Catholic Pic August 2022

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Issue 215 August 2022

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Welcome Father Michael and Father Derek INSIDE THIS MONTH

Celebrations for Archbishop Malcolm

#Liverpool4Ukraine - third aid trip to Ukraine

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contents Welcome

Issue 215 August 2022

July has been in every way a busy month, but a joyous one.

We have welcomed two new priests for the archdiocese with the ordinations of Father Derek Lloyd at St Francis de Sales church, Walton and Father Michael Harwood at St Peter and St Paul’s church, Crosby. Let us remember them in prayer as they begin their ministry among us. Father Derek will serve at the Metropolitan Cathedral and Father Michael at St Julie’s, Eccleston and St Mary’s, Lowe House, St Helens.

We also celebrate the ordinations of Pearse McDonagh, Daniel Piwowar and Graeme Easton to the Permanent Diaconate. Pearse and Daniel were ordained at the Metropolitan Cathedral and Graeme at St Mary of the Isle, Douglas. There will be a full report in the September edition of the ‘Catholic Pic’.

Our Lourdes pilgrimage returned last month after a three year absence due to the pandemic. Archbishop Malcolm reflects on the theme of the pilgrimage and there will be more coverage next month. Continuing the Lourdes theme we publish the itinerary for the visit of the relics of St Bernadette from 15-20 September. We also look back on the celebrations for Archbishop Malcolm’s 40th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.

Let us pray for our new priests and deacons and for all our pilgrims as they return from Lourdes.

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Welcome Father Michael and Father Derek

Contents

From the Archbishop’s Desk

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Main Feature Welcoming our new priests

It was very good to get back to Lourdes after a break of three years. I was surprised how many people came as Covid is still around in a variant form, and regular pilgrims are understandably hesitant to travel. Personally, I find Lourdes has drawn me irresistibly for many years. There are many reasons not to go: it’s expensive, the weather can be very hot or very wet, the crowds can be overwhelming, the flights are usually late and so on. But the draw for me is that Lourdes is a place where heaven touched earth, it is a place where we discover community and where we find the Church in a form which is very caring and open. In Lourdes we get a glimpse of things to come both on earth and in heaven.

The theme this year is ‘Go and tell the priests’ – words that Mary spoke to St Bernadette. It must have been hard for her to speak to the parish priest who would have been an authority figure, yet he listened, and the rest is history.

There are shades of synodality in this theme, and we prayed for the continued implementation of the archdiocesan synodal process. I came away from Lourdes full of hope for the future of the Church in the archdiocese. For those who have been unable to visit Lourdes the relics of St Bernadette are coming to Liverpool and Chorley next month. It will be an opportunity for everyone to discover the spirit of Lourdes.

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News From around the Archdiocese

Most Rev Malcolm McMahon OP Archbishop of Liverpool

27 Sunday Reflections Liturgy and Life

15 Nugent High quality care in all areas 16 What’s On Whats happening in the Archdiocese 17 Cathedral Record St Bernadette Relic Tour 2022 25 Animate Youth Ministry The sense of community that keeps us going 26 Pic Extras Mums the Word News from the KSC

28 Pic Life Don’t be afraid to say ‘I was wrong’ Editor Peter Heneghan

Copy deadline September 2022 Tuesday 9 August 2022

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Welcoming our new priests Liverpool celebrated two ordinations in July as Father Michael Harwood and Father Derek Lloyd joined the community of diocesan priests.

by Simon Hart For each of the two new priests of this archdiocese, their Mass of Ordination this summer held moments that will remain with them always.

In the case of Father Michael Harwood, ordained at St Peter and St Paul’s, Crosby, on Friday 15 July, there were two moments in particular: the laying on of hands – first by Archbishop Malcolm McMahon and then by those other priests present – and the subsequent fraternal kiss of peace.

‘You’re kneeling down in front of them and they lay hands on you and that was

the point at which I felt part of something and that was quite moving,’ explains Fr Michael. ‘Then they come back again and give you the welcome – the “kiss of peace”. That was when I felt welcomed into the presbyterate.’

Fr Derek Lloyd offers a similar sentiment as he looks back on his Ordination Mass, also celebrated by Archbishop Malcolm, on Friday 8 July at St Francis de Sales, Walton.

‘The moment of anointing felt completely special and also the laying on of hands – all the other priests present lay on hands and it underlines the idea of the unity of the Church,’ he recalls, again evoking

‘I’m looking forward to doing parish ministry, to accompanying people through the sacraments, through their joyous times, through times when they are distressed and unhappy and need help’

that sense of ‘being drawn into the presbyterate’.

Both Fr Derek, 43, and Fr Michael, 57, have taken circuitous routes into the Catholic priesthood. The former was an Anglican priest for 17 years, serving at parishes in Burnley and Newcastle-under-Lyme before a twoyear spell at St Agnes and St Pancras’ parish in Liverpool. As for Fr Michael, the Modern Languages graduate had a long career in Further Education, working as a further education college vice-principal and, more recently, for the Education and Training Foundation.

From September, each will embark on his first posting here in the archdiocese: Fr Derek will serve at the Metropolitan Cathedral and Fr Michael will take over as parochial administrator at St Mary’s, Lowe House, and St Julie’s, Eccleston.

Fr Michael says: ‘I’m looking forward to doing parish ministry, to accompanying people through the sacraments, through their joyous times, through times when they are distressed and unhappy and need help, and getting to feel part of that parish community and leading that parish community on its pilgrimage.’

His ordination, he adds, is a lesson that ‘it is never too late’. As he explains, he had ‘originally intended to go into seminary when I was around, 18, 20, but didn’t for one reason or another. Then a few years ago it just came back. I thought, “This shouldn’t be happening, I am in my fifties”.’

Happen it did – with the help and support of others. Canon Chris Fallon ‘sorted out some spiritual direction’,

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he recalls, while Fr Carl Mugan and Fr Michael Barrett provided reassurance that a late pathway to the priesthood was possible. There was guidance too from Archbishop Malcolm (‘really supportive’) and Monsignor John Furnival, parish priest of St Peter and St Paul’s.

Fr Michael is also keen to thank the Archdiocese’s two most recent vocations directors – Fr James Preston and Fr Ron Johnson – as well as Canon Philip Gillespie, rector of the Pontifical Beda College, where he studied for four years from 2018. ‘It was a privilege to be in Rome,’ he remarks.

‘Rethinking my theology’ As for Fr Derek, his training comprised two years at St Mary’s College, Oscott, where his studies included Canon Law and Ecclesiology. ‘In a sense it was almost rethinking my own theology that I’d built up over a long period of time and having that challenged,’ he reflects.

At Oscott, the Birmingham University graduate was close to his home town of Tipton in the Black Country. However, it was a Liverpool seminarian, Peter Ross, who proved a particularly strong source of

support – ‘he’s been so kind to me and so encouraging’ – along with Fr Andrew Robinson and Fr James Preston. ‘They’re the two priests at Oscott from Liverpool and have been very supportive.’

He is thankful too to Fr Ged Callacher at St Francis de Sales, Walton, where he now lives, for ‘many conversations’. And he cites another conversation – with an old Anglican colleague, Rev Adrian Ling – which took place on the day of his ordination. ‘We’d been at theological college together and he told me he could

For the former pupil of St Mary’s, Crosby, his Ordination Mass was ‘an event for the parish family’ as well as his own family and friends along with clergy from near and far. And his ensuing first Masses as a priest reflected a wish to include not just the parish where he had his First Communion – St Peter and Paul’s – but also the parish – St Joseph’s, Blundellsands – where he was confirmed.

‘I applied to the Vatican to have three first Masses,’ explains Fr Michael. ‘These Masses carry indulgences with them and I applied for three to acknowledge that St Peter and Paul’s, and St Helen’s and St Joseph’s, are equal in their significance for me. The third of these first Masses was at the St Margaret Clitherow Centre.’

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see it was the right thing for me which was a lovely thing for him to say.’

As Fr Derek notes, two former Anglican bishops now serving as priests were also present for his Ordination Mass, and he points to the unity within the Catholic Church as a central reason for following their path. ‘A vital element was the communion of the Church and the way that unity is expressed by our communion with the Pope and the bishops. This is expressed for me in the way Archbishop Malcolm wears his pallium that is given to every Archbishop by the Pope.’

The idea of becoming a Catholic had germinated for ‘at least a decade’ and during his two years at St Agnes’s Fr Derek would visit the Metropolitan Cathedral to pray at the place where he now embarks on his new life as a Catholic priest.

‘The music for one is what drew me there and being able to sit and be, and say my prayers,’ he reflects. ‘For me, music expresses a great deal about the mystery of worship. And there is the Cathedral itself, which is a beautiful space for worship with all those colours and that light.’

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Looking ahead, he continues: ‘The Cathedral expresses the unity of the archdiocese. It seems like an appropriate first posting. I’m really looking forward to being there and being involved in the life of the Cathedral parish.

‘It is the joy of the unfolding mystery. I just feel very happy as a Catholic priest, and it’s now just a case of seeing where that leads and what unfolds and what God has in store.’

From Fr Michael too, there is a conviction that the road taken is the right one. ‘We have had a good formation at the Beda College and I feel well prepared,’ he concludes. ‘I think whatever I might have found daunting will be alright.’

‘We’d been at theological college together and he told me he could see it was the right thing for me which was a lovely thing for him to say.’

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News diary If you’ve got any news from your parish that you’d like featured e-mail us with the details at: catholicpictorial@rcaol.co.uk

#Liverpool4Ukraine third trip to Ukraine to deliver aid

The drivers with Bishop Gregory and before leaving with Cardinal Michael Fitzgerald

Three vans filled with essential aid for the people of Ukraine left on Friday 22 July to take a third consignment from the Archdiocese of Liverpool. The vans delivered items such as dried food, medical supplies and building tools to Bishop Gregory Komar, from the Ukrainian diocese of Sambir-Drohobych.

The third trip saw volunteer drivers from the Liverpool Archdiocesan Offices: Chief Operating Officer, Martin Miller, Safeguarding coordinator, Mark Robson, financial controller Andrew Davis and accountant Darren Melling. Mike Sharkey and Leanne Westcott from the archdiocese supplier Greenmount Projects drove the other van.

Martin Miller said: ‘Since we launched the #Liverpool4Ukraine appeal in March, we have been absolutely overwhelmed by the support of the people of the archdiocese who have donated goods, money and their time to make this appeal so successful.

‘We are in regular communication with Bishop Gregory and on every trip we have refined the aid that we have delivered to reflect the requests of the people of Ukraine so they are getting items they so desperately need.’

The archdiocese partnered with local organisations to help make the trip possible.

PSD Vehicle Rental provided three vans for the journey, Greenmount Construction supplied building tools and Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust donated medical aid.

The food supplies were financed by donations from the appeal which has so far raised over £134,000. Donations are still welcome and more details of how to donate can be found at: www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk/ukraine-support Cardinal Michael Fitzgerald celebrated Mass at the St Margaret Clitherow Centre on Friday 22 July before blessing the vans and the drivers.

The consignment arrived at the Ukrainian/Polish border on Monday 25 July to meet Bishop Gregory and hand over the consignment. Speaking to Martin Miller Bishop Gregory asked for continuing prayers for the people of Ukraine, ‘pray and keep praying so that people will remember us and hold Ukrainians in their minds and hearts’.

He expressed his gratitude for the donations and explained how the aid will be used, ‘we have a number of centres where there are refugees that the Church looks after and we will use this aid for those people. We will also send what is necessary to the east of the country through our parish system.’

Bishop Gregory concluded by saying how important the contact is for the people of Ukraine, he said, ‘we need human contact, and it is important that we see you, that we talk with you and that you understand our situation.’

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Onward with our love…

New beginnings beckon Mgr Des Seddon after thirty-seven years of service to Catholic Education within and beyond our archdiocese. Over time this has been expressed through his essential servant leadership toward home, school, and parish partnership in Catholic Life, Collective Worship, and Religious Education.

This was the focus of the Mass of Thanksgiving concelebrated at the Margaret Clitherow Centre, led by Archbishop Malcolm. Bishop John Rawsthorne highlighted Mgr Des’ full range of work always carried out with precision and humility.

Over those decades he has shared in and delivered the development of numerous primary and secondary Religious Education programmes. He has pioneered and co-ordinated a whole generation of inspection teams and processes.

Sacramental programmes have been implemented and enriched by his expertise. Since 1993 he has been pivotal in directing the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS). For those staff and pupils in need of Rainbows support for their deceased, he has ensured his

own availability and the provision of a large team of trained directors.

All of this and much more was marked as we celebrated together on the night.

Amongst our congregation were family and friends from so many spheres of his life works. These included school governors and staff. There were members of the Archdiocesan Education Department past and present. How fitting it was that Mgr Des’ work nationally was marked by representation from the Catholic Education Service and the National Board of Religious Inspectors and Advisers. He has always worked and observed from outside

the box directing and supporting numerous projects over the years for the dioceses of England and Wales.

Mass concluded with the presentation of a papal blessing from His Holiness Pope Francis. This so beautifully expressed the thanks of the Church for the vital ingredient of Mgr Des’ life, namely his living priesthood.

To the parishioners of his beloved St Mary and St Kentigern, we thank you for having shared your parish priest with us over these many years. We now give him back to you much loved, supported, and highly esteemed.

St Joseph’s Society celebrates 125 years More than 30 priests, laymen and invited guests recently celebrated the 125th reunion day of the St Joseph’s Society at Upholland. The society was founded in 1896 by former students of the Archdiocesan seminary of St Joseph’s College, which had been opened at Upholland by Bishop O’Reilly in 1883.

Both Bishop O’Reilly and our second Archbishop, F W Keating, are buried at Upholland, along with former rectors,

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professors, students and workers at the college. It was entirely appropriate that the reunion day began with a service of remembrance in the college cemetery, a place now sensitively restored and regularly maintained. The service was led

by Fr Gerard Cobham, the society secretary, and was followed by Mass in St Teresa’s Church, with the kind permission of Fr Philip Kehoe FDP, Parish Priest. The principal celebrant was Jubilarian, Bishop John Rawsthorne, ordained in the college

chapel 60 years ago.

After a brief AGM, a convivial lunch was enjoyed in the parish centre. The society’s president, Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP, and Bishop Tom Neylon, a former student at the college, are both celebrating their own ordinations 40 years ago. Their humorous and heartfelt addresses following the lunch included prayers and toasts.

St Joseph’s Society was 125 years old in 2021, but this pandemic-delayed anniversary celebration allowed the current members to reflect on its original objectives, of providing a bond of union with each other and promoting spiritual welfare. The other main objective, to further the interests of the college, was perhaps best achieved when membership was at its highest, with around 180 out of 400 members attending reunions in 1960.

Upholland College was closed in 1999 and subsequently sold, but as its alumni continue to age – three nonagerians attended this year’s reunion – their memories of school and seminary days abide, and some of these can be found on the society’s website at http://stjosephssociety.co.uk/

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Clergy Appointments The following appointments will become effective during September 2022: Parish Priest: Rev Joe Bibby

From: To:

Peru St Mary, Leyland

Rev Philip Carr

From: To:

St Julie, Eccleston and English Martyrs, Haydock St Wilfrid, Widnes

Rev Roy Cooper

From: To:

St Mary Magdalen and St Teresa, Penwortham St Margaret Mary, Liverpool

Rev David Gamble

From: To:

Our Lady of Victories, Hightown and Holy Family, Ince Blundell St Albert the Great, Stockbridge Village

Rev Sergio Haro

To:

Our Lady of Victories, Hightown and Holy Family, Ince Blundell

Rev Stephen Lee

From: To:

Royal Liverpool Hospital Chaplaincy Blessed Sacrament, Aintree

Rev Ian McParland

From: To:

St Margaret Mary, Liverpool St Mary Magdalen and St Teresa, Penwortham

Rev David Potter

From: To:

St Albert the Great, Stockbridge Village St Wilfrid, Garston

Rev Joe Kendall

From: To:

St Wilfrid, Garston Vice Rector, St Alban’s College, Valladolid

Recent Ordination: Rev John Goddard

To:

St Oswald, Longton

Rev Michael Harwood

To:

St Julie, Eccleston and St Mary, Lowe House, St Helens

Rev Derek Lloyd

To:

Metropolitan cathedral of Christ the King

Chaplaincy: Rev Peter Murphy

To:

Royal Liverpool Hospital Chaplain

Rev Chris McCoy

To:

Assistant Chaplain, Royal Liverpool Hospital

Rev Thomas Skeats OP

From: To:

St Wilfrid, Widnes Bristol University Chaplaincy

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Clean water reaches thousands in Sudan thanks to Isle of Man and Cafod As the village of Almagabi in Sudan is close to the River Nile, you might wonder why its 7,000 people have problems with their water supply.

Sideega Osman, a 30-year-old married woman living in the village, explains that

the river is a kilometre away, but it is not an easy journey in the blazing heat of summer. Since fetching water is traditionally considered a task for women and girls, it is one with which she is all too familiar.

Cafod volunteer Ruth Black highlights the project on Tynwald Day

Water User Committee Almagabi, Sudan 10

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‘The water is used by both humans and animals, which is a big cause of disease among people,’ she adds. Those diseases include malaria, dengue fever and cholera. The only other source of water locally is a small treatment plant four kilometres, or two hours’ walking distance, away providing just 10 to 15 barrels of water a day, nowhere near enough for the 25,000 people who live in Almagabi and surrounding villages.

Far more boys than girls go to school because the girls are expected to help with fetching water, leaving them without the time or energy for lessons. At the local primary school, only two-fifths of the 1,400 pupils are girls. That proportion falls to one fifth at the secondary school, many more children do not go to school at all, most of them are girls.

A teacher in the primary school and a member of the local Water User Committee, Abdalla Ali Mohammed, 40, says, ‘lack of access to safe and adequate water in the village has significant effects and economic burdens on the community’. Apart from the effect on school attendance, he points out that water is also a safety concern, ‘children have to cross main roads to fetch water from the river Nile and during the rainy season communities are not able to collect water from the river, because flooding makes the road inaccessible.’

A project funded jointly by the Isle of Man Government and Cafod aims to restore what had seemed to be lost for good. Working with a local partner agency, Global Aid Hand, new pipes are being laid along the 900 metres from the water tank to Almagabi. Three public water distribution points, each with ten taps, are under construction in the village with the work due to finish next year.

Women and men from the community are now members of Water User Committees set up to ensure that the system will be maintained. Other local people are also being trained as Hygiene Promoters, helping their neighbours adopt safe hygiene practices and guard against infection. ‘After 10 years, it would be a dream to get this water rehabilitated,’ said Sideega Osman.

On the Isle of Man, Cafod volunteers participated in a Global Village event on Tynwald Day presenting Cafod’s work in Sudan and around the world.

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Fourth Dimension Trust celebrates 40th anniversary

By Philip Lodge, Chair of the Trust Picture: Han Duijvendak In Huyton, Liverpool we plan to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Fourth Dimension Trust: the Huyton churches' Shop which over the years has donated approximately £400,000 to C.Aid Water Projects in Africa and to local charities nominated by our helpers as well as providing access to low priced refreshments, clothing - and kindness to those in need.

It was a Methodist's 'vision' spread around the churches' staff by her Methodist Minister. It caught fire with other denominations

very quickly: nine churches including four Anglican ones were founding member organisations in 1981. The then Bishop of Liverpool, David Sheppard, was very keen to officially open the shop which was equally well supported by Catholic Archbishop, Derek Worlock and the Methodist District Chair John Newton 'Better Together' being implicit in theology and practice.

Since then it has promoted many community events - dances, fashion shows, quizzes, disarmament meetings, walks of witness as well as meeting the needs indicated . Sadly, it does not seem to be quite the core priority with all churches now and could not continue without help from 'non-church' people, so happily ‘better together and ecumenical in a new dimension!’.

Thank you Mrs Ravey The school community of Holy Spirit, St Helens, in the parish of St Vincent de Paul, have said farewell to headteacher Mrs Michelle Ravey on her retirement.

She arrived at Holy Spirit as Headteacher in September 2014 when the school was in special measures and has worked tirelessly to improve the school, with a wonderful outcome in April 2019 when Ofsted judged the school to be a good school with three areas judged outstanding, one of which was the effectiveness of leadership and management. This year the school has achieved excellent results in early years, and in both KS1 and KS2.

The parish community and the wider Parr community thanked her for the good work she has done and wished her well for the next chapter of her life as she hands the baton on to new headteacher Miss Sinead Walsh; formerly deputy headteacher at the school.

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Obituary of Monsignor Anthony Dennick Monsignor Anthony Dennick, former Chancellor of the Archdiocese and much-loved parish priest of Our Lady Immaculate and St Joseph, Prescot died peacefully on the evening of Thursday 7th July aged 87 and in the 60th year of his priesthood.

Anthony Dennick was born at Upper Ettingshall, near Bilston in Staffordshire, on 21st March 1935. Considered a sickly child, his parents John and Evelyn, moved the family to Buxton for the benefit of his health. There he began his education at St Anne’s School. Eventually the family moved to Liverpool, where he completed his early education at St Cecilia’s School and St Francis Xavier’s College. Upon leaving school, like many of his generation, he was called up for national service, serving in the catering corps of the Royal Navy.

Returning to civilian life, he felt called to the priesthood and was sent to St Joseph’s College, Upholland to complete his formation. He was ordained priest by Archbishop Heenan

in the college chapel on 8th June 1963.

Following ordination, he was appointed as assistant priest at St William’s, Ince.

Not long after his ordination, and to his great surprise, he was asked to serve on the committee making the preparations for the opening of the Metropolitan Cathedral in Liverpool. At his death, he was the last remaining member of the clergy who had been in the sanctuary party for its Mass of Consecration in 1967.

In September 1970, at the request of Archbishop Beck, he moved to Archbishop’s House to become his private secretary. At the same time, he became chaplain to the nearby Good Shepherd Convent. Within a short time he was also appointed Vice-Chancellor of the archdiocese. He continued to serve Archbishop Beck in these capacities until the latter’s retirement in 1976 and served for a further eighteen months with Archbishop Worlock. In September 1977, he relinquished his post as private secretary to the Archbishop, though he retained his

Remembering St Teresa’s Over 300 people attended an event and exhibition to celebrate the long history of St Teresa’s RC Infants and Nursery school in Birkdale on Sunday 3 July.

As well as being entertained by Mr Stix, enjoying a hog roast provided by The Ready Steady Cook and ice lollies too, past pupils from several generations, along with family and friends, came along to share memories and immerse themselves in an exhibition of photographs, school registers, headteachers' log books, DVDs showing past school events and other artefacts all collected since the school opened in 1869. Sadly, after a long campaign to try to stay open, St Teresa's closes this summer.

Governors at the school and other volunteers organised the event to give people the opportunity to meet up and celebrate its 152 years of service to the local community. The classrooms were brimming with people, young and old, eager to spot familiar faces in the many photographs documenting the different

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eras in its history, find their names on the school entry register showing the date they were enrolled, and reminisce with others about the happy times they'd had at St Teresa’s. Previous members of staff also came along to share in the occasion and were warmly welcomed back.

other roles as Vice-Chancellor, principal Master of Ceremonies and chaplain to the Good Shepherd Convent. A few months later he was appointed by Pope Paul VI as a Chaplain of His Holiness. Following the consecration of Monsignor Kevin O’Connor as Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool in July 1979, Monsignor Dennick was promoted to succeed him as Chancellor. Throughout this period, he continued to be the principal Master of Ceremonies for all the major liturgies and had a significant involvement in the arrangements for the celebration of Mass by Pope St John Paul II at the Metropolitan Cathedral in May 1982.

Later the same year he was appointed as parish priest at St Malachy’s, Liverpool, whilst continuing in office as Chancellor. In October 1992, in recognition of his service to the archdiocese, he was appointed as a Prelate of Honour by Pope John Paul II. He relinquished the office of Chancellor in March 1995 and took up his new appointment as parish priest at Our Lady Immaculate and St Joseph’s, Prescot. Over the next 24 years he ministered faithfully to the people of that parish and for much of that time he also served as Dean of Prescot. He finally retired from active ministry in September 2019. He continued to live in the presbytery at Prescot until ill health necessitated a move to a care home in Prescot and then to St Bartholomew’s Court in Roby where he died.

Archbishop Malcolm McMahon celebrated the Funeral Mass on Friday 15th July at Our Lady and St Joseph’s Church, Prescot followed by burial in Prescot cemetery.

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‘Choral Classics’ success for Ukraine memorable by having members of the Ukrainian Community join Liverpool Voice Choir, in association with Big Help Project, us.’ organised a concert to raise funds for the Ukrainian community based in Liverpool. Choral Classics took place at Father Taras Khomych, Ukrainian Chaplain, based at St Oswald’s, Old Swan said, ‘On behalf of the Ukrainian community in St Peter and St Paul’s church, Crosby.

Liverpool I would like to thank all those who sympathise with The night was filled with beautiful arrangements joyful songs of Ukraine during this time. We can see that we are not alone in praise, including Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’ and works by Bruckner, Faure, this struggle, and we are immensely grateful for your support’.

Karl Jenkins, Morten Lauridsen, Mozart and Rutter. Musical director for the night was Lesley Bentley, who was joined by Accompanist John McHugh, Soprano Caroline Shipton, Mezzo Soprano Kim Davies, and Soprano Gemma Caro.

Monsignor John Furnival, Parish Priest at St Peter and St Paul’s said; ‘It was a privilege to host the concert which was a wonderful occasion and a great success. The amount of money raised for the Ukrainian people, and the coming together of people in solidarity to offer prayer and support is very encouraging.’

On the night, the overall total raised was an incredible £2,565. Big Help Project and Liverpool Voice Choir would like to say thank you for making the concert a huge success, the passion and strength of community support is especially crucial in times of inequality.

Lesley Bentley, the Artistic Director of Liverpool Voice Choir said, ‘We really appreciate all the support given to us by Monsignor Furnival and from members of staff at Big Help Project. We would like to express our gratitude to all the audience for their L to r, Jan Sloan, Chair Liverpool Voice Choir; Father Taras Khomych; Peter kind and generous donations that resulted in such a Mitchell, CEO Big Help Project; Lesley Bentley Artistic Director of Liverpool Voice Choir wonderful total. The occasion was made especially

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news diary

Golden Jubilee celebrations at St Mark’s Archbishop Malcolm celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving on Wednesday 6 July for the 50th anniversary of St Mark’s, Halewood.

The parish was officially established on 25 March 1965 when Father Cornelius Kane was appointed as parish priest.

With no church building Mass was first celebrated In St Veronica’s school hall and later in St Mark’s school hall. When the presbytery was built weekday Mass was celebrated in the Chapel there.

In December 1971 Father Richard Colbert was appointed as parish priest and he was to remain at St Mark’s for over thirtyfour years until his death on 19 March 2005. In the brief history he wrote he remembers the progress being made in the establishment of the parish, ‘the work already done was impressive - a junior school and infant school, a club and a presbytery. The next building would have to be a church. On 11 June 1971 work began preparing the foundations for our new church. On the same day Bishop Augustine Harris arrived for the first visitation of the parish, and the first Confirmations. A bronze plaque in the porch recalls the official opening of our church on 6 July 1972.’

Long before St. Mark's was officially established many people worked week in, week out to bring the day closer when they would have their own church.

Fundraising was vital and parishioners

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used their imagination to devise a variety of ways to make money. The booklet from the official opening of the church has a list of items donated by families and organisations including lamps, candlesticks, benches, and statues. The PA system was funded from the proceeds of a ‘Tom O’Connor Show’ which took place in the parish club and the organ was donated by the supervisors of the Ford Motor Company at Halewood.

On 1 January 2006 the parish joined together with Holy Family and St Andrew’s to form the parish of St John Vianney.

The celebration Mass for the fiftieth anniversary was well supported as the

celebrations brought together old and new faces as former parishioners returned to give thanks, priests from the Liverpool South deanery concelebrated the Mass together with former parish priest Father Vincent McShane and gave thanks for volunteers past and present who support every aspect of church and parish life Father Matthew Nunes, the current parish priest, paid tribute to the many priests who have supported the life and work of the parish since those early days. He also gave thanks for the warmth and caring nature of the community as expressions of a depth of faith that so many have celebrated in St Mark’s.

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High quality care in all areas Normandie Wragg Chief Executive Nugent

8000 people helped across the Archdiocese

Clumber Lodge We are proud to share that all Nugent homes and services have been rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC). All of our homes, services and schools for children, young people and adults who are vulnerable or at risk, are now seen as providing exemplary practice across the board.

Nugent now operates four children's homes across the Merseyside City Region, with three being rated ‘good’

by Ofsted. We also run the only charity operated secure children’s home of its kind nationally, which has recently been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.

Our adoption service has been rated ‘good’ by the regulator and Nugent House School was also recently inspected by Ofsted and was awarded a ‘good’ rating in all areas. A previous inspection stating that the ‘pupils are “loved fiercely” and helped to overcome their considerable barriers to learning’.

Mirroring the success of the children’s homes, all three of our adult homes as well as our Supported Living Services are in good standing with the CQC. This news comes after staffing issues across the care sector, arising from covid restrictions, led two of Nugent’s

services to experience regulatory challenges. With senior leadership and business support rallying behind their managers and frontline staff, we were able to turn the ratings around, in the case of one children’s home, in as little as eight months.

This was possible, in part, due to a recent restructuring of Nugent’s senior leadership team, headed up by our CEO Normandie Wragg, which was created to raise standards across Nugent and the care sector in general.

Normandie Wragg, Nugent CEO, said: ‘At a time where trust in the care sector has been eroded by reports of profiteering and substandard services, I feel it’s more important than ever to show people there are organisations you can rely on to provide high quality care in all areas. Our staff take great pride in all of our services and care deeply about the people placed in their care. These ratings are a testament to all the dedicated work, compassion and trauma-informed training undertaken by our leadership and staff behind the scenes throughout the last 12 months. Now we've set our baseline standard of “Good” we can turn our focus to achieving our ultimate goal of holding an ‘Outstanding’ rating across all of our services.’

The sun is out and I am feeling that I am finally able to see the fruits of our labours within the charity, following the challenges of the last 29 months.

Did you know that we have four children’s homes (one of which is outstanding), one special independent school, three care homes for adults, an adoption service, a charity shop, a group of supportive living services, community services that include our work with Syrian Refugees, our pastoral work within the Catholic Deaf communities, mental health outreach, food pantries, work with adults with disabilities, crisis funds, volunteering, homelessness, and so much more work that we do that will often go unrecognised but continues to strengthen the resilience of our communities.

As you will be able to read from our main article, we have spent a considerable amount of time in recent years, bringing the charity to a position where we can truly thrive. All of our services are rated either good or outstanding by either the Care Quality Commission or Ofsted. This gives us an external temperature check on the quality of our services and is a satisfying way to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our staff and volunteers.

We have also stabilised our finances so that we are able to ensure that we will be there for the communities of the archdiocese for many more years to come.

This year we will be focussing on the work that falls between the gaps of local authority funding, the work that leans into the original mission of Father Nugent including work with care experienced children who turn 18 and leave care. We also want to ensure that we are looking out for our beneficiaries staff and volunteers as best as we are able as we progress through this cost of living crisis.

Thank you to all of you who support our charity either through volunteering, donations of goods to our charity shop, helping us out with our events, donating to our fundraisers and generally being champions of our good work. Together, we are Nugent.

If you would like to work or volunteer with Nugent, please see www.wearenugent.org/careers

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Cathedral Record Canon Anthony O’Brien – Cathedral Dean Each year I look forward to a quieter month throughout August, but the reality never seems to materialise – here’s hoping this year. Other than visiting choirs, lots of visitors and a month of nurses training in the Gibberd Room there is very little else in the diary at present. Even the Solemnity of the Assumption this year will be celebrated on the Sunday 14th August, transferred from the actual date which is on a Monday. But behind the scenes we will be busy planning ahead for the visit of the Relics of St Bernadette that will be with us from Saturday 17 September to Tuesday 20 September. Here is a breakdown of the full programme for the visit which begins at St Mary’s, Chorley and takes in Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral before coming to us.

St Mary’s, Chorley Thursday 15 September 8.30 pm Arrival, welcome ceremony and Night Prayer Friday 16 September 7.30 am Morning Prayer 9.00 am Private Mass for St Mary’s RC Catholic Primary school 10.00 am Church opens 11.00 am Rosary and Litany to St Bernadette 12.00 noon Mass 2.00 pm Rosary and Litany to St Bernadette 3.00 pm Mass 5.00 pm Rosary and Litany to St Bernadette 7.00 pm Mass and Candlelight Procession Celebrant: Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP 9.45 pm Night Prayer Saturday 17 September 7.30 am Morning Prayer 8.00 am Mass of Farewell 9.00 am Departure for Liverpool Anglican Cathedral Liverpool Cathedral Saturday 17 September

2.30 pm

Arrival and Service of Welcome Private Prayer throughout the morning Service of Farewell Departure for the Metropolitan Cathedral

Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King Saturday 17 September 3.30 pm Arrival and Service of Welcome 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm Confessions 5.00 pm Mass in the Cathedral Time for private prayer and reflection.

7.30 pm Torchlight procession outside the Cathedral 10.00 pm Cathedral closes.

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Sunday 18 September 8.00 am 9.00 am 10.00 am 11.00 am

3.00 pm 7.00 pm 9.00 pm Monday 19 September 7.00 am 7.30 am 8.00 am 10.00 am to 12.00 noon 12.15 pm 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm 5.00 pm to 6.30 pm 7.00 pm

Cathedral opens Mass Mass (Crypt Chapel) Solemn Mass Celebrant: Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP Mass with the Anointing of the Sick Mass Cathedral closes

Cathedral opens Morning Prayer Mass Confessions Mass Confessions Confessions Closing Mass in the Cathedral Followed by Rosary and Night Prayer 10.00 pm Cathedral closes Throughout the day schools will be invited to attend.

There will be an opportunity for private prayer throughout the day.

There will be Reflections at 10.00 am, 11.00 am, 2.00 pm, 3.00 pm and 4.00 pm Tuesday 20 September 6.30 am Cathedral opens 7.00 am Service of Departure Further information on the national relic tour can be found at www.stbernadette.org.uk

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what’s on Sunday 14 August Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Friday 26 – Monday 29 August The Search for Happiness at the Christian Heritage Centre, Stonyhurst.

Explore the four pillars of the good life – the Cardinal virtues – and how they structure our search for happiness, through the philosophy and theology of St Thomas Aquinas. In partnership with CEPHAS, this course offers a fascinating engagement with this foundational theme for the Christian life through the thought of the Church’s greatest theologian. https://christianheritagecentre.com/events /the-search-for-happiness/ Monday 29 August Pilgrimage Mass in honour of Blessed Dominic Barberi CP 12.00 noon at St Anne and Blessed Dominic, Monastery Lane, Sutton, St Helens, WA9 3ZD. Celebrant: Father Jim Sweeney CP.

august Saturday 24 September Cursillo 50th Anniversary Mass of thanksgiving and exhibition, reflections and witness talks in the Gibberd Room of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King to celebrate 50 years of Cursillo in England and Wales. 10.00 am – 4.00 pm with Mass at 12.00 noon celebrated by Bishop Tom Williams.

Friday 30 September and Saturday 1 October Living Christ Retreat Take time out to do something special for yourself listen to talks about people’s experience of Christ in their lives, and share prayerful conversation, in safe company, share as much as you are comfortable with. 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm (Friday) and 9.30 am to 5.00 pm (Saturday) including Mass at St John Stone Parish Hall, 1 Sandbrook Way, Ainsdale, PR8 3RN. Food provided. No Charge - Donations welcome. Details and booking: Tel: 01704 577722. Email: heartstone@rcaol.org.uk

Looking ahead: October 2022 Friday 16-Sunday 18 September ‘The Call of Creation’ Women’s Weekend at the Irenaeus Centre, 32 Great Georges Road, L22 1RD or join by zoom. Residential places available. Details contact Jenny Tel: 0151 949 1199 Email jenny@irenaeus.co.uk Saturday 10 September and Sunday 11 September Heritage Open Days 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm each day at Holy Cross and St Helen church, Corporation Street, St Helens, WA10 1EF. Saturday 17 September Heritage Open Day 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm at St Patrick’s church, Park Place, Liverpool, L8 5RA.

Saturday 15 October Exploring Gospel Non-Violence A Pax Christi day of prayer, reflection and sharing, to explore how we might 'live in the Light of Christ's peace' in these troubled times. There will be information about developments in the Catholic understanding of nonviolence and justpeace. 9.45 am for 10.00 am at the Irenaeus Centre , 32 Great Georges Rd L22 1RD. Please bring your own lunch; tea and coffee are provided. Suggested offering £10 or £5 unwaged. Information and booking: Jan Harper Tel: 07591 082195. Email : janharper1@yahoo.co.uk

Sunday 18 September Heritage Open Day 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm at Holy Cross and St Helen church, Corporation Street, St Helens, WA10 1EF.

Website at www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk Catholic Pictorial

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Archbishop Malcolm marks 40 years of priesthood ‘I can’t tell you how blessed I feel.’ So said Archbishop Malcolm McMahon as he reflected on his 40 years as a priest at a Mass of Thanksgiving at the Metropolitan Cathedral on Sunday 26 June.

Archbishop Malcolm said these words as he looked out on a congregation including family, friends and members of the Dominican Order to which he belongs.

Exactly four decades earlier, he had been ordained a priest by Cardinal Basil Hume at his home parish in London – Our Lady of the Rosary and St Dominic’s, Haverstock Hill.

As he told the congregation at the Cathedral: ‘Today I am celebrating the 40th anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood by Cardinal Basil Hume whom I miss every day of my life.’

Archbishop Malcolm, 73, dwelled in his homily on that day’s Gospel (Luke 9:51-62) in which Jesus and his disciples find themselves turned away by a Samaritan village, talking about the ‘cycle of rejection and acceptance’ that Jesus faced and finding an echo in the many challenges, the ups and the downs, encountered in the life of a priest.

And he noted the sacrifice demanded as he cited Jesus’s line in the Gospel that ‘No one who sets a hand to the plough and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.’ He added: ‘The message is quite clear that following Jesus is not that easy in life. It doesn’t mean it is not joyful, it doesn’t mean it is not enriching, it doesn’t mean it is not at times a great pleasure, but overall it is not an easy option.’

Yet equally he expressed his gratitude for the blessings that a ‘wonderful journey’ had provided – including the sight of ‘so many friends and families here today’. Those present included Archbishop Mark O’Toole, the recently installed Archbishop of Cardiff; Canon Geoffrey Hunton, his secretary during his time as Bishop of Nottingham; and his two auxiliary bishops here in Liverpool – Bishop Tom Williams and Bishop Tom Neylon. The Archbishop noted the presence too of members of the Knights of St Columba, whom he served for many years as chaplain.

Then, returning to that notion of journey, Archbishop Malcolm affirmed: ‘It is a journey of faith and of life, a journey of life and light, light which leads us out of the darkness – depression, sin, the past – and leads us into the future of blessing, the future of richness of love. That is the journey I’ve been on for 40 years now.’

From engineering to the altar Born in 1949, Archbishop Malcolm was brought up in north London. After studying Mechanical Engineering at UMIST (University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology), he took an engineering job with London Transport. Yet a visit to old friends in Manchester early in 1976 set him on a different path. There he met up with Father John Fay, national chaplain for young Christian students.

‘It was during that conversation I suddenly blurted out that I

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wanted to be a priest,’ he recalled during his homily on 26 June.

‘I have no idea where that came from. Six months later I was in the novitiate of the Dominican Order on Fr Jack’s advice.’

After Archbishop Malcolm’s ordination as a priest in 1982, he was based with the Dominicans at Blackfriars, Oxford, while studying for a Master’s degree at Heythrop College.

His subsequent service as a priest included time spent in Leicester – where he was based at Holy Cross Priory and served as chaplain to the polytechnic; at St Dominic’s in Newcastle; and then back in London as Prior at St Dominic’s. After three years in this last post, he took over as provincial of the Dominicans in 1992.

It was in 2000, not long after his return to Oxford as prior of Blackfriars, that he received his appointment as Bishop of Nottingham. ‘I had to learn to live differently,’ he reflected. ‘It is a very different routine of life. But I was 51 at the time so had a lot of energy. I loved it, I loved meeting all the people. Nottingham diocese is a wonderful diocese, the largest territory of any of our dioceses in England.’

Liverpool challenge In 2014, Archbishop Malcolm succeeded Archbishop Patrick Kelly here in Liverpool. ‘People here in the whole of the diocese are very warm and friendly and the priests have been very supportive,’ he said, while not hiding the challenges of the here and now for the diocese. ‘We’re all aware of the situation the Church is in these days after Covid and secularisation but we’re up for the challenge.’

Hence, he added, the significance of the Synodal process recently undertaken. ‘I felt we had to do something. Our diocese has been changing a bit beyond our control with falling congregations, shortage of clergy, old buildings. It’s a very difficult time for the Church here in the northwest of England. I didn’t

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want us to go into a downward spiral of closures. I thought we’d see if we could take the initiative and seek new ways of being Church in the future.’

Thoughts of the future could wait on 26 June, however. It was a day, instead, to mark that 40-year milestone – and ponder his four decades since ordination. ‘It has been a good way of life and I’m always grateful to the people who’ve supported me so that I can serve others – not only my family but also close friends who I’ve got to know through being a priest,’ said the Archbishop.

‘I live a very interesting, fulfilled life. I’m still on my spiritual journey like every other Christian – there’s still work to be done on me, spiritually and in other ways – but overall it has been a really good 40 years. I’d recommend it. Religious life is for all … it’s a very hard kind of life but when you concentrate on the great privileges that go with it, the gifts you get of love and friendship and being free to return those gifts to other people and serve them, there are certainly no regrets.’

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education news

Wirral student wins Jurassic World competition with BBFC A student from St John Plessington Catholic College has won the ‘Create The Card’ competition by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), in collaboration with Universal Pictures.

The competition involved a nationwide search for a talented young individual to design the official BBFC black card for the summer blockbuster, Jurassic World Dominion.

A black card is synonymous with the cinematic experience since the early days of motion pictures. It acts as a marker to audiences to stop talking, whilst also displaying the age rating of the film.

Aaron Larway, 17, is a huge fan of Jurassic Park and was thrilled to see the media studies department at St John Plessington Catholic College share details of the BBFC competition.

The competition, which was open to 12–16-year-olds, received over 1,100 entries from around the UK but Aaron blew judges away with his unique piece of art.

His design was a visual masterpiece that encapsulated the essence of the Jurassic World universe. It was an expressive creation by Aaron who used an innovative brush-stroke technique to produce this memorable composition.

As part of the competition, Aaron got to go to London where he visited the BBFC offices and was presented with his winning design in a black frame. He also got a tour of the offices.

After leaving the BBFC, Aaron walked over to the Universal head offices where he was presented with tickets for the premiere of Jurassic World Dominion. Goody bags were also handed out to Aaron, his brother and his mum and dad.

He was even given a USB stick which featured a video with Hollywood actors, Bryce Dallas Howard and Chris Pratt, displaying his winning black card.

This unique black card has since been seen by thousands of people as it is projected on the big screen before every showing of Jurassic World Dominion in UK cinemas.

Aaron Larway with Sarah Peacock from BBFC and his framed black card for Jurassic World Dominion

Aaron said: “I loved every second of the experience. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I won't ever forget, and it was made that much better with the support from my friends, family, and the school around me.”

Mr Sam Witcher, subject leader of media studies at St John Plessington Catholic College, said: “We are so immensely proud of Aaron. He works so incredibly hard in all he does and always with the most positive of attitudes, so this competition win is thoroughly deserved.

“Aaron entered the competition because of how much he loves Jurassic Park, he had never entered a competition previously. It was very time consuming due to the specific style of art, and there were many layers to create.”

Ms Maria Sharratt, headteacher of St John Plessington Catholic College, said: “Well done Aaron! Your passion and talents have really shone through, and we are so pleased that you have taken advantage of this phenomenal opportunity – we are very proud of you.”

St Patrick's Faith in Action Group St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Wigan, recently participated in the Faith in Action Award for the first time. The group - which comprised of six pupils (Hannah, Isabelle, Jessica, Jack, Jayden and Charlie) – completed a number of different acts of ‘Service’ and ‘Discovery’ to achieve their Pin Level.

This involved assisting Parish Priest, Father Ian O’Shea, in a variety of the school liturgies at church (such as the Advent and Ash Wednesday Service) and events within the St Patrick’s community such as supporting charity appeals and activities to further promote the school’s mission statement to ‘learn, love and grow through Jesus’.

Their achievements and hard work culminated in a presentation ceremony with Archbishop Malcolm in June. The children, and their families, enjoyed chatting with the Archbishop about the Award and their plans to advance on to the next level as they transition to secondary school.

Class teacher and Faith in Action co-ordinator, Josh Marshall, commented ‘We are very proud that our children’s hard work and efforts were recognised so wonderfully in the presentation ceremony. The children have been fantastic ambassadors for helping to further promote the treasured Catholic ethos of our school and build on the strong links that already exist between home, school and church. The group have thoroughly enjoyed organising and participating in activities and liturgies that have helped them to discover more about their own faith and inspired others across the parish to do the same’.

More pictures of the school’s Faith in Action Journey, are on the ‘Catholic Life of the School’ tab on the school website: https://www.saintpatricks.wigan.sch.uk 20

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education news St John Bosco celebrate awards afternoon St John Bosco Arts College, Liverpool celebrated their Awards Afternoon in what was described as a fantastic event.

At the beginning of July, the whole school community gathered at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral to celebrate the successes and achievements of students from the past year. They were thrilled to be joined by Hannah Cockroft, MBE as their guest speaker. She inspired students with her history, her first experiences of sport and some of the challenges she has overcome.

The whole event was a wonderful celebration of students’ talents. There were performances from the school choir, band and a dance performed by all Year 7 students.

This is the first event of this kind the school has been able to have for some time and it was a very special afternoon for the school community.

Pupils had the chance to meet guest speaker, Hannah Cockroft, MBE

Crosby school ‘go big’ for science week Go big! This is always the way things go at Great Crosby Catholic Primary School. The school is a four form entry school so often must work on a larger scale, so when the school’s headteacher, Pat Speed suggested having a science workplace workshop to promote science, the science team knew ‘Go big’ would be the case.

Pat said: “The purpose was to smash the stereotype that all scientists look like an old white man, in a lab coat with crazy hair.

“We set about asking for people in our school community who work in the STEM industries to come and volunteer their time to speak to pupils. We were not disappointed and on Monday 27 June Great Crosby held our first ever Science Workplace Workshop, in conjunction with Smashing Stereotypes from British Science Week. The day was jam packed full of people who work in the science

industry.

“The list of occupations was far ranging that joined us on our science spectacular day, they ranged from senior doctor / registrar in emergency medicine at Southport and Ormskirk Emergency Departments, dance teacher musculoskeletal therapist Philip Cutts School of Dance Medicine, Merseyside Police CSI, chemical science AstraZeneca STEM ambassador, Scientific Associate II, Pharmaron Biologics UK, environmental advisor for Antarctica on behalf of New Zealand government, engineer aerospace, systems engineer from BAE Systems and consultant medical microbiologist from Liverpool Clinical Laboratories and finally head of chemistry at Sacred Heart Catholic College.

“The wonderful part was that we had past pupils, parents, friends and family members of staff making it feel part of our extended community.”

“As the day was due to be so much fun, we invited our cluster school partner Valewood Primary School to join in. The two schools together enjoyed the day and inspired 130 Year 6 children to have career aspirations in the science industries.”

Joshua aged 11, from Valewood Primary School, said: “It has been a fantastic day.

It’s not every day you get to meet so many scientists. This definitely smashed stereotypes, Albert Einstein who?”

Jasmine aged 11, from Great Crosby Catholic Primary school, said: “I really found the day exciting. Merseyside CSI was so fascinating; it was great to see a crime scene in our school and to see how they would solve the crime using different types of science. If you are interested in a career in science, I would say follow your dreams they can come true”.

Megan age 11 years, from Great Crosby Catholic Primary, said: “It was interesting to learn about what goes on in labs and all that the scientific researchers put in. I didn’t realise there were so many varied roles within the world of science. It was great to see so many ‘scientists in action!

I really enjoyed the whole day.”

From explosions, huge purple viruses, crime scenes, pictures from Antarctica, space satellites and broken bones, the day was varied, action packed and filled with fun. Great Crosby are looking forward to planning next year’s science workplace workshop.

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education news

A week of new experiences at St Mary's St Mary’s Catholic College (SMCC), Wallasey, recently held an ‘experience week’ for its students.

Forming part of the school’s new Inspire Programme, the week served as the end of year finale for the innovative programme.

The Inspire Programme is a personal development programme that allows students to develop and apply St Mary’s Catholic College’s core values of respect, courage, pride, determination and compassion. Through opportunities that take place both inside and outside of the classroom, it encourages students to consider their future, the world around them, and their place within it.

The normal school timetable was collapsed for the entire week and replaced with a plethora of enrichment activities.

Some of the activities that were included were visits to the cinema, Chester Zoo, Edge Hill University and Loggerheads.

One day of the week consisted of a careers focus day about roles in the emergency services where the students were able to learn more about specific roles in the field. Another day of the experience week involved the students walking in conjunction with WaterAid’s Walk for Water charity event that supports those who have to walk long distances to collect water every day.

Students also spent time participating in reflective sessions where they created a romero cross based on the college community and took part in collective worship as well as an end of year quiz.

They also collaborated on art projects that reflected the core values of SMCC. As a result of The Inspire Programme experience week, students developed skills around their personal determination, built stronger friendships with one another in addition to developing further individuality and appreciation for the values of the college.

The week ended with a rewards assembly and full College Mass that celebrated the

achievements of all students at St Mary’s Catholic College.

Headteacher Mr Kevin Maddocks, said: “The experience week, which is part of The Inspire Programme, was a great time for all of our students. Not only did they have fun, they were also able to develop a lot of interpersonal skills and show their support to charity in the process. The week was a universal core offer to all of our students and as such was completely free for each student.

“We are very proud of our students and how well they continue to represent our core values of respect, courage, determination, compassion and pride.”

Liverpool school celebrates women in engineering The Academy of St Nicholas, part of All Saints Multi Academy Trust, recently hosted a Women in Engineering Day in a bid to inspire female students and encourage them to consider a career in engineering.

To coincide with ‘International Women in Engineering Day’, the Garston-based academy welcomed United Utilities chief engineer, Lisa Mansell. Lisa is responsible for finding new technologies to help solve issues like lowering carbon emissions and reducing the impact on the environment.

Passionate about inspiring the next generation of female

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engineers, Lisa spent the day meeting students and sharing insight into her career and describing what a typical day looks like for her.

Lisa said: “It’s so important to spread the word about the career opportunities available in engineering as women still only make up a small percentage of the workforce.

“Many girls at school still don’t even consider a career in engineering, or can’t see themselves working in it, and that’s such a pity as it offers fabulous opportunities to work on exciting projects that can really make a difference in society.”

Rebecca Shields also joined Lisa and talked about her role a senior process engineer. Rebecca, who is from Liverpool, joined United Utilities as a graduate in 2016.

One student said: “I found the day to be really informative and Lisa and Rebecca talked to us in-depth about their jobs. It has definitely made me consider exploring what other careers are on offer in the engineering sector.”

Miss Katie Bell, head of design technology and engineering at The Academy of St Nicholas, said: “We are really passionate about getting the young girls and women of The Academy of St Nicholas into the world of engineering. It is a great industry to be involved in and there are lots of possibilities for apprenticeships and work experience.

“As an academy, we will be doing further initiatives surrounding women in engineering in order to open up further opportunities for the young girls of our community.”

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education news The Academy of St Francis of Assisi retains its significant School of Sanctuary status The Academy of St Francis of Assisi (ASFA) has successfully retained its School of Sanctuary status.

The school originally gained the status in July 2016 and was the first secondary school in Liverpool to achieve this.

School of Sanctuary is a network of over 300 primary and secondary schools across the UK that commit to inclusivity and providing a safe space for those seeking sanctuary. Students at these schools are educated on the experiences of asylum seekers and are encouraged to build their intercultural awareness.

The Academy of St Francis of Assisi, which is part of All Saints Multi Academy Trust, continues to uphold the School of Sanctuary principles in many ways. Community events and assemblies are often held in support of amplifying the voices of refugees and asylum seekers.

The school boasts a diverse curriculum that incorporates these topics into the lessons. For example, recently in art class, students created art inspired by themes such as the struggles faced by refugees and the Black Lives Matter movement. There is also the opportunity to learn other languages such as Arabic and Polish up to GCSE level.

In addition, its language ambassadors are something that ASFA prides itself on. These are students who assist those in younger years whose first language is not English by helping with translations and engaging in activities together including a regular reading club.

Amanda Gamble, language acquisition co-ordinator at ASFA, said: “Going through the process of reaccreditation was a massive affirmation of the work we do every day as a staff body

to support our students.”

Gill Rowlands, EMTAS manager at School Improvement Liverpool, commented: “We are delighted that The Academy of St Francis of Assisi has once again received School of Sanctuary accreditation. A school of sanctuary is a school that actively works towards creating a safe and warm welcome to all pupils, staff and the wider community. It is wonderful that the school is committed to providing an inclusive environment which actively celebrates the uniqueness of each school member!”

Head of school, Colette Singleton, said: “I am delighted the academy has retained its School of Sanctuary status. The work we do is part of daily school life and I’m proud that we continue to be a safe space for children.”

Amanda Gamble, language acquisition co-ordinator and Phil Johnson, chaplain at ASFA

St Mary’s Prep celebrates achievements of pupils St Mary’s College Preparatory School held a special event in Southport recently to pay tribute to the achievements of its pupils over the past 12 months.

For the first time in three years because of Covid-19, the Atkinson Arts Centre on Lord Street was the venue for the junior prize-giving ceremony organised by the Blundellsands primary school.

The VIP guest at this year’s event was former St Mary’s pupil Ruth Mwandumba, the first female black athlete to represent England in the sport of target shooting.

Ruth – who is the current English champion – is an excellent example of someone who took part in a wide range of activities while at St Mary’s, including the Combined Cadet Force where she discovered her interest in and talent for shooting.

In an inspirational and well-received speech, Ruth focused on the theme of participation and the importance of pupils taking advantage of all the opportunities that come their way.

She said: “Get involved, and make us all proud. Do more than belong – participate. Do more than care – help. Do more than believe – practice. And do more than dream – work.”

Speaking after the event, Ruth commented: “It felt amazing to go back to where it all began for me. It was a truly special moment for me to be able to award the kids with their prizes, and it meant so much to hear from them and their parents afterwards when they were letting me know that they were inspired by my story.”

They also watched pupils collect prizes and awards recognising their success in a wide range of extracurricular activities including music, drama and sport.

VIP guest Ruth Mwandumba pictured with St Mary’s College principal Mike Kennedy (left) and St Mary’s Prep headmaster Jonathan Webster

And guests also enjoyed a series of readings, drama pieces and musical performances that once again highlighted the talent and creativity of pupils at St. Mary’s Prep.

Looking back at the last 12 months, Headmaster Jonathan Webster said: “This annual event is a great way for us to recognise the hard work and achievements of our pupils in so many fields over the last year.

“I pay tribute to all of them for showing their ability to adapt, enjoy and achieve so wonderfully, in spite of coronavirus.”

St. Mary’s College Principal, Mike Kennedy, added: “I would like to salute the whole St. Mary’s Prep community – all the children, and the staff and families who support them – for making the school such a successful and special place of love and learning.”

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education news St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust hosts innovative conference as it sets out its ‘vision for excellence’ St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust hosted its first annual conference on 4 July to set out its ambitious vision for the future. The Trust is run in partnership with the Archdiocese of Liverpool, the Diocese of Shrewsbury and the Diocese of Chester and was set up by the Department for Education to improve the life chances of young people in the area. It has been designed to take on new schools faster than traditional academy trusts and is already made up of six schools with a seventh joining in September.

The inaugural annual conference brought together staff, governors, trustees and the Trust’s central team to the University of Liverpool to reflect on their successful journey so far and their plans moving forward.

The Trust set a theme of ‘vision for excellence’ for the conference, which was a golden thread that informed each discussion and workshop as they embedded their strategy for their ambitious journey as one family.

The day started with a beautiful Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. Following this, Sr Judith Russi SSMN gave an inspiring speech to the conference that encapsulated the ethos of the Trust and the goal of the day in encouraging the Trust’s community to be ‘fired up and ready to go’.

Throughout the day, attendees were invited to take part in highly relevant and thought-provoking workshops that were hosted by industry experts from across the sector, including representatives from Ofsted, The Department for Education, Ark Curriculum Plus, and The Ambition Institute.

These workshops focused on curriculum, servant leadership, finance and attendance as well as other areas of school life.

Each of the workshops’ themes were underpinned by one of the Trust’s five key priorities, which are Christ at the centre, every child a reader, ambitious curriculum, culture for success and improving attendance.

Following the conference, staff across the Trust are excited and geared up for the year ahead as they look forward to utilising their learnings from the day to fulfil the Trust’s mission of transforming children’s lives through education.

Andrew Truby, CEO of St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust, said: “I am so incredibly proud and pleased that the conference was truly a huge success. Every person working within our Trust plays an integral part in our mission, so it was a priority for us to offer workshops that would be valuable to each of them.

“Our Trust’s core theme of one family was so clearly present throughout the conference, and it has created a real buzz as we drive forward with our ambitious vision for each of our schools.”

St Joseph’s six schools are: St Chad’s Catholic and Church of England Academy in Halton; Holy Spirit Catholic Academy in Sefton; St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Academy in St Helens; and St Ambrose Catholic Academy, St Nicholas’s Catholic Academy and The Trinity Catholic Academy, all in Liverpool. The Trust is looking forward to welcoming Holy Family Catholic Primary School in Wigan on 1 September.

An overview of the Trust’s key priorities and its vision for driving excellence in each of its schools can be found here: https://www.stjosephmat.org.uk/ 24

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Mass was celebrated at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King

Sr Judith Russi SSMN gave an inspiring speech

Andrew Truby, CEO of St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust

Attendees were invited to take part in highly relevant and thoughtprovoking workshops

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youth ministry

The sense of community that keeps us going

By Father Simon Gore I am not sure about anyone else, but the letters BOC now strike a fear in my heart: Because Of Covid.

Please don’t worry that this is going to be a long Covid write-up – I really, at this stage, do not want to dwell on the last few years – but as we might have expected, the lingering effects of various lockdowns have had an effect on all aspects of life, and none more so than in our own churches.

I am sure that many of you reading this will have noticed a difference in your parish life – whether that is people no longer going to Mass as they did a few years ago having fallen out of the habit, or things no longer happening that did happen three years ago.

There is no doubt that BOC has affected life in youth ministry in the diocese. I am pleased to say, though, that the number of schools and parishes we have worked with has not been too affected. In fact, 2021/22 was, in many ways, a ‘normal’ year with lots of retreats and mission days. And our first whole

school mission since November 2019!

I think the main issue we have had to deal with has been a smaller team at Animate Youth Ministries. For this past year we had only four of us in the team. To give you an idea, it was not unusual to have eight or nine in some previous years.

As you might imagine, this has created a certain difficulty in working as we would. But from the ashes of problems can rise the phoenix of creativity. And so we set to work thinking of different ways of working.

It can be amazing how when forced by circumstances, you find new ways.

And so, even with only a very small team I do not feel that we have had any less interaction with young people through these last 12 months.

For that I can only thank the people that have been part of the team here at Lowe House.

For the eagled-eyed among you, you

will have noticed that at this time of year I always mention ‘community’.

And I think that is appropriate this year more than ever.

Without the element of community that we have, it is difficult to imagine how we might have committed to our various activities and events during this past academic year. Community means, at least to me, that you share the life of the others around you. This may be hard at times. There is no guarantee you will like those you share a community with: we only need to look at scripture to see that. But a community will see past those differences to what binds us together.

And from there you can share the joys and sorrows, fears and anxieties, of each other.

It can be one of the most challenging things for a new team member: to recognise inherent differences in personality but then recognise that at the end of the day (literally) you can gather together to find God in that same day.

I type this on my way to Lourdes for the annual diocesan pilgrimage. It will be the first time we have been there as a diocese for three years. It will be a nice way to end our time together as a team. I am sure that without the intercession of the Blessed Virgin and the grace of the Lord we would have had a more difficult year.

Thank you for your prayers this year and please keep us in your prayers for next year! We will pray for all the followers of the Pic at the grotto.

God bless.

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Pic extras Mums the Word

A century of service News from the Liverpool Province of the Knights of St Columba

Knights share in Archbishop Malcolm’s celebration After a two-year absence we travelled to Walsingham to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the first Union of Catholic Mothers’ pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham.

On arrival we went straight to the Chapel of Annunciation where we had Mass with Father David Potter and Monsignor John Butchard. After dinner that evening, we all assembled for the Service of Light in the Chapel of Reconciliation followed by a torchlight procession. We walked the Holy Mile reciting the rosary and singing hymns.

It was very prayerful.

On Day 2, those who were able walked the Holy Mile to the Slipper Chapel where Mass was celebrated outside in the grounds by Bishop Tom Williams and Bishop John Arnold from Salford – this year’s lead diocese – along with numerous priests and deacons.

After Mass we had a picnic lunch, catching up with old friends and making new ones with members of other dioceses. Later, we lined up alphabetically for the procession to the Abbey grounds. On arrival at the Abbey, we had prayers, addresses, Benediction and the Blessing of the Sick. It was so prayerful once more.

The next morning we had Mass before we left Walsingham for our journey home. We stopped off at Sandringham on the way and explored the gardens and had a tour of the Queen’s house. It was wonderful and the staff who showed us around were very knowledgeable. The journey was very long but we managed to pass the time with raffles, bingo and a quiz.

Walsingham is a wonderful place and we enjoyed it very much. We should all make the effort to visit. In the words of Pope Leo XII (1897): ‘When England goes back to Walsingham, Our Lady will come back to England.’

Maria Pimblett, media officer

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Photo: www.nickfairhurstphotographer.com

We referred briefly in the June edition to Archbishop Malcolm McMahon’s attainment of the 40th anniversary of his Priesthood and congratulated him on this achievement. Archbishop Malcolm is not only Archbishop of Liverpool, but he was for many years our ecclesiastical adviser and it was for the Knights a joyous occasion to be present at his Celebration Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral on 26 June.

Our supreme knight, Brother Harry Welsh, and board of directors were in attendance along with the president of the International Alliance of Catholic Knights, Bro Charlie McCluskey, who made a presentation to Archbishop Malcolm. Bro Harry Welsh also made a presentation of a Papal Blessing which reads as follows: ‘The Holy Father Francis cordially imparts the requested Apostolic Blessing to Archbishop Malcolm McMahon on the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of his Priestly

Ordination invoking through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary an abundance of Divine graces.’

One of the many celebrants of the Mass was our new ecclesiastical adviser, Bishop Tom Neylon, who had celebrated his 40th anniversary as a priest in May. Bro Harry Welsh took the opportunity at a recent board meeting to offer him our congratulations and make a presentation to him.

• It is with profound sadness that we report the death of esteemed Bro Ben O’Donnell, a former grand knight of Council 51, Wirral, who passed to his heavenly award on Tuesday 5 July.

We extend our deepest sympathy to Bro Ben’s widow Mavis and all his family.

Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him.

May he rest in peace.

Websites: www.ksc.org.uk www.kscprov02.weebly.com Email: dpokeane@aol.com

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sunday reflections On a liturgical note Domenico Barberi was born near Viterbo in Italy on 22 June 1792.

Having entered the Passionist Order in Italy, he had a great desire to minister in England and to assist the spread of the Faith and, having spent some time establishing a Passionist Mission in Belgium, his desire was fulfilled when in 1842 he was instrumental in establishing a Passionist Mission at Aston Hall in Staffordshire.

Dominic is perhaps best known as the one to whom John Henry Newman made his Confession and was then received into the Roman Catholic Church at Littlemore just outside Oxford, on 9 October 1845.

Why the history lesson? Because we are privileged in the Diocese to have the burial place of Blessed Dominic Barberi in the Passionist Shrine attached to the Church of Saint Anne and Blessed Dominic at Sutton, St Helens.

A couple of years ago, at a Birmingham Diocesan pilgrimage to Sutton, Archbishop Bernard Longley said: ‘The example of Blessed Dominic encourages us in our own Christian vocation; we need to extend ourselves beyond what is familiar and comfortable, and be prepared to reach out into unfamiliar territory.

‘With Blessed Dominic we can be confident that we will not do so alone.

The pattern of ministry that we see in his life shows us that our Lord will always be at our side to guide and

Sunday thoughts

Canon Philip Gillespie

strengthen us – and that he will inevitably send us companions to share the work he has entrusted to us.’

On the Feast of the Epiphany a proclamation was made in the Liturgy which helps us understand why we keep Saints' days through the year. It said: ‘The pilgrim Church proclaims the passover of Christ in the feasts of the holy Mother of God, in the feasts of the Apostles and Saints, and in the commemoration of the faithful departed.’

The Saints are never recalled simply as a matter of keeping the historical memory alive. Above all, they issue to us an invitation and an encouragement so that you and I can live out our Baptismal Consecration today, in the place where we find ourselves and in the circumstances which present themselves. This, for us, is our way of proclaiming that the passover of Christ (that is, His Passion, Death and Resurrection) is the true model and inspiration for our living.

Blessed Dominic Barberi and Saint John Henry Newman - pray for us.

The Annual Pilgrimage in honour of Blessed Dominic Barberi will be held at Saint Anne & Blessed Dominic Church in Sutton, St Helens on Monday 29th August 2022 with Mass at 12.00 noon. The chief celebrant will be Fr. Jim Sweeney CP. Mgr John Devine OBE

Asked by someone We were recently blessed on the Isle attending the Island of Man with a visit from Cardinal Spirituality Network what Michael Fitzgerald. He had been set to kept him going, he celebrate the sacrament of replied: ‘Good people.’

Confirmation with us in January but He spoke of the number that visit was cancelled due to ill of genuinely holy Muslims he had met health, with candidates dropping out and explained how the primary focus with Covid. His visit also fulfilled a of true dialogue was to share and not promise to address the Island to convert.

Spirituality Network.

The second reading for Sunday 7 An ecumenical body, the Island August is taken from the Letter to the Spirituality Network suggested the Hebrews. It tells the story of Abraham.

Cardinal might reflect on a lifetime ‘It was by faith that Abraham obeyed living and working with Muslims. A the call to set out for a country that fluent Arabist, he had lectured Muslim was the inheritance given him and his students at university level on the descendants, and that he set out Koran. As the Vatican’s leading expert without knowing where he was going.’ on relations with Muslims, he served That is a wonderful metaphor for the as secretary and then president of the faith journey of each of us. Judaism, Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Christianity and Islam are known as dialogue. He went on to be the Papal the ‘Abrahamic Faiths’. We are all his Nuncio (ambassador) to Cairo for six descendants. In the words of the First years. Many of you will have met him Eucharistic Prayer, we are proud to call in his current role as assistant priest at Abraham ‘Our Father in Faith’. the Liverpool inner-city parish of Saint Vincent de Paul.

Weekly Reflections are on the Archdiocesan website at www.liverpoolcatholicresources.com

Prophets of love In the May blitz of 1941, many children from Liverpool were evacuated to the Welsh countryside. One of them was Agnes who was just 12. Originally from Yorkshire, she had settled in Liverpool with her aunt and uncle after the tragic death of her parents.

Her upbringing was tough because her aunt and uncle were not the kindest of people. She experienced a lot of beatings and was frequently hungry. When the evacuation took place, her guardians were only too pleased to get rid of Agnes.

Agnes used to talk about Wales as her salvation because it was there that she met Mrs Jones, a widow who radiated kindness and love. Mrs Jones was always on her side; when she was bullied, when accused of stealing, when in the magistrates’ court on a shoplifting charge.

Love was the only thing that mattered to Mrs Jones and that love was prophetic in the way it transformed Agnes. We met Agnes in the 1960s. She was married but never stopped talking about Wales and Auntie Gwyneth.

As a child, I was taken to meet this lady and have never forgotten her. She had a huge personality and was always laughing. She baked scones with homemade jam and cream and made tea in a huge earthenware teapot. Homespun wisdom fell from her lips constantly, and I will never forget her saying to me: ‘Christopher, boy, remember the only thing that matters is love, whatever the cost.’

That, for me, captures what it means to be a prophet. It is about being a sign of radical love. Religious prophets are seldom establishment people. They call traditions into question, which is very necessary if those traditions are not to become ends in themselves. They stand on the side of the persecuted, the abandoned and the broken.

I love the prophecy of Isaiah and the words that Matthew takes and applies to Jesus, the one who makes real the Kingdom through love. Jesus the Servant of God, that Isaiah speaks of, the one on whom the Spirit of God is bestowed.

I wonder what that says to us because we are to be like the one we follow. We are to be filled with the spirit of God and in a prophetic way proclaim the Kingdom of God through our love.

After his baptism Jesus discovered in a new and more radical way that He was a child of God, loved and accepted by the Father, and then spent His life telling the world that if it was true for Him, it was true for everyone.

Jesus, the human face of God, went to any lengths to show us that we are loved – even with death on the cross. The challenge is to be like the master. Let us pray today that we can allow it to flow through us.

Father Chris Thomas

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PIC Life Don’t be afraid to say ‘I was wrong’

By Moira Billinge The scheduled fire practice had gone well. Our very stern form teacher had instructed her class of eight-yearolds in the drill we were to follow upon hearing the alarm and we had practised – with military precision – lining up between the three rows of desks ready to walk calmly towards the door when ordered to do so.

My desk was in the row furthest from the door and at the back of the class.

This fact worried me greatly as if there were to be a real fire I would, of course, be the last one out.

The following morning, in the middle of listening to a school’s programme on the radio, the fire alarm suddenly rang.

My teacher, in a voice nearly as loud as the alarm, shouted: ‘Children, everything is going to be all right but you must remember your fire drill. Get into your lines now just like you did yesterday.

Leave all your things on your desk!’

If she did issue any further instructions, I did not hear them in my all-consuming terror. In a split second I had decided that I was absolutely not going to be the last out of that room under any circumstances. I took flight, and, despite having asthma, sped swiftly past the rows of children – and my teacher.

Then, with a frantic tug I flung the door open, raced through the length of two adjoining classrooms and easily passed two more teachers who were preparing their children for a quick exit. With speed, determination – and at considerable risk – I ran down the long flight of stairs which led to the safety of the playground where people were already starting to gather.

Once there, a new, imminent and possibly worse threat replaced my fear of being burnt alive by gigantic flames: somebody said that we had just taken part in an unannounced fire practice,

obviously to test our proficiency and to see if we had taken anything in from the day before.

Calling the register, the teacher reached my name and glared at me with justifiable menace. I knew at that moment that I was about to regret my act of self-preservation and I started to cry. Actually, it was probably more like a loud, sobbing wail which accompanied me back to the classroom.

Given my gross act of cowardice, it should have been obvious to her why I was crying. All the signs indicated a terrified child. Sadly, this same teacher was not renowned for sensitive insight.

‘Are you crying because you were worried in case I got burnt?’ she asked, helpfully.

I could not believe my luck. The totally unexpected lifeline offered a most perfect escape even though her personal safety had been the very last thing on my mind. Nodding, very gratefully, through my tears, I escaped punishment.

How often in life do we do the wrong thing yet try to dodge the consequences of our actions? It is easier to look for extenuating circumstances rather than to admit our blatant disregard for what is expected of us as children of God. We can fool ourselves and we can fool others, but in the end we answer to God – who might not be a pushover, but perhaps recognises a scared child and makes allowances.

As Pope Francis remarked: ‘Never forget this: the Lord never gets tired of forgiving us. It is we who get tired of asking for forgiveness.’

Worth a visit - Derwent Pencil Museum For those Pic readers visiting the Lake District this summer, why not draw up a plan to visit the Derwent Pencil Museum in Keswick?

A short walk from the picturesque town centre, the museum marks the birthplace of the first pencil. It is home to the Cumberland Pencil Company, which has manufactured pencils since 1832, and its displays and carefully restored machinery bring to life the history of pencil-making right up to the present day.

The museum’s entrance replicates the Seathwaite mine, where graphite was first discovered in the mid-16th century.

It is one of only two locations in the world where graphite has been found in an igneous mass, which is considered to be its purist form.

Young visitors will enjoy seeing the world’s largest colour pencil and, of course, the special pencil produced to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee.

There is also a shop, with drawing and art supplies, and a coffee shop for refreshments. A short walk back through the

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town will lead you to the Church of Our Lady of the Lakes on High Hill where you can expect a warm welcome.

• The Derwent Pencil Museum is open from 9.30am to 5pm, with last admissions at 4pm.

Lucy Oliver

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McCallum & Tritton & Sons Independent Family Funeral Directors

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www.mccallumandtritton.co.uk Catholic Pictorial

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Dialogue and Unity

The Mighty MitE Chaplaincy Mission in the Economy (MitE Chaplaincy) has been a significant player on the ecumenical scene building on the work of the Liverpool Industrial Mission established in the 1950s and strongly supported by all the major Churches since the 1980s.

It has been busy year so far for MitE. It benefits from a pro-active and enthusiastic Board of Trustees chaired by Revd Dr Canon Crispin Pailing, Rector of Liverpool (based, of course, at St Nicholas at the Pierhead where he hosts MitE in an office and serves as a strong source of support for staff). Ray Pealing and Janet Keefe ably represent the Archdiocese. The staff team is headed

by Dr Emma Howarth who is the Director of Operations. Currently there are 2 staff, 4 Chaplains and 12 volunteer chaplains.

It is difficult to believe the breadth and the depth that such a small group of committed people can achieve.

MitE did an amazing job during Covid networking and developing. An outstanding work area is the Chaplaincy Today online training course for those interested in chaplaincy (healthcare, industry, prisons, and education to name but a few areas). Covid gave an opportunity to expand and refine this – participants come from a broad area from Manchester to Malaysia (via a Crosby contact).

The Retail Chaplaincy in Liverpool, St Helens and Warrington is constant presence. In Liverpool there are currently four chaplains covering the Royal Albert Dock, Bold Street and its surrounding streets and St John’s Market. In Warrington three chaplains in the town centre, and two at Birchwood Park. In St Helens there are three chaplains and one covering the YMCA. The Airport Chaplaincy is twenty years old, and the previous Chaplain must be a hard act to follow having served for 19 years. The work there with staff and visitors is highly regarded as is the Chaplain’s outreach to the local schools, churches, and community groups, to quote Carol Dutton the Human Resources Director at the Airport: ‘We consider our Chaplain here at Liverpool Airport to be an integral member of our team, but she also provides so much practical and emotional support for the wider Airport community.’

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Rev Jean Flood, awarded the BEM as the chief officer of MitE before her retirement, is the enthusiastic and committed volunteer Chaplain at St John’s Market.

In that role she has been an advocate for the Market Traders; fighting their corner for a viable future. She was active in involving the elected Mayor of Liverpool in undertaking a review of the operation of the market.

A new Lead Chaplain in Merseyside Police started at the beginning of June and, given the diversity of Merseyside Police force, there is a multifaith team of ten chaplains. He is working to increase the diversity of the volunteer team. There is ‘Talk Chaplaincy,’ a monthly broadcast from different stations featuring a different chaplain each time talking with members

of their station on themes such as different religious festivals as well as subjects such as Living with Loss. Each Police Station has a Chaplain and a designated member of staff links with them. It is hoped to recruit volunteer teams at the YMCAs and Liverpool John Lennon Airport and build on volunteer engagement in other areas of MitE’s activities and diversify into new areas.

MitE is looking for more Chaplains and would value applications from Catholics being a good listener, or a smiling face, is more important than being a theologian.

In addition, volunteers receive quality training, support, and colleagueship. If you are interested more details are on MitE’s website www.mite.org.uk or email admin@mite.org.uk

MitE’s Prayer for Chaplaincy Lord, may we all be moved to be chaplains wherever you place us.

May we be your hands and feet, bringing blessings to those we encounter as we receive your blessings.

May we be your voice as we speak into distress and chaos, speaking for justice and love as you speak through us.

May our hearts be wholly yours, loving all without exception as you love us.

Give us the faith to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with you, our God. Amen

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Keeping you up­to­date with all the news from around the Archdiocese online at:

www.catholicpic.co.uk You can follow us on social media at: @PicCatholic Plus you can subscribe to the Pic Postal subscriptions are available as follows: • £9.50 for 3 issues (3 month subscription) • £19 for 6 issues (6 month subscription) • £37.50 for 12 issues (annual subscription)

POSTAL: To take out a postal subscription please email enquiries@cpmmmedia.com or call 0151 709 7567 DIGITAL: You can also subscribe to a digital version on the Pic by emailing enquiries@cpmmmedia.com or call 0151 709 7567

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