A&B News Blog

The New Evangelisation - How to Reach Non-Churchgoing Catholics?

2012-02-02T12:11:00.003Z

Join us on 3rd March at the Christian Education Centre, Southgate Drive, Crawley RH10 6RP from 10am with Archbishop Peter Smith and Bishop Kieran Conry

Contact missionvolunteer@cbcew.org.uk or telephone 0207 901 4818 to book a place

New Altar Server Guild Members in Lewes

2012-02-01T12:07:00.000Z

L-R: Fr Martin, Servers, and Fr Richard
Photo credit: Bruce Byrne

Bruce Byrne from St Pancras parish, Lewes reports:
Altar Servers from the Lewes St Stephens Guild attended the annual Mass at St Pancras Church to celebrate the feast day of their Patron Saint. Two new servers - Annie Trott and Molly Underhill were admitted to the Guild by Father Jonathan Martin who thanked all the Alter Servers and MC Chris Johnston for their continued service and dedication.

Also in attendance was our former Parish Priest - Father Richard Biggerstaff now at Horsham who was visiting our Parish with his family.

Celebrating Our Lady in Song

2012-01-31T12:58:00.023Z

L-R: Karen, Harriet, Julian, Anita, Fr. Charles with Fr. Andrew at the piano
Photo Janet Franklin

Ann Lardeur from the parish of The Nativity of the Lord reports:
The Fabulous Five of last summer morphed into The Superb Six for another magnificent concert in Holy Family Church, Reigate, on 8th December, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Julian Stocker, Lay Vicar at Westminster Abbey and his wife Karen, Anita Pinnock, Frs Charles Howell and Andrew Moss were joined by Merstham’s own soprano, Harriet Hunter. Harriet is newly married to Martin Rawles, organist at Litchfield Cathedral, but she will always be Merstham’s own special voice.

In honour of the Feast “Ave Maria” featured twice, Schubert and Bach/Gounod compositions. Advent was celebrated by Fr. Charles singing the recitative “For behold darkness shall cover the earth” followed by the aria “The people that walked in darkness” from Handel’s Messiah. Harriet and Julian sang “The Prayer” made famous by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli; Fr Andrew and Julian became Crosby & Bowie for “Little Drummer Boy”. Harriet also sang a delightful French carol, “Quelle est cette odeur agreable”.

Anita’s unique contribution was jazz reworkings of the carols “O Come all ye faithful” and “Once in Royal David’s City”. We were moved by John Rutter’s “Shepherds left their flocks a-straying” performed by Harriet, Anita, Julian and Frs Charles and Andrew. The unsung, but not unapplauded, heroine of the evening was Karen Stocker accompanist for most of the numbers. The finale was the riotous “Hail Holy Queen” from Sister Act.

A group of young people, led by Debs Puttick, spoke of their experience at World Youth Day. The donations are going towards financing youth projects and pilgrimages. For the same cause £355 was raised at an Evening of Christmas Cheer.

The Human Cost of the Church's Mission Across the World

2012-01-30T12:44:00.000Z

Fides News Agency reports on the pastoral workers, Bishops, Priests, Men and Women Religious and Lay Cathoic killed in 2011:
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - Once again this year, Fides publishes an annual document of all the pastoral workers who lost their lives in a violent manner over the course of the last 12 months. According to information in our possession, during 2011, 26 pastoral care workers were killed: one more than the previous year: 18 priests, 4 religious sisters, 4 lay people.

For the third consecutive year, the place most affected, with an extremely elevated number of pastoral workers killed is AMERICA, bathed with the blood of 13 priests and 2 lay persons. Following is AFRICA, where 6 pastoral workers were killed: 2 priests, 3 religious sisters,1 lay person. ASIA, where 2 priests, 1 religious sister, 1 lay person were killed. The least affected was EUROPE, where one priest was killed.

Links:
Fides Special feature-full document
http://www.fides.org/eng/documents/missionaries_killed_2011.doc

50th Anniversary of CAFOD

2012-01-28T12:32:00.014Z

Congratulations to CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development) who celebrate 50 years of existence this year. There will be a Mass of Thanksgiving at Westminister Cathedral on Saturday 28 January with Archbishop Vincent Nichols, Bishop John Arnold who will preach and our own Bishop Kieran Conry from Arundel & Brighton.

Martin Brown, the CAFOD A&B Diocesan manager reports on the plans for the celebrations in this diocese as follows:
"2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of CAFOD by the Bishops of England and Wales. This year will therefore be a special year of thanks to all CAFOD’s committed supporters; to the Conference of Bishops for its ongoing support, CAFOD’s partners overseas, and all those who enable our vital work to happen.

We are holding a series of events to commemorate the anniversary including a Will-writing workshop on the 11th of March in Little Common. Perhaps you would like to host an event in your Parish or school?

We also have a wonderful opportunity with the UK Aid Match initiative, whereby the UK government will match pound for pound all donations towards CAFOD’s Lenten appeal, including Fast Day. UK Aid Match allows the UK public to have a say in how some of the government’s existing international aid budget is spent. All donations made as a result of Lent fundraising activities that happen from mid-February 2012 to mid-May 2012 will qualify.

We want to thank all our supporters and volunteers for your generosity across the years. You have made a huge difference to millions of people."

For more information please contact CAFOD A&B on 01483 898866 or arundelandbrighton@cafod.org.uk or visit http://www.cafod.org.uk/

650th Anniversary of the English & Welsh Hospice in Rome

2012-01-27T12:03:00.004Z

Frontispiece of John Clerk’s account book for the Hospice, 1538.
The Hospice’s patrons, the Holy Trinity, SS Thomas and Edmund,
are shown with the landscape of Lazio in the background

The Venerabile English College in Rome reports on their forthcoming anniversary:
Over the weekend of 27th-29th January the Venerable English College (VEC) celebrates a very significant milestone in the history of English and Welsh Catholicism. Friday 27th January 2012 marks the 650th anniversary of the Foundation Deed which established an English & Welsh Hospice on the site occupied by the VEC. Its foundation in 1362 makes this the oldest English institution outside of England. From 1362-1579, there was a Hospice here. In 1579, the house became a seminary for training Catholic priests, even though the Hospice tradition continued there; and so it has remained up to the present time.

Some 250 people are expected to Mass and lunch on Sunday 29th January. Archbishop Nichols of Westminster will be principal celebrant. Presiding in choir will be his predecessor, the Archbishop Emeritus of Westminster, Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor, along with Cardinals Levada and Tauran. Some nine bishops are expected to concelebrate – coming from England and Wales and also the Vatican. The English and Welsh bishops include the Archbishop of Cardiff and the Bishops of Lancaster, Leeds, Middlesbrough and Plymouth; from the Vatican are coming the Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship, Archbishop Augustine Di Noia; the President of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, Archbishop Marcelo Sanchez Sarondo; and the Apostolic Nuncio to Guatemala, Archbishop Paul Gallagher.

Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor was Rector of the VEC from 1971-77 and will be joined by the 5 priests to have succeeded him in that position: Monsignori George Hay, Jack Kennedy, Adrian Toffolo, Patrick Kilgarriff and the current Rector Nicholas Hudson. Present also will be the Rectors of all the other seminaries training priests for England and Wales: Monsignori Roderick Strange of the Beda College, Rome; Mark Crisp of Oscott; Jeremy Garratt of Wonersh; Mark O’Toole of Allen Hall; and Fr John Pardo of Valladolid. A large group of alumni, known affectionately always as the Old Romans, are expected to attend, along with a similarly large number of the College’s support association, The Friends of the Venerabile. The VEC had a particularly large intake of seminarians last autumn, taking the number of students to 45. Of these, some 7 are priests, the remaining 38 seminarians – all from English dioceses save 4 Scandinavians.

For more than 2 centuries, this site on the via di Monserrato, fast by the Palazzo Farnese in heart of medieval Rome, was a Hospice for English and Welsh Pilgrims. But the English presence in Rome predates this by some 5 centuries. Ine (sic), King of the Saxons, built the Schola Saxonum alongside the Vatican Hill in the 8th century. When Pope Innocent III in 1201 converted this into the hospital which it remains today, English priests established themselves half a mile away at the church of San Pantaleo at the entrance to todays’s Piazza Navona. So many pilgrims came to Rome for the Holy Year of 1350 that it inspired a group of Englishmen living in Rome to form themselves into the Confraternity of St Thomas of Canterbury buying the first house on 27th January 1362. There was already an English couple living there, John and Alice Shepherd, who sold rosary beads to pilgrims visiting the medieval St Peter’s. St Bridget, living a few meters away, overlooking the Piazza Farnese, had already established a Swedish Hospice – as had the Germans in the via dell’Anima, across the Corso Vittorio Emmanuele.

The English Hospice attracted large numbers of pilgrims, including, in its early years, the mystic Margery Kempe, the priest-hunter Thomas Cromwell, the future martyr St Henry Walpole, and later the poet John Milton. From 1412, the wall out onto the street was emblazoned with the English Royal Coat of Arms – the shield enduring to this day – for this was a house under the patronage of the Crown. The 15th century saw some of the most famous English humanists among the Hospice’s members: Thomas Linacre, William Lily, William Warham, John Giglis, Christopher Bainbridge and John Colet. In Henry VII’s reign, it was known as the “King’s Hospice”; Henry VIII described it as “Our Hospice”.

With the split between Rome and Elizabeth I, it was no longer possible to train priests at home; and so the Hospice’s use was altered to prepare young men for the “Mission” to England and Wales, i.e. to return to their home countries to support the faith of persecuted Catholics. The VEC achieved fame fast for, in the first century of its existence (between 1581 and 1678), 44 of its recent alumni were martyred: of these some 10 have been recognised as Saints and the majority as Blessed. In the 4 centuries that it has been a seminary, the VEC has continued to welcome pilgrims to worship and to visit, offering bed and board to bishops, priest and lay people come to Rome on Church business. The Villa Palazzola overlooking Lake Albano, purchased by Rector Hinsley in 1920 and now a retreat-house belonging to the VEC, has enabled the seminary to continue the 650-year-long tradition of accommodating countless groups from England and Wales come as pilgrims to visit the sacred sites of Rome.

Whenever students in the first century of the seminary’s existence heard that one of their number had been martyred, they would come before the church’s altarpiece, depicting the Most Holy Trinity and St Thomas, to sing a song of praise, the Te Deum Laudemus. At the end of Mass on 27th January 2012, Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor will intone the great prayer of praise once more on that same site – in thanksgiving for all the graces received these last 650 years in this place which will surely be “forever England”.

A&B Deacon Supporting Seafarers in Need

2012-01-26T12:05:00.002Z

Deacon Roger with
Stranded Sailors

Deacon Roger Stone from Arundel & Brighton Diocese who is chaplain for the Apostleship of the Sea has been supporting the crew of an imprisoned ship in Portland Harbour in Dorset and has recently appeared on local news to explain their plight.

To see the news item go to http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-16711904

The Apostleship of the Sea explains:
'The plight continues of the crew of the cargo ship, the Westwind II which has been arrested in Portland harbour for the last three months. On the 17th October the ship ran aground on the north east breakwater of Portland harbour with 11 crew onboard. Portland Harbour despatched tugs to bring the vessel to the port where she was detained by the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) for a significant number of deficiencies, the ship was later arrested by the Admiralty Marshal. Over the last three months local volunteers of the Apostleship of the Sea have visited the ship many times.' Read more...

If you would like to support the work of the Apostleship of the Sea then you don't have to wait for Sea Sunday later this year, but visit their website and donate, or get involved in their ministry to seafarers

Friday Night Live at Farnham Parish

2012-01-25T12:10:00.006Z

Nora Tarrant from St Joan of Arc Parish in Farnham reports:
A hundred people attended the recent event to raise funds, not all from St Joan of Arc, so it was a good mixing of communities. There was time to socialise and have a drink from the licensed bar, before a very tasty two-course meal was served.

The Farnham “Arc Band” in full flow
Photo Nora Tarrant

After everyone had eaten, The Arc Band (made up of St. Joan parishioners) performed two sets, mostly of up-tempo numbers, some of their own composition. They rounded off the evening with their version of the crowd pleasing "Hey Jude" which saw everyone up dancing and joining in with the chorus. A parishioner kindly donated lights for the band creating a very professional backdrop

Most of the helpers were teenagers and they gave their time for free. Approximately £1400 was raised, divided between the parish and the charity, Arcaid.

MBE for St Leornards-on-Sea Parishioner

2012-01-24T12:30:00.002Z

Photo courtesy Hastings Observer

Doug Robertson from St Thomas of Canterbury parish in St Leonard's writes about one of their parishioners, John Fieldus:

After a serious spinal injury some 30 years ago, and left disabled, John dedicated himself as a fund raiser for the Spinal Injury Association, becoming the National Director of Fundraising for the Association. In his time millions of pouds were raised. He was recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours' list and awarded the MBE on 15th November 2011 at Buckingham Palace, surrounded by family and friends. All at St Thomas of Canterbury parish, St Leonard's, are very proud of his wonderful achievements and his well deserved award.

The Hastings Observer gives a fuller report saying:
"John Fieldus, 69, broke his neck after diving off a breakwater while out for an evening swim with his children at his then-home in Lancing in July 1982. He was left paralysed from the waist down and spent seven months in hospital in Worthing where he was supported by the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA). When he came out, and was unable to resume his former job as a wine merchant, he decided to use his professional skills for the good of the SIA.

Since then he has helped the organisation raise millions of pounds, including leading the campaign to raise £2 million for the SIA’s state-of-the-art headquarters in Milton Keynes which were completed just three years after the appeal was launched. A series of high-profile dinners have also been huge money-spinners and he spent four years with the Racing Welfare Charity between 1997 and 2001.

Mr Fieldus will retire this summer and was bowled over to receive his honour in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

“It only seems like yesterday when I dived off that breakwater but my goodness, gracious me what an adventure it has been,” he said “These accidents happen in a moment but the effects last a lifetime and it is not just you – the ripple effects for your family are enormous. “It was hard on my wife Pamela – you really learn what ‘in sickness and in health’ means – and my four children who were all under 14 suddenly saw their active dad in a wheelchair. “But the whole ethos of the SIA is that life needn’t stop because you’re paralysed.”

Mr Fieldus and his wife moved to East Ascent, St Leonards, in 2004, because their youngest son Dominic works as an osteopath in 1066 Country. And he has nothing but praise for the Conquest Hospital, which has helped him through various illnesses and a hip replacement as well as supporting his wife.

“The Conquest is an exceptional hospital,” said Mr Fieldus. “The McCartney Ward in particular is one of the real unsung heroes, the care is excellent and the staff are wonderful in quite difficult circumstances. “I would like to start a new project to raise some money for the Conquest because we are very fortunate in this town and people don’t appreciate the NHS until they need it.”

Mr Fieldus admitted he was ‘very proud’ to have been awarded the honour.

He added: “You never know what is round the corner, but I would not have achieved anything – in my rehabilitation or my fundraising – without the support of my wife, my sister Susie who has helped me out a great deal because of my dyslexia, my children and so many generous people.”

Paul Smith, executive director of the SIA, said he was ‘thrilled’ with the news. He said: “John has worked in one of the most demanding professions there is – he has not only been an outstanding, selfless fundraiser, he has been a shining example of how to live life to the full with a major disability.”

Rural Catholics Conference 13-15 February

2012-01-23T16:35:00.001Z

The Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales has a small team concerned with rural issues. It represents Catholics on various national and international bodies, offers training opportunities, and has an official rural contact in most dioceses.

Most Catholic churches and their congregations are in towns, but parish boundaries often include large rural areas. The commuters, retirees and the diminishing number of farmers living there are easy to overlook. High petrol prices, shop closures, and reduced bus services, for example, encourage isolation. The suicide rate among farmers is high.

Each year a national conference is held for rural Catholics. These rose from the ashes of Foot and Mouth Disease, when the countryside was shut down and pastoral care made difficult.

The 2011 conference, in Maidstone, looked at some of the issues in Kent, and heard about Catholic lay teams being equipped for rural ministry in the Diocese of Poitiers. The 8th National Conference will be held at Garstang, near Preston, Lancashire from 13-15 February, 2012. It includes a visit to a thousand-cow dairy herd, and talks on Markets and the moral economy and Field sports and the rural economy. A Catholic from the Diocese of Oslo will be speaking of Oslo’s plans to reach an increasing number of Catholics, often migrants, in its rural areas.

It is not too late to book.

The 2013 conference will take place at Malton, Yorkshire, details from Fr Tim Bywater 01653 692128.

For details visit http://www.catholicandrural.org.uk/ or contact Fr Harry Doyle 01772 782244 or Fr Robert Miller 01747 870228.

Pope Speaks on Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

2012-01-19T10:54:00.000Z

See CTBI for Christian Unity:

http://www.ctbi.org.uk/CGL/569

Photo: © Shutterstock.com/

SeDmi, Anat-oli, Elena Schweitzer

The Vatican Information Service reports: "The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which begins today, was the theme of Benedict XVI's general audience celebrated this morning in the Paul VI Hall. The Holy Father explained how this initiative has been held annually for more than a century and brings together Christians from Churches and ecclesial communities, who "invoke that extraordinary gift for which the Lord Jesus prayed during the Last Supper: ... 'That they may all be one'".

The Week of Prayer - established in 1908 by Paul Wattson, founder of an Anglican religious community who later entered the Catholic Church - "is one of the most effective annual expressions ... of the impetus which Vatican Council II gave to the search for full union among all Christ's disciples", said the Pope. "This spiritual event, which unites Christians from all traditions, increases our awareness of the fact that the unity we strive for cannot result merely from our own efforts; rather, it is a gift we receive and must constantly invoke from on high".

The texts for this year's Week of Prayer have been prepared by a group of representatives from the Catholic Church, and from the Polish Ecumenical Council which proposed the theme of "We will all be changed by the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ". The history of Poland - marked by defeats and victories, by the struggle to end oppression and achieve freedom - led the ecumenical group to reflect more deeply upon what it means to "win" and to "lose".

In this context the Pope pointed out that, "in contrast to 'victory' understood in triumphal terms, Christ shows us a very different way. His victory does not involve power and might. ... Christ speaks of victory through love, mutual assistance and boosting the self-esteem of those who are 'last', forgotten, excluded. For all Christians, the best expression of such humble service is Jesus Christ Himself, His total gift of self, the victory of His love over death. ... We can share in this 'victory' only if we allow ourselves to be transformed by God".

Likewise, "the unity for which we pray requires inner conversion, both shared and individual. But this must not be limited to cordiality and cooperation; we must reinforce our faith in God; ... we must enter into the new life in Christ, Who is our true and definitive victory; we must open to one another, accepting all the elements of unity which God has conserved for us; ... we must feel the pressing need to bear witness, before the men and women of our time, to the living God Who made Himself known in Christ".

Ecumenism, as defined by Vatican Council II and Blessed John Paul II, is "the responsibility of the entire Church and of all the baptised, who must augment the partial communion that already exists among Christians until achieving full communion in truth and charity. Praying for unity ... must then be an integral part of the prayer life of all Christians, in all times and places, especially when people from different traditions come together to work for victory in Christ over sin, evil, injustice and the violation of human dignity".

Benedict XVI also pointed out that "lack of unity among Christians hinders the effective announcement of the Gospel and endangers our credibility", but noted that, "as far as the fundamental truths of the faith are concerned, there is far more that unites us than divides us. ... This is a great challenge for the new evangelisation, which will be more fruitful if all Christians together announce the truth of the Gospel and Jesus Christ, and give a joint response to the spiritual thirst of our times".

In conclusion, the Pope exhorted the faithful to unite more intensely in prayer during the course of the coming Week, "to increase shared witness, solidarity and collaboration among Christians, in expectation of that glorious day when together we will all be able to celebrate the Sacraments and profess the faith transmitted by the Apostles".

Pope Benedict and UK - the Place of Adoration

2012-01-17T13:14:00.000Z

Pope Benedict in his address to the Curia this Christmas reflected on Young People and World Youth Day in particular. He also refers directly in the third paragraph to his visit to UK and encounter at Hyde Park

He says: "A further remedy against faith fatigue was the wonderful experience of World Youth Day in Madrid. This was new evangelization put into practice. Again and again at World Youth Days, a new, more youthful form of Christianity can be seen, something I would describe under five headings.

1. Firstly, there is a new experience of catholicity, of the Church’s universality. This is what struck the young people and all the participants quite directly: we come from every continent, but although we have never met one another, we know one another. We speak different languages, we have different ways of life and different cultural backgrounds, yet we are immediately united as one great family. Outward separation and difference is relativized. We are all moved by the one Lord Jesus Christ, in whom true humanity and at the same time the face of God himself is revealed to us. We pray in the same way. The same inner encounter with Jesus Christ has stamped us deep within with the same structure of intellect, will and heart. And finally, our common liturgy speaks to our hearts and unites us in a vast family. In this setting, to say that all humanity are brothers and sisters is not merely an idea: it becomes a real shared experience, generating joy. And so we have also understood quite concretely: despite all trials and times of darkness, it is a wonderful thing to belong to the worldwide Church, to the Catholic Church, that the Lord has given to us.

2. From this derives a new way of living our humanity, our Christianity. For me, one of the most important experiences of those days was the meeting with the World Youth Day volunteers: about 20,000 young people, all of whom devoted weeks or months of their lives to working on the technical, organizational and material preparations for World Youth Day, and thus made it possible for the whole event to run smoothly. Those who give their time always give a part of their lives. At the end of the day, these young people were visibly and tangibly filled with a great sense of happiness: the time that they gave up had meaning; in giving of their time and labour, they had found time, they had found life. And here something fundamental became clear to me: these young people had given a part of their lives in faith, not because it was asked of them, not in order to attain Heaven, nor in order to escape the danger of Hell. They did not do it in order to find fulfilment. They were not looking round for themselves. There came into my mind the image of Lot’s wife, who by looking round was turned into a pillar of salt. How often the life of Christians is determined by the fact that first and foremost they look out for themselves, they do good, so to speak, for themselves. And how great is the temptation of all people to be concerned primarily for themselves; to look round for themselves and in the process to become inwardly empty, to become "pillars of salt". But here it was not a matter of seeking fulfilment or wanting to live one’s life for oneself. These young people did good, even at a cost, even if it demanded sacrifice, simply because it is a wonderful thing to do good, to be there for others. All it needs is the courage to make the leap. Prior to all of this is the encounter with Jesus Christ, inflaming us with love for God and for others, and freeing us from seeking our own ego. In the words of a prayer attributed to Saint Francis Xavier: I do good, not that I may come to Heaven thereby and not because otherwise you could cast me into Hell. I do it because of you, my King and my Lord. I came across this same attitude in Africa too, for example among the Sisters of Mother Teresa, who devote themselves to abandoned, sick, poor and suffering children, without asking anything for themselves, thus becoming inwardly rich and free. This is the genuinely Christian attitude. Equally unforgettable for me was the encounter with handicapped young people in the Saint Joseph Centre in Madrid, where I encountered the same readiness to put oneself at the disposal of others – a readiness to give oneself that is ultimately derived from encounter with Christ, who gave himself for us.

3. A third element, that has an increasingly natural and central place in World Youth Days and in the spirituality that arises from them, is adoration. I still look back to that unforgettable moment during my visit to the United Kingdom, when tens of thousands of predominantly young people in Hyde Park responded in eloquent silence to the Lord’s sacramental presence, in adoration. The same thing happened again on a smaller scale in Zagreb and then again in Madrid, after the thunderstorm which almost ruined the whole night vigil through the failure of the microphones. God is indeed ever-present. But again, the physical presence of the risen Christ is something different, something new. The risen Lord enters into our midst. And then we can do no other than say, with Saint Thomas: my Lord and my God! Adoration is primarily an act of faith – the act of faith as such. God is not just some possible or impossible hypothesis concerning the origin of all things. He is present. And if he is present, then I bow down before him. Then my intellect and will and heart open up towards him and from him. In the risen Christ, the incarnate God is present, who suffered for us because he loves us. We enter this certainty of God’s tangible love for us with love in our own hearts. This is adoration, and this then determines my life. Only thus can I celebrate the Eucharist correctly and receive the body of the Lord rightly.

4. A further important element of the World Youth Days is the sacrament of Confession, which is increasingly coming to be seen as an integral part of the experience. Here we recognize that we need forgiveness over and over again, and that forgiveness brings responsibility. Openness to love is present in man, implanted in him by the Creator, together with the capacity to respond to God in faith. But also present, in consequence of man’s sinful history (Church teaching speaks of original sin) is the tendency that is opposed to love – the tendency towards selfishness, towards becoming closed in on oneself, in fact towards evil. Again and again my soul is tarnished by this downward gravitational pull that is present within me. Therefore we need the humility that constantly asks God for forgiveness, that seeks purification and awakens in us the counterforce, the positive force of the Creator, to draw us upwards.

5. Finally, I would like to speak of one last feature, not to be overlooked, of the spirituality of World Youth Days, namely joy. Where does it come from? How is it to be explained? Certainly, there are many factors at work here. But in my view, the crucial one is this certainty, based on faith: I am wanted; I have a task in history; I am accepted, I am loved. Josef Pieper, in his book on love, has shown that man can only accept himself if he is accepted by another. He needs the others presence, saying to him, with more than words: it is good that you exist. Only from the You can the I come into itself. Only if it is accepted, can it accept itself. Those who are unloved cannot even love themselves. This sense of being accepted comes in the first instance from other human beings. But all human acceptance is fragile. Ultimately we need a sense of being accepted unconditionally. Only if God accepts me, and I become convinced of this, do I know definitively: it is good that I exist. It is good to be a human being. If ever man’s sense of being accepted and loved by God is lost, then there is no longer any answer to the question whether to be a human being is good at all. Doubt concerning human existence becomes more and more insurmountable. Where doubt over God becomes prevalent, then doubt over humanity follows inevitably. We see today how widely this doubt is spreading. We see it in the joylessness, in the inner sadness, that can be read on so many human faces today. Only faith gives me the conviction: it is good that I exist. It is good to be a human being, even in hard times. Faith makes one happy from deep within. That is one of the wonderful experiences of World Youth Days."

Some useful food for thought. For the full speech go to http://www.zenit.org/article-34042?l=english

Weybridge Ecumenical Youth Concert for Christians in the Holy Land

2012-01-16T12:33:00.006Z

Weybridge Youth Concert

Peter Clapham reports from Christ the Prince of Peace, Weybridge:
Like most parishes, we have a wonderful range of social and spiritual activities to keep us all busy. Amongst these are our youth club, our participation in Churches Together in Weybridge and our overseas charity, Friends of the Holy Land.

What a treat it was to incorporate all three of them in one evening when our own parish youth, supported by those from the Wey Christian Fellowship, held a Christmas concert in aid of our overseas charity. The range of talent was quite extraordinary – singing, dancing, readings, music – all on a Christmas theme and all thoroughly enjoyable. This very happy evening raised £700 for Friends of the Holy Land, perhaps helping those few isolated Christians in Bethlehem to celebrate our Saviour’s birth. As was said in the vote of thanks, the future of Christianity in Weybridge seems assured with our lovely young people.

Advent Youth Stay Awake – St Leonards – on - Sea

2012-01-14T12:25:00.014Z

Youthful Reflections

Emma Moon reports from St Thomas of Canterbury & English Martyrs, St Leonards-on-Sea: On the eve of the fourth Sunday of Advent, 14 young people gathered together to spend a night, both reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas and preparing for the Celebration.

We began by watching a short video clip titled “the social network Christmas” which was very current and focused. Time was spent together in friendship; decorating candle holders, making stain glass windows and origami stars, watching a movie and sharing a midnight feast.

In the early hours of the morning, Christingles were assembled for a service in the church, the candlelight was a powerful contrast to the darkness, and time was spent afterwards at several prayer stations.

We thought about the words spoken by Mary in her prayer of the Magnificat, the faith and trust that she had in God. We thought about what each of us had been called to do during our lives, and how we had responded. We looked at bible texts and prophecies on the birth of Jesus and interpreted them artistically, and as many of us were wrapped up to keep warm, we thought about how it must have been for the Holy Family, staying in a stable.

We celebrated Mass at dawn with Fr Ian and then gave into the temptation of bacon rolls before heading homewards.

During the following afternoon, some of us returned to the church to help the Children’s Liturgy group with their own Christingle service, starting with a procession into the church. We listened to readings, and thought about the empty crib that would soon be filled, we sang together and prayed our intercessions.

Peter Hutley - A Man for All Seasons

2012-01-13T12:05:00.004Z

Peter Hutley - A Man for All Seasons

The creator of the Wintershall plays, Peter Hutley MBE KSG, is in conversation with A&B News’ special correspondent, Peter Burholt, about his life, his passions and evangelisation

Part 1 – From the beginning to a religious realisationOn a bright Saturday morning Wintershall is a sight to behold. The house, part of which dates back to 1227, sits in 1,000 acres of rolling Surrey hills which spill out from its windows. Peter Hutley’s reputation went before him, but who is the real man behind some of the most provocative plays ever performed in this country?

Q: Let’s start at the beginning. Your father was a market gardener, so what was your upbringing?
A: Yes, that is quite true – he and his father before him. I was born in 1926 and I remember we were very poor. My first memories were of Essex and then East London. Without any qualifications I left school at the age of 15 and became a messenger boy for estate agents, Hamptons – now the renowned international property consultancy, Knight Frank.
I had tried to get into the Royal Air Force, but they found out I was under-aged! Much has happened to me, but what took place next was one of my greatest opportunities which would shape my life.

You have to remember that the last war was still on and many men from this country had either died in battle or were still on active service. The task for the War Damage Commission – headed by Lord Beaverbrook – was to quickly put factories back into operation. People were waiting to go to work, so this was a most urgent war time activity. I became involved in this reconstruction work, which gave me the unique chance to test my skills in organising a work force and to learn about how to re-assemble bricks, mortar and plant. And to think, I was only 16½ years old! It was a truly fabulous time for me.

Q: What happened next to the very young Peter Hutley?
A: At the age of 18 I joined the Army, where the superiors found that I had a mechanical aptitude. In typical Army style, I was able to demonstrate this by assembling a bicycle pump in 15 seconds!

I was commissioned and sent to recently independent Burma to carry out, once again, post-war reconstruction work. After 4 years in the Army I left with the rank of captain – not bad, I thought, for a boy who left school at 15 without qualifications.

A wry smile came across his face as he remembered his achievement all those years ago.
Without realising it, the next move was another significant step in my life. I returned to my previous employers but soon left to start my own business, having studied at night over a number of years to be a surveyor. In the mid-1960s I went to Australia at the instigation of a great friend. It was here I came across the concept of property bonds - this is when a number of people can invest in a joint fund to get a better return on their money. It is a bit like a financial cooperative.

Q: So why was this so significant?
A: When I returned to the UK I found no one had followed this idea, so I went to the appropriate Ministry to get permission to start this concept. They declined my request, advising me to go across the corridor to the department which looked after insurance.

They were more receptive, but it took an Act of Parliament to allow this concept to start. It was a very successful time for me, which then allowed me to go into banking. I remember I had to have an office within walking distance of the Bank of England as their liveried staff, so well known within the Square Mile, carried messages by hand in those days. It took me back to my first job.

Q: Do you ever re-visit Australia?
A: With 109 flights under my belt, I think I have flown to Australia more than most pilots! I now have extensive property interests in that country, including shopping centres, offices and a cattle property.

You asked me if I had a Christian attitude to business in, what is always perceived to be, the cut-throat occupation of property development. Throughout my life I have always worked on the basis that I treat others in a way in which I would like to be treated. Sometimes this is difficult to follow, but this is what I have done.

Q: So, at this stage in your life, had you made your “pile”?
For a man with considerable wealth, Peter played down the fact that he was once worth more than £50m.A: Yes, I had made my modest nest egg that supports the great cost of keeping things going. But I felt there were other things for me to do and I have always been used to a range of hard work activities.

Q: When did religion become an important focus in your life?
A: Well, that is an interesting question. Let me take you back to when I was a boy. We eventually moved to Bramley, where my father was a prominent Baptist.

However, the first real test of my religion came when I joined the Army. On entry the sergeant barked at me “Hutley, what is your religion!” I had to think quickly “Baptist, sir!” Back came the retort “Hutley, I only have 3 boxes on my form – Church of England, Roman Catholic or non-believer. I’ll put you down as Church of England” So, from this point, I was an Anglican.
Some years later I came to the conclusion that the Anglican Church was illegal. Jesus laid His hands on Peter to be the head of the Church. The First Act of Supremacy was passed by Parliament under Henry VIII in 1534, which I felt was an event I could not support.

Part 2 to follow – conversion to Catholicism, Medjugorje, the Wintershall Plays and even greater ideas on how to evangelise…. all at the age of 85 years.

Stations of the Resurrection

2012-01-12T12:05:00.000Z

Station of the Resurrection - Jesus at the Lakeside of Tiberias

A campaign to encourage churches and religious communities throughout Arundel and Brighton to celebrate the Stations of the Resurrection this Easter Season has been launched by parishioners at St Thomas More, Seaford, East Sussex.

One of the parishioners, Zan Stevenson, a professional artist who has exhibited widely in England, has painted the fourteen Stations, which have already been installed at St Thomas More’s.

Now she is being joined by Mary Purchase and Christopher McOustra in a bid to persuade other parishes in the Diocese to follow their example.

Says Zan Stevenson, “The Resurrection is such a wonderful, joyous reality. It seems a pity we do not give it far more attention than we do.”

Already Zan’s Stations of the Resurrection have been displayed at Arundel Cathedral. They have also been welcomed in churches, cathedrals and religious houses in this country, in France and overseas. Now she and her fellow parishioners want to bring them to the attention of more churches and parishes in Arundel and Brighton.

Zan is offering the full set of fourteen Stations for just £115. She is even offering a 33-per-cent discount on all orders received before Ash Wednesday, February 22 2012.

Proceeds from the sale of The Stations of the Resurrection will be shared between the artist and St Thomas More.

The Stations can be seen at http://www.zanstevenson.co.uk/

For photos, please click on following: http://www.skbp.co.uk/PressRelease/PressRelease_November2011.html

Fr Peter Rogers RIP

2012-01-10T16:52:00.000Z

Fr Peter Rogers 1924-2011 - May he rest in peace

Fr Robert Hamilton CJ preached at Fr Peter's Funeral and has offered his homily for our reflection:

"Bishop Kieran, brother priests and deacons, dear friends of Peter.

Here we are in the Cathedral where Peter served as Assistant priest for 10 years to carry our final act of love for him We want to thank God for Peter's life and especially to comfort his family and all those who loved him dearly.

Peter was very much a family man and we want to console and comfort Ann his niece and all his family who are here to mourn him.

It is important to remember that Peter was already 37 years old before he went to the Beda in Rome to train for the priesthood by which time his views on life, his way of living were already formed and entrenched in him.

Peter was educated by the De la Salle Brothers in Beulah Hill. He always retained a strong affection for the brothers and was later to spend 4 happy years as their chaplain in their retirement community in Liss. While at Liss Peter underwent serious heart surgery and he was always grateful for the great care the Brothers took of him after his operation.

After leaving school Peter worked for the Ministry of Aircraft Production and retained a lifelong interest in the aircraft of the 1940's and 50's. After a spell at night school in order to pass exams in Latin. Peter studied at Southampton university and later trained as a school teacher. Peter enjoyed teaching and often talked with great affection about his first teaching post at St Aloysius Highgate where he taught English. After ordination in 1965 Peter returned to reaching and taught in the Diocesan boys' school, St Peter's in Guildford.

What attracted Peter to teaching was the order and discipline of the school time table. He especially enjoyed teaching English grammar. After leaving teaching, he sometimes found life as a Priest in a parish somewhat disorganized and this irked him at times. In very many ways, as many of you will know, Peter retained something of the schoolmaster in him to the end of his life.

In 1961, in his late 30’s Peter went to the Beda in Rome to train for the priesthood. He was there at the time of the Second Vatican Council. The 3 years he spent in Rome were a very happy time for him and he enjoyed all the gossip surrounding the Council. He was always a great supporter of the renewal set in place by the Vatican Council.

After leaving teaching at St Peter's in 1971 Peter spent most of the next 40 years working in various parishes in the diocese. He was a very conscientious Priest and sometimes drove himself too hard. The characteristic I remember most about him was the esteem he held for the women in the parishes he served in. He was always ready to empower them and get them involved the parish ministry. He valued their opinions and their advice and looked to them for feed back on parish affairs.

While here in Arundel he developed a very special affection for the Poor Clares in Cross Bush and for the Franciscan Sisters in Littlehampton. I know he would want me to thank them for the love, support and care they gave him. A special word of thanks must also go to Msgr Michael Jackson who was a great source of support, encouragement and advice for Peter in the last years of his ministry at St Joseph's in Littlehampton. It was Michael who administered the last rites Peter.

However the story of Peter’s life only takes on its true significance and importance in the context of God's plan of salvation as it is revealed to us in Sacred Scripture. In the 1st reading we heard from St Paul's letter to the Ephesians the Apostle teaches us that before the world began God chose us, chose us in Christ, to be holy and spotless and to live through love in his presence. Peter, like all of us was chosen by God from all eternity, chosen to be an instrument of Christ's love, mercy and healing in our world. Like all of us his life was an important part of God's plan of salvation for all those he met and all those he loved.

Let me say at once that Peter had his faults and failings. He could be irritable and grumpy at times, especially if you rang him up on the telephone at the wrong hour. Peter would ask for forgiveness from anyone he might have hurt or offended during his life on earth. In spite of his faults and failings those who knew Peter well could not fail to experience the loving kindness of our God through their friendship with him.

In the Gospel reading on the Beatitudes we are presented with a profile of the holiness we are called to live. Peter did his best to live Beatitudes. If you read them carefully you will find something of Peter in them for he did his best to console, heal, forgive, support others with the same consolation, the same healing and the same forgiveness that he himself received from God.

Peter was ready for death. He had spoken about it recently and like the well organized man that he was he had already made a few preparations for it. God's plan of salvation for Peter has now been completed It is our firm conviction that Peter lives holy and spotless in eternal bliss with God and with his family who have gone before him.

It is with these thoughts that we comfort one another for as St Paul reminds us that we are not to mourn as the pagans do who have no hope. It is with these thoughts that we comfort one another."

Congratulations to Charles 'Snowie' Snowdon on his Diocesan Medal

2012-01-09T12:11:00.002Z

Snowie being presented with his diocesan medal by Bishop Kieran

At the end of the annual Advent Mass of Celebration for Arundel & Brighton Diocesan Staff and Volunteers one long-time volunteer, Charles Snowdon was surprised at the end of Mass when Bishop Kieran presented him with the diocesan medal of St Philip Howard.

Charles or as he is affectionately known 'Snowie', had worked in industry for many years, but on retirement was able to indulge his two passions for motorbikes and photography as he would zoom around the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton to all sorts of events and occasions taking photographs for the diocesan paper A&B News. He also helped in the preparation of the paper each month with other volunteers. After long and dedicated service he decided to retire from these volunteer roles.

The Bishop agreed that after such long and committed service some sort of recognition was deserved and so he agreed to honour him with the diocesan medal of St Philip Howard. Those gathered at the annual Advent Mass in Crawley were of one mind with the Bishop and gave Snowie a heartfelt round of applause.

Many congratulations to Snowie and may his second retirement be as long and happy as his first one!

The Word of the Lord - Deepening our Understanding of Scripture

2012-01-06T12:18:00.000Z

The Catholic Bible School based in Nutbourne in Arundel & Brighton Diocese informs us that:
In the first half of 2012 the Bishops' Conference will be releasing a new Parish Based programme to explore the recent document Verbum Domini. This emanates from the Department for Evangelisation which is of course headed by Bishop Kieran.

Fr Adrian Graffy who is heading up the team developing this material will be speaking at the Catholic Bible School on Saturday 14 January [10.00am -3.30pm] on “The Word of God – exploring Verbum Domini”. The day is free but donations will be taken up.

This day would be ideal for catechists, prayer/small group leaders, those responsible for adult formation or anyone interested in Scripture or the teaching of the Church, and provide valuable insights to help in the running of the programme in parishes. Phone 01243 371766 or email livingword@catholic-bible-school.org to book a place.

Farnham Catholic Charity Reaches Special Needs Children in Vietnam

2012-01-04T12:12:00.000Z

Maura Rawlinson (right) being presented with a checque from Arcaid by Mary Nolan of St. Joan’s Parish.

Tony Tunstall from St Joan of Arc's parish, Farnham reports:
Arcaid is a small charity, based at St. Joan of Arc Church, which funds specific projects for the relief of poverty overseas, in places where it has reliable contacts. At its recent AGM, Maura Rawlinson, a former Farnham resident and teacher, spoke of her experiences as a special needs teacher in Vietnam with the VSO, where she worked at the Huong La home for disabled children and adults in Bac Ninh, Hanoi. During the presentation Maura told of how disabled children in Vietnam are often hidden away by their families for superstitious reasons and how many of these children never receive an education.

The Huong La home is run by a small number of nuns, some of whom work in the fields to grow produce which they sell to support the home. The nuns are very caring and look after the children with love — some have been abandoned by their parents or are so disabled that the parents cannot look after them. The presentation, which was accompanied by beautiful slides, gave those present a small insight into the day to day difficulties at the home, and the selfless work done by the nuns and volunteers for both children and adults with a wide range of needs.

Maura explained the problem the home has in maintaining a clean water supply throughout the year and how Arcaid has supported a project to provide large tanks to help improve the long-term water supply. This clean water supply will improve the quality of life for all the vulnerable children and adults at the home. At the end of her talk Maura was presented with a cheque from Arcaid to further support the home at Huong La.

Although Arcaid is made up of volunteers it can respond very rapidly to urgent needs. To find out more about how you can support projects like this one, please contact us through www.stjoanofarcfarnham.co.uk/arcaid

... And a Happy New Year

2012-01-01T12:20:00.004Z

CAFOD A&B organiser, Martin Brown writes:
"As we look back on this year we’ll hopefully see many blessings and we’ll also be aware of many hardships. We have seen disasters such as the on-going drought in East Africa, but also extra-ordinary generosity shown in response to it. Though many have suffered, countless others have had their suffering alleviated. And in our own lives too, I’m sure we can see highs and lows. I myself got married this year - a great blessing indeed.

We often make resolutions for the new-year, promises that will improve our lives and those of others. Why not make volunteering for CAFOD your resolution? Share your blessings by helping others in their hardship. We will support and train you where ever this is needed. We need people to work in schools raising awareness of poverty and our work to alleviate it. We need people to help out in our local Churches, or contact their MPs on issues of importance. We need people to pray for our work. For a full list of ways you can help out see our website www.cafod.org.uk/arundelandbrighton or contact our office on 01483 898 866 or arundelandbrighton@cafod.org.uk and let’s try and make this a happy new year for all."

The blog returns for the New Year later this week

A Happy and Blessed Christmas to All

2011-12-25T12:35:00.008Z

Every Blessing for Christmas

The blog will return after the Christmas holidays

Friends of the Holy Land Provide Hope for over 500 around Bethlehem at Christmas

2011-12-24T12:00:00.005Z

Palestinian Christian children light candles

The Friends of the Holy Land are supporting 450 children under 12 from 150 families and 90 elderly people in Bethlehem and the surrounding area at Christmas.

The children are either orphans living with relations, those abandoned by their families, those in real poverty or those physically or mentally sick. They and their families will be individually assessed to receive coupons for staple food items or for clothing, a subsidy towards the family’s utility bills or small gift items. Many will qualify to receive all four levels of support.

The elderly include those who are abandoned by their families or have no family at all. They will also receive blankets, heaters and warm clothes to face the harsh winter weather. Many have lost their jobs, their income and some their homes.

For the first time the FHL are extending their support beyond Bethlehem, Beit Jala and Beit Sahour to Jifna and Zababdeh.

Peter Rand, National Vice-Chairman of the FHL confirmed that “support is only provided to those whom we know by name, along with their financial circumstances.

Lists of names are obtained through the Ministry of the Interior in Palestine and the Parish Priests of St. Catherine’s in Bethlehem, Beit Jala and Beit Sahour. Our work is coordinated by the Sons of the Earth Association (SEA) based in Beit Jala. The FHL are delighted to be able to reach the grass roots of local Christians, and at the same time providing business through the coupon scheme to 20 Christian run businesses in the Bethlehem District.

Ramzi Hodali, President & Founder of SEA said “We use our expertise to bring the progressive community together, to harden our original roots in the Holy Land so the living stones will always prosper.

Our objectives are derived from our daily life, a life of the minority, the life of the oppressed and a life of giving and forgiveness.”

Slaves to Branding - Justice and Peace Conference

2011-12-23T12:03:00.009Z

Are you a slave to branding?

The Diocese of Arundel and Brighton will host its annual Justice and Peace Assembly on 21^st January 2012 at the Christian Education Centre, Crawley. The title of the Assembly will be "Slaves to Branding" and will focus attention on the exploitation of overseas workers in the clothing industry.

Our keynote speaker will be John Hilary, Executive Director of War on Want. He has worked in the field of global justice for the past 20 years, and is the author of numerous publications on globalisation, trade and development issues.

Also speaking at the Assembly will be Anna McMullen, Campaigns Co-ordinator, Labour Behind the Label, an organisation supporting garment workers worldwide. John and Anna will highlight the current campaigns of “Love Fashion, Hate Sweatshops” and will also focus on the exploitation of workers stitching sportswear for companies associated with the 2012 London Olympics. Factories supplying the sportswear industry are some of the worst offenders. Hence in 2012, it is particularly relevant to raise awareness of organisations, both local and international that are dealing with the problems of this injustice and the associated problems such as inequality, human trafficking, poverty, violence against employees, the living wage etc.

The aim of the Assembly is to ensure attendees become more familiar with how individual voices calling for justice in the workplace can combine to make a huge impact and to consider practical ways for these voices calling for an end to sweatshop labour to be heard. We also need to understand how we can help, support and protect the innocent victims of such injustice.

Diocesan Justice and Peace Adviser, David Thomson said “I am really looking forward to hearing John and Anna speak. I know they will enthuse those attending and enliven our day. Indeed the whole day will be one that the Catholic parishioners and others can come along to and learn from.”

Also involved in the day will be the Bishop of Arundel & Brighton, Kieran Conry.To book your place at the assembly please contact Ruth Gerun ruth.gerun@dabnet.org or telephone (01293) 651164

Podcast – Christmas in the Middle East

2011-12-22T12:10:00.001Z

Dr Harry Hagopian

Catholic Communications Network reports:
"Saying it has been an eventful twelve months in the Middle East North Africa region is an understatement of monumental proportions. In a seasonal Middle East Analysis, Dr Harry Hagopian focuses on five myths that have sprung from the region over the last year.

· There has been one uniform uprising by the Arab masses across the whole region in order to rid themselves of oppression and totalitarian regimes to introduce dignity and citizenship rights

· The uprisings have been 'owned' by the younger "facebook" generation

· The popular uprisings dispel the suggestion that Palestine is the hub of the Middle East

· The West can shape the destiny of the Arab world - the MENA region

· Radical Islam will rule across the region

We conclude by offering a prayer for the Christian communities of the Middle East as we turn our eyes to Bethlehem and the birth of Christ:

"It is not our place to tell others how to live their lives. It's our place to stand in solidarity with the Christians of the MENA region, be prayerful with them, speak out alongside them whenever they're concerned, share their joys and celebrations. What better way to share their joy and celebration than now that we're coming to the Christmas season - the Feast of the Nativity.

"In a sense the whole biblical narrative unfolded in countries like Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Israel and Palestine. Our thoughts should be with them, our prayers should be with them, we should be watchful as to what happens in the future in a region that is fragile and uncertain."

Dr Hagopian is an international lawyer and consultant to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales on the Middle East. He's also a former Assistant General Secretary of the Middle East Council of Churches.

Listen to the Podcast:
http://www.catholicnews.org.uk/mena-15

Dr Harry Hagopian's website:
http://www.epektasis.net/

The new home for Middle East Analysis is:
http://www.catholicnews.org.uk/middle-east-analysis

Notre Dame School Opens Brand New Theatre

2011-12-21T12:42:00.004Z

David Plummer, Bishop Kieran, Bridget Williams and Archbishop Longley

Notre Dame School reports:
"December saw a dream become a reality for Notre Dame School in Cobham, Surrey, when Mayor and Mayoress Sheldon joined Sisters, governors, staff and invited guests to the Opening Gala Event of the Montaigne Theatre with the inaugural performance of “Breath on the Embers”. The magnificent theatre, studio and rehearsal rooms were opened and blessed during a ceremony by Archbishop Bernard Longley and Bishop Kieran Conry.

A long time in the planning and construction, the Montaigne Theatre brings to Notre Dame a facility worthy of the West End. The completed building is testament to the vision of this vibrant community, where all from Sisters, pupils and parents to teachers, governors, local neighbours and skilled professionals have had a chance to contribute to the planning and realisation of our performing arts facilities

Thanks to the Elmbridge Council planning committee and in particular the efforts and support of Mayor and Mayoress John and Mary Sheldon and Cllr John O’Reilly.

The opening play “Breath on the Embers”, commissioned to reflect the founding of this community is very much in the spirit of the school itself. It shows the connection between the human and spiritual side of the school’s tradition. It reflects the legacy of our Foundress, St Jeanne de Lestonnac, and her influential uncle, Michel de Montaigne, for worldwide education. Our proud 400 year tradition is the basis for the best education of the whole person we can offer; the new facilities underline our commitment to the well rounded development of the young people in our care.

The performance was live-streamed across the world with sister schools tuning in from as far as Barcelona, Rome, Bordeaux and California.

The Gala event and the building of the Montaigne Theatre has been achieved through the collective efforts and input from many:

“It was very pleasing to work with a client who had the forethought to engage a theatre consultant, and who embraced our innovative concepts and followed them through. The result is this delightful, intimate, world-class theatre combining an open stage and proscenium with the versatility to adapt to a variety of configurations.” Peter Ruthven Hall Partner, Theatreplan

“For me this has been the most complex and unique project that I’ve ever managed; every day was thought-provoking, not just for me, but for all those involved on site and I’m extremely proud of the whole site team for its efforts and enthusiasm in producing something so very special!” Chris Gamble Senior Site Manager, E R Armfield Ltd

Chairman of Governors Mr Glen Travers said “…blending a 400 year history with the latest 21st Century building, lighting and video internet technology is a fitting and stunning tribute to the capabilities of the staff... a true Notre Dame School, Cobham celebration.”

“First Class venue, First Class hosts, First Class performance…” Robert Garofalo, Director of Voice in a Million

“What a wonderful evening! The performance was amazing and it certainly did justice to your marvellous new theatre. Congratulations to everyone involved and to a magnificent staff and cast. I know that this will be the first of many memorable events which you will hold in the Montaigne Theatre - here's to an exciting future and well done to all for having the vision to go with this amazing project” Wanda Nash, Governor

The Montaigne Theatre has been expertly designed for flexibility and adaptability, so that over the years to come innovative ways of working and new skills, alongside state of the art equipment, can be used to showcase the natural talent of our girls and also be of use and benefit to the wider community.

A Theatre for the Community
If you are interested in hiring their fantastic nonagonal Montaigne Theatre, please contact our Theatre Manager Sue Gilhespie on 01932 869990 or email sgilhespie@notredame.co.uk

Habemus Papam: 'We Have a Pope' - a New Film

2011-12-20T12:06:00.003Z

Michel Piccoli as the New Pope

Fr Stepehen Wang reviews a new film by Nanni Moretti about the election of a new Pope:
"The Pope is dead. The Conclave is assembled in the Sistine Chapel. Three heavyweight cardinals, the bookies’ favourites, surge ahead in the first few ballots of the ensuing election – only to fall into a deadlock. When a compromise candidate (played by Michel Piccoli) is eventually chosen from the backbenches he steps forward with a humble heart and a nervous smile. But his courage fails him, and just as he is invited onto the balcony to greet the waiting world, he runs back to his room in terror, and eventually escapes into the city to contemplate the strange turn of events that has brought him to this point.

It’s an unusual theme for Italian director Nanni Moretti, a self-professed atheist. Many viewers might have expected him to put together a hard-hitting expose of ecclesiastical corruption, or at least to take a few easy swipes at the Catholic Church. Instead, we get a light-comedy that treats its ecclesiastical protagonists with amused curiosity and uncritical affection.

It’s an entertaining two hours, but it never really opens up the central question of how a man gets chosen for this high office, or why this particular man finds it impossible to bear. Veteran actor Michel Piccoli brings out the dignity and vulnerability of the avuncular Pontiff; but we don’t get any sense of what this inner struggle means to him.

There are some great scenes. Moretti himself plays a secular psychoanalyst brought into the Vatican to help the Pope overcome his paralysis. Their first session takes place before the assembled cardinals, and the visiting therapist is told he is free to explore any areas of the Pope’s life, apart from… his relationships, his childhood, his mother, etc. Moretti, dumbfounded, ploughs on. The clash of cultures, of mentalities – religious and secular, classical and post-Freudian – is illustrated with such gentleness and humour.

We see a particularly corpulent Swiss guard being led into the papal apartments, and realise he is the Pope’s stand-in, charged with opening the curtains in the morning and switching off the lights at night. On the second day he discovers a penchant for method acting and feels obliged to polish off the lavish Pontifical breakfast; and by the third day he can’t resist the flourish of a papal blessing, raising his hand in benediction from behind the net curtains.

And when the Vatican spokesperson is asked why the new Pope has not appeared and what this unprecedented event means for the wider Church, he responds “It’s perfectly normal for a Holy Father to seek some space for prayer and reflection as he prepares for his new responsibilities” – the kind of pious flannel that so easily becomes a substitute for an uncomfortable truth.

The ending, which I won’t give away, is unsatisfactory. It doesn’t make dramatic sense of what’s come before, and it highlights the fact that the film is a collection of amusing vignettes rather than a coherent whole. We Have a Pope provokes a few reflections about vocation, the yawning gap between office and person, and the relationship between priesthood and acting, but it fails to make any deep impressions. It’s not tough enough or funny enough to avoid falling into whimsy. Directors like Woody Allen and Roberto Benigni (Life is Beautiful) are somehow able to mix light comedy and even slapstick with themes of profound seriousness; I wish Moretti had managed to do the same."

New Facilities for Bosham Church

2011-12-19T12:19:00.002Z

L-R: Fr Kieron, Fr Paul, Tony Hancock and Marion Coombes-Shrubb

Brian Howe of Our Lady of the Assumption, Bosham reports:
The turf cutting ceremony for the the extension to provide facilities for the disabled and able bodied alike, together with a kitchenette and bar, commenced at 2.30pm on Monday 21 November.

The contract period is limited to 16 weeks and they look forward to seeing a completed extension in the New Year. The picture shows priests of Chichester with Bosham and Wittering parish Fr Kieron O’Brien and Fr Paul Turner together with Marion Coombes-Shrubb fund raiser and Principal Contractor, Tony Hancock of K.T.Construction (Elmer) Ltd.

Photos by the Architect –Kieth McNally of HOmE PLAN-IT

Head Teacher with OBE Receives Papal Award

2011-12-17T12:49:00.002Z

Bishop Kieran hands Certificate to Mrs Angela O'Connor

Deborah Madden-Towsey reports that:
"Here in Hastings we had the tremendous honour of receiving Bishop Kieran to celebrate a special Mass at St Mary Star of the Sea on Sunday 27 November. The Mass, which inaugurated the first Sunday of Advent, was concelebrated with Bishop Kieran by our parish priests, Fr. John O’Brien and Fr. Joseph Soosai Marian. It was a beautiful and uplifting occasion where Bishop Kieran reminded us about the spirit of Advent and the importance of making time for prayerful reflection in the run-up to Christmas.

The Bishop was also invited to present the recently-awarded Papal Honour of the Bene Merenti Medal to Mrs Angela O’Connor OBE. The Bishop’s presentation was a wonderful opportunity for the school and parish to thank Angela for her outstanding contribution as a teacher and Head Teacher at Sacred Heart School for over thirty years. All at the parish congratulate Angela on this achievement and wish her the very best for a well deserved retirement."

Well done Angela!

Carol Concert to be Broadcast on Radio

2011-12-16T12:32:00.007Z

See http://www.churchads.net/2011/index.html

Premier Radio are to broadcast a traditional carol concert from St Joseph's, Guildford on Christmas Day at 11pm. St Peter's Catholic School, Merrow, Guildford is to provide the choir and lead the singing. Bishop Kieran of Arundel and Brighton Diocese attended the Concert which was recorded last night (15 December) for the planned broadcst over Christmas.

This is the first time that Premier Radio have broadcast a carol concert from a Catholic Church in this Diocese. It should be a lovely way to end your Christmas Day.

There are several ways to listen:
DAB Digital Radio • Freeview 725 • Sky digital 0123 • http://www.premier.org.uk/ •London 1305 1332 1413 MW

Catholic Womanhood Conference 2012

2011-12-15T11:58:00.001Z

For more information go to http://www.maryvale.ac.uk/

Pope's Three Wishes for Christmas

2011-12-14T14:06:00.000Z

Christmas tree in St Peter's
©http://www.flickr.com/photos/sunshinecity/

The Vatican reportst that: Late Wednesday afternoon, 7 December, thanks to a "tablet" connected to the power grid, Benedict XVI lit the largest Christmas tree in the world from the papal apartments. This electronic "tree" is located in the Italian town of Gubbio. Before flipping the switch he addressed a few words - by television - to those attending the ceremony.
"Before lighting the tree", he said, "I would like to express three wishes. This Christmas tree is formed on the slopes of Mt. Ingino at whose summit is found the basilica of Gubbio's patron saint, St. Ubaldo. When we look at it our eyes are lifted up, raised toward the sky, toward the world of God".

"My first wish, therefore, is that our gaze, that of our minds and our hearts, not rest only on the horizon of this world, on its material things, but that it in some way, like this tree that tends upward, be directed toward God. God never forgets us but He also asks that we don't forget Him".

"The Gospel recounts that, on the holy night of Christ's birth, a light enveloped the shepherds, announcing a great joy to them: the birth of Jesus, the one who brings us light, or better, the One who is the true light that illuminates all. The great tree that I will light up shortly overlooks the city of Gubbio and will illuminate the darkness of the night with its light".

"My second wish is that we recall that we also need a light to illumine the path of our lives and to give us hope, especially in this time in which we feel so greatly the weight of difficulties, of problems, of suffering, and it seems that we are enshrouded in a veil of darkness. But what light can truly illuminate our hearts and give us a firm and sure hope? It is the Child whom we contemplate on Christmas, in a poor and humble manger, because He is the Lord who draws near to each of us and asks that we reeceive Him anew in our lives, asks us to want Him, to trust in Him, to feel His presence, that He is accompanying us, sustaining us, and helping us".

"But this great tree is formed of many lights. My final wish is that each of us contribute something of that light to the spheres in which we live: our families, our jobs, our neighbourhoods, towns, and cities. That each of us be a light for those who are at our sides; that we leave aside the selfishness that, so often, closes our hearts and leads us to think only of ourselves; that we may pay greater attention to others, that we may love them more. Any small gesture of goodness is like one of the lights of this great tree: together with other lights it illuminates the darkness of the night, even of the darkest night".

Successful Nativity Exhibition

2011-12-08T12:30:00.001Z

Example of one of the Beautiful Cribs

The Secular Franciscans of Littlehampton and Worthing are delighted to announce their Nativity Exhibition raised £282.54 for the charity HOMElink. Two of our first visitors were Arun District Council Chairman, Councillor Dennis Wilde accompanied by Arun’s strategic Director, Jaqui Ball. Over 70 exhibits were on display including an excellent creation from the pupils of St Catherine’s Catholic primary school, Littlehampton.

Many different countries were represented and various materials and representations were used. These included a diorama using old fashioned clothes pegs, scraps of materials and pipe cleaners. The opening of the exhibition was purposely planned to coincide with Littlehampton’s late night Christmas shopping and the switching on of the Christmas lights. This move proved very positive and encouraged numerous visitors to attend. Some Friday visitors returned again on Saturday for a second viewing.

The ‘bush telegraph’ was in operation and visitors were arriving saying they had been told by friends not to miss this event. We received many favourable comments including this one "Thank you again for such a beautiful and thought-provoking exhibition, and for making me feel so welcome." If we have helped in some small way to put ’Christ’ back into Christmas, then the event has been priceless.

Good News for Fairtrade Progress in the Diocese

2011-12-07T12:12:00.000Z

Congratulations to St Gabriel’s church, Billingshurst and The Holy Spirit church, Fetcham which have just been awarded Fairtrade status. The Diocese of Arundel & Brighton now has the required 50% of churches with certified Fairtrade status and maintains the title of being a Fairtrade Diocese.

Also, congratulations to Redhill Deanery which is about to become the first deanery with all its churches certified Fairtrade; a truly magnificent achievement.

Advance Warning - Fairtrade Fortnight 2012 dates announced:
Fairtrade Fortnight 2012 will take place from 27th February - 11th March. In 2012 we'll be asking everyone to 'Take a step' for Fairtrade - starting with Fairtrade Fortnight. Keep an eye out for more details over the coming months.

It can be a simple step, like swapping your tea to Fairtrade, or a bigger step like asking everyone in your office to do it too. You’ll be joining thousands of others all over the UK when you take a step for Fairtrade.

Thinking of Scotland

2011-12-06T12:32:00.000Z

As the Feast of St Andrew, patron of Scotland has just past we might like to think about more things Scottish and Burns Night:

Mass for deceased Knights of St Columba

2011-12-05T12:00:00.003Z

Bishop Kieran with Bro Geoff Breeze after Mass

Charles Yarham from the Knights of St Columba reports:
On the afternoon of Sunday 13 November Bishop Kieran celebrated Mass at Arundel Cathedral for deceased members of the Knights of St Columba in the Sussex Province.

This was attended by knights from as far as Hastings across to Chichester and up to Crawley. It was fitting that this year the Mass coincided with Remembrance Sunday.

At the end of Mass a presentation was made to Brother Geoffrey Breeze for services to the Order. He was presented with a meritorious service medal for all his hard work over the years. He became a knight in 1989 and apart from his initial training year he has never been out of office. During his membership he filled most officer posts and these included two three year terms as Grand Knight and also two three year terms as Provincial Grand Knight where he was responsible for overseeing the assistance given by the knights to help the Bishop at Confirmation services at the Cathedral and Corpus Christi and also at Worth Abbey.

The Difference a Day Can Make ….

2011-12-04T12:37:00.000Z

St Cuthman's from the other side of the lake

At the beginning of the year St Cuthman's, the Diocesan Retreat Centre set themselves a goal of doubling the number of ‘Quiet Day’ guests and as they approach Christmas their target has been exceed. They are pleased that a significant number have come from this Diocese of Arundel & Brighton.

It has taken some time to get the word out that we can welcome non-residential day guests, coming individually or as a small group of up to eight people, across the year. Feedback has been very positive with each guest having the freedom to use their time as they wish, but supported by a peaceful atmosphere and the option to join us for Morning Prayer, and/or Mass. During the summer most day visitors spend a lot of time sitting or walking in the grounds and in the winter spend time in the Library, or just sitting by the log fires. Having a home cooked two course lunch, using some of their own produce, is a highlight for many.

Below are a few examples of the comments they have received:
“This was such a treat – a breathing space in a busy life, a step aside to help put things into perspective, and a spiritual rest for a flagging spirit. I came prepared to pray for everyone and everything, and realised that I just needed and could be still, and think about my own self and what I needed to stay close to God.” (Aug 11)

“Having recently been bereaved, and needing a place of peace and spirituality to help me acknowledge my loss, I found that here at St Cuthman’s and look forward to visiting again.” (March 11)

“Coming for just a day is a real blessing for those of us with limited time and budget. It is a good way that new converts to ‘silence and solitude’ may gently ‘dip their toe in the water’. (June 11)

These ‘Quiet Days’ are now firmly established as part of what they offer at St Cuthman’s and their hope is that the numbers will continue to increase in the coming year. For just £25, including refreshments, a two course lunch and afternoon tea, and access to our house, chapel and grounds, this is value for money and a small price to pay for the opportunity to spend some quality time with God.

St Cuthman's currently has two speciallly arranged 'Quiet Days' arranged for Advent on 14 and 15 December. For more information click here

Obituary: Bishop John Jukes OFM Conv

2011-12-03T12:02:00.003Z

Bishop John Jukes OFM
Photo ©Catholic Church England and Wales

The Right Reverend John Jukes OFM Conv, titular bishop of Strathearn and emeritus auxiliary bishop in Southwark, died peacefully at his home in Huntly, Scotland on the morning of Monday 21st November 2011 aged 88 years.

His body will be brought to St. George’s Cathedral, Southwark, Lambeth Road, SE1 7HY on Sunday 4th December 2011 at 5.45pm with Mass at 6.00pm, and his funeral will take place at the Cathedral on Tuesday 6th December 2011 at 12noon.
Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus John Jukes of Southwark will be particularly remembered as someone who sought to bring the insights of Catholic social teaching to business and industry. He was also a devoted pastor, moving to Scotland after his retirement to become a parish priest once again.

The eldest of three children, he was born in Eltham, south-east London, on August 7th, 1923, and was educated at St Joseph's Academy, Blackheath. His father worked for a paint company owned by his family. His mother was a convert from the Church of England.

In 1940 he joined the civil service, during which time he was a representative to the Inland Revenue Staff Federation National Conference. He left the civil service, intending to study agriculture at university.

But while working as a student on Romney Marsh for a year, he decided to become a Franciscan. It was the preaching and hospitality of the friars he met in Rye, East Sussex, that seems to have inspired him. He entered the Order of Friars Minor Conventual in 1946. After completing postulancy and novitiate in Liverpool, he was sent to Rome. He studied philosophy at the Gregorian University and obtained his licentiate in theology at the Pontifical Faculty of St Bonaventure.

Following ordination in 1952, at St. Anthony of Padua, Mossley Hill, Liverpool, he was appointed rector of St Bonaventure's seminary and novitiate in Beaumaris, Anglesey. In 1959 he was made parish priest of St Clare's, Manchester, and the following year became secretary and vice-provincial of the province. He was sent to London in 1964 to take charge of St Patrick's, Waterloo.

He moved to Canterbury in 1969, initially staying with the ordinands at St Augustine's Anglican College. He was one of the founders of the Franciscan International Study Centre, which opened in the city in 1973, and was appointed its vice-principal. He also taught Canon Law, using his parish experiences to bring life to what can be a dry subject, and fundamental theology.

Along with other Franciscans, university staff and local Catholics he was involved in a forum for Catholic thought. He also helped lead parish missions in Kent. He once quipped that the first task was to convert the parish priest. An important part of these missions involved visiting Catholics at home. When Bishop John knocked on the door of one house, the woman immediately led him down to the cellar - she thought he was calling to read the electricity meter.

In the 1970s, at St John's Seminary, Wonersh, he ran courses for priests and laity in evidence taking at matrimonial tribunals. To speed up matrimonial cases, he went to Rome to negotiate the setting up of an appeal court for the province. In 1973 he was made vicar episcopal for religious in Southwark diocese. Six years later he was elected minister provincial of the English province of the Friars Minor. But within months Pope John Paul II appointed him Auxiliary Bishop of Southwark and Titular Bishop of Strathearn. He was ordained in St George's Cathedral, Southwark by Archbishop Michael Bowen on 30th January 1980, and given pastoral responsibility for Kent.

His specific responsibilities included chairing the Kent Southwark Diocese Schools Commission and co-ordinating the work of the vicars for religious. He was also appointed episcopal chairman of the Southwark Metropolitan Appeals Tribunal. He served for 20 years as chairman of the bishops' committee for the world of work. He was passionate in his belief that Catholic social teaching had a valuable contribution to make to the understanding of work in society. This was the idea behind the booklet A Spirituality of Work, which the committee published in 2001 and he wrote the foreword to.

He was one of the main organisers of a conference, held in Liverpool in 1991, to mark the centenary of Rerum Novarum, Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical on the Industrial Revolution and the dignity of work. Each year at the TUC Congress, Bishop John celebrated Mass for delegates. In his sermon at St Mary Magdalene's Priory, Brighton, in 1999 he urged Catholics to put gospel values into practice by becoming active members of trade unions. And he urged the TUC to promote ethical values to counter some of the negative effects of globalisation.

Such efforts, he said, will result in setting up barriers to the many ills which are already to be seen as flowing from globalisation; unfair competition; loss of job security; degradation of human individuals or groups forced to work in inhuman conditions. At a TUC rally in Hyde Park, he once shared a platform with National Union of Mineworkers' president Arthur Scargill. He also attended the clergy section of the Amicus annual conference. At a local level, he represented Southwark diocese on the South London Industrial Mission.

He represented the Bishops’ Conference on the Council on Christian Approaches to Defence and Disarmament and was also a member of the joint bio-ethics committee which served the Bishops' Conferences of England and Wales, Scotland and Ireland. From 1993 to 1999 he served as the chairman of governors of St Mary's College, Strawberry Hill, and he later received an honorary doctorate from the University of Surrey.

When his mother became ill, she went to live with him at his house - The Hermitage, in West Malling, Kent. The house was piled high with books. Bishop John wore his trademark woolly hat both indoors and outdoors. Although a follower of St Francis, he had little time for the rabbits that invaded his garden.

When Bishop John retired in 1998, he had no intention of returning to parish life. He wrote in Briefing, ‘My original idea on retirement was to settle into a nice little house in the country. From there I planned a peaceful life with time for prayer, ready to help out with Sunday Mass if anyone was stuck.’ However, in 2002, when Bishop Mario Conti of Aberdeen asked him to become parish priest of Huntley, Banff and Portsoy, he accepted. He took on responsibility for around 300 Catholics, scattered across 200 square miles, who had been without a resident priest for six years.

That same year, fellow bishops and over 70 priests joined him at Aylesford Priory in Kent to celebrate his golden jubilee of the priesthood. Three years later, to celebrate his 25 years as a bishop, he went to Rome, with Bishop Howard Tripp, with who had been ordained Bishop. They were present at Pope John Paul II's last audience. Bishop John was one of the contributors to the 1993 book ‘God and the Market Place: Essays on the Morality of Wealth Creation’. He also wrote a number of articles for the Canon Law Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Long distance walking and mountain climbing were two of his passions. He was particularly fond of Skye, where he would camp out in the church's sacristy and cook lobster. In 2005 he made the headlines in Scotland when he ordained to the diaconate a former priest of the Scottish Episcopal Church, who went on to become the country's first married Catholic priest.

In recent years, as his physical health declined, he retired again, this time from parish ministry; although he kept very much up-to-date with the life of Catholic Church in Great Britain, particularly continuing to have a keen interest in the Church's role in promoting social justice. In August 2010 he wrote an article looking back gratefully on 87 years of celibacy, which was published online by a national newspaper.

He died on the morning 21st November 2011, aged 88 years, in the 65th year of religious life,
the 59th year of his priesthood, having been a Bishop for 31 years.

May he rest in peace.

Notre Dame Sixth Form team give a ‘helping hand’

2011-12-02T12:31:00.000Z

Cheque presentation

Notre Dame Senior School presented a cheque for £5,000 to charity YoungMinds on Tuesday, 15th November. YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional well-being and mental health of children and young people and empowering their parents and carers.

Headlines today often undervalue and undermine what our young people bring to our society and our world. However the girls of Notre Dame, Cobham, accept the challenge from St. Jeanne de Lestonnac to “give a helping hand” no matter how small, to go out of themselves and think of others.

Every year the Notre Dame Sixth Form students choose a charity and come up with various ideas for raising money for their chosen cause. Over the years the school has had a three-branched output for the funds raised. They are the International Charity of the Sisters of the Company of Mary Our Lady, the chosen charity and emergency fund.

For the school year 2010 – 2011, the girls chose YoungMinds and on Tuesday 15th November 2011 Mr Daryl Nicolas came to accept the cheque for £5,000. Over the year the girls also gave money to the Sisters working with the earthquake victims in Japan and the children in Africa. Money also went to the New Zealand earthquake victims and to the Arundel & Brighton Lourdes Pilgrimage Trust.

A sponsored swim, cake sales, mufti days and car washes are only some of the activities the girls organised throughout the year to raise the money. The girls grew in their awareness of the plight of others who are suffering and through their efforts have tried to give a “helping hand” to our world of today.

Daryl Nicholas of Young Minds, gratefully accepted the cheque from the Sixth Form team, Christopher Walker, Director of Fundraising at YoungMinds said “Five Thousand Pounds is outstanding. We are, quite frankly, rather bowled over. All of the money Noter Dame School raised will have a very real and immediate impact.”

Funeral of Oldest Priest in the Diocese - Fr Charles Slaughter

2011-11-30T12:24:00.001Z

Procession to the grave

Fr Charles Slaughter at 94 the oldest priest in the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton recently died and Peggy Purslow of the parish of Wadhurst reports on his funeral:
On Monday November 14, a typically damp and misty November day, the parishioners, relatives and friends of Fr. Charles Slaughter gathered to lay him to rest and give thanks for his life of service and ministry to our parish for 31 years. A moving moment at the vigil Mass was when symbols of his priesthood were placed on his coffin: his chalice, his stole, his crucifix and his very well-worn breviary. As he had stiipulated "no florists' arrangements" his friends scoured their dank, denuded gardens to produce a pretty posy of autumn flowers and leaves, as he had wished.

Fr Charles

Before his Requiem Mass we received a message from Bishop Kieran explaining that as his presence was required at the Bishops Conference in Leeds he was sorry not to be able to officiate. However Mgr. John Hull, the Vicar General, came to say his Requiem, concelebrating with a number of priests from all over the diocese. Fr. Slaughter would have been gratified that at his Requiem Mass many other local Christians took part including the Vicar, Rev. Jeremy James, and the choir comprising Anglicans, Methodists and Catholics, all singing in harmony.

Although Fr. Slaughter retired in 1999 he remained a presence in the area and was often at Mass in Wadhurst until a year ago. Many people have fond memories of him as a dedicated visitor dropping in at all times for a chat. One parishioner discovered that her father had tried to teach him Maths and Physics at Chichester High School. So long was his ministry in Wadhurst that not only did he marry some parishioners but he also married their children. However, it was his efforts to bring about an open and cooperative approach to other Christian traditions that is his lasting legacy to the Sacred Heart parish and one from which we are still benefiting. We in Wadhurst thank God for the life and ministry of a holy and dedicated priest. May he rest in peace.

New Music for the New Translation

2011-11-29T12:12:00.055Z

Catherine Christmas at the day leading the music

St Michael's, Worthing was the setting for the final session offered by the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton on music for the New Translation one Saturday November morning. Similar events had taken place in other parts of the diocese from Surrey to East Sussex. Choir leaders, choir members and clergy from the local area and beyond were in attendance for the morning.

Leading the day for the diocese was Catherine Christmas, a leading liturgical musican. She led the participants both through new music already produced as well as revised music and also some simple chants that are in the new missal. In particular there was an opportunity to look at new music for the Gloria and the Holy, Holy. There was also an encouragement to sing entrance and communion antiphons which are often a neglected part of the Roman liturgy. At the end of the morning everyone went away encouraged and enthused to bring new music for the new translation to their parishes over the coming months.

Present at the morning was the Diocesan Bookshop Manager, Paul Quinn with a wide selection of music and CDs for sale. He did a roaring trade as people purchased new music and revised settings to take and introduce to their parishes. To find out what is available from the Diocesan Bookshop and for more information click here

Advent with the Poor Included

2011-11-28T12:49:00.011Z

CAFOD Organiser Martin Brown reflects on Advent:
"During advent we prepare for the coming of Christ but many children will be avidly awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus. The legend of Saint Nick originates from St Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, who was generous in giving gifts to the poor. He was someone who reflected the love of God in a tangible and touchable way, particularly to the poor and the more we know ourselves to be poor, the more amazing it is that God came to live with us and gives Himself to us. The Gift of God for God’s loved ones, the poor included.

At Christmas we give presents and spend time with our loved ones. As Christians we hope that when we show love, people also see the love of God reflected in our actions. This Christmas why not give, or ask for, World Gifts? For 50p you can give the gift of immunising a child. You can give 16 fruit tree saplings (to different people) for £10. Chickens, goats, piglets, ducks and cows - they are all available and more. They can be expressions of your love and the love of God and a gift of love for your loved ones, the poor included."

Thirty Years Young

2011-11-26T12:20:00.004Z

Last Saturday 19th November at St Wilfrid’s School, Crawley, West Sussex, Bishop Kieran Conry of the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton joined with 250 people, young and not so young, to celebrate 30 years of the diocesan Youth Service. Bishop, now Cardinal, Cormac Murphy O’Connor set up the Youth Service 30 years ago to offer the young people of the diocese the means to deepen, understand and develop their faith as they moved into adulthood. Many of those ‘young people’, from every era of the Youth Service, were there to recognise and celebrate the value of the work that had been done.

The celebration began with friends, old and new, gathering together to look at displays and pictures from over all the 30 years. There was much laughter as people remembered events and people from over the whole 30 years. It was a real joy for many to meet up again with friends they had not seen for months, years and even decades.

The event also saw the presence of several generations of youth officers as the first Youth Officer, Karen Goldsmith joined later Youth Officers Brendan Conway, Patrick Harrison and the current Youth Officer Ray Mooney to mark this celebration. Their hard work over the years had ensured that today the diocese has many young people active in its life and created a vibrant and lively Catholic youth scene.

Bishop Kieran spoke proudly during the celebration of Mass of the 30 years work of the Youth service. Reflecting on those 30 years he said that the diocese had a responsibility to care for young people just as a shepherd cares for his sheep and the Diocesan Youth Service was a sign of that care. He looked to the future for the Youth Service and young people with much hope.

The evening continued with a resplendent buffet as people continued to chat among themselves and renew old acquaintances, make new ones and share memories recent and long ago.

Current Diocesan Youth Officer, Ray Mooney said “I had no idea who might come, but we have been overwhelmed by the response. Such a large number of people attending stand as a testament to the value of the service in the past, and the value of the service as we go forward into the future. In the words of Pope John Paul II, who initiated the International World Youth Days in 1980s, ‘Remember the past with gratitude, live the present with enthusiasm, look forward to the future with confidence!’ This sums up the work of the Youth Service in this diocese.”

Looking Forward to the Future with Confidence

2011-11-25T12:17:00.006Z

Fr Laurence cuts the cake

Queuing at the door, standing room only, and standing ovation of several minutes. Not an A list celebrity or keynote speech of a political party conference but the Thanksgiving and Farewell Mass for Fr Laurence Quinn Morris after 10 years service in Redhill and district - and the ovation was for the sermon! His theme was “Remember the past with gratitude, live the present with enthusiasm, look forward to the future with confidence” (Pope John Paul II 2000).

Fr Laurence spent 7 years as Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s followed by 3 years as Moderator of the new parish consisting of Redhill, Reigate (Holy Family) and Merstham (St. Teresa’s). This was a huge task to lead three communities with their own histories and ‘personality’ forward and build relationships and structures to form a super-community in Jesus Christ.

Woven through the sermon was as litany of thanks to various people and for the many good things, fruit of his ministry in this place “the Trinity of Spirit filled words which take us to the root of why we are giving thanks: Faith, Family and Friends”.

At the end of Mass Fr Laurence was presented with box of 2 symbolic crystal glasses by Fr Charles Howell. There was also an envelope with a cheque. Fr Charles pointed out that although there were 5 more boxes awaiting collection in the Presbytery there were not 5 more envelopes!

The throng then progressed to St. Joseph’s School in Linkfield Lane to party - and Fr. Laurence does like to party as well as pray!

Report by Ann Lardeur and photos by Janet Franklin

Middle East Review - A Catholic Church Perspective

2011-11-24T12:58:00.009Z

Dr Harry Hagopian

The 'Arab Awakening' - initially dubbed the 'Arab Spring' - started in Tunisia in December 2010. Since then, those revolutions and popular revolts have already enveloped Egypt, Libya, Syria, Yemen and Bahrain. Today, the whole Middle East North Africa region is in a state of flux - even fear - about the unknown or the unpredictable.

In an extended Middle East Analysis, Dr Harry Hagopian looks back at the major events that took place in the past weeks and analyses both the nature and direction of those changes as well as their impact on the region's people - including the indigenous Christian communities.

It looks at...
The death of Qadhaffi and a new dawn for Libya
Ongoing bloodshed in Syria and its impact on Lebanon and the region as a whole
Israel and Palestine
Post revolution elections in Tunisia and Egypt

To listen to the podcast go to http://www.catholicnews.org.uk/mena13

Putting Christ back into Christmas - Free Nativity Exhibition

2011-11-23T12:26:00.003Z

Handmade Clay Nativity
by Valerie Shepherd (Society of Women Artisits)

Stephanie Shepherd says:
If you want to put 'Christ' back into 'Christmas' then why not attend the Free Nativity Exhibition at Arun Ideas shop, 10 Beach Road, Littlehampton. The Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) of Littlehampton and Worthing are organising the event.

There will be more than 50 Nativity exhibits on display depicting traditional scenes, from around the world, using a variety of materials and interpretations. It is hoped the exhibition will encourage families and individuals to reflect on the season of advent which starts on Sunday 27 November 2011.

The exhibition will open on Friday 25 November 2011 between 4.00pm and 8.00pm, to coincide with the switching on of the Christmas lights and late night shopping in the town. The exhibition will also open on Saturday 26 November 2011 between 10.00am and 4.00pm. Tell your neighbours, bring your friends. Voluntary donations towards the homeless charity work of HOMElink will be appreciated on the day.

Priestly Contribution to the Cultural Life in Redhill

2011-11-22T12:16:00.000Z

L-R: Robert Munns, accompanist and Fr Charles Howell

Fr Charles Howell, priest of the parish of the Nativity of the Lord and based in Merstham, together with his teacher and accompanist Robert Munns (who is also on the staff of St John's Seminary, Wonersh) gave a lunchtime recital at St. Matthew's Anglican Church in Redhill. The programme was a balanced mixture of sacred and secular pieces ranging from 17th century composers Bach and Handel to those of the present day.

Appropriate for 'Remembrancetide' we heard the call to war "Arm, Arm, ye brave!" from Judas Maccabaeus and later the reminder of the consequences in "Severn Meadows" Ivor Gurney's setting of his own poem, written in the trenches during WW1, longing for his beloved countryside. Shakespeare's "Come away Death" came in two contrasting styles, that of Gerald Finze and Roger Quilter.

From Mendelssohn we heard Elijah calling on "Lord God of Abraham, Issac and Israel" in his confrontation with the priests of Baal. Perhaps less well known were some of the English Songs. "The Infinite Shining Heavens" ( Songs of Travel: Vaughan Williams/Robert Louis Stevenson) was especially evocative since Fr Charles has a special interest in astronomy.

The programme began with part of Bach's "Magnificat" and ended with "a lot of boisterous nonsence about the death of a robin" - "Cocky Robin" by Betty Roe. The whole event could be summed up as 'Magnifique'!

The size of the audience certainly was greater than the organisers' anticipated - they had printed 45 programmes but ran out well before everyone arrived!

Text and photo Ann Lardeur

Wintershall Cast Honoured with Queen's Award

2011-11-21T12:04:00.003Z

Peter Hutley and his wife Ann with the Queen's Award celebration cake

Her Majesty Qeen Elizabeth II awarded the Wintershall cast, artistic director and support team with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services. This is a highly unusual accolade for an unusual group of people. Presenting the award as the Queen’s representative Mrs Sarah Goad, Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, congratulated the past and present members in the way in which the now famous plays had brought God to people in the modern world. “The Wintershall plays have become the Oberammergau of England” Mrs Goad reflected.

Three hundred were gathered on a sunny Saturday afternoon in late autumn in Holly Barn, where the Acts of the Apostles and the Nativity plays are performed. A host of dignitaries also came for this unique occasion including the Deputy Lieutenants of Surrey, High Sheriff of the County of Surrey, Vice Chairman of Surrey County Council, the Mayor and Mayoress of Guildford, the Mayor and Mayoress of Waverley Borough Council and their Chief Executive, and our own Deacon Roy Waters from Bramley and Cranleigh.

Peter Hutley, accepting the award on behalf of the cast, gave his personal appreciation for all that they have done and continue to do “In addition, I would like to give my public thanks to my wife, Ann, who has supported my vision throughout this evangelisation”. Much applause broke out at this point, only to be interrupted by Peter with a twinkle in his eye “Thanks, but not too much applause please!”

Artistic Director, Ashley Herman, returned the appreciation saying that being involved in these plays at Wintershall had changed all their lives and given them a purpose in their performances.

The afternoon ended with a traditional English tea and with everyone talking eagerly about the next plays to come at Wintershall.

For more information on the Nativity plays go to http://www.wintershall-estate.com/

Picture: Peter Burholt

Prayers from Children for All Ages

2011-11-19T12:55:00.001Z

100 Years Old and Still Going Strong

2011-11-18T12:20:00.001Z

John Keating, Molly Donaldson and Heather Couper, all pupils of the 1930’s, help to bury the time capsule

Peter Burholt reports that:
"Centenary Celebrations Proved that St Joseph’s Primary School, Haywards Heath can go on for another 100 years. Originally a private school for day and boarding pupils, it was set up by the Sisters of Mercy on 11th October 1911, the year King George V and Queen Mary were crowned at Westminster Abbey.

Bishop Kieran Conry, celebrating at the Thanks Giving Mass, asked the 300 assembled children what they thought of adults. After a while some got over their shyness at being asked such a direct question in front of parents and teachers “Boring, dull and bossy” came the replies! Turning to the adults, many of whom were previous pupils at St Joseph’s, he suggested that they should be like little children in the eyes of God. “Today’s memories should always be about happiness. I reckon there have been 3,000 pupils through this school in 100 years and we should not underestimate the importance of St Joseph’s in the local community” he concluded.

After Mass, visitors were treated to an outside assembly when each class gave an individual performance, followed by a shared lunch. Then it was the special time to cut a celebration cake – greatly enjoyed by children and adults alike - and to bury a time capsule in the grounds. For those who are around in 100 year’s time, they will find a selection of memorabilia including a school tie and jumper, a copy of the new school song and a DVD of the centenary slide show. God willing, St Joseph’s will still be around in 2111, playing that special role in the life of pupils and the community."

Picture by Shelagh Hodkinson.

Arundel & Brighton Woman Heads Relgious Order

2011-11-17T12:05:00.003Z

Sister Jane Livesey CJ

Sister Jane Livesey CJ has been elected worldwide leader of the Congregation of Jesus, the religious order founded by Ven. Mary Ward in 1609. Sister Jane, a member of Our Lady of the Assumption parish, Englefield Green in the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton before she entered the novitiate, is the first British woman to hold the office of general superior since the eighteenth century. Over 60 members of the congregation gathered for the election in the sanctuary dedicated to St. Ignatius Loyola in Spain.

Sisters represented countries from Argentina to Zimbabwe, including recent foundations in Mongolia and Cuba. The Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Loreto) sisters also count Mary Ward as their founder. Both orders together number nearly 3,000 sisters worldwide. Yorkshire woman Mary Ward (1585-1645) took her first step towards sainthood when she was declared Venerable by Pope Benedict XVI, a former pupil of a Mary Ward school in Germany, during the recent 400th anniversary of her order’s founding. 2,000 people gathered to celebrate the anniversary which began with a Mass in York Minster celebrated by Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor and ended with a Mass at Westminster Cathedral attended by Bishop Kieran.

Sister Jane, formerly head of St. Mary's School, Shaftesbury from 1985-1998, will move to the order’s headquarters in Rome. With new vocations to the order beginning to emerge, the sisters recently reopened their novitiate in the historic Bar Convent, York, alongside its flourishing conference and pastoral centres.

Sister Jane’s election coincided with the anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian uprising, celebrated by sisters from the three provinces of Hungary, Slovakia and Romania, which re-emerged from the former Soviet Union after decades of Communist persecution.

In Spain congregation delegates continue to discuss their plans and priorities for their worldwide mission and ministry in the coming years. 'These are exciting times for us', says Sister Jane, 'with challenging opportunities opening up in far-flung parts of the world as they once did here. With vocations beginning to pick up in Mary Ward's own country as well, it feels good to be part of a religious life that is open to the needs of today and tomorrow'.

Many congratulations to Sister Jane

Acting Justly in Worth Abbey Parish

2011-11-16T12:43:00.002Z

David Thomson A&B J&P Adviser back centre
with Worth Parish J&P and SVP groups

The Justice & Peace group at Worth Abbey Parish regularly hosts “Speaker Evenings” at which various issues are raised and discussed. Recent evenings have seen this very active group feature the work of CAFOD, the Medaille Trust for trafficked women, the Gatwick Detainees Welfare Group, the Jubilee Campaign and the link between poverty and violence from Pax Christi. David Thomson the Justice & Peace Adviser for the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton was delighted to be invited to speak to the group on the 6th October on the subject of 'Justice and Peace: What Can You Do; a Call to Action'.

Approximately 20 parishioners attended, many of whom were either members of the SVP group or the J&P group. Both of these groups are very active in the parish. The talk focussed on the action plan developed at the last diocesan Justice & Peace Assembly, which had been designed to help and inspire Catholic parishes make a positive difference in the pursuit of justice and peace in the world.

The overall theme of the plan is 'Human Rights' (defence of … promotion of) in light of the 60th Anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights (November 3rd, 2011 marking the end of the anniversary year). For information on this year's and next year's Justice & Peace Assembly click here

Bognor Catholics Honour Modern Saints In-Waiting

2011-11-15T12:08:00.001Z

Shrine for Blesseds Mother Teresa, John Paul II and Cardinal Newman

Bognor parish reports:
"Catholics in Bognor Regis have a new focus of prayer in the church of Our Lady of Sorrows in a chapel set apart in honour of three recently beatified and much admired personalities.

Photographs of Cardinal John Henry Newman, Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Pope John Paul II have been placed in an area of the church that has been largely un-used in recent years. A votive candle stand and a kneeler for private prayer help to make the chapel a popular place of prayer. The photo of Blessed John Paul II was ready in time for his beatification on May 2nd. The completed chapel was blessed on October 8th the eve of Blessed John Henry Newman’s feast day.

Also in the chapel is the candle blessed by Pope Benedict during his visit to England in 2010. The Parish Priest, Father Anthony Churchill said that “Pope John Paul was always keen to put before us models of holiness from our own times. Many of us will have seen or even met both Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul. Others have always had a fascination for Cardinal Newman. I hope that they will help to make holiness seem more accessible.”

Nós Somos St Michael’s de Worthing

2011-11-14T12:42:00.003Z

Deacon Mark, Jane, Anita and Fr Chris with messages in Portugese

‘We are St Michael’s in Worthing’ is one the messages in the photo taken at the recent Curry Night at St Michael’s Catholic Parish, High Salvington, Worthing in aid of CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development) and Connect2: Brazil. As well as raising over £535 for CAFOD and Connect2: Brazil, the parish sent a message of solidarity to the CAFOD partners in São Paulo, Brazil. These partners work in the favelas (shanty towns) of São Paulo with the homeless and poorly housed fighting for their rights to decent housing, and access to sewage, water and electricity.

Tony Sheen who had recently been on a visit to Brazil to meet with these communities in São Paulo joined St Michael’s over the weekend to speak at all 3 Masses and to those gathered for the Curry Night. He spoke of the work of CAFOD’s partners in enabling local communities to obtain land rights, source funding from local government and provide hope and housing for the homeless. Above all he spoke of the wonderful people he met on his trip and the tireless work they did for the poor communities of São Paolo.

One of the people Tony met was Maria Auxiliadora de Souza who has lived in Divineia, São Paulo for 34 years. “I remember the day I arrived here. I went to a church meeting where people were discussing the neighbourhood’s problems. There was no electricity, no water, only from a well next to a cesspit. Everything was difficult. Then the church trained some of us as community leaders. Almost everything good here is a result of working with the church and the housing movement.”

When Tony had travelled to Brazil he took with him a jar of homemade Spiced Plum Chutney from St Michael’s which he shared with the community. The chutney was made by the Chair of the St Michael’s CAFOD group, Jane Woods. In thanks CAFOD’s partners sent a small gift of a special Brazilian mug and chocolate to Jane. In this small exchange of gifts both groups of people understood that they were tied together with bonds of solidarity and an understanding that the relationship between the two communities was more than just the giving and receiving of money.

Deacon Mark Woods from St Michael’s parish and the CAFOD group said “We had a wonderful Curry Night sharing not only in good food and company, but in the realization that what we do here has real benefit at lots of different levels for those communities in São Paul. We also learn from them that even in the most difficult of circumstances that hope and real action can overcome most things. We, as ever, enjoyed the curries provided by Shafiques of Goring Road, Worthing, and we were also grateful to Tony for sharing with us these positive stories of the Catholic Church and its partners among the poor of Brazil. It also reconfirmed our commitment to be support them not only through giving, but also in the words of the poster I held, in our prayers”

Praying for Deceased Clergy of the Diocese

2011-11-12T12:01:00.001Z

Worthing Deanery Clergy processing from Mass at English Martyrs, Goring

Last Tuesday the clergy of the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton together with parishioners gathered in their deanery groups to offer Mass for the souls of deceased priests and deacons of each deanery. They gave thanks for their life and ministry, and prayed for the repose of their souls. This happens each November when the Catholic Church especially remembers all the dead and prays for all holy souls.

The reading of the day from Wisdom said "in the eyes of the unwise, they did appear to die, their going looked like a disaster, their leaving us, like annihilation; but they are in peace." With that firm conviction for them and that that the same is promised for those gathered to pray for them, the clergy of the diocese and parishioners come together each year for those who in years past who have been good and faithful servants.

Deacon Rob Mason and Dean of Worthing, Fr Chris Benyon

Scripture quote (c) Jerusalem Bible, 1996,1967 and 1968, Darton, Longman & Todd.
Photos (c) Mark Woods/Diocese of Arundel & Brighton

Bishop Celebrates Role of Women in Bexhill

2011-11-11T12:07:00.004Z

Bishop Kieran with CWL memebers plus Parish Clergy

A new Section of the Catholic Women's League was opened in September and celebrated with an inaugural Mass on October 3rd in St Martha's Church. Twenty three ladies of the parish joined the League and many more have made enquiries. The Mass was concelebrated by Bishop Kieran Conry, Fr Kevin Gaskin - CWL Chaplain for Arundel and Brighton, Fr. David Parmiter, Fr Bruno Witchells and Fr Seamus Hester.

National President Margaret Richards visited us, and along with the Bishop, presented new members with their badges and prayer cards. Our Branch President Sheila Dunbar, Branch Secretary Brenda Hilliam and Regional Representative Jill Sims, with several members from other Sections in the Branch, came along for the evening Mass.

Afterwards, a party was held in the church hall and Margaret Richards cut the celebration cake.

Reaching for the Olympic Dream

2011-11-10T17:02:00.000Z

Chris Scott centre with Mayor, Head and
two pupils

Barrow Hills School reports:
On Thursday 20th October, pupils and teachers at Barrow Hills School in Witley celebrated as they were officially welcomed in to London 2012’s Get Set network, in recognition of their commitment to the Olympic and Paralympic Values. Barrow Hills is delighted to have this award and is the first school in the area to receive this accreditation.

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) awarded Barrow Hills School a plaque and certificate to acknowledge their involvement in the London 2012 education programme. They are now a part of an active London 2012 community of schools and colleges across the UK– the Get Set network - and will receive access to exclusive competitions and 2012 Games related opportunities over the coming years.

Barrow Hills School has raised funds for Linden Lodge School for the Blind for several years now and is also raising funds for a resource centre for the blind at St Benedict’s School in Burkina Faso, Africa. Pupils from Barrow Hills will be staging their own Paralympics, alongside Linden Lodge, in February next year, exactly six months before the opening of the London Paralympics. This exciting event will be part of the School’s Lent fundraising appeal and they are hoping to top this year’s total of £3000 and raise £5000 next year. Already they are practising and taking part in events such as Goalball, Boccia and Blind football during Skills for Life lessons. The aim is to raise awareness of the special talents these gifted athletes have, and the struggles they must face to compete at such a high level within their disciplines.

Chris Scott, Great Britain discus thrower, who presented the school with the plaque and certificate, said: ‘Pupils at Barrow Hills are excellent examples of how London 2012 is helping to spark young people’s imagination and inspiring them to get involved and make a difference. They have clearly demonstrated that London 2012’s education programme extends far beyond PE and sport and I hope they will motivate other young people to join their journey.’

The whole school gathered, along with the Mayor of Haslemere, Mr Jim Edwards, to watch the unveiling of the plaque. It was wonderful to see the children so excited, and the volume was deafening as they joined in with a rousing ‘three cheers’ for the Olympics, waving their mascots at the same time. It was made even more special as they were kindly lent an original Olympic torch from the 1948 Games; the year they were last held in London. This was the very first time that a Paralympic event was held alongside the Olympics and was for the servicemen injured during the Second World War. It was a great honour for the Barrow Hills’ Games Captains, Sophie and William to be able to hold this torch aloft and for all the pupils to see this piece of Olympic history.

32 Years of Dedication to the Poor

2011-11-09T12:21:00.000Z

Presentation to Paddy Pearson at St Mary Magdalen

Fr Bruno with Paddy

Chris Jones from Bexhill on Sea Saint Vincent de Paul Conference reports:
"At the recent annual mass at St Mary Magdalen's, Bexhill for the Sick and Housebound, a presentation was made to Paddy Pearson who has been a member of the SVP in the parish for 32 years to thank and celebrate his service and dedication to the society and its work with the poor and marginalised of the local community.

Paddy has been very active through his visiting throughout the parish and he is well known around the town. Paddy has also been an altar server since a young boy and the Master of ceremonies at services for most of his adult life.

The first pictures attached show Paddy being presented with an official SVP certificate for long service and a beautiful medal of St Vincent de Paul and Blessed Frederic Ozanam by Chris Jones SVP President and Fr David Parmiter.

The second picture was taken at the tea after mass and picture Paddy with our assistant Priest, Fr Bruno Witchalls."

Congratulations Paddy!

Deacon in Formation - Taking the Next Steps

2011-11-08T12:08:00.003Z

Robert Wellbelove with his wife Cath and 3 of his daughters

Sue Royston from St Hugh of Lincoln, Knaphill Parish reports that:

"After his 2^nd year of formation and as a major step in his journey to become a Permanent Deacon, Rob Wellbelove was instituted in the summer as Acolyte during Mass at St Hugh of Lincoln, Knaphill (see picture above).

During the institution, Fr Jeff Scott, the Parish Priest presented Rob with the chalice and paten with wine and bread. These are not consecrated at the time, but symbolize the service that Rob, as Acolyte, can now provide for the Church and especially during Mass.

Rob’s has also recently taken the next step towards becoming a Deacon when Bishop Kieran admitted him to Candidacy during a the Parish Mass.

As he now journeys through his final year of preparation, Rob says, “As the Formation programme continues, the profound realisation has hit each of us in formation – that it is ‘God’s will’ and not ours, all He asks of us is our ‘YES’ – not – our journey plan.”

We keep Rob, Cath and family very much in our prayers and the other men in our Diocese who are also in formation."

For more about the Permanent Diaconate and vocations visit http://www.dabnet.org/

Fr Tony Celebrates 40 Years of Priesthood

2011-11-07T12:40:00.005Z

Bishop Kieran with Fr Tony

Brendan O'Brien from Bognor with Barnham and Slindon Parish reports:
Completing forty years of priesthood is an achievement, a reason to give thanks and a cause to celebrate. Fr Tony Churchill chose to mark this milestone by sharing the celebration of his ruby jubilee of ordination with the parish, as well as the many friends he has made throughout the diocese, and beyond throughout the course of his ministry.

He concelebrated Mass in Our Lady of Sorrows at four o’clock on the actual anniversary, 10th July, with priests of the parish, the deanery and others from the diocese and even a priest friend of the Coptic rite. There was a large congregation of parishioners as well as friends from other parishes and places he has ministered. Fr Jonathan Martin gave the homily. A reception followed in St Mary’s School, at which speeches of appreciation were made and a presentation from the parish given to the jubilarian, who has been our parish priest now for almost four years."

Fr Tony himself reports: "Bishop Kieran came to celebrate the principal Mass with me because he was unable to be present at my 40th anniversay Mass in July."

Preparing for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

2011-11-05T12:27:00.001Z

John Roberts the Diocesan Mission and Unity Adviser informs us that:
"WE WILL ALL BE CHANGED is the title of next year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity materials.

These materials are now available for order or for download from the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland website at http://www.ctbi.org.uk/569 and can easily be adapted for local needs. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is traditionally observed from the 18th to the 25th January - the octave of Prayer for Christian Unity ending on the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. Some areas, however, observe it at Pentecost or some other time. To allow for local decision making, the material has only the year on it and the days are denoted by the numbers one to eight, so you can use it at any time of year.

“Change is at the heart of our Christian faith. Saint Paul said that anyone who is in Christ is a new creation, and we are called to live as children in the light.

The theme for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2012 comes to us from the churches in Poland, who have reflected upon their own experience as a nation, and in particular how, as a nation, they have been changed and transformed by the many upheavals of their history, and sustained by their faith.

Change is also at the heart of the ecumenical movement. When we pray for the unity of the church we are praying that the churches that we know and which are so familiar to us will change as they conform more closely to Christ. This is an exciting vision, but also a challenging one. Furthermore, when we pray for this transforming unity we are also praying for change in ourselves and in the world”.

If you require assistance in preparing a liturgy or identifying a speaker for your ecumenical service, please either contact John Roberts or Barbara Hopper at Dabcec."

Supporting a Sacked Catholic Mental Health Worker

2011-11-04T12:55:00.014Z

The Thomas More Legal Centre is supporting a sacked Mental Health Worker who is a Catholic. They say:
"A Catholic Mental Health Worker has been sacked by the NHS for gross misconduct. What was her offence? Treating elderly patients with callous disregard? Physically abusing mental patients? Ignoring patients who cried out for water? No, it was none of these. The charge against her is that she ‘distributed material which individuals may find offensive’.

Her ‘gross misconduct’ in fact arose from an amicable discussion with a colleague, NOT a patient, who worked as a receptionist organising abortion appointments. In the course of which she handed over the booklet 'Forsaken' in which five women recount their experience of abortion and the mental problems they suffered afterwards. The colleague did not object to receiving the book and indeed is not being called as a witness by the NHS. The booklet contained no graphic images, and it was never suggested that it should be given to patients. The NHS objects to it because the booklet presents a ‘religious view’ of abortion, because one of the women talking about how she now views her Abortion regards it as a sin. Is the expression of a religious view now a sacking offence in Britain?

The Mental Health Worker’s case is being fought at the Central London Employment Tribunal on November 15th. Her legal representation is being provided by the Thomas More Legal Centre.
Donations can be made by cheque (made out to Thomas More Legal Centre) to The Treasurer, Thomas More Legal Centre, Palmyra Chambers, 46 Legh Street, Warrington WA1 1UJ; or by bank transfer to Yorkshire Bank, 34 Princes Street, Stockport, Cheshire, SK1 1RE; sort code 05-09-33, account no. 43102195 (Thomas More Legal Centre). If you are a UK tax-payer making a gift by cheque, please send a signed statement with your name and address asking for the donation to be treated as Gift Aid."

For the full news release see Fr Sean Finnegan's blog http://valleadurni.blogspot.com/

Chichester Cathedral Installs Fairtrade Weathervane

2011-11-03T17:27:00.000Z

Golden Cockerill now atop Chichester Cathedral

Chichester Cathedral in West Sussex reports that:
"Yesterday on Wednesday 2nd November a team of steeplejacks installed an extremely special weathervane on the top of Chichester Cathedral’s 277ft Spire. Newly gilded in Fairtrade and Fairmined Gold, this unique weathervane is the result of a pioneering collaboration between Chichester Cathedral, Chichester-based ethical jewellers Cred and the Fairtrade Foundation. When the gilded weathervane is positioned on top of the Cathedral Spire – it will be the first time ever that Fairtrade and Fairmined Gold has been displayed on a public building.

The gold covering the weathervane was responsibly sourced by Chichester’s Cred jewellers from the Sotrami Mine in Peru – one of the first mines in the world to be certified to Fairtrade standards. Both the Sotrami Mine and Cred are part of a new – and revolutionary – programme of Fairtrade and Fairmined Certified Gold launched on Valentine’s Day earlier this year.

Fairtrade and Fairmined Gold is the world’s first independent ethical certification system for gold. The certification enables businesses, from designers and retailers to fabricators and distributors, to offer their customers the guarantee of a product which has been responsibly mined. Crucially, this means that small scale miners receive a fair price for gold, ensuring a more stable future for them and their communities.

The Very Revd Nicholas Frayling, Dean of Chichester, explains why the project is so important: ‘Fairtrade and Fairmined Gold provides a lifeline for thousands of impoverished and exploited miners in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. If every jeweller, and indeed every customer, were to insist on only gold sourced in this way then thousands of small scale miners, and their communities, would be guaranteed a better future. The cost of this project has been borne by a private donor to whom we are very grateful, but the wider ambitions of Fairtrade and Fairmined Gold are priceless.’"

Congratulations to our Anglican Cathedral Community.

It is Better to Light a Candle…

2011-11-02T12:40:00.007Z

November is the time that many of us think especially of those that we love but who are no longer with us. It can help us to remember them if we do something positive in their name which will have a lasting impact. For this reason, many people choose to set up a Candlelight Fund with CAFOD.

Just as we light a candle in church in memory of a loved one, donations to a Candlelight Fund can help us gain strength, comfort and hope from knowing that our friend or relative's memory and values live on through their tribute.

The Funds have no timelines, no targets and no minimum donations. Some people make a regular contribution to their Fund by direct debit. Others make single donations to mark special occasions, such as birthdays or anniversaries. Some Funds are personal acts of remembrance by the individual who set it up, while others have contributions from other family members and friends.

However you choose to give, by celebrating one very special life in this way, you reach out to thousands of people in need – a wonderful living memorial.

For more information, contact Beth Brook on 020 7095 5353 or candlelight@cafod.org.uk.

For All Saints Day See New Saint Thomas More DVD

2011-11-01T12:05:00.000Z

Mary's Dowry Productions present a new DVD on St Thoms More:
A documentary using costumed portrayals, historical imagery, maps, paintings and scenery to present the life of one of the most famous English Martyr's - Saint Thomas More.

Told from Sir Thomas More's own perspective, step back into early Tudor history and walk through the fascinating life of this great Englishman from his early years in the home of Cardinal Morton, through his friendship with King Henry VIII, his extensive writings against heresies to his final days in the Tower of London and his last walk to Tower Hill. With a look at his encounters with the great figures of Tudor history including Erasmus, Anne Boleyn, Calvin, Luther and Bishop John Fisher, this is a detailed and original documentary presented in a new and interesting style. Seeped in history and touching upon the depths of Saint Thomas More's Faith and love of Christ, enter upon a simple but informative journey with this courageous Chancellor of England.

The DVD has a runtime of 1 Hour and 6 Minutes and is available worldwide in all region formats.

Available through their website at this link or from Amazon UK or Amazon COM

Catholic Granparents to the Fore

2011-10-31T16:05:00.000Z

L-R: Katherine Bergin, Marie Pinter, Bishop Kieran and Catherine Wiley

Recently a keen group of grandparents arrived to find out more about the national organisations that exist to support them. The first speaker was from the Catholic Grandparents Association; Mrs Catherine Wiley, the founder. She inspired us with her story of the origin of the organisation. She told the story of being at Walsingham on the feast of Our Lady’s birthday and wondering what would be a suitable present for her.

She was struck by the idea that a pilgrimage to honour her Father and Mother – Ss Joachim and Anna would suit and so the idea of a grandparents pilgrimage was born. It was so successful that from it grew the Grandparents association. Until now this has largely been focused in Ireland, although there have been annual pilgrimages to Walsingham, and she explained that today’s venture was the first major development of the association in England.

Her speech was followed by one from the current president of the organisation, Mrs Maire Printer. She detailed its growth and explained how groups of grandparents can be set up to offer each other peer support. She stressed the importance of the role of grandparents both in praying for their grandchildren but also in offering practical support to their children. The benefits were huge for those grandparents who were able to support each other with anxieties and worries.

Mr Peter Harris concluded the morning from the ‘Grandparents Association’ and he clearly explained the avenues of support that were open to grandparents who were suffering through lack of access to their grandchildren.

Bishop Kieran celebrated a wonderful Mass and preached on the importance of family, its structure and the value of each member and then, being blessed with wonderful weather everyone enjoyed a relaxed lunch in the sunshine. Conversation was buzzing with excitement and laughter with many shared family stories..

The afternoon sessions provided a variety of sessions ranging from activities to do with your grandchildren, to unpacking the prayer written for the organisation by Pope Benedict. Many participants particularly enjoyed the session which was designed to experience the benefit of being within a group, laughter and tears were shared by all. Thus inspired many of the participants went back to their parishes with the hope of establishing a grandparents group within their local area.

A Strictly St Peter's Girl

2011-10-29T12:48:00.003+01:00

Mary Reynolds and Flavia Cacace

Flavia Cacace, the famous 'Strictly Come Dancing' dancer who is a champion tango dancer, recently visited her old school St Peter's in Guildford. She was welcomed by all and is seen in the picture with the Diocesan Director of Education, Mary Reynolds who has no dance ambitions herself but was pleased to welcome an old pupil back to the school and the diocese.

The BBC website tells us that "Flavia was born in Naples in Southern Italy, but moved to Guildford in Surrey with her family when she was four. Her mum Rosaria is a housewife, and her father Roberto is a retired chef. She started dancing at the age of 6 when she attended Saturday classes at a dance studio in Guildford.

Flavia took to dancing extremely quickly, and began to take the junior medals (known as Rosettes). At the age of 12, one of the teachers suggested that Flavia take part in competitions rather than continue with medals. Several years later, Flavia met Vincent (who had come over to England to find a partner), by pure coincidence as they were both having lessons from the same teacher.

Flavia and Vincent have been extremely successful on the competition circuit since starting to dance together thirteen years ago."

This year in 'Strictly Come Dancing' her partner is astrologer Russell Grant who presumably already knows how far they will get!!! Then again maybe not!

2011-10-28T12:12:00.000+01:00

Sr Helen and Sr Rita cut the cake

Ann Lardeur from The Nativity of the Lord parish reports:
"Sr. Helen and Sr. Rita recently celebrated their 80th birthdays on 21st August and 13 September respectively. Like our monarch, they also had an official birthday! Appropriately, on the feast of Our Lady of Walsingham, Saturday 24th September, a special concelebrated Mass and presentation took place in St. Joseph's Church, Redhill.

In his homily Fr. Charles Howell said "The Christian life is either a love affair with God or it is nothing at all. The life of the religious is a special witness to this life of love." During the bidding prayers we remembered Sr. Denise Wood who was so tragically killed in a traffic accident near the church last year.

At the end of Mass the Sisters were presented jointly with a bouquet of flowers. Friends and parishioners then adjourned to St. Joseph's chapel for refreshments and birthday cake "Happy Birthday to you was sung, followed by "For they are jolly good fellows". Utterly appropriate since "fellow" is in fact genderless; from Old English, the true meaning is colleague, co-worker, a partner sharing in an enterprise. It certainly describes their contribution to our parish life."

Ad Multos Annos!

CAFOD Day Celebrations at St Wilfrid's, Hailsham

2011-10-27T12:33:00.000+01:00

Fr Roy with Geoff Stone handing over the cheque to CAFOD's Sarah Smith-Pearse

Ann Fielder from St Wilfrid's, Hailsham reports:

"For the last year the children and the community at St Wilfrid`s have been supporting our children`s chosen charity, the village of Puentecitos in El Salvador. The community have been raising funds by filling pint milk bottles with small change. The children have held special events and sales such as cake stalls, and together, we have raised almost £1,000.

After the special CAFOD Mass Sarah Smith-Pearse from CAFOD gave a presentation of the way of life in Puentecitos. Father Rory presented the cheque at the end of the service.

Anita our CAFOD Representative along with her husband Geoff have worked tirelessly to encourage us all during the last year. Our great appreciation goes to them both.

Real Easter Egg Profits Handover

2011-10-26T12:18:00.000+01:00

Dougie Watt-David Marshall from Meaningful Chocolate Company hands a cheque
for £21,487.20 to Liza Stevens and Paul Chandler of Traidcraft

Over £25,000 has been given to charity from profits made by sales of The Real Easter Egg. The Real Easter Egg is the UK’s first ever Easter egg to mention Jesus and tell the Easter story on the box and was sold for the first time last Easter.

The egg was produced by Manchester based Meaningful Chocolate Company and was supported by church leaders including the Archbishop of York.

Part of the pledge made by The Meaningful Chocolate Company was to make real the Easter themes of hope and new life by donating profits from the egg to charitable causes.

David Marshall, from The Meaningful Chocolate Company, said: “I am thrilled to be able to donate over £21,000 to Traidcraft Exchange and over £4,000 to Baby Lifeline. In addition to this, we paid a fee to The Fairtrade Foundation to support their work, including its education programme. Our farmers received a guaranteed price for their cocoa and sugar as well as a Fairtrade Premium of $60 a tonne to invest in their community’s wellbeing.

“With over 80 million eggs sold in the UK every year, we have a long way to go in our campaign to make The Real Easter Egg the gift of choice by the faith and wider community. Next Easter we hope everyone will look out for The Real Easter Egg. Buying this egg is a way of reclaiming the festival and a way of communicating key aspects of the Christian faith in an attractive yummy gift.”

Last Easter supplies of The Real Easter Eggs ran out a month before Easter. The number of eggs has been dramatically increased for 2012 but churches, schools and Cathedral shops are being asked to make bulk orders by mid February 2012 to avoid disappointment. See http://www.realeasteregg.co.uk/

The Real Easter Egg has proven that people are not afraid to by an Easter Egg that carries three crosses on the box and explains the core of the Christian faith. With its element of charitable donation it seems that the Real Easter Egg not only tastes good but does good as well.

Last month The Meaningful Chocolate Company revealed its Meaningful Tree Decorations, an interactive chocolate gift and a new way to tell the Christmas story. See http://www.meaningfulchristmas.co.uk/

Celebrating our Altar Servers

2011-10-24T12:38:00.005+01:00

St Michael's, Worthing Servers with Bishop Kieran
They were the main serving group at the Mass

"Without our Altar Servers we Priests would feel very isolated on the sanctuary" said Bishop Kieran as he thanked the more than 150 Altar Servers who had gathered at Arundel Cathedral to give thanks for their ministry of service at the Altar.

Fr Dominic O'Hara, recently installed as Parish Priest of Littlehampton and Rustington, and Director of the Guild of St Stephen for Altar Servers in the Diocese welcomed all the servers and the parishes they represented. He views this annual Mass as an opportunity for Altar Servers in the Diocese to gather together once a year, to be thanked for their work and encourage them for the future.

After Bishop Kieran's homily he inducted 8 Altar Servers, both girls and boys, into the Guild. All 8 declared their willingness to serve with diligence and dignity and then recited together the Guild Promise:

I offer myself to God almighty,
to blessed Mary, our Mother
and to our holy patron, Saint Stephen.
And I promise to do my best
to serve regularly
with reverence and understanding,
for the glory of God,
the service of his Church,
and my own eternal salvation.

Memebers of the Central Council of the Guild where present and they offered all the Servers words of encouragement and an invitation to the Guild Mass at Westminster Cathedral in May 2012.

Whilst it was not possible to have a social get together this year, as the Cathedral Hall is being refurbished, Fr Dominic offered cans of drink and sweets to people as they left. He promised as well they would return in the Autumn next year in 2012 to celebrate again with the Bishop.

Surrey Churches Preservation Trust Sponsored Ride and Stride

2011-10-22T14:46:00.003+01:00

The Surrey Riders

"It’s like riding a bike; you never forget!" said Rosemary Keenan and Peter Ward from St Edward the Confessor, Sutton Park near Guildford.

Taking part in their fourth Surrey Churches Preservation Trust Sponsored Stride and Bike Ride, Rosemary Keenan and Peter Ward raised nearly £600 by visiting 20 churches. Not known for their cycling prowess, Rosemary explained, “Fr Brian Taylor, the priest-in-charge at our parish of St Edward the Confessor in Sutton Park, was keen to replace the Thomson Family who had ‘retired’ after years of doing the famous bike ride. As our parish keeps half of the funds raised from someone taking part we thought ‘Let’s give it a go!’ The fact that we had not cycled for a couple of decades seemed unimportant. It really was a case of ‘It’s like riding a bike: you never forget’.”

Peter and Rosemary claim that their success is down to the preparation for the event. Peter, the route planner, explains that, “It was great fun searching the web to find local churches. I then plotted a route with as many churches as possible to visit in three hours at a leisurely pace, over 15 miles and involving a minimum of hills. This year we met parishioner’s from St Peter’s Hersham who were also doing the sponsored cycle ride with Rev. Martin Fletcher, their vicar.”

The Surrey Churches Preservation Trust makes grants available to churches in need of preservation and fifty percent of funds raised by cyclists and walkers go to the parish from which they come. For details about taking part in the Ride and Stride next year visit http://www.surreychurchespreservationtrust.org/ or phone Hamish Donaldson 01428 644473. For details of contacts in other counties visit http://www.rideandstrideuk.org/

Called By Name

2011-10-21T12:54:00.003+01:00

If you would like to join this retreat for young people email: joziegilbert@hotmail.com

Parish Family Fortunes is a Winner for All

2011-10-20T12:37:00.001+01:00

Penny Richardson from Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Adur Valley reports:

"The social group at Christ the King in Steyning organised a “Family Fortunes” night for the whole parish of Our Lady Queen of Peace, Adur Valley.

It was run along the same lines as the TV programme and “families” were made up of groups of parishioners. The evening was hosted by Andy Hyatt from St Peter’s who made a splendid Vernon Kay stand in ! As much fun was had by the use of the buzzer for the wrong answers as for the right ones. What was particularly great was to see a good crowd and both young and older having a great evening. It was completed by a fish and chip and ice cream supper.

In the same way as the TV programme the winning team was asked to nominate a favourite charity to whom any profits from the evening could be sent and they chose “ We Play Too” a West Sussex charity who provide play equipment for disabled children."

Young Nuns - A BBC Documentary to Watch

2011-10-19T12:26:00.001+01:00

Clergy In-Service Echoes Pope Benedict's Announcement of the 'Year of Faith

2011-10-18T12:38:00.004+01:00

Some of the Diocesan Clergy at Frensham Ponds

The recent clergy in-service for the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton, 'Faithful to the Council?', focussing on the Second Vatican Council nearly 50 years on with Fr John Farrell O.P., Fr Peter McGrail and Archbishop Kevin MacDonald, happily echoed Pope Benedicts announcement of the 'Year of Faith' in 2012 to mark 50 years since the Council opened.

The in-service also looked at proposals to reflect more deeply on the Council documents and how to live them out over the coming years as the diocese approaches 2015 and its Golden Jubilee of Foundation.

There was an enthusiastic response among the clergy present to the proposals as well as the in-service, and the opportunity it provided for reflection and deeper thinking about the key documents of the Council on liturgy, revelation, the Church and the Church in the world.

Watch out for more on both the diocesan and papal plans to celebrate Vatican II.

Farewell to Fr Richard - From Lewes to Horsham

2011-10-17T12:13:00.000+01:00

Bruce Bryne reports from Lewes:
"Following his move from St Pancras, Lewes to St John the Evangelist Parish at Horsham, Father Richard Biggerstaff returned to Lewes to officially bid farewell. He was welcomed by a full capacity church and led the parishoners in the recitation of the Holy Rosary followed by Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Father Richard thanked the parish for their friendship and devotion during the special time he spent at St Pancras. Everyone then retired to the Wood Room for refreshments and heard tributes paid by Eleanor Austin for Father Richard's vision, dynamics, commitment and memorable journey he has taken the our church over the past six years. Various gifts were presented including a farewell cake baked especially for the occasion by Claire Humphrey."

L-R: Fr Jonathan Martin and Fr Richard Biggerstaff

Fr Jonathan Martin shown in the picture above is now Parish Priest. We wish both well in their new parishes.

New DVD about Visit of Relics of St Therese of Lisieux to UK

2011-10-15T12:08:00.005+01:00

Relics and Roses is a film made during the visit of the relics of St Therese of Lisieux to England last year. It gives an insight into the life of the Catholic community across the country. From the directorial hand of Michael Whyte, the Director of 'No Greater Love' about the life of enclosed Carmelite Nuns in London.

Bishop Ordains Cathusian Monk to the Priesthood

2011-10-14T12:51:00.003+01:00

Bishop Kieran annoints Dom Gregory's hands with Chrism

Bishop Kieran recently ordained Dom Gregory a priest at St Hugh’s Charterhouse at Parkminster, Cowfold, Sussex. This was the first priestly ordination at the monastery in 35 years. The ordination took place in the small extern Chapel attached to the Charterhouse so that members of Dom Gregory’s family from Canada could attend alongside the monastic community. Bishop Kieran was joined by Rt Rev Richard Moth, Bishop of the Forces, together with sixteen other priests from the monastery and elsewhere. Dom Gregory will minister as a priest in the monastery.

St Hugh’s Chaterhouse, which was founded in 19th century and has the largest monastic cloister in Europe, is home to a community of Fathers and Brothers who live within the monastic enclosure dedicated to a life of prayer and contemplation. Each of the monastic community has their own small dwelling on two levels where they live, work, eat, sleep and pray. They come together as a community to pray the divine office several times a day in the main Church including once a day at Midnight for two hours to sing the Office of Vigils whilst the world sleeps.

To find out more about St Hugh’s go to www.parkminster.org.uk/

Fr Albert Van Der Most Retires from Littlehampton

2011-10-13T12:05:00.001+01:00

Wenda Moon reports:
There was much sadness in St Catherine's Church, Littlehampton, when the parishioners said farewell to Fr Albert, their parish priest for 23 years.

Fr Albert Van der Most arrived at St Catherine's in September 1988 from Horsham where he had been for only a year. He found the Church and Presbystry in a sorry state. The buildings were so decrepit and the cost of renovations so staggerlingly high, that it was at first thought the beautiful old church might have to be pulled down. However Fr Albert rallied the parishioners and with his vision, determination and boundless enrgy he launched an extraordinary programme of fund raising in which he himself was fully involved. As a result of much hard work and some generous donations the church was restored, renovated and improved, and the Parish Centre was reburbished so that it could be let out for functions, thus generating further income for the parish.

Until recently he tended the lawns and gardens of the church himself, often weeding the flower beds in the early hours of the morning. All this was done in addition to administering a large and busy parish along ministering to St Catherines's Primary School and Ford Open Prison.

Fr Albert's love of sport, particularly football was well known. Being a Dutchman his great love was for his national team and whenever they were playing England he would emerge after Mass with a orange Holland shirt on, a gift from the local school children.

He has also been a 'star' of television. In recent years he appeared briefly in the acclaimed series 'The Convent' filmed at the nearby Poor Clares Convent at Crossbush where he regularly said Mas for the Community.

He also has a great love of the poor and disadvantaged, and he was well known for his many acts of kindness and generosity, espeically for poor communities overseas. He recently received a letter from CAFOD, the Catholic Overseas Aid Charity congratulating him and St Catherine's parish for their generosity and continued support for them.

Fr Albert's ebullient and extrovert personality made him a well known figure in Littlehampton and begyond, but he will also be remembered for his deep faith and spirituality.

Wenda concludes "Fr Albert, we all wish you a long and happy retirement with many blessings."

Fr Dominic O'Hara is now the new parish priest of Littlehampton and Rustington. We wish him well in this new post. He is definitely not a Holland supporter!

Vincentian – a Lifestyle for Today

2011-10-12T12:16:00.000+01:00

Young British Vincentians in Madrid, Spain

Ammada Stafford reports:
"Seven students from Leeds University St Vincent de Paul Society, including Amanda from the Merrow parish of A&B, went to Madrid before the start of World Youth Day to represent England and Wales at the International Youth Vincentian meeting. The meeting was attended by over 1,500 young Vincentians from all over the world, including the Philippines, Brazil and Australia.

The theme of the weekend was “to be rather than appear to be” in living as a Vincentian, and to not live hiding behind a mask. Over the weekend we learnt about and renewed our Vincentian values to see Christ in those we meet and serve the poor and most vulnerable in a teaching session led by international president Michael Thio.

We also got a chance to visit projects run by the SVP in Madrid, as well as sharing with other young members the charity work we do in our own countries for SVP. Celebrating Mass with so many Vincentians from all over the world was an amazing way to grow in our faith, and the perfect warm up for World Youth Day! The weekend ended with a Spanish fiesta, with music, dancing and celebrations with our new international friends, before going on to meet up with our group for the remaining week for WYD. We have all now returned home, renewed in our faith as Vincentians, with ‘a lifestyle for today’."

Lourdes Spritual Director Steps Down

2011-10-11T12:11:00.011+01:00

Father Ian Byrnes talks to A&B News’ Special Correspondent, Peter Burholt, on stepping down as the Lourdes Pilgrimage Trust’s Spiritual Director. Bustling in, this man from Dublin settled down to talk in his presbytery in St Leonards-on-Sea about his time with the Pilgrimage.

Q 1. This has to be the first question, were you pushed or did you decide to leave on your own accord? Slightly taken aback Fr Ian gave his reply.
Well now, what a question to start with! I had always thought this position had its own life and, after 9 years, it is now time to do other things. Perhaps it is a bit like getting out while the going is good!

Q 2. How did you become Spiritual Director? Did you apply to an advert in the A&B News? I originally came in as Director of the Pilgrimage, having been first approached by Lady Sarah Clutton. No, I did not have to apply - the offer came to me and Bishop Kieran had to give his approval.

However, after a few years it became apparent that the role of Director should be split – one role being responsible for spiritual direction and the other being more on the organisation of the Pilgrimage. Originally, I was chairing groups of 15 people and right from the start I wanted this to be reduced. Then the role of Spiritual Director was created and, looking back, this was a good move.

Q 3. When you took on this position, did you relinquish all your other Diocesan responsibilities? At the time I was Dean of Guildford, which I did have to relinquish. I carried on with my role as parish priest in Guildford and, for the first 5 years, I continued to be the pastoral co-ordinator for the deaf and hard of hearing group.

Q 4. What qualities do you think the Pilgrimage organisors saw in you? I’m not sure, but perhaps they thought I was a good personality! I must admit that I was quite naive at the time and I learnt a lot “on the job”.

Q 5. What does a spiritual director do? Is there training or does it come under the title “vocation”?
Fr Ian reflected over his mug of tea before answering this question.
No, there is definitely no training as such. I do regard this as a vocation in which I have been led by the Lord, another step in my journey through life.
I attend a range of meetings during the year including annual trustees’ meeting, before and after evaluation sessions, and bi-monthly core meetings. I need to explain the basic set-up of the organisation – it has 3 key elements, the Trust itself, the core groups looking after everything from transport to medical care, and then there is the evaluation process.
The programme of events is organised by the liturgy team. My role is the 3 “P’s” – creating the peace, the pastoral care and professionalism to enable the profession of our Faith. I believe this is the principal way of articulating our Faith, which is then animated by others on our pilgrimage journey. I encourage other members of the team to exercise their Christianity.

Q 6. Do you get paid?
Absolutely not!

Q7. How do you get to Lourdes? Is it first class travel or even a private jet?An Irish chuckle came out of this genial man as his thoughts ran wild for a few seconds.
Let’s get real, I go by Wells Fargo – the train!
Q 8. You appeared in Lourdes this year on the big occasions. Is this what happens – you are brought out to do the large event services and then they leave you alone for the rest of the pilgrimage?
Although I do get some private time, I concentrate on daily meetings with the local authorities, meetings with the leadership, going to events such as the children’s party and generally mixing with the pilgrims. Yes, then there are the grand occasions.

Q 9. The pilgrims at the Grotto Mass had an air of expectancy about them - something one would not understand as a newcomer, until your bag of tricks appeared during your homily, which was greeted with loud applause. What was that all about?
I believe that words are not enough when giving a homily to 1,000 people in the open air and it needs something visual to get the message over. The Word of God is expressed in 5 ways – spiritual, emotional, intellectual, physical and social.
I must admit that, when I produce the hammer, the French MC nearly had a heart attack. I’m not sure I can translate what he said after Mass, or should I in the A & B News!

Q 10. You have a problem with deafness and dyslexia. Does this bring an added dimension to your own Lourdes pilgrimage?
Quite simply, home is not where you live but where you are understood. Lourdes makes me feel at home with my disabilities.

Q 11. How special was this year’s pilgrimage?Yes, it was a one-off – especially as it was my last as Spiritual Director. One very special occasion this year was when the Director of the Grotto presented me with a chip of the rock from the Shrine. It was a private moment to treasure forever.
Having Cardinal Cormac there for the duration was indeed a privilege and I must admit that I was stunned by Bishop Kieran’s words of thanks at the final Mass. He really took me by surprise ……. and then there was the shepherd’s crook.

For those at this Mass, Bishop Kieran brought onto the sanctuary a large and what appeared to be a heavy bag – upstaging Fr Ian’s bag of tricks at the Grotto. Inside was an engraved crook. On receiving this gift, Fr Ian was heard to say “Bishop, next time I see you with my crook and you with your crosier, I hope you will not feel threatened!”

Q 12. Was this a one-man-band experience over the past 9 years?
I could not have undertaken my mission without the help of the leadership and their confidence in me. I want to thank them for all their support.

Q 13. Do you have any words of wisdom for your successor, Fr David Parmiter?Quite simply, look for the eternal signs of love in the human form. The gift of our incarnation is so prevalent in Lourdes.

Q 14. Will you go to Lourdes next year?
My non-attendance at next year’s pilgrimage has nothing to do with the Olympics! I think Fr David needs a bit of space for his first year.

Q 15. Is it now retirement for Fr Ian, sitting in your deckchair each day on St Leonards’ sea front?That Irish twinkle and raised eyebrow returned.
What a prospect – the deckchair and the seagulls will have to wait a while longer. I am still priest to 2 parishes here in St Leonards and I will return as director and chaplain to the deaf and hard of hearing group.

Evening Mass was calling and the end of this chapter was about to close. For those of us who have experienced this man’s love and pastoral care in Lourdes, we would all hope that we could mirror his ways in our daily lives. We wish him spiritual fortune and lasting health.

Receptive Ecumenism - What Does it Mean? Find Out!

2011-10-10T12:37:00.001+01:00

International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin 2012

2011-10-09T12:00:00.000+01:00

Weybridge Corpus Christi procession
(photo: Peter Clapham)

Peter Clapham of Weybridge parish reports:
"The Holy Eucharist has figured large in our parish this Summer. Our Parish Priest, Canon Tom Treherne, has been invited by Bishop Kieran to represent the diocese at the International Eucharistic Congress meeting in Dublin next June.

We are very pleased for Canon Tom since he has done so much to promote the importance of the precious gift of the Eucharist in our parish. We have just celebrated our 8th anniversary of joining the Lay Apostolate of Eucharistic Adoration, and to mark the occasion Brendan Cleary visited us from Dublin to thank our hundred or so committed adorers and to encourage more volunteers. As a result a further fifty parishioners came forward allowing us to extend Adoration to 3 days a week.

Some 65 of our young parishioners have celebrated their first Holy Communion this year. They processed with the Holy Eucharistic in our traditional Corpus Christi procession and thereafter, for the first time, went on to enjoy the fun at the Picnic in the Park – a regular family day organised by Churches Together in Weybridge. What a perfect way to bear witness to this wonderful Sacrament – and to the devotion of our catechists and parents."

For more on the International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin go here http://www.iec2012.ie/

Bees is for Benedict

2011-10-08T12:01:00.000+01:00

The Vatican News Services reports:
"As part of its initiatives to mark the Day for the Protection of Creation, the Italian agricultural organisation "Coldiretti" has given Benedict XVI eight beehives containing more than 500,000 bees. The beehives will be kept at the pontifical farm of Castelgandolfo where they will be used in pollination and the production of honey (some 280 kilos a year).

Coldiretti explained that bees play a vital role in the planet's ecosystem and their disappearance would have disastrous consequences for health and the environment: a third of human food production depends on crops pollinated by insects, eighty percent of which are bees.

The "Campagna Amica" Association will provide technical assistance to the pontifical farms to oversee the protection of the bees and the production of honey. Castelgandolfo is considered to be a model farm because it unites traditional production methods with modern technology. It has 25 dairy cows, 300 hens and 60 cockerels as well as an ancient olive grove producing three thousand litres of oil a year, an orchard of apricot and peach trees and a greenhouse of ornamental flowers."

CAFOD Harvest Fast Day Can Help The World's Most Vulnerable Children

2011-10-07T11:54:00.001+01:00

Fear, Hunger, Survival – the stuff of childhood dreams?

Pan
(c) CAFOD

Pan from Cambodia was 11 years old when he tested positive for HIV. Then his parents died within weeks of each other because of AIDS. Alone, ill and frightened, Pan was forced to leave school and sell rice on the streets to earn money. He didn’t know how to get life-saving medication and grew weaker. Maryknoll, a Catholic organisation funded by CAFOD, which offers medical care, nutritious food, school support and loving homes to children affected by HIV, stepped in to help.

Pan spent three weeks in hospital with daily visits from Maryknoll staff who then arranged for him to live with caring people in a safe, happy home. Pan started medication and was soon strong enough to return to school. Four years on, Pan’s life is transformed, “When I started lessons I was so happy! I felt like a normal boy, doing normal things. Every day I feel lucky.”

By giving a gift to CAFOD this Harvest Day - either by donating what you can afford in the envelope or by signing up to give a regular gift by direct debit - you can help the world’s poorest children get the care and support they desperately need. Help give them back the childhoods they deserve: free of pain, hunger and worry.

October - A Month Dedicated to Mary: Praying the Rosary

2011-10-06T14:54:00.001+01:00

Emmanuel Chimezie from St John's, Horsham makes a plea for us to recite the rosary. He says:
The history of the Rosary dates back many centuries before the early monastic orders in the Catholic tradition used it in the form of knotted beads as an aid to track their prayers. Ever since then, the Rosary has undergone dramatic metamorphosis.

In the year 1214, Our Blessed Lady appeared to St Dominic while he was busy combating the Albigensian heresy in the South of France and handed him a Rosary requesting him to spread the devotion by saying it and meditating on the life of Christ each and everyday. In return, Our Lady promised St Dominic success in combating the Albigensians and that his Religious Order would flourish. In filial obedience, Dominic spent the rest of his life carrying out this instruction. In order to facilitate his task, he went the extra mile to found a Confraternity.

The story of the historical development and propagation of the Rosary Devotion can hardly be complete without the mention of Blessed Alan de la Roche. He took over and continued from where Dominic stopped with incredible zeal. In the 15th Century, the Mysteries of the Rosary were assigned to each of the decades providing a wonderful opportunity for contemplation on Scripture while at the same time reciting this meditative prayer.

The Old Penny Catechism taught us that “God created us know, love and serve Him in this life, and to be happy with Him for all eternity in Heaven.” Even though man appears to have lost focus now fervently pursuing the twin prizes of “money and pleasure”, Mary still holds out her hand to rescue her children. She is always praying for us and constantly pointing to the grace that the Rosary brings to mankind. Oh how Mary earnestly desires us to achieve this ultimate prize-being happy with God in Heaven for ever.

Daily recitation of the Rosary is highly recommended. The Rosary, literarily speaking, softens the ground, tills the soil, and waters it in preparation for a bountiful harvest. If only we knew the tremendous torment Satan suffers as we recite the Rosary. A school of thought holds, and rightly too, that with each bead of the Rosary recited with the devotion it deserves, a powerful “bomb” detonates in hell unleashing untold panic and terror in the satanic world. Satan becomes utterly confused.

The Rosary is a direct gift to us from the Queen of Heaven. The power of the Rosary was amply demonstrated during St Dominic’s time and continues to be felt to this day. The Rosary works incredible wonders in our life-leading the way for our personal sanctification. Those who faithfully recite the Rosary daily with all the devotion and humility, can testify to this claim. No one can outdo Our Lady in liberality and she will stop at nothing to lead us to her Son, Jesus. On May 13, 1917, Our Lady appeared to the three Shepherd children-Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta- at Fatima. She declared herself “Lady of the Rosary” ostensibly to underscore the relevance and potency of the Rosary. She repeatedly urged the children to recite the Rosary daily.

Pope John Paul II added a new dimension on October 16, 2002 with a set of five mysteries beautifully referred to as “The Mysteries of the Light” which beams piercing searchlight on the public ministry of Jesus from His Baptism in the Jordan to the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper. Writing in his apostolic letter “The Rosary of the Virgin Mary”, the Holy Father said inter alia-“The Rosary, though clearly Marian in character, is at heart a Christ-centred prayer. It has all the depth of the gospel message in its entirety. It is the echo of the prayer of Mary, her perennial Magnificat for the work of the redemptive incarnation which began in her virginal womb”. The holy Father was always in the habit of praying the Rosary. He once said, “The best prayer I like is the Rosary”.

Finally, in this age of our world beset with fragile peace and broken promises; a world ravaged by wars, famine and disease, let us turn to Mary armed with our Rosary. She will certainly guide us through all these perils and difficulties and deliver us safely to Jesus. Let us then consecrate and surrender unreservedly to Mary faithfully repeating daily-“We are all yours, Our Queen, Our Mother, and all we have is yours”

If you are not sure how to pray the Rosary go here: http://www.rosary-center.org/howto.htm

Real Easter Egg company reveals Christmas tree campaign

2011-10-05T14:42:00.003+01:00

A campaign to make the UK’s 20 million Christmas trees a bit more meaningful this December has been launched. The campaign is in response to news that 46% of people say Jesus is irrelevant to their celebration of Christmas. To help parents, grandparents and godparents communicate the Christmas story to the next generation, The Meaningful Chocolate Company has produced the UK’s first ever interactive set of chocolate Fairtrade tree decorations, based on the characters of the Nativity story.

Each box of Meaningful Chocolate Tree Decorations contains a limited edition Christmas card, a sticker set and six hand wrapped, high quality, Fairtrade chocolate decorations. The Christmas story, which can be found on the card, enables adults or children to read the story while placing character stickers on the decorations. Once completed, the decorations can be hung on the tree as a reminder of the real meaning of Christmas.

David Marshall, from The Meaningful Chocolate Company, said “We estimate that most of the UK’s 20 million Christmas trees don’t have anything religious hung on them. The Meaningful Chocolate Tree Decorations are an opportunity to buy an interactive gift that allows the telling of the Christmas story at home. The card also includes and invitation for people to go to church to hear the Christmas story there. So, not only is it educational, it’s also a piece of evangelism.”

The Meaningful Christmas Tree Decorations cost £3.95. Church orders can be made through http://www.meaningfulchristmas.co.uk/ or exclusively from Traidcraft. Orders should be made by 14th November 2011 as supplies are limited.

10 Years as a Still Point in a Turning World - St Cuthman's Diocesan Retreat Centre

2011-10-04T12:31:00.003+01:00

St Cuthman's Retreat Centre

St Cuthman’s Retreat Centre – the first 10 years
In October 2001, St Cuthman’s was officially opened by Bishop Kieran Conry. Bishop Kieran’s predecessor, Bishop Cormac Murphy O’Connor, had secured the house and grounds for the Diocese, before his appointment as Archbishop of Westminster. With the refurbishment completed the first guests were welcomed on 15th October, and 10 years later over 22,500 people have used the facilities at the Centre.
The early years were taken up with building on what had been inherited from the St Julian’s community, the previous owners of the house, and spreading the message about this new Diocesan facility. A decade later, St Cuthman’s has established its own identity and history and has a clear sense of its mission. As well as providing space for individuals and couples, the Centre welcomes full-house and small groups for residential retreats, provides day conference facilities in the Garden Rooms, and welcomes day visitors for Quiet Days.

“A still point in a turning world”
From the outset St Cuthman’s was open to people of all denominations and faiths and those of none, and this has remained a defining feature of the Centre. This has enabled the Diocese to fulfil its ecumenical outreach in Sussex and beyond. The morning and evening prayer services in the simple chapel, led by the staff and volunteers, underpin the daily routine and are greatly enriched by the diversity of those who join in.

Both the original refurbishment and the ongoing maintenance of such an old building have put heavy demands on the finances of the Diocese, particularly in the first few years, but the investment has paid off, leaving the Diocese with a substantial asset and valuable resource.

The priests and people of the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton can feel proud of their Diocesan Retreat Centre. On a daily basis, in their name, many people are benefitting from this important resource. Tired and stressed clergy, of all denominations, get the chance to re-charge their batteries and return to their ministries refreshed. Carers get a chance to catch up on sleep and have some precious time to themselves. People of faith come closer to God. Those who have strayed from their faith are touched by the Holy Spirit and feel the pull to return. Those who are bereaved, or struggling to come to terms with illness, loss or other major trauma can find the space and courage to start afresh.

It is a truly blessed place and if you have not yet had a chance to spend any time here, why not come along for a Quiet Day.

We are grateful to all those who have helped establish St Cuthman’s - the staff, past and present; the small team of faithful volunteers who give their time and labours so generously; the Friends of St Cuthman’s whose financial support has made a significant contribution to enhancing the Centre’s facilities; the group of Spiritual Directors who come in to support the guests; the Diocesan Pastoral Team and the priests and people of the Diocese. With this continued support we hope that St Cuthman’s can serve the needs of the Diocese for many decades to come.

To celebrate the 10th Anniversary, we are offering parishioners from the A&B Diocese the opportunity to come and spend a Quiet Day here, between October and the end of December 2011, at the reduced price of £20 (normally £25). Just give us a call or go to our website for more details. St Cuthman’s is yours – why not come and use it!

Article by Denise Mitchell, Director

Crawley Catenians Go to Jail for Lunch

2011-10-03T12:42:00.003+01:00

Laurie Harding writes:
"Sixteen Catenians from Crawley Circle recently invited themselves to lunch at the Clink Restaurant at the High Down Prison, Banstead. The establishment operates as a genuine restaurant with the object of training inmates for a job when they are released. We weren’t quite sure what to expect but everyone who attended was unanimous in their praise for the excellent service and wonderful food that we were served.

There were a number of security checks before getting into the restaurant, which is situated within the prison itself. Photo ID was required and items including mobile phones, cameras, sharp objects and chewing gum were not allowed to be taken in. We were escorted from security as a group to the restaurant where we were locked in. The interior is furnished as one would expect for a good class restaurant with the exception of the cutlery which is plastic and no alcohol is allowed. The waiters were dressed in smart waistcoats and trousers and their attention to customers would put many restaurants to shame.

The lunch itself was three course with two or three selections for each and everyone said how delicious the food was. Everything is prepared in house including the bread and ice cream.

At the end of lunch we had to be escorted back to security as a group and as the restaurant barred door was locked we realised that we had one person missing who turned out to be Bro. Gerry Lydon who had gone to the loo. There followed a small debate as to whether we should leave him there but on consulting his wife Betty we decided to tell security we were missing someone - principally because he was our provincial councillor.

Everyone agreed that it was a great experience and also what a brilliant idea it was to prepare the inmates for an occupation on their release."

Witness through Service - Little Way Week 2012

2011-10-01T12:16:00.003+01:00

For more information on Little Way Week go to http://www.catholicchurch.org.uk/Catholic-Church/Home-Mission/Latest-News

Solemn Profession of Sr Joanna Harrison

2011-09-30T14:01:00.003+01:00

Newly Professed Sr Joanna with members of Hand in Hand

Sr. Joanna Harrison made her Solemn Profession at the Cistercian Community at Holy Cross Abbey, Whitland, in West Wales on Saturday 20th August. It took place on the Feast of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, who founded the old Whitland Abbey in 1151.

Sr Joanna was previously a parishioner of St Joseph’s in Brighton and was very involved with the ‘Hand-in-hand’ group. Many of her family and friends join her for the celebrations of her solemn profession. The celebrations began on Friday morning after Mass, when Jo’s guests who were treated to a tour of the Abbey and grounds and a talk on the community life.

The present-day Cistercian Community at Holy Cross Abbey seeks to live the Cistercian charism in a life of prayer, daily manual work and lectio divina. The Community earns its living making altar breads, and have a small monastic guest-house, where retreatants and those coming for a "quiet day" are welcomed. They maintain flower gardens for guests and are expanding their market garden of fruit and vegetables for their own use and for sale.

The Mass was concelebrated by Dom Joseph Delargy, Abbot of Mount Saint Bernard Abbey and Dom John Moakler, the chaplain to the community. Mother Christine, the Abbess, received her vows and Sister Joanna was clothed in the Cistercian cowl. She then sung the verse from Psalm 118 “Suscipe me, Domine, secundum eloquium tuum et vivam; et non confundas me ab expectatione mea” (Sustain me, Lord by your word and I shall live; let my hope not be in vain).

Hand in Hand danced during the Offertory Hymn, 'Take, O Take me as I am', as Jo’s sisters Maire and Beth and niece Jennifer, presented the gifts. After communion Hand in Hand, joined by Sister Jo and Sister Edith, signed to the hymn Christ Has No Body Now But Yours, which moved everyone to tears. The Mass was followed by a sumptuous buffet lunch, thoroughly enjoyed by all. The entire weekend was one of celebration and absolute joy as those privileged enough to share those days with Sr. Joanna will surely testify!"

Story and picture by Elaine Soudain

Thinking Bioethics

2011-09-29T12:50:00.000+01:00

Continuing next month the parish of Christ the Prince of Peace in Weybridge are hosting a series of talks under the title “Thinking Bioethics”.

Bioethical controversies are never far from the headlines and the arguments presented in public debate seem rarely to be balanced or fully informed. Appeal is often made to a ‘compassion’, focussed on individual cases or selected interest groups, with little regard for the wider implications.

There is a clear need for a deeper, more informed, debate. This initiative is a response to that need and is aimed at motivating and equipping participants to engage respectfully and fruitfully in that debate.

The line up of guest speakers is exceptional so this is a very special opportunity. No prior knowledge is necessary and all are most welcome to attend.

For further information see www.cpp.org.uk/bioethics.html

Gatwick Airport - Catholic Chaplaincy has Lift Off!

2011-09-28T12:55:00.014+01:00

Deacon Ian with World Youth Day pilgrims and their priests

Jean Wells reports:

"We have lift off! A year ago my husband, Deacon Ian Wells, and I found ourselves at Gatwick Airport. To fly? Well not quite, although we do seem to be flying around! Together with Sister Jo Threlfall, we form the Roman Catholic Chaplaincy Team at the multi-faith chapels in South and North Terminals.

Many Catholic travellers and staff come to the chapels for the Services, to pray and to share their needs. In December, the Gatwick Chaplaincy celebrates its 35th birthday. Each chapel has a book for people to write down their own prayers. It is well used! So pop in if you are going on holiday or meeting somebody.

Recently, we had a group of 55 young people and their Priests from the Dioceses of Derry, Down & Connor who celebrated Mass in South Chapel on their way to Madrid for World Youth Day. It was such a joy to have them with us. How wonderful to know that they were joining our own young people from the Diocese of A&B, together with youngsters from all over the World to meet the Pope.."

Help Towards Tanzanian Orphanage Trip

2011-09-27T12:18:00.003+01:00

Pictured left to right: Brother John Gramme, Alona Shaji, President Denis Cronin,
and Father Chris Spain – Former Parish Priest

The Bexhill Catenians had an extra special reason to celebrate President’s Sunday recently.

After the 11.00am Mass at St.Mary Magdalene’s Church, President Denis Cronin presented local youngster, Alona Shaji, with a cheque for £300.00 in front of the congregation!

Alona, and four other youngsters are on their way to Tanzania as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Along with the others, Alona will be working at an orphanage in The Village of Hope and Grace, in Tanga in the North East of Tanzania.

As the building is still under construction, the team will be camping in the grounds of the orphanage. Part of their work in Tanga will be working alongside locals, helping to build a boundary wall to increase the security of the site.

At the same time the young people and their leaders are to run two activity camps for orphan, some of who may well end up living at the orphanage on its completion. Activities open to the children include art, craft, sports, singing, dancing, treasure hunts and simply enjoying themselves around organised bonfires.

Organiser Rosemary Henley said, “Everyone in the team has paid their own way for the trip. They are also raising money to pay for the camps, food for the children along with tables, chairs and mattresses for the orphanage.”

President Denis Cronin remarked, “When we heard about Alona’s trip and were approached for help we were only to glad to be able to assist her having obtained help from the Bursary Fund. It is our intention to invite Alona to join us at one of our after meeting dinners so she can inform us of her experience.”

A Golden Ray in East Preston

2011-09-26T12:10:00.003+01:00

Fr David Rae (left) with Bishop Kieran

MONTHS OF PLANNING and preparation by many parishioners finally came to fruition on earlier in the summer as the joyous weekend celebrations began for Fr David Rae’s Golden Jubilee of his Ordination to the Priesthood. Fr David’s family and friends joined him and the parish in a Mass of thanksgiving for his 50 years as a Priest. Following Mass, Irish entertainment and a buffet supper were enjoyed by everyone in a marquee in the church garden.

The jubilee continued through the weekend, when the Parish was honoured by two visits from Bishop Kieran who came to celebrate Pentecost at Our Lady Star of the Sea. The children and young people of the parish excelled themselves in their participation in the Mass on Sunday; the speeches, songs and presentations shone with enthusiasm.

On Monday the final, but very special event in celebration of Fr David’s ministry, was a visit to St Wilfrid’s Primary School in Angmering. Bishop Kieran again joined Fr David – he was heard to say that “Fr David had had more visits than he (Bishop Kieran) had with the Pope on his visit to this country!”

What a surprise when Fr David was presented with a “This Is Your Life” by a governor who had visited Ireland for a month to carry out the research. This was recorded in a fine book as a keepsake. Many other gifts were given including a drawing of the church, a gold cross, jubilee cake and a generous cheque from his parishioners. In conclusion, this much-loved golden ray from East Preston said “I have offered my jubilee in thanksgiving to the Lord for all my family, friends and parishioners”.
Story by Sylvia Petty

Celebrating Our Lady of Walshingham

2011-09-24T16:08:00.002+01:00

Pilgrims from St Joan of Arc, Farnham at Walshingham

The 24th September is the Feast of Our Lady of Walshingham, the ancient English Marian Shrine in Walshingham, Norfolk shared by Catholics and Anglicans. She is also the special patron of the new Ordinariate and our Eastbourne group will be celebrating the Patronal Feast on SUnday 25th September at 4pm in St Agnes, Eastbourne.

This short report of a recent A&B parish pilgrimage from Nancy Sackwood has comet through:
"Twenty-six pilgrims set off by coach from St. Joan of Arc Church on a three-day pilgrimage to Walsingham on August 15th and arrived at the Church of Reconciliation in time for our Pilgrimage Mass at midday. we attended Mass and we said both morning and evening prayers each day at the Church of the Annunciation.

In the course of the limited time of our visit we succeeded in visiting all the shrines of Our Lady, namely the Slipper Chapel, the Church of the Holy Spirit, the Church of Reconciliation, the Anglican Shrine, the Orthodox Chapel, Abbey Ruins and we even had time to spend four relaxing fun hours at the coast at Wells-Next-the-Sea.

On our second evening we had a candlelit procession to a shrine of our lady in the garden of the Church of the Annunciation. On our final day we walked the mile along the Pilgrim Way to the Church of Reconciliation in procession, reciting the Rosary while four pilgrims carried a statue of our lady of Walsingham. The three days was a most uplifting and enjoyable experience."

Inauguration of a Liturgy Institute for England and Wales

2011-09-23T12:07:00.001+01:00

Bishop Alan Hopes and Prof. Ephrem Carr were welcomed as guests of honour by the Abbots of Ealing and Farnborough at the inauguration of a new Liturgy Institute at Ealing Abbey in the summer. The Liturgy Institute promotes graduate research and teaching accredited by the Catholic University of Leuven, and the Bishops of England and Wales have given their endorsement.

The inauguration was marked in the afternoon by a presentation by Bishop Alan Hopes and then by the first St Bede Liturgy Lecture, given by Prof. Ephrem Carr, OSB, President of the Pontifical Institute of Liturgy in Rome: “Sacrosanctum Concilium and its Consequences: A Contribution to the Current Discussion on Liturgy in the Church”. Both presentation and lecture will be published.

If there is one aspect of Catholicism that can always be relied upon to cause interest and either raise or quench a discussion, it is liturgy. From the so-called “Tridentine Rite” to the new English translation of the Missal and the arrangement of a church, worship provokes strong emotions. It is the hope of the founders that research and graduate level teaching will help those who attend to rise above polarised positions to make an irenic contribution to the broader Church.

The summer teaching programme from June to August prepares future university teachers and forms members of diocesan, national and religious liturgical commissions. All interested will be welcome to attend as credit or auditor students for single courses or the certificate programme. The courses provide English language access to Licence and Doctoral degrees at the Catholic University of Leuven and the Pontifical Institute of Liturgy in Rome. Other specialist courses for clergy, laity and and religious are being considered. The teaching programme is supported by research and publishing throughout the year. The Latin Institute provides instruction from the first encounter through to proficiency, using the teaching method of Fr Reginald Foster, O.C.D., forty years Papal Latinist.

The Liturgy Institute is the product of three years of study and preparation by Dom Daniel McCarthy of St Benedict’s Abbey, Atchison, Kansas, and Dom James Leachman of Ealing Abbey, London, their respective communities and that of Farnborough Abbey. Endorsing sponsors include Abbot Barnabas Senecal of St. Benedict’s Abbey and Sr Anne Shepard, O.S.B., the Prioress of Mount St. Scholastica, both of Atchison, and Abbot Gregory Polan of Conception Abbey, Missouri.

The Rt. Rev. Alan Hopes, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster is Chairman of the Committee on Liturgy of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. Rt Rev. Martin Shipperlee, O.S.B., of Ealing and Rt Rev. Cuthbert Brogan, O.S.B., of Farnborough also welcomed guests, benefactors and collaborators. Honoured guests included Prof. Joris Geldhof, Head of Liturgy, Catholic University of Leuven, and of the Liturgical Institute in Leuven; Abbot Francis Rossiter, the former Abbot President of the English Benedictine Congregation; and Abbot Cuthbert Johnson of Quarr Abbey, President of the Henry Bradshaw Society and Advisor to the Vox Clara Committee on the Liturgy. All the guests were invited to tour the institute’s new facilities.

“Now, first of all, whenever you undertake any good work, beg the Lord with most earnest prayer to bring it to completion”.

For details of their courses for 2012 go to http://www.institutumliturgicum.org.uk/

As a matter of fact, the Holy Land does not need walls, but bridges!

2011-09-22T00:29:00.001+01:00

The Holy Land is in the news much this week as the Palestians make a bid for statehood at the UN. Christians in the Holy Land, especially those in Palestians area on the West Bank and Gaza remain in real need of financial help and prayer support. You can help support the Holy Places and help maintain the Christian Community in the Holy Land through Acta Pro Terra Sancta.

ATS serves the Custody of the Holy Land, which is under the care of the Franciscans, in its proper task of: maintaining and promoting the Holy Places, keeping up the Christian Community in the Middle East, advancing peace and dialogue.It promotes and coordinates activities for the development of international solidarity in the Holy Land in the Middle East, particularly in the areas in which the Custody of the Holy Land is represented: Israel, Palestinian Territories, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Cyprus, Rhodes.

One of the projects ATS supports is Bridges for Peace. This is an educational project encouraging dialogue and peace in the Holy Land through the involvement of the children. By promoting exchange programs between Italian and Holy Land schools, it aims to enable children from Italy and the Holy Land to meet, find out about each others’ lives and cultural background and become friends.

To find out more about ATS and their work why not visit their website www.proterrasancta.org/en

Artist Captures Spirit of Jesus and His Sacred Heart

2011-09-21T17:27:00.000+01:00

Fr Kevin Dring with Artist Sara Abbott in front of new parish sign

Anna Hayward from Sacred Heart Parish, Hove reports:
"The Church of The Sacred Heart, Hove now has a beautiful, eye-catching new board to invite Parishioners and passers-by to come to the church and have a thought for Jesus.

Painted by gifted local artist and neighbour to the church, Sara Abbott, the sign was unveiled and blessed on a sunny Sunday morning, with many Parishioners present.

Sara approached Parish Priest Fr Kevin Dring, saying that it was a project she had in heart to do for many years. Such was her inspiration, that once she started painting, the project was completed in just a couple of weeks.

The lifelike and modern depiction of Jesus has drawn many favourable comments and feedback, typically how it brings Jesus closer to our everyday lives."