated)<br />

and Romania.<br />

If we take seriously <strong>the</strong>ir role as our patron saints we will welcome migrants and<br />

<strong>the</strong> free movement <strong>of</strong> peoples in Europe and challenge <strong>the</strong> merchants <strong>of</strong> fear and<br />

bigotry. We already know in <strong>the</strong> Catholic Church in this diocese how much <strong>the</strong> life<br />

<strong>of</strong> our parishes has been enriched in <strong>the</strong> ten years since <strong>the</strong> EU expanded. <strong>The</strong> ways<br />

in which our communities are changing is something for which we should be<br />

thankful, and we should share this with o<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />

Archives<br />

from <strong>the</strong><br />

OF THE UNIVERSE CATHOLIC WEEKLY<br />

Vol<br />

10<br />

£3.50<br />

€4.25<br />

Volume 10 – over 100 archive photographs<br />

From <strong>the</strong> Archives<br />

PRICE: £5.00 (INC. P&P)<br />

56 PAGES – ORDER NOW!<br />

TELEPHONE 0161 214 1213<br />

Page 9


Features <strong>The</strong> <strong>Pilgrim</strong> <strong>February</strong> <strong>2014</strong><br />

Helping children<br />

in hospital to pray<br />

Fr Peter Scott, <strong>the</strong> advisor for healthcare<br />

chaplains in <strong>the</strong> diocese <strong>of</strong> Westminster,<br />

explains why he has written a prayer book for<br />

children in hospital.<br />

For some reason, Christian writers have failed to<br />

write a good helpful prayer book for children in<br />

hospital. <strong>The</strong>re are plenty prayer books for adults<br />

who find <strong>the</strong>mselves as patients, but nothing<br />

for children.<br />

My Hospital Prayer and Activities Book is<br />

designed to help children pray in hospital,<br />

but also to help <strong>the</strong>ir parents pray with <strong>the</strong>m.<br />

Sometimes, due to understandable worry, it is<br />

hard for parents to find <strong>the</strong> words to pray.<br />

This book provides <strong>the</strong>m with rituals and words to<br />

help both parents and children.<br />

<strong>The</strong> prayer book is composed <strong>of</strong> activities and<br />

prayers. <strong>The</strong> activities are written by me and<br />

based on material I used with children when I was<br />

a chaplain. Children have vivid imaginations and<br />

a good sense <strong>of</strong> play, so hopefully <strong>the</strong> activities<br />

will keep <strong>the</strong>m entertained and informed.<br />

<strong>The</strong> prayers are a mixture <strong>of</strong> traditional<br />

prayers, those written by me, and o<strong>the</strong>rs from<br />

separate sources. Chaplains are very good at<br />

compiling handbooks <strong>of</strong> prayers, which <strong>the</strong>y find<br />

useful for <strong>the</strong> myriad <strong>of</strong> situations <strong>the</strong>y face.<br />

This prayer book is based on <strong>the</strong> “children’s<br />

section” <strong>of</strong> my own chaplain’s handbook. So it is<br />

based on what has worked well.<br />

It’s aimed at children <strong>of</strong> primary school age,<br />

and has been produced in such a way that it breaks<br />

down activities and prayers into those that are<br />

easy, and o<strong>the</strong>rs which are a bit more challenging.<br />

<strong>The</strong> prayer book is not a school activity, or a<br />

test, but a fun and spiritual way <strong>of</strong> engaging with<br />

prayer while a patient in a hospital. Each section<br />

is beautifully illustrated to aid and guide <strong>the</strong><br />

children’s prayers.<br />

It has also been written to instruct and guide<br />

children through receiving Holy Communion or<br />

being anointed while in hospital. Each <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se<br />

sections includes an explanation, <strong>the</strong> ritual and an<br />

activity. <strong>The</strong>se sections are not only ideal for <strong>the</strong><br />

child, but also help <strong>the</strong> parent and hospital<br />

chaplain explain <strong>the</strong>se important sacraments to<br />

children.<br />

I think <strong>the</strong> prayer book tells children, that as<br />

<strong>the</strong>y receive visits from family and friends,<br />

<strong>the</strong>y are also visited by Jesus, who is present in<br />

<strong>the</strong> sacraments, scripture and reflection.<br />

Jesus does not want to be left out. Jesus wants<br />

to visit <strong>the</strong>m too. It will also help children to<br />

understand that prayer is not limited to home,<br />

church or school, but can be done, as children,<br />

when <strong>the</strong>y feel vulnerable in hospital. That <strong>the</strong><br />

sacraments, scripture and reflection enable <strong>the</strong>m<br />

to feel that Jesus is close, and that <strong>the</strong>y can face<br />

or cope with <strong>the</strong>ir stay in hospital.<br />

My experience is that children are much like<br />

adults, when in hospital. <strong>The</strong>y worry and get<br />

scared, and need reassurance and comfort.<br />

Unlike adults, <strong>the</strong>y are graced with a wonderful<br />

sense <strong>of</strong> trust and <strong>of</strong> being able to play.<br />

<strong>The</strong> ultimate aim <strong>of</strong> My Hospital Prayer and<br />

Activities Book is to reassure both children and<br />

adults, that Jesus is with <strong>the</strong>m. Unlike some<br />

adults, children are able to engage and<br />

understand <strong>the</strong> closeness <strong>of</strong> Jesus. <strong>The</strong>y can also<br />

free <strong>the</strong>ir minds <strong>of</strong> worry and anxiety by playing,<br />

hence <strong>the</strong> activities in <strong>the</strong> prayer book<br />

My Hospital Prayer and Activities Book is<br />

published by Redemptorist Publications,<br />

priced £4.95.<br />

Hollywood returns to <strong>the</strong> Bible<br />

Biblical blockbusters were once a feature <strong>of</strong> Hollywood. Now, <strong>the</strong>y<br />

are about to make a comeback.<br />

Several biblical movies will be releases this year, including Mary<br />

Mo<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong> Christ, Noah and Exodus. Sixteen-year-old Israeli actress<br />

Odeya Rush takes on <strong>the</strong> role <strong>of</strong> Mary, while in Noah, Russell Crowe<br />

plays <strong>the</strong> lead role, supported by Emily Watson and Sir Anthony<br />

Hopkins. Exodus gets <strong>the</strong> Sir Ridley Scott treatment and stars<br />

Christian Bale as Moses.<br />

<strong>The</strong> last major biblical movie was Mel Gibson’s <strong>The</strong> Passion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Christ, released nearly 10 years ago. It did well at <strong>the</strong> box <strong>of</strong>fice,<br />

unlike Martin Scorsese’s 1988 film <strong>The</strong> Last Temptation <strong>of</strong> Christ.<br />

Phil Cooke, a film-maker and media consultant to Christian<br />

organisations, said Hollywood has woken up to <strong>the</strong> huge Christian<br />

market in <strong>the</strong> US.<br />

“For years Hollywood bent over backwards to reach special<br />

interest groups, be it feminists or environmentalists. It has finally<br />

realised that <strong>the</strong>re are 91 million evangelical Christians in America.”<br />

<strong>The</strong> TV series <strong>The</strong> Bible shown on <strong>the</strong> History channel pulled in<br />

an average 11.4 million viewers and was America's most watched<br />

cable show in 2013.<br />

Diary – <strong>February</strong><br />

THE MAGAZINE OF ECCLESIASTICAL<br />

AND HISTORIC ART AND ARCHITECTURE<br />

Enjoy a feast <strong>of</strong> architectural and artistic insights into <strong>the</strong> world <strong>of</strong> ecclesiastical and<br />

heritage buildings in Church Building & Heritage Review magazine. We strive to provide a<br />

first class service to our diverse range <strong>of</strong> readers who include: clergy; architects;<br />

conservationists; industrial archaeologists; a host <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essionals engaged in<br />

ecclesiastical and heritage development, plus an enthusiastic band <strong>of</strong> people who just<br />

simply love churches and buildings <strong>of</strong> historical significance. We produce six issues a year<br />

<strong>of</strong> our 84-page full colour A4 magazine.<br />

UK PRICE ONLY £37.00 FOR 1 YEARS SUBSCRIPTION INC P&P<br />

TO SUBSCRIBE CALL 0161 214 1218<br />

If you have an event, please e-mail details<br />

to us at pilgrim@rcsouthwark.co.uk<br />

<strong>February</strong> <strong>2014</strong><br />

1: Understanding Cafod, 9.30 am – 4 pm, Amigo Hall, next to<br />

St George’s Ca<strong>the</strong>dral. An opportunity to learn about volunteering<br />

with Cafod. Booking essential. E-mail: <strong>Southwark</strong>@cafod.org.uk<br />

8: Faversham Carmelite spirituality group, 9.30 am in Our Lady <strong>of</strong><br />

Mount Carmel Church, Tanner Street. Fa<strong>the</strong>r Wilfred McGreal will<br />

give a talk entitled “hidden flame <strong>of</strong> love.” <strong>The</strong> event finishes at<br />

1 pm with a bring and share lunch. For more information, e-mail<br />

eastkent@laycarmel.org.<br />

8: Ten Ten <strong>The</strong>atre present two plays for <strong>the</strong> family at <strong>The</strong> Tristan<br />

Bates <strong>The</strong>atre, 1a Tower Street, Covent Garden WC2: Freedom<br />

Fighter, 2 pm (£3) and Called Up, 3 pm (£6). For more information,<br />

visit tenten<strong>the</strong>atre.co.uk<br />

Page 10


<strong>The</strong> <strong>Pilgrim</strong> <strong>February</strong> <strong>2014</strong><br />

Feature<br />

How volunteering<br />

can enrich your faith<br />

Mervyn Maciel<br />

A retiree had once described<br />

himself as being “rudderless in<br />

retirement” but went on to say,<br />

“Please don’t suggest I take up<br />

golf or gardening; both bore me<br />

to tears”! Well, I wasn’t in quite<br />

<strong>the</strong> same category but, like<br />

most retirees always wanted to<br />

give back to society what <strong>the</strong><br />

world had given me. What<br />

better way than doing a<br />

voluntary job I thought?<br />

It was in <strong>the</strong> early 90s that<br />

Neville Kyrke-Smith, national<br />

director <strong>of</strong> Aid to <strong>the</strong> Church in<br />

Need (ACN), made an appeal in<br />

our parish outlying <strong>the</strong> work <strong>of</strong><br />

this Catholic charity. I was<br />

completely bowled over by his<br />

art <strong>of</strong> gentle persuasion and<br />

enlisted in <strong>the</strong> “voluntary army”<br />

almost immediately.<br />

I can hardly believe I’ve now<br />

been with ACN for over 20<br />

years, starting in ra<strong>the</strong>r<br />

cramped <strong>of</strong>fices in Carshalton<br />

Road, Sutton, moving later to a<br />

brighter <strong>of</strong>fice in Times Square,<br />

and now in our own premises at<br />

Benhill Avenue, Sutton.<br />

ACN has certainly grown since<br />

I first joined. From a handful <strong>of</strong><br />

volunteers in <strong>the</strong> early days, we<br />

now number some 15 most <strong>of</strong><br />

whom work in <strong>the</strong> Trading<br />

department.<br />

Appeals made in various<br />

parishes around <strong>the</strong> country by<br />

Neville and o<strong>the</strong>r area<br />

secretaries, plus publicity <strong>of</strong> our<br />

work in <strong>the</strong> Catholic press<br />

brings in a flood <strong>of</strong> requests<br />

from our regular supporters and<br />

o<strong>the</strong>rs too. <strong>The</strong>se are normally<br />

in <strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong> donations – both<br />

large and small, requests for<br />

Masses and orders for any number<br />

<strong>of</strong> religious and o<strong>the</strong>r articles<br />

available from our catalogue.<br />

This where we volunteers<br />

come in. Hundreds <strong>of</strong> thank you<br />

letters need to be sent out,<br />

orders for books and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

items despatched etc. All this<br />

keeps us busy, in between cups<br />

<strong>of</strong> tea and c<strong>of</strong>fee.<br />

Volunteers work on different<br />

days on a rota basis but we all<br />

work as a team and certainly<br />

feel a sort <strong>of</strong> bonding with our<br />

benefactors and persecuted<br />

Christians around <strong>the</strong> world.<br />

<strong>The</strong> camaraderie among <strong>the</strong><br />

staff and volunteers is simply<br />

wonderful and this in itself<br />

makes our job all <strong>the</strong> more<br />

worthwhile.<br />

Ano<strong>the</strong>r aspect <strong>of</strong> our voluntary<br />

work has been <strong>the</strong> privilege <strong>of</strong><br />

meeting many <strong>of</strong> our distinguished<br />

guests notably at our<br />

Westminster Ca<strong>the</strong>dral event<br />

each year. It attracts several<br />

hundred supporters not only at<br />

<strong>the</strong> concelebrated Mass but at<br />

<strong>the</strong> talks in <strong>the</strong> hall that follow.<br />

It is always interesting to hear<br />

first-hand accounts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

untold suffering <strong>the</strong>ir people<br />

endure and to remind ourselves<br />

<strong>of</strong> how lucky we are to live in<br />

relative peace.<br />

I was also privileged to join<br />

two ACN pilgrimages to<br />

Walsingham some years ago and<br />

see at first hand <strong>the</strong> living faith<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> pilgrims. Such occasions<br />

are always very uplifting.<br />

When I see how our charity<br />

has grown from that tiny<br />

mustard seed planted many<br />

years ago by our founder, Fr<br />

Werenfried van Straatan, I can’t<br />

but thank God for <strong>the</strong> guiding<br />

hand <strong>of</strong> this saintly priest which<br />

is evident even today.<br />

However mundane or routine<br />

our work may be, I feel I echo<br />

<strong>the</strong> sentiments <strong>of</strong> all our<br />

volunteers when I say, we are<br />

only too happy to help in<br />

whatever way since what little we<br />

are doing is, in a way, to quote<br />

Blessed Mo<strong>the</strong>r Teresa <strong>of</strong> Calcutta,<br />

something beautiful for God.<br />

School days: Eileen Hayes<br />

Home? Forest Hill.<br />

Job? Cafod diocesan manager for <strong>Southwark</strong>.<br />

School? St Paul’s RC School for Girls in Edgbaston, Birmingham.<br />

Favourite subject? Geography.<br />

Worst subject? IT.<br />

Favourite teacher? Mr Evans – cheerful, interesting and passionate about his subject.<br />

Favourite school dinner? Cheese and potato pie with chips – which is probably why Mum insisted<br />

on packed lunches.<br />

Guilty secret? I always forget to take my own shopping bag with me to <strong>the</strong> supermarket, despite<br />

part <strong>of</strong> my job being raising awareness about climate change.<br />

What lessons about life did you learn? That ordinary people can change <strong>the</strong> world (after a<br />

teacher invited me to a Jubilee Debt Campaign march). That women come in all shapes and sizes<br />

– some are loud, some are quiet, some are arty, some are scientists, some can bake, some are<br />

happier doing woodwork, and that you should never think you can’t do something just because<br />

you are female. And that if you are given a month to do a project you really shouldn’t leave it<br />

until <strong>the</strong> night before <strong>the</strong> deadline to start.<br />

What do you wish you had been told? Don’t take everything so seriously.<br />

What did you do immediately after school? I went to study English and Maths at<br />

Manchester University.<br />

What career advice would you give to a young person? Not my words but, “Don’t do what you<br />

think <strong>the</strong> world needs. Find out what makes you come alive and do that. Because what <strong>the</strong> world<br />

needs more <strong>of</strong> are people who have come alive.”<br />

We’ve been caring for seafarers for nearly 100<br />

years, please remember Apostleship<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sea in your Will.<br />

www.apostleship<strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong>sea.org.uk<br />

Registered charity in Scotland - number SC043085<br />

Registered charity in England and Wales - number 1069833<br />

Page 11


<strong>The</strong> <strong>Pilgrim</strong> <strong>February</strong> <strong>2014</strong><br />

Focus on faith<br />

What is an<br />

episcopal vicar?<br />

<strong>the</strong>universe<br />

<strong>The</strong> Universe Catholic weekly <strong>newspaper</strong><br />

is now available on your computer,<br />

iPad or smartphone.<br />

Annual subscription £34.99.<br />

A 3 month subscription<br />

is also available for just £8.75.<br />

Visit our new website<br />

www.<strong>the</strong>catholicuniverse.com<br />

to subscribe.<br />

To advertise in this <strong>newspaper</strong><br />

contact Carol Malpass. Tel: 0161 214 1<strong>24</strong>4 or<br />

email: carol.malpass@<strong>the</strong>catholicuniverse.com<br />

<strong>Archdiocese</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Southwark</strong><br />

Centre for Catholic Formation<br />

Evangelization and catechesis in <strong>the</strong> mission <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Church<br />

<strong>The</strong> CCF is a resource agency for <strong>the</strong><br />

Diocese. <strong>The</strong> focus <strong>of</strong> our work is <strong>the</strong><br />

promotion and provision <strong>of</strong> adult faith<br />

formation.<br />

Your diocesan advisers are equipped to support Parish<br />

and Deanery initiatives in Catechesis and Sacramental<br />

Preparation, Discipleship and Stewardship, Inclusion<br />

and Accessibility, Liturgy, Lay Ministries, RCIA, Mission<br />

For details <strong>of</strong> our courses or o<strong>the</strong>r information contact<br />

us or visit our website at: www.ccftootingbec.org.uk<br />

Tel: 020 8672 7684 Email: <strong>of</strong>fice@ccftootingbec.org.uk<br />

Fa<strong>the</strong>r Paul Mason has<br />

been appointed<br />

episcopal vicar for<br />

Kent. He explains why<br />

and what his role is.<br />

As most practising<br />

Catholics will probably<br />

be aware, <strong>the</strong>re are<br />

currently a number <strong>of</strong><br />

dioceses in England and<br />

Wales awaiting <strong>the</strong><br />

appointment <strong>of</strong> a new<br />

bishop. <strong>The</strong>re is a<br />

vacant see or “sede<br />

vacante” in Church speak.<br />

In a literal sense this means <strong>the</strong> bishop’s chair is<br />

empty. When this happens because a bishop<br />

tenders his resignation, which he must do at <strong>the</strong><br />

age <strong>of</strong> 75, a process to identify and appoint a<br />

successor is set in motion.<br />

<strong>The</strong> process <strong>of</strong> appointing bishops is, as one<br />

would expect, a thorough one, and <strong>the</strong><br />

consultation period can be quite lengthy before<br />

<strong>the</strong> nuncio, <strong>the</strong> Pope’s ambassador, is in a position<br />

to provide three names, or terna, to <strong>the</strong><br />

Congregation for Bishops in Rome. <strong>The</strong>y, in turn,<br />

make a recommendation to <strong>the</strong> Holy Fa<strong>the</strong>r who has<br />

<strong>the</strong> final decision on all episcopal appointments.<br />

Last summer, on reaching retirement age, Bishop<br />

John Hine, <strong>the</strong> auxiliary bishop for Kent, sent his<br />

resignation to Rome, although he agreed to<br />

continue in post until <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year.<br />

Given <strong>the</strong> busy schedule <strong>of</strong> appointments and<br />

responsibilities a bishop will have, and <strong>the</strong> gap<br />

Bishop John’s departure would leave, Archbishop<br />

Peter was keen to ensure <strong>the</strong> diocese in Kent<br />

would continue to be served during <strong>the</strong><br />

interregnum period.<br />

A request to see <strong>the</strong> Archbishop is something<br />

which can make <strong>the</strong> stomach <strong>of</strong> even <strong>the</strong> most<br />

seasoned priest sink. I was no exception, especially<br />

when going into his <strong>of</strong>fice I was greeted with <strong>the</strong><br />

words, “I think you’d better sit down!”<br />

<strong>The</strong> Archbishop outlined <strong>the</strong> situation more or<br />

less as I have described it and asked if I would<br />

consider taking on <strong>the</strong> role <strong>of</strong> episcopal vicar for<br />

Kent until a new bishop was appointed.<br />

According to canon law, an episcopal vicar shares<br />

in <strong>the</strong> bishop’s ordinary executive power in a<br />

similar way to <strong>the</strong> vicar general, except for <strong>the</strong><br />

fact that <strong>the</strong> episcopal vicar's authority normally<br />

extends over only a particular geographic section<br />

<strong>of</strong> a diocese or over certain specific matters<br />

(canons 476-481 for those <strong>of</strong> you with a copy <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> Code).<br />

It was put more succinctly than that by <strong>the</strong><br />

Archbishop who in summary said to me, “You’d be<br />

doing <strong>the</strong> bishop’s job, but without <strong>the</strong> hat!”<br />

So, in January I moved to <strong>the</strong> Hermitage in West<br />

Malling, and although I face <strong>the</strong> prospect <strong>of</strong> my<br />

new role with an inevitable sense <strong>of</strong> apprehension,<br />

I am very much looking forward to serving in this<br />

corner <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> diocesan vineyard.<br />

Since ordination in 1998 I have always worked in<br />

<strong>the</strong> south-west Area <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> diocese. My first<br />

appointment was as assistant priest in Purley.<br />

During that time I also worked as chaplain to <strong>the</strong><br />

Army Cadet Force.<br />

After three years I was appointed to Guy’s and<br />

St Thomas’ Hospital where I became senior<br />

chaplain. A short while later I became diocesan<br />

advisor for hospital chaplaincy and also took on a<br />

national role for healthcare chaplaincy for <strong>the</strong><br />

Bishops’ Conference.<br />

I have regularly taught courses on medical ethics<br />

and sacraments at St Mary’s University, Strawberry<br />

Hill, and on Faith, Values and Culture at King’s<br />

College London. For <strong>the</strong> past two years I have been<br />

director <strong>of</strong> Ongoing Formation <strong>of</strong> Priests in<br />

<strong>Southwark</strong>, a role I will keep when I move to Kent.<br />

I was also on <strong>the</strong> formation staff at Allen Hall<br />

Seminary in Westminster Diocese until <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong><br />

last year but left <strong>the</strong>re in December when I moved<br />

to West Malling.<br />

I hope that helps as a brief introduction to <strong>the</strong><br />

role <strong>of</strong> episcopal vicar as well to me, and I look<br />

forward to getting to know <strong>the</strong> people and parishes<br />

in Kent and to being <strong>of</strong> service through this<br />

ministry. Do say a prayer for me you read this.<br />

Kent pastoral area<br />

<strong>The</strong> Kent pastoral area is made up <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

deaneries <strong>of</strong> Canterbury, Chatham, Dover,<br />

Gravesend, Maidstone, Thanet, and Tunbridge<br />

Wells. <strong>The</strong> parishes with <strong>the</strong> highest Mass<br />

attendance are Canterbury, Sevenoaks and<br />

Tunbridge Wells.<br />

<strong>The</strong> pastoral area contains 35 primary<br />

schools and seven secondary schools, along<br />

with three independent schools.<br />

It is also home to St Vincent’s Residential<br />

Youth Centre and <strong>the</strong> Vocations Centre, both<br />

in Whitstable, Aylesford Priory, near Maidstone,<br />

and Minster Abbey, near Ramsgate.<br />

Centre for Catholic Formation Bookshop<br />

Catechesis, Church Documents, Religious Education,<br />

Disability and Inclusion & Music and Liturgy.<br />

Open: Mon-Fri 1.30pm - 4.30pm<br />

or by appointment.<br />

Visit our website:<br />

www.ccftootingbec.org.uk<br />

Phone orders welcome.<br />

Email: bookshop@ccftootingbec.org.uk<br />

21 Tooting Bec Road, London SW17 8BS<br />

(100m from Tooting Bec Underground Station. Parking available)<br />

Published by Universe Media Group Ltd., Ground Floor, Alberton House, St Mary’s Parsonage, Manchester M3 2WJ. Registered as a <strong>newspaper</strong> at <strong>the</strong> Post Office. Printed by NWN Media Limited, Mold, Flintshire. All rights reserved.

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!