PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 10 4:Layout 1

August/September 2010Vol 10-4Bishop's Bulletin Beatification of John Henry NewmanTeens and 20s Significant Wedding AnniversariesRoyal Army Chaplaincy Connect2Bournemouth Clergy Conference

When I was Sick …..Pastoral training for community and hospital visitorsSeptember – December 2010at Queen Alexandra HospitalThe Chaplaincy Department of the Portsmouth Hospitals NHSTrust is running this popular course again this autumn. It is forthose who want to develop skills for visiting the sick, or peoplewith other pastoral needs, in the community or in hospital.It will be open to people of all faiths. Anyone who wants to dothe course will need backing from their local faith leader, whowill also be involved in providing some practical experience aspart of the course. For those wanting to become hospitalchaplaincy visitors the course forms part of their training.The course will consist of 12 weekly two hour evening sessionswith an additional 4 weeks practical experience.The cost of the course is £60.For more details and application form please contact theChaplaincy Department on 02392 286408,or email susan.bishop@porthosp.nhs.ukCHAPLAINCY- caring for patients, relatives and staff -- here for people of all faiths and none -

ContentsBishop’s Bulletin 2Beatfication of John Henry Newman 4by Fr Don ClementsJohn Henry Newman by Sheila Keefe 5Teens and 20s by Ailish Myland-Stokes 6This is IT! 7Parsons Pointers by John Parsons 7Profiles 8 & 16Behind the Scenes 8Calendar 9In Memory of Canon John Horan 9Prie-Dieu by Fr Denis Blackledge 10Ministry on the Isle of Aphrodite 11by Fr Michael FavaMovers and Shakers 12Star and Anchor by Colin Parkes 14Live Issues by Dominica Roberts 16A Broader View by Lawrence Fullick 17Letters 18In Memory … David Claisse 19News & Announcements 20Connect 2: Cambodia 22by Luxmy GopalakrishnanFaith in Action: Significant Wedding 23Anniversaries by Richenda PowerJust for Juniors 24Bookmark 25The Bournemouth Clergy Conference 26by Canon Paul TownsendHints & Wrinkles 27Journeying with Christ by Jeremy Corley 28Cover photograph ©:One of a number of windows in St John’s Cathedral, Portsmouth.Acknowledgements:Photographs © Catherine Christmas, Jay Kettle-Williams, Richenda Power andref: Church in Focus, Barry Hudd. Grateful thanks are due to Angela Rangerfor her support with production; to Friends of the Highland Road Cemetery(Portsmouth) for their contribution about Canon Horan [See page 9].PP distribution schedule for the remainder of Vol 10 (2010): 27September and 29 November. Copy for publication should bereceived no later than the first working day of the month ofpublication. Further details on p. 28.Designed and produced by South Hants Digitalt: 023 9238 8087PORTSMOUTHPEOPLECONTENTSIrecently took a plane to Madrid: not many Spanishnationals on board. I knew that because there was nospontaneous applause as we landed to wake me from myreverie. It’s fascinating how people communicate … or don’t. Jay Kettle-WilliamsThe walkman, I’m told, was devised by a Japanese gentleman keen on listening inpublic to the music of his choice, yet without imposing it upon those around him.That selfless philosophy then sired its own contradiction. Personal entertainmentnow withdraws the individual from society, often to the annoyance of those still inearshot. Withdrawal brings its own symptoms.A recent PM of this country (I refer to TB, not to GB) once suggested that the term‘common sense’ be banned from the English language. The reasoning behind this wasthat ‘common sense’, far from being a common attribute, is in such scarce supplythese days as to be almost extinct. So, better to outlaw the term, and that meanspeople’s ‘common sense deficit’ immediately disappears. Just like that! Then camethe U-turn, presumably recognising that there were so many admirable attributes notshared by the many. And you can’t ban the lot. Where’s the sense in that?This leads me to ponder on what would be the outcome of teachers banninganything from the curriculum not already held in common by those being trained.Where’s the sense in taking a logical premise to illogical ends?But one public body, centrally located on Dorset’s coastline, did go on to suggest thatany Latin word or word of obvious Latin derivation be outlawed from English on thegrounds that Caesar is long since dead and very few people these days understandLatin. The common sense deficit syndrome raises its head. But what effect thatruling would have had on the Catholic rite doesn’t even bear thinking about.It’s even more interesting to think what would be the outcome of banning all wordsin English derived from a language not understood by the man, or woman, in thestreet. I suppose even more among us would be communicating in nothing butmonosyllabic grunts and occasional gestures. How cool would that be?Language, of course, is the only social institution without which none other canfunction. A breakdown in our ability to use language is therefore a challenge to oursocial fabric, further weakening the mortar holding the bricks of society together.That’s why many communities, peoples and societies - putting individual humanrights to one side for the benefit of the common good - demand its members becompetent in a single, all-binding language (I am not at this point championing theLatin rite, if that’s where you think I’m going. I’m merely stating that, as languagecontrols thought and thought controls language, a common language acts as a socialbond).Language is always developing. But not necessarily always as an aid to cohesion. Thelanguage we use today is but a remnant, a ghost of that used in the past, merely anindication of what is to come tomorrow. New terms are constantly being created.Some will take root. Others will suffer a quick or even lingering death. My onlyproblem with that is that terms may come on stream unnecessarily - e.g. we have aperfectly good term already - or they may confuse the message, they may evenbecome corrupted or lose their original meaning.Living as I do at the earth-ocean interface (a NASA expression for ‘on the coast’), ina densely populated urban configuration (Dare I say ‘town’?), where minors are saidto suffer extensively from Nature Deficit Disorder (i.e. they don’t get out in the openenough), I am acutely aware of an increasing inability, in no way restricted to my ownimmediate environment, among members of society in general to communicateeffectively with their fellows.So, long live all communicators! Now, please read on.PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE 1

BISHOP’S BULLETINCRISPIAN HOLLISBISHOP OF PORTSMOUTHAPPOINTMENTSCo-ordinating PastorsThe following have kindly agreed to takeon the role of Co-ordinating Pastor intheir Pastoral Areas. All others remain as inthe DirectoryAlton-Petersfield: Fr Peter HartHavant: Fr Tom GruffertyNew Forest East: Fr David AdamsNorth West Hampshire:Fr Dominic GoldingSouth Berkshire: Fr Chris RutledgeSouthampton Central and West:Mgr Vincent HarveySouthampton East: Fr Tony GattIn view of the fact that Fr Bruce Barnesand Fr Jamie McGrath are moving, newCo-ordinating Pastors for Lodden Valleyand New Forest have still to be appointed.Other AppointmentsAlton-PetersfieldPetersfield: Fr Peter HollinsAvon StourFordingbridge and Ringwood:Fr Tony PennicottIford: Missionaries of St Paul -Fr Vitalis Kondo with particular responsibilityfor St Thomas More.BournemouthSacred Heart: Fr Bruce BarnesWestbourne: Fr Bill WilsonHavantHayling Island: Fr John-Paul SandersonOCSO (until Christmas)Isle of WightSouth Wight: Fr Paul (PJ) SmithJerseyAssistant Priest: Fr James McAuleyLoddon ValleyWhitley Wood: Fr Pat MaddenNew ForestLymington: Fr Danny McAvoy SMMNorth East HampshireDeacon David Morgan is becomingDiocesan Director of the APF/Missioorganisation and is replacing Fr PeterCodd who has done wonderful work inthis field over many years.North West HampshireAndover: Fr Austin Gurr OSB (Douai)Hook: Fr Peter Codd -priest in residence (retirement)PortsmouthCathedral: Assistant Priest - Fr Phil HarrisNorth End: Fr Steven Restori(Vice Chancellor & MC)Southsea: Fr Simon ThomsonHospitals: Fr Joe McNerney has agreed toassume the duties of Hospital Chaplain inPortsmouth (QA and St Mary’s).South BerkshireAscot: Fr Tom TaaffeSouthampton Central & WestMilbrook: Fr Des Connolly SMMSouthampton EastWoolston: Fr Claro CondeIn retirement and living in West End:Fr Shaun BuddenThames IsisAbingdon: Fr Jamie McGrathWest BerkshireWoolhampton: Dom Dermot Tredget OSBI am very grateful to all who have cooperatedso generously in making thesemoves possible.Apart from the 2 newly ordained AssistantPriests and the two Retired Priests, allthese appointments are of ‘Co-Pastorswith all the rights and responsibilities of aparish priest.’ Those so appointed maycontinue to use the title of ‘parish priest’.RetirementsCanon Gerard Hetherington, Fr PeterCodd, Fr Shaun Budden, Fr Danny BurnsSDS, Fr James McAuliffe SPS and FrCharlie McCloskey, Deacon KevinMcKevitt.Canon Hetherington, Fr Peter Codd and FrDanny Burns SDS have reached the agefor retirement; Fr James McAuliffe SPS, FrShaun Budden and Fr Charlie McCloskeyare retiring early on grounds of ill health.To them all, I express my gratitude for thegreat pastoral work that they haveachieved in a number of different parishesin the diocese over many years. They moveon to the next stage of their priestly lifeand work with our prayers and blessings.WelcomeFr Phil Harris and Fr James McAuley arebeing ordained in the Cathedral on July24th and I am delighted to welcomethem into the priestly life of the diocese.Fr Danny McAvoy SMM is an old friendand I welcome him to the New ForestPastoral Area and to Lymington.Fr Chris Dyckhoff SJ is to be the newJesuit Superior in Bournemouth and hetoo is very welcome.DeparturesFr Louis McDermott OMI has been atMilbrook for many years and he isreturning to his Congregation.Fr Showri Gali from India has been atHoly Ghost, Basingstoke, for 2 years andis moving to the United States. DomBenedict Thompson OSB is moving to aparish in the Birmingham diocese.Deacon Steve Melhuish and DeaconDavid Croucher are leaving the dioceseto take up residence in the Cardiffdiocese and Deacon Michael Welch istaking sabbatical leave from activeministry for the next 12 months.In retirement, Fr Danny Burns SDS isreturning to the Salvatorians and Fr JimMcAuliffe SPS, who has been inBournemouth for many years, is alsoretiring.In very many different ways, they haveall made a significant contribution tothe diocese. I thank them most sincerelyand wish them every blessing andhappiness in their new situations.2PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE

BISHOP’S BULLETINBishop Crispian’s EngagementsAUGUST 2010Fri 20-27:Diocesan Pilgrimage to LourdesSEPTEMBER 2010Sun 5: Holy Family, Millbrook - Farewell Mass for Father Louis 11.00 amMcDermott, OMISat 11: St Mary’s Ryde - Mass to mark the centenary of the death 11.00 amof Bishop CahillSun 12: St John’s Cathedral, Portsmouth - Civic Mass 10.00 amFri 17-19: Papal VisitWed 22: St John’s Cathedral, Portsmouth - 12.15 pmKnights of St Gregory MassThu 23: St Peter’s, Winchester - Bishop’s Council Meeting 10.00/10.30 amThu 23: Winchester - DPC Leadership Group Meeting 6.30 pmFri 24: Our Lady’s School, Abingdon - Mass 11.40 amFri 24: Havant Pastoral Area Meeting 6.30 pmSat 25: St John’s Cathedral, Portsmouth - PGCE Ceremony 11.00 amSun 26:Christ the King, Bitterne - Parish VisitationWed 29: Eccleston Square, London - amCatholic Social Action Network MeetingThu 30: London - Bishops’ Conference International 10.30/11.00 amAffairs MeetingPORTSMOUTH PEOPLE3

FEATURETHE UPCOMING BEATIFICATION OFJOHN HENRY NEWMANFr Don Clements, Little Sisters of the Poor (Jersey), reflects on an illustrious Christian SpiritIn Scripture we read of Jesus’command to his followers: ‘Youtherefore, must be perfect, as yourheavenly Father is perfect' (Mt 6:48)and in Luke 6:36: ‘Be merciful even asyour heavenly Father is merciful’(RSV).All of us Christians therefore receive avocation to holiness.John Henry Newman, who lived from1801 to 1890, is due to be beatified inSeptember of this year by Pope BenedictXVI on his scheduled visit to the U.K.Beatification in the Roman CatholicChurch is the solemn approval for thepublic veneration, not worship oradoration, of a Christian of heroicvirtue.It can be a step along the road toCanonisation, Sainthood, which is ourChurch’s solemn and final declarationthat one of its deceased membersbelongs among the saints in heaven.Not all Christians who have lived a‘perfect’ (only God is perfect) merciful,holy life have been solemnly recognisedas such. The feast of All Saints on the 1November is when we celebrate theirlives of virtue.John Henry Newman was brought up inthe Church of England underevangelical influence. A recognisedChristian scholar, he held a number ofprominent positions at Oxford; after atour of Mediterranean Europe hebecame a leading member of the OxfordMovement. His series of sermonsinfluenced not only Oxford but the restof the country as well. Spiritually theheart of his sermons was based on thethorough study of the early churchFathers. A popular writing of his at thetime was entitled Tracts for the Times, astatement of his religious position, itcommanded attention in that it wasdirected against Popery. This held theview that the Church of England took amiddle position justified, he thenthought, by Patristic Traditions inopposition to Protestantism and Rome.However his continued study and,importantly, meditation of the Fathersof the Church was to lead him to Romein spite of this earlier tract. It was from1839 (before the Restoration of theCatholic Hierarchy in England) that hebegan to doubt the claims of theAnglican Church. Two years later hisconscience obliged him to give up hisposition in Oxford. In September of1843 he delivered his touching sermonin Littlemore on ‘The Parting ofFriends’. Two more years further downthe line he was received into fullcommunion with the Catholic Church.His work Essay on the Development ofChristian Doctrine was a defence of hisentrance of the Church of Rome. Hewas to continue to write profusely, forexample books Apologia Pro Vita Suaand The Idea of a University as well asworks in poetry and prayer like LeadKindly Light and the Dream of Gerontius.Truly a remarkable Christian Spirit!However, this illustrious Christian Spiritwas not always well received by thenewly established hierarchy and he wasunsuccessful in many of his efforts inhis new Church. Today the climate haschanged and he and his work are muchstudied and generally appreciated. Onthe Ecumenical front his genius isrecognised as befits a spiritual scholar.He himself acknowledged his debt tothe Anglican Community in The Partingof Friends. Hopefully in our days ofreciprocal co-operative commonwitness and testimony to Jesus Christ,Lord and Saviour, his beneficialinfluence will grow. Such commonexperience can help us achieve a sharedexperience in this, I think, with a versefrom St Paul 2 Cor. 3:18: ‘And we all,with unveiled face, beholding theglory of the Lord, are being changedinto His likeness from one degree ofglory to another, for this comes fromthe Lord who is the Spirit’ (RSV).The great ‘Damascus experiences’ fromSt Paul to Newman seem to bear thisout. Newman comments that this ispossible only by giving up one’s ownstandards and being assimilated to thedimensions of the image of the Lord.Paul and Newman and many more suchspirits, are great artists of the wordwho, in this regard, placed all their artin the service of Christ’s truth.In general Newman pointed only toaspects of the whole truth andcompletely renounced any systematicaccount – he was too humble to dothat.I’d like to give space here to a paragraphfrom a great spirit of the twentiethcentury: ‘Nowadays the Saints maypossibly have a more hidden existencethan heretofore. Contemporary Churcharchitecture wants to do away with thepictorial; they are forgotten; their feastdays confusingly moved about; theircommunion and mediation remainunused. There are still canonisations,but they hardly evoke any wideresonance. Thus the Saints gounderground, at least for a time. Theyare not interested in being veneratedanyway. If their disappearance meantthat God would be loved better andmore deeply, they would be the first toapprove. It remains doubtful, however,whether we see God any more brightlyin the absence of their light. I think wedo not. We shall have to set the light ofthe Saints on a lamp stand once again ifwe are not to stumble about in a nightof our own making. For it is by the lightof the Saints, which is nothing otherthan God’s light in the world, that wesee the light.’ (1)Let’s give the final thought to a Gospelline: ‘Let your light so shine beforemen, that they may see your goodworks and give glory to your Fatherwho is in Heaven.’ (Mt. 5:16 RSV)(1) You Crown the Year with your Goodness by Hans Urs Von Balthasar4PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE

FEATUREJOHN HENRY NEWMAN (JHN)Sheila Keefe reports on a holiday romance with a differenceIfound a new friend on holiday this year. Denis (my husband) and I went cruising round the Med, armed with sun cream,binoculars and books to while away the precious hours of freedom from phones, computers and meetings.I like to take one meaty book with me, and because JHN is being beatified this year I picked up Roderick Strange’s book A MindAlive. It didn't look too promising; what could a nineteenth century Oxford scholar and preacher whose fame seems to havecome mostly from lectures, sermons, books and letters, have to say to our modern, post Vatican II, technology-ridden world?However I persevered, and by Chapter three I was hooked! It was not just that he raised and answered questions I had oftenwondered about; he had a wonderful ability to speak to people’s hearts and to bring theology to life.Matthew Arnold wrote of his golden memories, as an Oxford undergraduate, of Newman’s preaching, ‘In the most entrancingof voices, breaking the silence with words and thoughts which were a religious music, sweet, subtle, mournful’. Newmanhad an extraordinary gift for friendship; ‘The best preparation forloving the world,' he wrote, 'is to cultivate an intimate friendshipand affection towards those who are immediately about us‘. Hislist of correspondents was enormous, many of them lifelong friends.JHN did not have an easy life. His early years were affected by poorhealth, the death of his sister and a close friend, and his constantsearching for the Church, where the Body of Christ could be foundmost fully. In 1845 he became a Roman Catholic, thus losing manyof his Anglican friends who felt let down, and being mistrusted byhis new Catholics colleagues as a ‘suspect teacher’. It was not untilhe was made a Cardinal in 1879 that his life moved into quieterwaters; he died peacefully in 1890.I gained 4 new insights from JHN on my holiday:About original sin - that it is not a black spot on our souls butsomething negative, an absence of grace, which enfeebles us butdoesn’t make us sinfulAbout Our Lady - that by saying ‘Yes’ to God she opened up theavenue of grace to us once more, which Eve had forfeited by her ‘No’.About the role of the laity - that they have something significant tocontribute to the health life of the Church, and need to be involved,to contribute and to recognise the part they have to playAbout when we die - that we will come to a perfect knowledge ofourselves and will delight in being purified of every imperfection.These insights, and many more, have stayed with me. But I gainedsomething else too. Newman’s motto, ‘Heart speaks to heart’, hasbeen adopted by Pope Benedict as his theme for his visit to the UKin September. Newman spoke to my heart, revealing secrets - orbetter, mysteries - about myself, about God and about my Church. Ijust hope and pray that, through his beatification on 19 September,many more of us will benefit from exposure to his life and histeachings and that he will join the ranks of our existing saints tostand as an inspirer and guide to everyone.Sheila and husband Denis, who have 5 daughters and 13 grandchildren (8boys & 5 girls), moved to Romsey from Essex to retire but now findthemselves busier than at any other time in their lives. Sheila, who hasbeen a member of the KIT team since it began in 2004 and is a member oftwo very active parish KIT groups, one which does home visiting and theother which runs small group meetings for returning Catholics, is also amember of her parish Welcome Group and helps to run a Wednesdaylunchtime bible study group.PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE5

FEATURETEENS & 20sAilish Myland-Stokes likes being in theswim of thingsHaving attended secondary schoolin Portsmouth (St Edmund’s), Ifollowed my ambition to go toVIth form college (Havant) and have justbeen revising for and sitting AS exams inPE, French, History and Human Biology.Hopefully these will go ok and I will becontinuing with my A levels next year.Am currently looking at Universities,need to start applying very soon!!! Iwant to study Sports Development -leading to a future in developing sportsopportunities for underprivilegedchildren in this country and overseas. Tocompliment my ambitions I havecontacted various charitableorganisations and clubssuch as the Scouts tovolunteer and gainexperience workingwith young people.I am determined toreach my goals butrecently becameconcerned aboutwhether, following onfrom the recent generalelection, there would still be as muchopportunity for me to reach university.Needing those questions answered, Icontacted my local MP and havinggained a reply hope that the thingspromised will come to fruition ...I am still a keen swimmer withPortsmouth Northsea, and train withthem up to 5 times a week. I work parttimeto help fund my sport, leaving littletime for socialising!!!! Being fit andhaving regular exercise is extremelyimportant to me and I can get a bitgrumpy when I am unable to do so!!!My work, study and sports commitmentscan make it difficult for me to be asinvolved in Youth, Justice and Peace as Iused to be, but I like to attend meetingsas and when I can. I like the peopleinvolved in the group and have learned alot about those who suffer, either withill health or through poverty. I am gladthat I have been able to support andcontribute to some of the work that thegroup has been involved in.In lots of ways I am a typical teenager: Ialways have my ipod stuck in my ears,am regularly on facebook, adorechocolate and nature valley sweets butam not so keen on vegetables. I love agood gossip with my friends and picktwo or three changes of clothes everymorning before finally settling on whatto wear!The second of four sisters, Ailish Myland-Stokes, formerly Deputy Head Girl at StEdmund’s School, is among the ‘Nooners’ - i.e. those attending Noon Mass onSundays - at St John’s Cathedral, Portsmouth.Fascinating Facts and FiguresThe average person today has a vocabularyof 15,000 words. Shakespeare had avocabulary of 21,000 words when theaverage person had a vocabulary of 500.According to the European parliament,every home in the EU should have accessto fast broadband at a competitive rateand all EU citizens should have the skillsto use it by 2020.The average Italian consumes more than25 kilograms (i.e. 55 lbs > nearly 4 stone)of pasta every year.Centenarians are the fastest growing agegroup in England and Wales, recording anannual growth rate of 8%, set to reach64,200 by 2033.For every £8 spent on anything in the UK,£1 is spent at Tesco’s.Healthy numbers: 18.5-25 for Body MassIndex; 120 over 80 or below for bloodpressure; 5mmol/L or less for cholesteroland, for waist measurement, 80cm or lessmeasurement (female) or 94cm or less(male).6 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE

FEATUREThis is IT!PP looks at softand hardwareParsons Pointerswith John Parsons@GMAIL.COM NOW FOR ONE AND ALLGoogle has changed the address for British mailers toGmail. Unless invited to sign up to early beta tests in 2004,British users have used @googlemail.mail addresses butcan now switch: www.google.com/mailIF IT’S TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE… it probably is! Be wary of a hoax ASH compensationscam claiming to come from the Civil Aviation Authorityoffering £2k in return for an admin fee. For further detailsof this and other scams: www.scam-detectives.co.ukMONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS …AND OTHER SAVINGSYou can safe loads of money on medicines by ordering online from www.chemist.direct.co.uk … and on crosschannelferry bookings from www.channelferries.co.ukCONNECTED HISTORIESThis historical search engine project, spearheaded bySheffield University, looks to make available on line overthe next 12 months 14 major databases of primary sourcehistorical documents incl. Old Bailey proceedings, parliamentarypapers etc. For further details:www.history.ac.uk/connectedhistoriesDOUBLE PAGERThere’s now a program, Sumatra PDF, which quickly opensPDF documents and offers a fresh range of facilitiesincluding being able to read two pages side by side onwidescreen monitors: http:/bit.ly/sum229BRIDES REVISITEDYou & Your Wedding magazine offers a fully integrated,easy to use, on-line wedding planning tool to help sort outall manner of issues (incl. seating plans, invitations,sourcing suppliers, managing your budget …) inpreparation for the big day:www.yourandyourwedding.co.uk/wedsimplePASSWORDSAlways choose a strong mixture of letters, numbers andcharacters - test the strength at www.passwordmeter.com- but for extensive, sound advice on protection visitwww.getsafeonline.org and/or, if you bank online, see:www.banksafeonline.org.ukZUGUWhat might sound like the name of an African windinstrument is in fact a flight-comparison service - muchlike but better than Cheapflights.co.uk - which lists bestfares for certain dates and then lets you filter the results.Visit: www.zugu.co.ukRELATED TO THE POPE?Well, you’ll never know who’s a distant, long-lost cousinuntil you delve into your family’s history. For info-packedtutorials on researching your past visitwww.findmypast.co.uk and then, once your family treestarts to grow, www.my-history.co.uk will help you printout all the details. But if your family history goes back toBirmingham at the turn of the last century andyou’re already a member of Ancestry.co.uk,http://bit.ly/drunk240 will help you determine if anyancestor at the time fell foul of the law for being underthe influence.Contributions to this column warmly invited.Iremember well how the feastof the Assumption on 15August was a Holiday ofObligation. I am not entirely surebut I seem to remember that theVigil was also a day of Fastingand Abstinence. Whether that bitis right or not it was alwaysconsidered a major Feast. Sowhen in 1950 the Assumptionwas proclaimed as being of thefaith it seemed to be no morethan an affirmation of whatCatholics had always believed.But for my family and me thedate had another, special,significance. It was Mother’sBirthday. Perhaps there wassomething special aboutcelebrating one’s earthly motherand one’s heavenly mother onthe same day!The date also had specialsignificance for people of mygeneration. It was VJ Day whenthe war finally came to an end.Six years of hardship andsuffering for so many. Fittingtherefore that it should havefinally been over on a day whenwe celebrate the one who wasand is the extreme symbol oflove and service. It is alsointeresting that at a recentfamily wedding I met for thefirst time my nephew’s Japanesewife, beautiful in her Kimono.Somehow it was an affirmationof peace and normality. Andtheir two little ones were quitedelightful!The date is also special to theIndian sub continent for on thatday India and Pakistan came intobeing as independent nations.The fact has always stuck in mymind because I was at theinternational conference of theChristian Life Communities inSanto Domingo and the IndianJesuit made a great a fuss aboutthe anniversary. I suppose I felt alittle bit out of place being fromthe former imperial power!The Feasts of Our Lady arespecial to so many people for somany reasons. They bring hometo us how human beings can riseto great heights of goodness andsteadiness of purpose. Theyremind us of the relevance ofour beliefs to everyday life andthe need to see things around usin a wider perspective than thepurely physical. There is atendency in some quarters toeschew the spiritual aspect oflife and to see everything in apurely material way. Thinkingabout the one who above allsymbolises that spiritualdimension can bring us down toearth and reality - and up toheaven as well!John worships at the Church of Our Lady in Fleet and is in the choirthere. He is a keen ecumenist and is a former Chairman of the DiocesanCommission for Christian Unity. He has been a regular contributor toPortsmouth People for some years with his column Parsons Pointers.PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE7

FEATUREPERSONALITY PROFILEBorn in north London, theeldest of three brothers –‘father from London andmother from Kerry, fromwhom I inherited my good looks,wisdom, and humility … butsmiling doesn’t come naturallyto me in front of a camera’ - TimGay leads the Cathedral’sChristian Meditation Group.A keen musician, Tim has played theflute since school, and dabbled intenor sax and guitar, playing insymphony orchestras and rock bands.His tastes in music range ‘fromAC/DC to Wagner’, but he draws theline at Country and Western: ‘Thereare limits!’Currently he plays Irish flute andwhistles in a Portsmouth-based,traditional Irish band called 'Mist onthe Bog', playing in some of thescruffier, local pubs. ‘This mightexplain my slightly bleary-eyedappearance occasionally at 10 o’clockMass on a Sunday.’‘I managed to delay working for aliving until I was 26 by studying (firstFrench, and later Philosophy andTheology) at University. I amcurrently working in a 6th formcollege in Eastleigh teaching A levelPhilosophy and supervisingcounselling. I also contribute to thework of the Portsmouth Diocese'sClergy Supervision scheme offeringpastoral support to clergy and parishworkers.‘I moved to Hampshire in 1990. In2002 I met the lovely Nancy. Wehave been married now for 5 years,and have a lively 5-year olddaughter, Ciara.’With this issueBEHIND THE SCENES takes a look at …The Department for SchoolsRosemary OlivierMA, FRSA, FCMI,appointed in2009 as Directorof Schools, holdsresponsibilityfor the diocesanDepartment forSchools which isbased at ParkRosemary Olivier, Director of Schools Place. Rosemaryexplains: ‘Oursmall but highly dedicated team is there to promote anddevelop all aspects of the Catholic nature of our schools.Responsible to the Bishop, as part of the Curia [SeePortsmouth People, February/March 2009], theDepartment for Schools is charged with advising,developing and inspecting the quality and provision ofreligious education and collective worship. As DiocesanCommissioners, we work in partnership with national andlocal government to protect the provision of Catholiceducation, to secure and maintain the supply of Catholicschool places and to implement government initiatives andnational policies.’The Department holds a wide and expanding briefaddressing 13 Local Education Authorities (LEAs) and morethan 29,000 pupils in 79 schools spread across the wholediocese. As part of its role, the Department represents theBishop at the appointment of Heads, Deputies, AssistantHeads, Heads of R.E. and R.E. Coordinators and Chaplains.The Department for Schools also administers the process forthe appointment of Foundation Governors. It advises andsupports Governing Bodies on their statutory and legalresponsibilities with regard to Maintained and IndependentSchools and provides advice as well as in-service support toGoverning Bodies on many aspects of their responsibilitiesincluding admissions, employment law, partnership with theLocal Authorities and all aspects of their responsibilities toour Diocesan Schools.Rosemary is supported by 2 full-time and 3 part-timeofficers, and 4 consultants, who can be contacted at:Department for Schools, Park Place Pastoral Centre,Winchester Road, Wickham, Hampshire PO17 5HAt: 013 2983 5363 f: 013 2983 5347e: schools@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk8PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE

CALENDAR OFFORTHCOMING EVENTSFor further information please contact the parties identifiedAugustSat 28: Walk the World - Solent Areat: 013 2983 0947 e: dhill@portsmouthdiocese.org.ukSeptemberSat 04: Bald Statements, Art Expo, St John’s Cathedral, Portsmouth-17 t: 023 9282 6170 e: info@portsmouthcatholiccathedral.org.ukSun 05: World Youth Day 2011 Preparation Meeting, venue TBCt: 013 2983 0947 e: dhill@portsmouthdiocese.org.ukSat 11: Celebrating Christ the Healer, St John’s Cathedral, Portsmoutht: 013 2983 5583 e: estephenson@portsmouthdiocese.org.ukSat 11: Cafod Portsmouth Supporter Day, St Joseph’s, Aldershott: 012 5232 9385 e: portsmouth@cafod.org.ukThu 16: Visit of Pope Benedict XVI to England and Wales-19 (See press and notices for further details)Sun 19: Meeting for Disability Representatives of parishes and PastoralAreas, St Edward the Confessor, Chandlers Fordt: 023 9236 9183 e: paula.medd1@ntlworld.comSat 25: Understanding CAFOD, St Peter and St John, Camberleyt: 012 5232 9385 e: portsmouth@cafod.org.ukSat 25: A Day with John led by Deacon Bob Birtles,Wisdom House, Romseyt: 017 9483 0206 e: reception@wisdomhouseromsey.org.ukSun 26: Speaking Up & Speaking Out! - Youth training,Stella Maris Centre, Southamptont: 013 2983 0947 e: dhill@portsmouthdiocese.org.ukOctoberFri 01: Harvest Fast DaySat 09: Celebrate Weekend 2010, St Mary’s College, Southampton-10 t: 023 8029 2058 e: peterszymanski@hotmail.co.ukSun 10: Speaking Up & Speaking Out! - Youth training,Christ the King Hall, Readingt: 013 2983 0947 e: dhill@portsmouthdiocese.org.ukSat 16: Receive the Gift, St Swithun Wells Primary School, Chandlers Fordt: 013 2983 5583 e: dhill@portsmouthdiocese.org.ukSat 16: Brahms Réquiem, Portsmouth Baroque Choir, St Faith’s Church,Lee-on-the-Solentt: 023 9242 6253 e: secretary@portsmouthbaroquechoir.co.ukSat 23: Mass of Thanksgiving: Living Our Faith Campaign,St John’s Cathedral, Portsmoutht: 023 9282 6170 e: info@portsmouthcatholiccathedral.org.ukSat 23: Junior and Mini Great South Run, PortsmouthSat 23: Marriage Refresher Day, Christ the King, Readingt: 013 2983 5583 e: estephenson@portsmouthdiocese.org.ukSun 24: Great South Run, PortsmouthNovemberSat 06: Introduction to Stewardship, St Finian’s Primary School, Newburyt: 013 2983 5583 e: estephenson@portsmouthdiocese.org.ukSat 14: Polish Study Day, U3A, Altont: 014 2056 3836 e: barrielees@keme.co.ukSat 20: Introduction to Stewardship, Farnborough Hill School, Farnborought: 013 2983 5583 e: estephenson@portsmouthdiocese.org.ukSun 21: World Youth Day 2011 Preparation Meeting, venue TBCt: 013 2983 0947 e: dhill@portsmouthdiocese.org.ukDecemberSat 04: Christmas Concert, Portsmouth Baroque Choir,All Saints’ Church, Portsmoutht: 023 9242 6253 e: secretary@portsmouthbaroquechoir.co.ukJanuary 2011Sun 9: World Youth Day 2011 Preparation Meeting,Christ the King Hall, Readingt: 013 2983 0947 e: dhill@portsmouthdiocese.org.ukFri 21: The January Conference-Baptised People: Light in Darkness,- 23 Hallmark hotel, Bournemoutht: 013 2983 5583 e: estephenson@portsmouthdiocese.org.ukSat 22: Understanding CAFOD, Londont: 012 5232 9385 e: portsmouth@cafod.org.ukAugust 2011Tue 09: World Youth Day, Madrid.- 23 t: 013 2983 0947 e: dhill@portsmouthdiocese.org.ukThe Editor welcomes entries for inclusion in the Calendar ofForthcoming EventsCALENDARIn Memory …John Horan was born on 7January 1834 in Irelandand we know that heattended the seminary atWare. By 1857 he was atWoolwich and in 1861moving on to Chislehurst.He arrived in Portsea in1865 moving to No. 25Prince George's Streetwhich was attached to thefirst Catholic chapel tohave been built inPortsmouth since theSecond Catholic Relief Actof 1791 was passed.This was a momentous time for the Catholics who hadpreviously been banned from building a chapel in aCorporation Borough. To attend Catholic services theyhad had to travel to Havant or Gosport.By all accounts Canon Horan was a dynamic priest whoset about making up for lost time and establishing theRoman Catholic faith as a major force in the religious lifeof Portsmouth. In this he succeeded dramatically, byintroducing music to the liturgy at the Chapel, by playingan active part in local education and as a member of theSchool Board and by increasing the size of the congregation.By 1882 he had become instrumental in thepurchase of the land on which St John's church andchurch school would be built. Within three years St John'shad been consecrated as a parish church and almostimmediately converted into the Cathedral church of thenew Portsmouth Diocese.Canon Horan's final years were spent as ChurchAdministrator at the Cathedral - a post we would nowknow as the Dean. He died on August 21 1885.Horan died very shortly after Highland Road Cemeterywas doubled in size by the extension to the south. A partof this new territory was specifically allocated to theRoman Catholics and Canon Horan was probably the firstperson to be buried there. Such was the esteem in whichhe was held that the Catholic plot has ever since beenknown as the Horan Division.PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE9

FEATUREPRIE-DIEU:IN TOUCHFr Denis BlackledgeLoving Lord,you are the giver of touch.You touch each one of uswith an awesome gentleness andreverence that reaches deep into theheart of our individual human mystery.Yet so often we can be blindto your wondrous touch,for you are so unobtrusive and so gentleand so full of loving tenderness andrespect.Jesus is your ultimate touch.And his touch as a true human beingteaches each one of ushow to touch and be touched.Jesus always touches in a waythat gives the other room to breatheand blossom,that gives another space to be loved.His touch is beautifully simpleand simply beautiful.Jesus comes to each man, woman andchild,with a touch that matches each one,in a way that is just right -not too much and not too little.Jesus knows when a hug is needed,Or when the fringe of a garment willbe enough.Jesus is never afraid to be touched -how warm he is and how approachable.Whatever age, whatever sex,whatever condition,Jesus can both be touched and reachout to touch.Jesus takes away the fear of touch,and gives us all an inkling of how wecan becomeFr Denis Blackledge SJ is Parish Priest, Corpus Christi Boscombe, and Pastoral Co-ordinator, Bournemouth.better touchers without becomingtouchy.Loving Lordteach me, teach us,to touch and be touchedin a way that is worthy of humanbeings.Teach us to touch and be touchedwith deepfelt reverence and gentleness,which does not cling selfishly,but which knows when to holdand when to let go.Teach us to touchin a way that respects individualmystery,in a way that loves with passionatetenderness,in a way that gently brings the best outof the other.Loving Lord,let us never take touch for granted,but make glorious useof this wondrous gift and privilegewhich is human touch.Amen.© Denis Blackledge SJ10 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE

FEATUREMINISTRY ON THE ISLE OF APHRODITEPhotograph © British Crown CopyrightThe last thirteen years of my priestly ministryhave been a rich experience of challengeand surprises following my entry into theArmy in 1997, and my commissioning as achaplain of the Royal Army Chaplains’Department. After deployments in Sierra Leone,Kenya, Brunei, Bosnia and Kosovo -as well as postings in Germany, Tidworth,Windsor, Bassingbourn, and Sandhurst -I now find myself in Cyprus for two years.Father Michael Fava CF(RC), priest of our dioceseserving with the Royal Army Chaplains Department,reflects on his current postingKnown in the tourist brochures as ‘Aphrodite’sIsle’, Cyprus is a place of contrasts. Apart frombeing a popular holiday destination withbeautiful beaches and scenery, it is an islanddivided. Following the Turkish invasion of Cyprusin 1974 the northern sector of the island isTurkish occupied, while the rest comprises theRepublic of Cyprus. After the shedding of muchblood on both sides, a cautious peace prevailswhich is monitored by the presence of UnitedNations troops along the so-called ‘Green Line’,or border, between north and south.I was posted in September 2009 to theHeadquarters of British Forces, Cyprus, inEpiskopi which forms part of the BritishSovereign Base Areas (SBAs), retained byBritain after the island’s independencewas granted in 1960. As Senior Chaplain, Ilead a group of five other Army and RAFchaplains posted at different locationsacross Cyprus who are of various Christiandenominations. As the only RomanCatholic chaplain, however, my parish andMass commitments cover a wide area. Thefurthest church location on my Sundayround is an eighty minute car journeyeach way from home. The congregation’sappreciation of this Mass makes the effortworthwhile.The British Forces community in Cyprus isengaged all year round offering supportto UK operations, and while the islandoffers plenty of sunshine, their time hereis hardly anyone’s idea of a relaxed‘sunshine posting’. The tempo of life allacross the Armed Forces today is busy -and this is no less true for chaplains. It is,however, a unique privilege to spend twoyears in such a beautiful location wherehistory, culture, climate and Cypriothospitality have so much to offer. I amindeed a very fortunate and blessed priest!JOB VACANCY:CATHEDRALDISCOVERY CENTREThe post of SUPERVISOR will become vacant due to theretirement of Gerry Johnson.The applicant for the role must lead the team in thisimportant instrument of outreach for our Cathedral.The hours of work are generally 20 hours a week,Tuesday to Friday, although this can be flexible over thesix days of shop opening (Tuesday to Sunday).A salary commensurate to the responsibility will be paid.Please apply in the first instanceto the Parish Office on023 9282 6170 by 1 October.Interviews will be held earlyin the Autumn.What’s in a Word -ASSUMPTIONAssumption (LateLatin assumere, v.t.to take up)A Basic CatholicDictionary by CanonAlan Griffiths ofPortsmouth Diocesestates: ‘According totradition, the BlessedVirgin Mary wastaken up into heavenat her death, because of her special place as theMother of God. The legend speaks of the twelveapostles being summoned by angels to Ephesusto witness her death and finding the coffinempty. The Assumption was proclaimed adogma of the Catholic Church by Pope Pius XIIin 1950.’St John’sCatholic Cathedral PortsmouthBishop’s HouseEdinburgh RoadPortsmouthPO1 3HGt: 023 9282 6170www: portsmouthcatholiccathedral.org.uk15 August is the date of the solemnity. It is aholyday of obligation. However, when that dateoccurs on a Saturday or Monday, the solemnityis transferred to the Sunday and takesprecedence as the Sunday celebration.PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE11

NEWSMOVERS and SHAKERSWe pick up on the enthusiasm and achievement across our dioceseTHE DIOCESE THAT PRAYS TOGETHER …Over 700 people in the Diocese came together in small faith sharing groups toreflect on the Sunday gospels during Lent and Eastertime, using materialsdeveloped by the Diocesan Stewardship Resource Group. The series of 14 leaflets,one for each week, encouraged people to reflect on the Sunday gospel, to spendsome time in individual prayer and group discussion and to reflect on their livesas disciples of Jesus Christ and how they could ‘go out and bear fruit’. Given thesuccess of the materials, which were also used by some groups in neighbouringdioceses, religious congregations, and people in France, Belgium and Ireland, thewriting group have already embarked on designing materials for Advent. Pleasecheck the Diocesan website and consider using these materials in your parish. Forfurther information: Teresa Keogh, Advisor for Stewardship and CollaborativeMinistry, tkeogh@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk t: 013 2983 5583YOUNG CHRISTIAN WORKERSYCW members from around England and Wales recentlygathered at Westminster Cathedral to celebrate their patron,St Joseph the Worker, and to hear Archbishop Vincent Nicholscommend them for their ‘vital contribution towards buildinga more fair and just society’.For further details of the YCW: www.ycwimpact.comAbbot Christopher Jamison of Worth Abbey with Emma Stradlingand Danny Curtin and other Young Christian WorkersFUNDRAISING CELEBRATIONSA cheque for more than £5,000 was handed over to JanBloomer of The Maidenhead, Slough and District MultipleSclerosis Society followings major fund raising efforts by StFrancis Catholic Primary School, Coronation Road, Ascot. Themoney was raised through a whole school effort, encouragedby Head Teacher, Jane Gow, who is one of the St FrancisJoggers. More than 100 pupils, staff, governors and parents(collectively known as the St Francis Joggers), took part in theReading Half Marathon and Green Park 3km Challenge.The Joggers were formed last year to run the Reading HalfMarathon in memory of Andy D’Agata, a governor at theschool who died while taking part in a cycle race in France.His family selected Chaseas their charity last year.This year the St FrancisJoggers decided to selectThe Multiple SclerosisSociety which provides arange of services foranyone touched by thecondition.L to R: Jan Bloomer, St Francis pupils and ‘Jogging Jane Gow’12PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE

NEWSWORLD CELEBRATION AT ST JAMESFifty different countries were represented at a colourful international Massheld recently at St James Church in Reading. Canon John O’Shea said: ‘It waspacked completely. They were standing in the aisles – everywhere.’CATENIAN CHARITYThe congregation entered to thesounds of a Tamil choir from Indiaand a procession of flags fromaround the world. A 20-strongPhilippine choir, called TheMagnificat, also performed alongwith St James’ youth group. TheAfrican community led theoffertory procession carryingbaskets of fruit on their heads. InFr John’s words: ‘They cameweaving up the aisle, singing andplaying the African drums. Theytook the place by storm.’An African family outside St James.Picture courtesy of the Reading ChronicleReadings were in a variety of languages including Spanish, Tamil andSlovakian, and everyone held hands during the Our Father and said theprayer in their own language.Fr John said: ‘What was lovely was the colourful community in the sense ofall the different nations dressed in their national costumes. Even the Englishwere in blues and reds. I think we are incredibly blessed to have the customs,cultures and traditions of so many different communities. It lifted the heartsto see so many people taking part in the Mass.’THE BRANDENBERG BIKERThe President’s Charity over the last yearat The City of Winchester Circle was ClicSargent - Caring for Children withCancer (See www.clicsargent.org.uk)and £1,500 was raised by the Circlemembers. At a recent social occasion,Peter Bolger, the immediate pastPresident, handed a cheque for this sumto the Chairman of the South HampshireCommittee of this charity, who happensto be Mrs Sue Bolger! Our photographshows Peter and Sue Bolger with thecheque.On Saturday 29 May, Brother James Hayes f.i.c. (a De La Mennais teachingBrother who works at St. Mary's College, Southampton) set off on an 8 day,861 mile solo sponsored cycle to Berlin to raise money for 11 schools in Haitirun by his congregation, 5 of which were completely destroyed by the recentearthquake. At the moment lessons are mostly taking place there in tents[See inset] Bro. James arrived as planned at the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin[See inset] in the afternoon of Saturday 5 June. So far he has raised over£1,500. If you would like to make a donation to the De La Mennais Brothers'Haiti fund please send a cheque made payable to Brothers Of ChristianInstruction to Bro. James Hayes, St. Mary's College, 57 Midanbury Lane,Bitterne Park, Southampton SO18 4DJ.PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE13

FEATUREStar and AnchorFor this issue, reporter Colin Parkes visits Solent and finds big changesunder way beside the seasideFather John HumphreysIn his days as a young officer in theRoyal Engineers, John Humphreysbuilt a road in Kenya, a bridge in Canadaand a sports stadium in Gibraltar.Now the Co-ordinating Pastor inSolent, Fr John is nearing the end ofa project using human buildingmaterial. Fresh from a successfulLiving Our Faith campaign, the fourparishes of the Pastoral Area areabout to become a single parishcalled Our Lady Star of the Sea,Fareham and Gosport.The title reflects the maritime character of the area, whichstretches from the naval heartland of Portsmouth Harbour in theeast, to the crunchy drives of civilian yacht owners on the RiverHamble in the west. It’s a built-up area, and becoming rapidlymore so as the Ministry of Defence sells off land for housing. Butas you drive through it you are always catching glimpses of thesea, or yacht-filled tidal inlets. The sound track is the cry ofseagulls.Fr John, whose own parish is Lee-on-Solent with Stubbington,sees the merger as a practical necessity. ‘We’re having to jugglethings to make sure all the communities are properly cared for,’ hesays.‘For example, from the autumn, Fr Joe McNerney in Fareham willbe working as chaplain to the Portsmouth hospitals for three daysa week. That means I will be going to Fareham to celebrate Massat St Jude’s Primary School every week, with a knock-on effect forMass times elsewhere.‘We find time for a weekly meeting of the area’s priests, which isvery useful, but in the end someone has to take decisions.’Part of the process of pulling the area together has been theappointment of an administrator. Michele Edwards spends mostof her time managing the office at Sacred Heart in Fareham, butfor eight hours a week she helps to pull the different parishestogether so the whole area runs smoothly.‘One of the main jobs is to keep a calendar with what all thepriests are doing, and events in all the parishes,’ says Michele.‘That way we can co-ordinate things like First Communion andConfessions better. Each parish has its own administrator and Ikeep in touch with them all. They tend to know more aboutwhat’s going on than the priests!’Her other big task is getting together a 4-page newsletter for thewhole area. It’s called The Anchor (which, come to think of it,might be a good title for Michele’s job) – and is produced by alocal printing firm every few months. There are short newsyarticles, and pictures. The back page is the calendar Michelecompiles, and Fr John writes regulararticles.Michele has found she likes the job.‘We’re on a learning curve and it’sevolving, but it’s really interestingtalking to all the other administratorsand getting a bit ofcommunity spirit going across thearea as a whole.’Fr John recommends the idea toother parts of the diocese that might Copies of The Anchorbe thinking along the same lines.‘Michele is really useful for us. Shearranges our meetings, co-ordinates everything. Perhaps mostimportantly, she’s a centre for communication.’The new parish will have a new pastoral council. Its members arebeing drawn from across the area, but there’s been an extra stepto make sure they get the right mix.Nearly 40 possible members were invited to a special day ofreflection at Wisdom House, Romsey. The priests, and the head ofthe Department for Pastoral Formation, Nicky Stevens, took noteof the way everyone interacted and people’s different gifts.The priests have since been consulting in order to choose a newParish Pastoral Council. The aim will be to find a team with avariety of gifts to guide Our Lady Star of the Sea as the new parishsails into the future.In what may be an encouraging omen, September will also meana new start for one of the area’s parishioners, Robert Stewart fromStubbington. He’ll be setting out on the voyage to priesthood,with a propadeutic or introductory year at the Royal EnglishCollege at Valladolid in Spain.New Look for Fareham’s Sacred HeartThe biggest town in the area is Fareham, at the end of an inletoff Portsmouth Harbour. It has a handsome old High Street,and a fine flint-walled Victorian Catholic Church, the SacredHeart.When I arrived, though, the church was not looking its best –full of scaffolding, ladders and sheets of plastic. It was in thefinal stages of a 9-week decorating project, and the 700-plusMass attenders are now enjoying its fruits In charge of thework has been Dave Renshaw, who was the chief decorator forthe refurbishment of the Cathedral. He has altered the look ofthe windows, made the wooden roofs of the nave andsanctuary the same colour, and carried out a lot of cleaning,freshening up and re-gilding.Continued over14PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE

FEATUREI don’t know much about Victorian colour schemes, but I wasrather alarmed on my visit to find the stone-carved foliageat the top of the pillars picked out in a garish lime green.Doh!It turned out to be the undercoat for the gold leaf that Davewas in the process of applying [See small picture].• Here’s a less grand but useful building idea from theSacred Heart. There’s a small courtyard next to the church hall, full of potted plants and partlycovered by a translucent plastic roof. Parish Priest Fr Joe McNerney says it makes a great placefor some of the more mature parishioners to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee after weekday Mass.Charlie Chaplin’s Black MadonnaSt Mary’s in the busy harbourside town of Gosport is one of the oldest churches inthe diocese. It was built in the mid-18th century, long before the CatholicEmancipation Act, to look after the many Irish workers in the naval dockyard.St Mary’s was already seventy years old when in 1834 it became the temporaryresting place for a Spanish Queen. Maria Francisca Asis Braganza, widow of KingCarlos V, died in nearby Alverstoke in 1834. After a huge funeral procession attendedby thousands of people, her body was laid to rest in a vault close to the High Altar.It was later moved to Trieste in Italy.The Queen is not the only celebrity connected to St Mary’s. The church is the proudpossessor of a ceramic figure of Our Lady that once belonged to Charlie Chaplin. It’snot clear why the silent movie star had the statue - he was not a Catholic, althoughhis second wife was.Parish Administrator Doug Savege takes up the story:The figure of Our Lady once owned byCharlie Chaplin‘In the 1970’s and 80’s, my mother Georgina was friends with an elderly lady, Mary Hubbard. She had worked as a fashiondesigner in London and Paris, and had got to know Charlie’s personal assistant.‘She had been given the statue by Charlie, and passed it on to Mrs Hubbard who gave it to my mother. When she moved itended up in my house, but I thought room should be found for it in the church.‘I showed it to our priest, Fr Peter Glas, who has a great devotion to Our Lady. He liked it so much that it now has pride of placeabove the Tabernacle. There was an empty niche there which turned out to be a perfect fit.’Young at HeartFr John CookeThere’s a youthful feelabout St Margaret MaryChurch in Park Gate, atthe western or Southamptonend of the Solent area.Partly this is because it is arelatively young parish,formed in the 1960’s. But bigfactors are its young priest, FrJohn Cooke, his PastoralAssistant, Mrs Clare Ryan,and the community at large.Clare works at the churchwhile her three children areat nearby St Anthony’sPrimary School. Fr John can’tpraise her contribution andinitiative highly enough: onone occasion it involvedleaving Fr John talking to achurch full of mourners andrunning down the road tofind out where theundertakers were.Clare also helps designliturgies for variousoccasions, putting togetherPowerPoint slides which areprojected onto the white wallto the left of the altar. Theslides contain the words ofprayers and hymns, as well assuitably uplifting pictures.Clare explained: ‘UsingPowerPoint that way savesthe cost of printing servicesheets, and - as Fr John hasremarked - we all sing betterand participate to greatereffect because we are lookingup instead of looking downto read.’PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE 15

FEATUREPRIEST’S PROFILEInstitute of Education (London). ‘That led,despite the incessant political interferenceand the strictures of the NationalCurriculum, to a rich, fulfilling but oftenexhausting 21 years in primary educationwith me progressing to a headship, butfrom which I had to retire on healthgrounds in 1995.’One year at Allen Hall (‘back again toLondon’) and then three further yearsin Rome at the Venerable EnglishCollege led to Gerard being ordainedin November 1999 and being sent asPP (Parish Priest) to Reading until2007, when he was moved to TotlandBay on the Isle of Wight.Fr Gerard FlynnBorn and raised in London, ‘the thirdof four children’, Gerard went fromschool in Upper Norwood (StJoseph’s) to study English at Queen MaryCollege (London) and then to take a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education at theGerard had always felt close to thepriesthood but never considered thatHoly Orders would necessarily be forhim. Then one day, in answer to adirect question he had put to himself,he approached Canon David Hopgoodin Fareham. ‘So I suppose you canblame David for helping me nurture aseed which had obviously been lyingdormant, just waiting for the rightmoment. It’s fascinating what asimple, direct question to oneself canachieve!’As Diocesan Director of Vocations, FrGerard, who speaks positively of thenumbers now being called, is himselfthe living testimony of how thevocation to priesthood can progressfrom an earlier calling. ‘Some arecalled to the priesthood at an earlyage,’ he explained. ‘Others, like myself,are called to the priesthood by a moreprotracted route, such as from anearlier vocation.’Fr Gerard Flynn BA, PGCE, MA(Ed), STB invites enquiries from eligible men interested in exploring whether the Catholicpriesthood is their calling. He can be contacted at St Saviour’s Presbytery, Weston Lane, Totland, Isle of Wight PO39 OHEe. gerarddominic@waitrose.com t: 019 8375 2317Live Issues:Life is changed,not endedDominica Robertslooks at somevital questionsThe theme of the Bishops' 2010 Dayfor Life, July 25th in England, was‘Lord, for your faithful people,life is changed, not ended’, remindingus of the Church's teaching on death.As Catholics, we believe in thecommunion of saints and lifeeverlasting, and pray at every Mass for'those who have gone before us markedwith the sign of faith’. The sacramentof the sick, and praying with and forthose who are dying, as well as forthose who have died, is part of ourlives.Most parishes have a dedicated teamwho visit the sick and housebound, andtake them Holy Communion. Wefrequently remember them in ourbidding prayers. We know that thosewhom the world thinks of as uselessand unproductive may very probably bedoing more good by offering up theirsufferings in unity with the Passion ofOur Lord, than they were in earliermore obviously active days.It is very important that we combinethis with the political activity needed toprotect the vulnerable from a small butdetermined group who wish to removethe laws which at present forbid activekilling. We must work to overturn thedecision in Bland's case which allowsthe deliberate starving and dehydratingto death of patients in a coma.Disabled people, lawyers, and doctors(especially those most closely concernedwith the care of the chronically sick ordying) have all pointed out that a socalled‘right to die’ easily becomes aduty to die. This is not so much areligious question about the sinfulnessof taking one's own life, as a practicalone of the inevitability of a slipperyslope towards widespread euthanasiawhich would follow from relaxing thelaw a little bit to allow assisted suicide.Dominica Roberts is a parishioner of St Joseph and St Margaret Clitherow in Bracknell, and active in several pro-lifegroups. Dominica has been a candidate in three General Elections, but, since her pro-abortion MP has now gone,she did not stand in 2010.16PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE

FEATUREQuotable Quotes‘Do not on any account attempt towrite on both sides of the paper atonce’from 1066 and All That‘Wise people learn when they can;fools learn when they must’1st Duke of Wellington‘If at first you don’t succeed, well, somuch for skydiving’Victor O’Reilly‘Laws are like sausages. It’s betternot to see how they are made’Otto von Bismarck‘What luck for rulers that men do notthink’Adolf Hitler‘Be sincere, be brief, be seated’Franklin D. Roosevelt on speeches‘The trouble with talking too fast isyou may say something you haven’tthought of yet’Ann Landers‘Getting older is no problem. You justhave to live long enough’Groucho Marx‘The mind is like a parachute. Itdoesn’t work if it’s not open’Frank Zappa‘I know only two tunes: one of themis “Yankee Doodle” and the other oneisn’t’Ulysses S. Grant‘Sometimes I lie awake at night and Iask, “Where have I gone wrong?”Then a voice says to me, “This isgoing to take more than one night”’.Charles M. Schulz‘Ours is a world of nuclear giants andethical infants. We know more aboutwar than we know about peace, moreabout killing than we know aboutliving. We have grasped the mysteryof the atom and rejected the Sermonon the Mount’General Omar BradleyA BroaderViewLawrence Fullick looks atthe wider worldThe Pope’s visit to England andScotland draws closer. At one stage itseemed threatened by a series ofproblems but these now appear to havebeen addressed. On the government sideLord Chris Patten has been appointed tocoordinate the arrangements.The visit should serve to finally squashany idea that Catholics are in any wayseparate from the mainstream ofnational life. The booklet Heart speaksunto heart has been circulated inparishes and is accessible atwww.thepapalvisit.org.uk. It explains toCatholics and others the purposes to beachieved by the visit and what is theChurch’s contribution to our society.By his meetings with representatives ofother denominations, mainly prayingwith several of them at WestminsterAbbey and meeting Catholic andAnglican bishops together at LambethPalace, the Pope will indicate hisapproval of the efforts in ecumenicalrelations in this country.He will also meet leaders of other faiths.His encyclical Caritas in Veritate and theEnglish Catholic Bishops’ documentMeeting God in Friend and Strangerboth speak of the desirability of interfaithencounters.The British government has been payingmore attention to its relations with theHoly See. In areas such as seeking toachieve the Millenium DevelopmentGoals, the Pope is working with otherworld leaders. On the international stagethe Holy See is widely regarded as atleast on a par with major intergovernmentalbodies. In his recent CorbishleyLecture to the Wyndham PlaceCharlemagne Trust (accessible atwww.wpct.org) Francis Campbell, BritishAmbassador to the Holy See, said theChurch is reckoned to be the world’ssecond largest internationaldevelopment body after the UN. ThePope bought the first ImmunisationBond under the International FinanceFacility. The Holy See’s diplomacy paid amajor role in securing worldwidesupport for the Cluster Munitions Treaty.There have been occasions when statestook insufficient notice of religion.Before the rise of the mullahs in Iran andof the Al-Qaeda threat the Americanadministration in particular decided notto study the Iranian religious leaders - anerror comparable with the British one ofwithdrawing resources from teachingPushtu just before Afghanistanreappeared as an area of interest.Now religion has more notice taken of itthan there used to be. CardinalChristoph Schonborn took up the issueof mounting secularism: ‘not to be afraidof secular society is a preconditionfor....openness to dialogue’. In his homilyon his translation from Cardiff toSouthwark Archbishop Peter Smith said‘the reality is that the Church is not athreat to the legitimate independence ofthe secular State. The ambition of theChurch is to see every person flourishand achieve his or her full potential,irrespective of race, religion or creed.’An event such as the Papal Visit is notsomething which happens and is all overin four days; it should have a lastingimpact on Catholics and our fellowcitizens.Lawrence Fullick, a parishioner in Bournemouth, is treasurer of the WyndhamPlace Charlemagne Trust, a charity which promotes discussion of internationalissues among people of all faiths or none.PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE17

LETTERSLetters Letters Letters Letters LettersANGLICAN CLARIFICATIONI picked up a copy of the May edition of Portsmouth People whenvisiting my local Catholic church and found it very encouraging. I ama Church of England parish priest and value all the positive links thatexist between our churches. I would, however, wish to clarify apossible implication of your editorial piece. When you remark that'the UK authorities do not subsidise our Catholic Church. It's not theState religion...' I fear that readers may assume that the 'Established'(or 'State'?) Church of England does receive such a subsidy. Of course,as I am sure you are aware, this is not the case. The C of E's traditionalrole as the 'state Church', although it entails some important anddemanding ministry, is not in any way funded by the state. We, likeyourselves (and unlike, as you rightly imply, churches in many otherEuropean countries) must fund ourselves entirely.There remains, of course, the question as to whether, for all thedifficulties our un-subsidised position places upon us, Catholics orAnglicans, it is not perhaps healthier than the position of somecontinental branches of the Church that have been accustomed to aguaranteed income.With best wishes to you and the Portsmouth People journal.Philip Martin, Vicar of St James', Alderholt, nr Fordingbridge[Thank you very much for your clarification, Philip. No implication intended. Ed.]LIVING OUR FAITHYour Special Edition to celebrate Living Our Faith was long overdue.When the campaign was launched in April 2009, the high level ofsecrecy made it difficult if not impossible to independently verifyinformation about the campaign, apart from reading the campaignbrochure.There are three significant omissions:Firstly, there needs to be an explicit acknowledgement that allvolunteers involved in fundraising and the management ofstewardship are exercising a valuable ministry in the church. Theirrole is more special than ordinary volunteers. Church ministryincludes being accountable, and being trained to work to highstandards as would be expected in any trade, craft or profession.Secondly, please inform us about CCS (Community CounsellingService) Company whose solid work has underpinned the wholecampaign. An article about CCS, its work for the diocese, and itsfront line staff would be instructive.Thirdly, what about administrative costs and CCS’s fees?Fundraising costs are an essential investment for a campaign ofthis magnitude, and are typically 10-15%. In 2004, CCS assistedthe Archdiocese of Glasgow to launch a campaign with a target of£8,000,000 and a goal of £9.4 million. Costs of £1,392,524.26 wereincurred during the launch phase up to June 2006 of which CCSreceived fees of £1,131,641.25 (12% of the sum raised). It has beenstated that the Diocese is meeting in full the costs of the Living OurFaith campaign, presumably from Diocesan general expenditure, forwhich all parishes and their parishioners are contributing.I look forward to the rectification of these omissions in a futureedition of Portsmouth People.Michael White, Hampshire[Rev Stephen Morgan, HoD for Finance and Property replies: 'CommunityCounselling Services (CCS) have not been paid on a percentage basis, but on thebasis of the time their staff have spent supporting us in the campaign.Nevertheless, with the final results of the campaign not yet finalised (I'm writingthis in July 2010 with a total of £12.6M pledged), I can say that CCS's fees to uswill be lower than they were for the Archdiocese of Glasgow and will representsomething between 7 and 8% of the funds pledged.']MILL HILL MISSIONARIESIn addition to Fr Mooney, a Mill Hill Missioner, at St EdmundCampion's, there is also Fr Brian Coogan at St David's Church, EastCowes, Isle of Wight. Dear Father Brian is well into his eighties andshows no sign of wishing to retire yet. He is an inspirational parishpriest, much-loved by his parishioners and past pupils (my son wastaught by him at St Peter's Junior Seminary, Freshfield, Liverpool inthe 1960s).He was so happy when we renewed our acquaintance with himlast Christmas as he had just returned from a holiday to hisbeloved Borneo where he had served as a missionary many yearsago before teaching at Freshfield and being parish priest at StDavid's.Ann Thorp, IoW[Readers may like to refer to the two-part article by Fr Anthony Chantry in PPin the 2009 June/July and August/September issues. Ed.]MOTIVATIONI hope most readers are motivated by Len Edwards’ letter in thelast issue of PP. I too thoroughly enjoy the read, finding eachedition interesting and informative. Please find enclosed insupport of future publications. Thank you to the team.Nora North, Portsmouth[Nora, that is indeed most kind and considerate of you. Thank you. Ed.]DISMAYI am dismayed by the failure of the Church to manage her publicrelations. Information about the 'cover up' of the activities ofclerical abusers still leaks out in dribbles and is then attributed tomedia malice and distortion instead of being addressed straightforwardlyand either acknowledged as being true or worthy ofreinvestigation or refuted. Cardinal Bertone's recent statementwas a good example of yet another PR gaffe, and there was newsof a letter written by a Vatican official congratulating an ordinaryon his decision not to report an abusive cleric to the police.The (false) impression created is of an organisation riddled withdelinquent priests and a hierarchy complicit by their silence in thecrimes committed and arrogantly intent on silencing the victims.Which brings me to the cover picture of a recent PortsmouthPeople. In the current atmosphere it was an unfortunate PR moveto portray a man kissing the hand of another. Catholics knowperfectly well that this is an established, purely symbolic,ceremonial gesture. But you probably know better than I to whathostile satirical use your cover picture might be put.I look forward to the next number of PP.Philip James, IoW[Well, Philip, it’s a shame there’s so much spin, counter-spin, malice and fingerpointingin the world, no? As for kissing the Papal ring … honi soit qui mal ypense, n’est-ce pas? Pl. pardon my French. Ed.]The Editor regrets being unable (1) to enter intocorrespondence other than through the pages of themagazine and (2) to accept for publication any copy,including Letters, submitted other than electronically.18PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE

FEATUREIn Memory …DAVID CLAISSEA tribute from friends and colleaguesThe death of David Claisse, on 7 February, reminds allthose who knew him of his outstanding, loyal contributionto Catholic education in Southampton.He was appointed head teacher (the youngest ever inthe City at the time) to St Joseph’s School, Bugle Street,in 1963 and when it closed, he opened the new HolyFamily School in Millbrook on the West side ofSouthampton, where he stayed until his retirement in1993.He was an intelligent, creative and charismatic person ofmany talents, a caring man of integrity and true fatherin loco parentis to all pupils. He was always able toremember their names and ‘story’ from childhood toadulthood. The School was a true and happy familyunder his care. Past pupils at Secondary school, if theyhad a day off and Holy Family was open, would visittheir old school and bring other friends with them (whowere not past pupils!)David inspired and encouraged colleagues - hisinfluence and support often having an advantageousand life-changing effect on their lives. A deeplyspiritual man, whose strong Catholic Faith was hislifelong support and strength, he always ensured thatstrong links were forged and maintained between schooland parishes, enjoying an excellent rapport with allparish clergy. Apart from regular class and school Masseshe encouraged other significant liturgical celebrations.David also played a pivotal role, from its very beginningand onwards, in the introduction of French in Primaryschools in Southampton in the 1960s, and helped todevelop projects such as the setting up of centres forchildrens’ stays in Le Havre, twin City of Southampton.He was also a founder member of the NationalAssociation of Headteachers, Southampton Branch . Hespent most of his time as the treasurer but waspersuaded on two occasions to be the President for ayear. Under his influence the Association grew innumber and led to greater coalition between Secondaryand Primary Heads. He gave generously of his time andexperience to all members and helped to raise the statusof the Association with the Local Authority.Show your concern for our global neighbours and sendyour message to the new Prime Minister to Act onPoverty.CAFOD’s Act on Poverty campaign urges the newgovernment to make a real difference to global povertyby pushing for a fair climate change deal at the UN,honouring their commitment to spend 0.7% of nationalincome on aid for the poorest by 2013, and ensuringbusinesses are accountable to people in poor countriesaffected by their operations.Together we can show the Prime Minister that althoughthe global economic crisis means hard choices onspending need to be made, thousands of people acrossthe country want the tackling of global poverty to behigh on the new government’s agenda.Please take 2 minutes out of your day today to go onlineand send your message to Number 10 by visitingwww.cafod.org.uk/actonpoverty We want to send atleast 10,000 action cards and messages to the PM by10.10.10.Action cards and campaign kits (which include posters,more background information, a short talk, biddingprayers and newsletter announcements) can be orderedfrom CAFOD Portsmouth on 01252 329385 orportsmouth@cafod.org.uk Alternatively, join CAFODPortsmouth on facebook and help us spread the word!A packed Holy Family Church consisting of family,friends, colleagues, pupils, pupils’ parents and acquaintances,some having travelled long distances, for hisRequiem Mass was a fitting tribute to David.PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE19

NEWSNEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTSRAISED ROSARY RESEARCHCatherine Gordon has contacted (‘PP issuch a good read’) to ask about the decadeson the rosary featured on the cover of ourprevious issue. As far as we are aware, thatboxwood rosary on the Mary Rose wasbrought to the surface intact. But someoneamong our readership could perhaps shedfurther light on the matter.BLANC DES BLANCSRaymond Blanc, on crutches afterbreaking his leg, recently visitedGunwharf Quays in Portsmouth tolaunch this year’s 3-day Hampshire FoodFestival [See inset]. In a recent interviewwith the Guardian, the famous chef andrestauranteur spoke of his Catholic upbringing: ’Maman argueda lot with my father because she is a guilty Catholic and he is anatheist communist, but after 60 years of infighting theirarguments are less painful these days. What my father dislikedmost was that my mother took us to Mass three times a weekwhen he wanted us to help in the garden. However, his viewsabout respecting other people no matter what faith or colourhave been passed on to me and particularly his respect for therigour of work’.READ PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ONLINE ATWWW.PORTSMOUTHPEOPLE.ORG.UK‘UNSYSTEMATIC AND CONFUSED’Pupil’s understanding of Christianity is both ‘unsystematic andconfused’, says Ofsted. ‘Many of the primary and secondaryschools visited did not pay sufficient attention to the progressiveinvestigation of the core beliefs of Christianity’, reports the UK’sschool inspectorate, Ofsted, in their latest report, TransformingReligious Education, released 6th June 2010. Yet in wellperforming schools, ‘imaginative use of challenging andevocative resources stimulate(d) the pupils’ imagination andencourage(d) them to explore their personal responses’.SCULPTURE CULTUREHis Eminence The Cardinal and Most RevVincent Nicholls and representatives fromacross the Diocese witnessed, in a ceremonyconducted by Bishop Crispian, the unveilingat St John’s Cathedral on 22 July of PhilipJackson’s sculpture of St John the Evangelist [See PP Vol 09-5 p.20]. Philip Jackson, seen here working on the maquette, is oneof the foremost figurative sculptors in Britain today, and isalready known to the people of Portsmouth for The Yomper, thestatue standing stoically on Southsea’s seafront.The three-metre high statue of St John the Evangelist,sponsored by the Friends of the Cathedral, has taken two yearsto complete. Commenting on the event, Canon David Hopgood,Dean of St John’s Cathedral, said: ‘The sculpture, standingproudly outside our Cathedral, bears testimony to the vigour ofour faith. It is a statement to bring focus, attention and furtherquality to the city of Portsmouth for the benefit of itsinhabitants and those visiting the city, be they of the Christianfaith, other faith or none’. Full report in our next issue.AOS APPOINTS NEW NATIONAL DIRECTORMartin Foley, the charity’s new NationalDirector, formerly Chief Executive to thecharity LIFE (2005-2010) took up his poston 1st June. Following his education atBishop Walsh RC School, Martin went onto read law at Manchester University,returning there after some years tocomplete an MA in Health Care, Ethics andLaw. He practiced as a solicitor beforejoining the House of Parliament as Clerk Martin Foleyto the All-Party Parliamentary Pro-LifeGroup and Personal Assistant to LordAlton.The Apostleship of the Sea, AOS, is a maritime welfare charity,providing practical and pastoral support to seafarers, regardlessof race, colour or creed (if any).Ninety percent of world trade is carried by ship, and some 100,000 seafarersvisit British ports each year. They are commonly away from home for nineto 12 months at a time, suffering loneliness, depression and evenexploitation. They also have to work in gruelling and often dangerousconditions. AOS chaplains and ship visitors welcome seafarers to our shores.They recognise them as brothers with an intrinsic human dignity which canbe overlooked in the modern globalised maritime industry.For more information visit www.apostleshipofthesea.org.uk20PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE

NEWSNEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTSIRELAND: A HISTORYThe recent publication of the long-awaited (12 years) and costly(£191 million) Saville report into the Bloody Sunday 30-minuteepisode in Derry in 1972 could well prompt some reflection onthe role of massacre and religious conflict in the last fifteenhundred years of the history of Ireland.Historian Thomas Bartlett's new book Ireland: A History beginswith the killing by British general Coroticus in the mid-5thcentury of some disciples of St Patrick and continues for the nextfifteen hundred years with short accounts of massacres in 1641,1798, during the Tithe War, the Land War and on through theWar of Independence and Civil War down to and beyond thedreadful events in Derry in 1972. His book offers anindispensable guide to contextualising the religiousunderpinnings of such mass killings, but not anaesthetisingthem, and answers many other key questions in Irish history (e.g.What was the importance of St Patrick? Who actually invadedIreland in 1169? How do religion and politics relate in Irishhistory? What part did the Irish play in the expansion of theBritish Empire? What caused the emergence of the Celtic Tigereconomy, and what killed it stone dead? …).Humorously referred to by the author as 'From St Patrick to StPaisley', historian Thomas Bartlett’s Ireland: A History, published17 June 2010, retails in hardback (648 pages) at £25 fromCambridge University Press.PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE READERS’ OFFERTo help people understand more deeply thespirituality of St Thérèse of Lisieux and tocommemorate the recent visit of her relics tothe UK, Portsmouth People is offering readersThe Little Flower, the compact disk from TheMusic Makers, at the revised and discountedprice of £12.00 inclusive of p&p (UK). This CDfeatures extracts from The Little Way of St Thérèsebeautifully interwoven with music to illuminate themeditation. The music is performed by Schola Cantamus,directed by Jeremy de Satgé. Orders, giving the full postaladdress for receipt, should be addressed to The Editor,Portsmouth People, Department for Pastoral Formation,Park Place Pastoral Centre, Winchester Road, Wickham,Hampshire PO17 5HA. Cheques to be made payable to thediocesan account: PRCDTR General Fund.JUST FOR JUNIORSTurn this page upside down to read the solutions and answersto this issue's JfJ section.Q1: We already know that Mary is one of the 5 daughters.Q3: This is the statement issued by the Vatican when a newPope is elected. The statement means: ‘We have a Pope’.Q3: Jesus Christ was 33 years old when he was crucified. 33years = 396 months = 1716 weeks.Thomas Bartlett is Professor of Irish History at the School of Divinity, Historyand Philosophy, University of Aberdeen. Previously Professor of Modern IrishHistory at University College Dublin, he was educated at Queen’s UniversityBelfast (BA, 1970, PhD 1976) and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.NEWS IN BRIEF (STOP PRESS)• Until 10 October a selection of rare Hebrew manuscripts fromthe Vatican will be on display at The Jewish Museum, RaymondBurton House, 129-131 Albert Street, Camden Town, LondonNW1 7NB. Further details: www.jewishmuseum.org.uk• Visit our new, revised diocesan website:www.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk• From 4-17 September the Cathedral is hosting an artexhibition Bald Statements, a reflection of the artist JeanParker’s own experience of cancer.• The Most Reverend Peter Smith, formerly Archbishop ofCardiff, has been installed as the Archbishop of Southwark• Until 26 September the Royal Academy of Arts in Piccadilly(London) will be featuring an exhibition on Sargent and theSea and from 25 September until 12 December Treasuresfrom Budapest: European Masterpieces from Leonardo toSchiele. Further details: www.royalacademy.org.ukFinished reading this copy of PP? Please pass it onto friends and colleagues, whether of faith or nofaith, or dispose of responsibly for re-cyclingPORTSMOUTH PEOPLE21

FEATUREIn our previous issue, CAFOD Media Volunteer, Luxmy Gopalakrishnan, looked at the way in whichCAFOD’s Connect2 initiative was bringing local parishes closer to a community in El Salvador.Now, she takes a look at another community that we have the opportunity to Connect2 in CambodiaNestled between Thailand and Vietnam,Cambodia’s profile as a touristdestination has increased dramaticallyover the past decade, with over two milliontourists a year visiting the country’s unspoiltcountryside and world-famous temples.CAFOD’s Connect2 programme featuresSamrong Mean Chey, a tiny settlementjust outside the capital, Phnom Penh.You’d be forgiven for not having heard ofthis village as it only came into existencein 2001. It was created by families whofled there after a fire destroyed theirhomes and livelihoods.Samol, 44, wasone of the first toarrive: ‘My houseburned down infront of my eyes.Three days later Imoved to thisarea with myfamily. Therewere no housesat first, onlypaddy fields,so we pitchedSamola tent in the schoolyard.’ The localgovernment would only allow thearriving families to live there on atemporary basis: they were not allowed tobuild permanent housing. In thefollowing years, Samol negotiated withthe local government and worked hard toget the settlement recognised, and wassuccessful in getting it a name. However,almost a decade later, the 64 families inSamrong Mean Chey continue to beunder constant threat of forced relocationby the government. Thesituation is not helped by theimpoverished conditions. A third of thefamilies do not have regular work; twoout of three families rely on food aid tosurvive, and half the people live on lessthan 20p a day.The Salvation Centre Cambodia (SCC), oneof CAFOD’s partners, has made a valuabledifference. It works with Buddhist monksto support residents like Samol in gainingrecognition for Samrong Mean Chey fromthe government, and to develop localbusiness through training and loans, sothat families can earn a better incomeand eventually buy their own land.One such beneficiary isDara, 19, who lost hisfather to AIDS when hewas young, and liveswith his mother andyounger siblings. ‘I usedto worry that my Mumcouldn’t earn enough tolook after us, but thenSCC came and gave hera loan that she used tobuy a bicycle. Now shecan carry and sell morevegetables and make abetter income.’ This inturn enables Dara tospend time studyingto become a doctor.Since the fall of the Khmer Rouge in1979, Cambodia has recovered well,thanks to the determination of theCambodian people and a more stablepolitical climate. However progress hasbeen hampered by HIV AIDS, corruption,illegal logging and land-grabbing. ManySamrong Mean Chey residents believethat the fire which destroyed theirformer homes was started deliberately sothat the land could be redeveloped. Theirlivelihoods hang in the balance, butCAFOD and the SCC are determinedlycontinuing to support the community tofight for safe and secure housing.Thoeun, director of the SCC, says, ‘I amconcerned that the people in SamrongMean Chey will be evacuated again. ButI really think that together we can helpthem stay put.’Connect2 aims to bring us all closer todifferent communities across the world,give us the opportunity to hear people’sstories and share something of our ownparish life too through photographs ofspecial events, cards and stories.If your parish or group would like toexplore the idea of Connecting2 one ofCAFOD’s partners and the communitiesthey work with, please contact CAFODPortsmouth on 012 5232 9385 or emailportsmouth@cafod.org.ukLuxmy, named after theHindu goddess of fortune,is a volunteer for CAFODPortsmouth. She studiedHistory at DurhamUniversity. Previously shehad spent a year pursuingher love of travelling.She currently works as the manager of achildren’s learning centre in Camberley.22 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE

FAITH IN ACTIONSignificant weddinganniversaries, 2010Author: Richenda PowerSignificant for our diocese was the secondannual Mass for couples celebratingsilver, golden, ruby and diamond weddings.Bishop Crispian Hollis even announced thepresence of the Dupres, married 70 years, ashe welcomed all at St Bede's, Basingstoke, onJune 12th.A local couple, Bob and Barbara Applin, metthrough her work as an archaeologist. Bobjoined a team rescuing door knockers andcast iron fireplaces from houses demolishedfor the 1960s' development. Forty years on,Bob, Anglican by background, agnostic bynature, came forward for a blessing, asBarbara took communion.Significant for the Applins was the encouragementto come to the altar together. Forsome this meant consuming the Body ofChrist simultaneously.Most of the 128 couples had travelled miles,from the outer reaches of our diocese,including the Channel Islands, bringing afriend or relation with them.Emmanuel and Nkem Virginia Ezekwe, fromOur Lady of Peace, Lower Earley, Reading,explained that their married life began 25years ago in St Mark's Catholic Church,Agabana, Nigeria. Their professions areengineering and secondary teaching respectively,and they have five children.Significant for all were the intercessions,read by Cedric and Paddy Lark, from StAnne's, Brockenhurst, married 50 years.Many of us live alone, and may ponderanniversaries which might have been. Wellwrittenprayers meant we did not feelneglected.Bishop Crispian acknowledgedthat the couples in front of himhad probably had a harder jobthan that of a celibate priestlike himself, addressing them:'All of you who have borne theheat of the day'.You could sense all warmed tohim for this recognition.Christine Field, from CorpusChristi, Wokingham, said 'thefirst ten years' of their halfcentury were the mosttraumatic', as they'd lost theirfirst baby, and her husband Ianhad been ill. 'If you can survivethat, you can surviveanything', she claimed, adding:'I married the right man!'Being among so many enduringrelationships was a tangibleexperience: each word of everyhymn and response was madewith gusto; the silencesbetween words and movementwere profound; couples renewedtheir vows with visible delight.Significant was a sense of thewisdom of those gathered, themiddle to long aged of our society,whose faith has weathered wars,rationing, and earlier recessions. AsBishop Crispian put it: 'You are notprivate people or private couples,but in the front line as witnesses ofthe Gospel of love'.51234FEATURE1) COMMUNION, with the Bishop and Fr Dominic2) THE APPLINS3) THE EZEKWES4) RENEWAL OF COMMITMENT Jan and Martin McGanahan(40 years) from St Colman's, Cosham5) TIME FOR REFRESHMENTSBishop Crispian's Homily and many more photographs are availableon the diocesan website: www.portsmouthdiocese.org.ukPORTSMOUTH PEOPLE23

FEATUREJust for Juniors‘It is easier to build strong childrenthan to repair broken men’Frederick Douglass1: FIVE DAUGHTERSMary’s father has five daughters.They are called Nana, Nene, Nini,Nono and … What’s the name of thefifth daughter?2: DEVILISH COMPETITIONJesus and Satan were having an on-going argument about whowas better on the computer. They had been going at it for days,and frankly God was tired of hearing all the bickering.Finally fed up, God said, 'THAT'S IT! I have had enough. I amgoing to set up a test that will run for two hours, and fromthose results, I will judge who does the better job.'So Satan and Jesus sat down at the keyboards and typed away:They moused. They faxed. They e-mailed. They e-mailed withattachments.They downloaded. They did spreadsheets. They wrote reports.They created labels and cards. They created charts and graphs.They compiled some genealogy reports.They did every computer task known.Jesus worked with heavenly efficiency and Satan was fasterthan hell.Then, ten minutes before their time was up, lightning suddenlyflashed across the sky, thunder rolled, rain poured, and, ofcourse, the power went off.Satan stared at his blank screen and screamed every curse wordknown in the underworld. Jesus stayed calm.Finally, the electricity came back on, and each of them restartedtheir computers. Satan started searching frantically, screaming:'It's gone! It's all GONE! 'I lost everything when the power wentout!'Meanwhile, Jesus quietly started printing out his files from thepast two hours of work.Satan observed this and became irate. 'Wait!' he screamed.'That's not fair! He cheated! How come he has all his work andI don't have any?God just shrugged and quietly said, ‘Jesus saves’.3. HABEMUS PAPAMHabemus Papam is a very famous pronouncement in Latin.Do you know what it means and when it’s made?Vikki says, ‘Well, these socialnetworking sites are cool. But youhave to watch what you’re puttingout there. Maybe 4/500 millionpeople could get to see it! I’vebeen checking my privacy settingson FACEBOOK and the other sites I use. You should do thesame. Initial settings, clicked in by default, can often do withsorting out. Not that I want to cramp my style. But it’s notthat easy to see what’s going on. So, what I did was hit onHELP on the bottom right of the FACEBOOK screen and tookit from there. I must have cut it down to about 100 million‘friends’ by now. Still too many to send Christmas cards to!’4: NUMBERSSee if you can work out therelationship between thefollowing numbers. You’llneed a calculator.1716, 33 and 3965: WORD SEARCHUsing the letters in the wordASSUMPTION see howmany words you can make.It could help to put eachletter on a different slip ofpaper and then juggle themabout. Have fun!You’ll find the answers in News and Announcements24PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE

LionHudson arewell-known fortheir highqualityChristianbooks, and the author, an Oxfordtheologian, is well-established withhis titles already published by themon various aspects of the history ofChristianity. In this volume Hillgives us an insight into the first 400years of Christianity. He delves intothe emergence, spread anddevelopment of Christianity, andhow it became the official religionof the Roman Empire.Over eleven chapters the authortakes us into the whole melting-potof early Christian history: thepersecutions, the whole socialcontext, the struggle to establish aBOOKMARKFr Denis Blackledge SJ selects some summer readingTHE CRUCIBLE OF CHRISTIANITYJonathan Hill, LionHudson, hardback 256pp, 2010, £20The author is well-known for his happy blend of athorough knowledge of modern literature as well astheology, and has a string of books to his name whichmake theology exciting. He has a great ability withwords: he is an imaginative theologian, with a facilityfor putting deep things into simple language.Here he presents the reader with ten leading thinkersof the past century, from John Henry Newman toJoseph Ratzinger, the present Pope. On the way wemeet Karl Rahner, Hans Urs von Balthasar and BernardLonergan, along with other names possibly not as wellknown to the average reader such as PierangeloSequeri, Charles Taylor and Dorothy Soelle. Plus, asurprise guest, the Catholic fiction writer FlanneryO’Connor.Our author takes us to the heart of the matter witheach writer, showing how each points us in thedirection of Christian faith. He hands over their visionin today’s language, and in a non-academic way - onlyone foot-note in the whole book. Here is a usefulcommon theology, and the vexedquestion of orthodoxy and heresy.All is done with the eye of a goodteacher, in manageable sections,with clear headings. Names comealive as the reader finds out moreabout such original figures asOrigen, Cyprian, Anthony the Great,Ambrose and Augustine of Hippo.From city to desert, from West toEast, the writer tells us of keymoments in the story.The book touches on art andarchitecture, relics and pilgrimages,and a whole array of individuals andmovements. It is peppered with avariety of helpful maps, and afascinating array of photographs,which shed extra light on thesubject. There are also boxedFAITH MAPSTen Religious Explorers from Newman to Joseph RatzingerMichael Paul Gallagher, DLT pbk, 158pp, 2010features on such topics as Christianattitudes to Judaism, Alexandria,Mithraism, Gnostic movements andthe Armenian Church.Hill presents us with a pleasingoverview of the doctrinal andspiritual heritage which began witha few fisherman and peasants inGalilee and four centuries laterbecame the official state religion.And he shows how Christians had tocope with radical internal divisions,breaking through into a newunderstanding of their doctrinaland spiritual heritage. A good bookto have on the shelf if you want toknow more about the earlycenturies of Christianity as anindividual or as a teacher.resource book for anyone who wants toget a modest grip, a ‘feel’ for each ofhis ‘interviewees’. Each is a ‘giant’ in hisor her own way, and Gallagher in his inimitable waybrings each down to earth and gets to the very core oftheir writings.Whether you are a scholar well-versed in theology, ora simple beginner with a desire to know more, this isthe book for you. If you want a touch of imaginativetheology, here it is on a plate, dished up in bite-sizechunks easy to digest and that will fascinate andenthral. And, for most of the authors covered,Gallagher creates imaginary monologues whichtranslate the voices of these leading thinkers into aseries of reflections which speak to many for whomGod may be off their own personal map.An excellent book to challenge and help at home, inschool, parish or university. Just one quibble: for sucha quality book the proof-reading left much to bedesired, with over thirty errata.Catering for catholic tastes …PP brings the world’s cuisine to your tableGambas al Ajillo (Garlic Prawns: Spanish Tapa)Preparation time: 10 mins. Cooking time: 5 minsIngredients: 300/350g of peeled, raw small prawns or large shrimps; 1 or 2 dried,red chillies; 6 large cloves of garlic thinly sliced; sea salt; 150ml extra virgin oliveoil; chopped fresh parsley or coriander and lemon wedges to serve.Method: Heat the oil in a small frying pan. Add the garlic, chillies and salt. Cookfor just a few seconds. When the garlic begins to turn a very light golden colour,add the prawns and stir gently. Cook for a maximum of a further 2 to 3 mins overa high heat until the prawns turn pink. Remove from the heat, sprinkle the parsleyor coriander on top. Serve at once with lemon wedges. Serves 4 generously as astarter (una tapa). ¡Que aproveche!Spain was featured in CONNECTIONS on page 25 of Vol 09-6 of PP. Ed.Just a click away…We continue with ourcompendium of worthy websites:http://www.ThePapalVisit.org.uk- details of the Pope’s UK visit 2010http://www.flickr.com/photos/catholicism- photographs of eventsFEATUREwww.CatholicChurch.org.uk- the Catholic Church in England and Waleshttp://www.TheTablet.co.uk/- to read The Tablet onlinehttp://issuu.com/TheUniverse/docs/TheUniverse- to read The Universe on linehttp://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/REVrs.htm- religious studies websiteshttp://www.cts-online.org.uk/- Catholic Truth Society, publisher and charityhttp://www.UKvocation.org/- national office for vocation(URLs are generally not case sensitive. Title casing is to improvereadability. Submissions for ‘JACA’ warmly invited. Ed.)Portuguese ConnectionsWith this issue of Portsmouth People we offer a‘community communications checklist’ for Portuguesenationals and for others in our diocese with Internetaccess who are interested in Portugal:Country Profile (BBC):http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/country_profiles/994099.stm(Note underscore between country and profiles)Tourism and travel information:www.lonelyplanet.com/portugalTravel Guide:http://www.worldtravelguide.net/country/227/country_guide/Europe/Portugal.html(Note underscore between country and profiles)National Tourist Office:http://www.portugaloffice.org.uk/Travel advice:http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/europe/portugalInternet Radio Stations:www.live-radio.net/www.listenlive.eu/portugal.html(Similar 'Community Connections' compilationsare welcome for other nationalities. Ed.)PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE25

FEATURETHE BOURNEMOUTH CLERGYCONFERENCE Canon Paul Townsend reportsFor the second year running a goodnumber of our diocesan clergy cametogether with Bishop Crispian for anovernight Conference at the Wessex Hotel inBournemouth. It was facilitated on the 8 and9 June by Kit and Caroline Dollard fromChristian Community Resources andthey guided us through a process whichlooked at the diocesan pastoral plan andthe contribution of the priest topartnership and collaboration.The conference this year was requested bythe clergy who attended in Bournemouthlast year and provided an opportunity tobring the Year for Priests to a fittingconclusion. In his homily during theclosing Mass, Bishop Crispian said thatthere would be another opportunity tocelebrate the end of the Year for Priestswhen deacons Phil Harris and JamesMcAuley are ordained at the Cathedral onSaturday 24 July at 11.00am.Much work was done on the role andcontribution of clergy in the Church in thecontemporary world. Monsignor JohnNelson invited us to reflect on theteaching of the Second Vatican Councilon the mission of the priest: ‘Since thehuman race today is tending more andmore towards civil, economic and socialunity, it is all the more necessary thatpriests should unite their efforts andcombine their resources under theleadership of the bishops and the SupremePontiff and thus eliminate division anddissension in every shape or form, so thatall humanity may be led into the unity ofthe family of God’ (Lumen Gentium, 28e).Five PrinciplesGrowing out of the teaching of theCouncil, Monsignor Nelson presented thefive principles which were agreed by thoseclergy present as underpinning the role ofboth priests and deacons. The principle ofco-responsibility ensured that an areateam of clergy share responsibility forpreaching, the celebration of thesacraments and pastoral care. At the sametime these responsibilities could bethematic or could relate to a particularchurch or community. To ensure effectiveco-working the clergy team need tocommit to regular meetings with prayer attheir heart. Using gifts properly wasconsidered to be key and means that theparticular strengths, expertise andexperience of an individual needs to beidentified and used within the clergy teamfor the good of the people in the area. Thepriest should be able to channel his energyinto what he does best. Monsignor Nelsonstressed the importance of ‘building andsustaining relationships’ which means thateach priest and deacon needs to bondwith a church or community within thearea. Priests should not be expected torotate between churches on a regular andcontinuous basis. He explained theprinciple of governance which gives toeach priest within an area the authority todeal with as many issues as possiblewithout constant reference to the CoordinatingPastor.Everyone at the conference agreed andendorsed the principles for underpinningthe role of clergy in the new pastoral areasand regretted the fact that a number ofclergy were unable to attend. A lot ofpositive material was considered andeveryone left with renewed enthusiasmand confidence looking forward to thenext opportunity to meet.26 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE

Hints & WrinklesStarting School in September 2011FEATUREStarting school is one of the most important and exciting milestones in every child’s life. September 2011 may seem along time away but parents and carers will need to make choices and complete forms in the autumn term this year. TheAuthority will publish booklets for parents explaining the process.In applying for a place, parents are reminded that they must:• complete the Common Application Form whichis issued by the Authority.• complete the Supplementary Information Formwhen applying for a place in a Catholic school, ifthe school has one. This information is needed ifthe application is to take account of religiousstatus. If this form is not completed then theschool cannot judge the application against thereligious criteria so the application is likely to bedisadvantaged.• complete a Supplementary Information Form foreach Catholic school if applying for two or moreCatholic schools, even if one of the schools is asecond or third choice. Each school has its ownSupplementary Information Form.• ensure the evidence asked for is submitted withthe application.• ensure the application forms and supportingevidence are submitted by the closing date.If unsure about any aspect of the admissions process, parents should ask their home Authority and/or preferred schoolfor further advice.Diocese of PortsmouthDepartment for Pastoral FormationAre you married?Try a one dayMarriage RefresherThis day is for married couples who want tospend a day reflecting on their relationship.During the day couples are encouraged to thinkand share privately as couples how they handlechange, communication, conflict and maritalspirituality in their relationship.The day is not designed for couples experiencingserious difficulties in their marriage.Saturday Saturday 23rd 8 th May October 2010 2010 10.00am-4.00pm10.00am-4.00pm(coffee from 9.30am)(coffee from 9.30am)No charge – please food for a sharing table.No charge – please bring food for a sharing table.Venue: Corpus Christi Guildhall,Venue: St James Christ Square, the King, Boscombe, 408 Bournemouth,NorthumberlandAvenue, Whitley, Reading, BH5 2BX. Berkshire. RG2 8NRTo book a place on email estephenson@portsmouthdiocese.org.ukor phone 01329 835583The Diocese is committed to involving people with disabilities in every aspect of the life of the Church.Registered Charity No. 246871PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE27

FEATUREJOURNEYING WITH CHRISTFr Jeremy Corley introducesthe Sunday Gospels for Augustand SeptemberWe live in an age of rapid travel, whetherfor work or holidays or family reasons.Luke’s two-volume text includes manyjourneys. In the second volume the apostlestravel round the Mediterranean proclaimingthe Good News. And the first volume tells ofJesus’ journey to Jerusalem.Luke 9:51 declares: ‘As the time drew nearfor him to be taken up to heaven, Jesusresolutely took the road for Jerusalem.’ Hisjourney to death and resurrection can teachus how to make our life’s journey, and theSunday gospels for August and Septembershow us important stages on the way.When we go on a journey, the temptation isto stuff our bags with as many things aspossible, just in case we need them later on.We can be like the man in Jesus’ parable:when his barns were full, he planned tobuild bigger barns to store his goods, notknowing that his time on earth was quicklycoming to its end.That is why Jesus tells us: ‘See that you aredressed for action and have your lamps lit.’We are to be like the Israelites waiting forthe exodus (as God tells Moses): ‘with a beltaround your waist, sandals on your feet, anda staff in your hand.’ As a pilgrim church, weare called to be ready to move onwards. Iftoday’s world is changing fast, we have tomove on, while maintaining to our faith inGod.‘Through towns and villages Jesus wentteaching, making his way to Jerusalem.’Jesus warns his hearers: ‘Try your best toenter by the narrow door.’ Those who heardGod’s word long ago may drift away, to bereplaced by people from east and west,north and south. It is said that in Londontoday, half the churchgoers were not born inthis country. Have we forgotten the GoodNews of Jesus?On a journey we look for a place to eat.Luke’s Gospel tells of Jesus being invited toeat with a leading Pharisee - evidently, notall the Pharisees were bad. And Jesus speaksof the value (in God’s eyes) of hospitality tothe poor and the sick. Such people may notbe able to make repayment on earth, butany hospitality to them will be rewarded inthe life to come.What holds us back from journeying withChrist? Sometimes it can be our excessiveattachment to things. So Jesus offers a starkchallenge: ‘None of you can be my discipleunless he gives up all his possessions.’ We arecalled first to recognise that our materialgoods are God’s gift. We are also asked to bewilling to share what we have, and even tobe willing to say goodbye to our possessionsin answer to God’s call.As Jesus (Son of God) makes his returnjourney to his heavenly Father, he tells ofanother son making his journey back to hisfather. The Prodigal Son had gone off tomake his fortune in the world, but had spentall his money, got into difficulties, andended up working for a pig farmer. But nowhe decides to return to his father, andagainst all his expectations is welcomedback with open arms. Our journey to ourheavenly Father may also involve ahomecoming, leaving behind the false pathswe have taken in the past.On a journey we know that time is limited.We are like servants whose stewardship willshortly come to an end. During the timethat remains, we can still use our money towin friends in heaven, by helping the poorand the needy. Canny businessmen seize anopportunity to gain a profit. Can we seizethe opportunity given to us?Perhaps the most terrifying of Jesus’parables is the story of the rich man andLazarus. The rich man could easily havehelped the poor beggar, but failed to do so.Now Lazarus is in heaven, in company withAbraham. The rich man wants to warn hisbrothers to avoid this fate, but Abrahamrefuses: ‘They will not be convinced even ifsomeone should rise from the dead.’ Wehope to share eternal life with Abraham.Can we help Lazarus now?Fr Jeremy Corley teaches Scripture at Ushaw College, Durham.On Luke’s Gospel see Peter Edmonds’ book Rediscover Jesus: www.kevinmayhew.comPortsmouth People is the diocesanpublication for the Catholic Dioceseof Portsmouth. It is distributed free ofcharge to parishes and other groupsin the Diocese which coversHampshire, the Isle of Wight, theChannel Isles and parts of Berkshire,Dorset and Oxfordshire. ThePortsmouth Roman Catholic DiocesanTrust is a registered charity (number246871) with its address at DiocesanOffice, St Edmund House, EdinburghRoad, Portsmouth PO1 3QAwww.portsmouthdiocese.org.ukEditor:Dr Jeremy L Kettle-WilliamsDepartment for Pastoral FormationPark Place Pastoral CentreWinchester RoadWICKHAM Hampshire PO17 5HAeditor@portsmouthpeople.org.ukt: +44(0)23 9283 3121f: +44(0)23 9287 2172www.portsmouthpeople.org.ukAdvisory panel: Fr Denis Blackledge, BarryHudd, Paul Inwood, Nicky StevensDistribution Manager: John RossArea Contact (Romsey, N. Badd):Dawn Harrison(dawn.harrison13@btinternet.com)Area Contact (Reading and Newbury):Colin Parkes (colin.parkes@gmail.com)Portsmouth People, printed on forestsustainablepaper in Rotis Semi Sans 10 pt,is a bi-monthly publication distributed nolater than the last working day of everyodd month. Material for publicationshould be submitted to The Editor inelectronic format (Guidelines available onrequest) no later than the first working dayof every month of publication. All rightsof reproduction, translation and adaptationreserved for all countries. The Editorreserves the right to edit material. Allmaterial received for publication isunderstood to be free of copyright and anyform of restraint. No undertaking, exceptby prior arrangement, can be made toreturn any material submitted by post.There can be no guarantee of publicationfor material submitted nor can the Editoror any other officer enter into discussionsregarding decisions to edit or not topublish. Portsmouth People does notcommission nor accept material on a feebasis. Views expressed in PortsmouthPeople are not necessarily the views of theCatholic Diocese of Portsmouth, itsaffiliated companies and charities,employees thereof or persons otherwiseassociated directly or indirectly. All materialis published in good faith, withoutguarantee.28PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE

CHURCH IN FOCUSWith this issue we look atDouai Abbey of the English Benedictine Congregation of MonksThe next issue ofPORTSMOUTH PEOPLEwill be distributed at theend of September 2010

Douai AbbeyUpper WoolhamptonReadingBerkshire RG7 5TQWhen you have finished reading this magazine,please pass it to a friend or dispose of it responsibly for re-cyclingt: 011 9871 5300www.douaiabbey.org.uk