Parish Proclaimer Easter 2010

The Parish Proclaimer Easter 2010

Cathedral Parish of Our Lady & St. Philip Howard, Arundel, West Sussex Published in March 2010

All about the Parish

Rev. Canon Tim Madeley - Dean Rev. Mr. David Clifton - Deacon

Rev. Malcolm King - Priest in Residence Mrs Louise Sharp - Parish Secretary*

Cathedral House, Parson’s Hill, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9AY

Tel: 01903 882 297 Fax: 01903 885 335 Email: aruncath1@aol.com

Web: www.arundelcathedral.org

* Louise works for the Parish: 9am – 12 noon, Monday – Friday Cathedral Mass Times

Sunday

9.30am Family Mass on the third Sunday of the month;

Weekdays

10am

Saturday

11am

Saturday Sunday Thursday

Saturday

11.15am

Children’s Liturgy available other Sundays.

Cathedral Choir.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Saturday: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after Mass.

Benediction.

Convent of the Poor Clares at Crossbush Mass Times 5.30pm Vespers.

6.15pm Vigil Mass (entry at 6pm).

4pm 5pm

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

Vespers and Benediction.

8.30am Mass - for Mass times on other weekdays please call the

Convent the night before on 01903 882 536.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Cathedral: Convent :

10.30am otherwise by appointment.

Before/after the Saturday 6.15pm Mass.

Easter Reflection

by

Deacon David The liturgy is very much related to the seasons of the year.

Christmas, celebrating the birth of the ‘Light of the World’ comes in the darkest days of winter. Pentecost, celebrating the coming of the Holy Spirit as a fire to ‘renew the face of the earth’ comes in the burning heat (we hope) of summer. And, of course, Easter comes in Spring, when the world seems to be waking up after its winter sleep.

I’m not sure that I could cope with living in the southern hemisphere, or even in the tropics, where the liturgy is out of step with the seasonal changes, or where the differences in season are not so clearly defined. It would certainly take a lot of getting used to.

The season of Lent was originally devised as the final period of preparation for the catechumens who were to be baptised at Easter. The lengthening days symbolised the growing light of their understanding, through study and prayer.

At Easter, they were baptised – given new life in Christ – just at the time when the whole world seemed to be bursting with new life. It is the Resurrection that makes this new life possible. As St Paul says: ‘If Christ has not been raised then your faith is futile, and you are still in your sins.’ [1Cor 15:17] Baptism into the risen Christ also gives us a new freedom from the slavery of sin and there is symbolism of this too in the seasonal changes. During winter we spend much more time inside, out of the cold and wind. As the warmer weather arrives we are much more free to come and go. The doors and windows of our houses stand open, so that we feel less confined. All this is a reminder of the effects of the effects of the Resurrection which we have received in Baptism. So, after the rigours of Lent, celebrate Easter with joy. Paul (again), probably quoting an ancient hymn, says, ‘Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” [Eph 5: 14] A very Happy Easter to you all.

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Mary Magdalene: a Saint for Easter ‘The Penitent’ turned Witness

By Mary Corbyn

IT’S ALL A BOUT TURNING...turning FROM – as when we received the ashes on our foreheads and were urged to ‘turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel’ – and turning TO as in this hymn: Turn to me, O turn and be saved, says the Lord, for I am God; there is no other, none beside me, I call your name.

It was in the calling of her name that Mary Magdalene recognised the Lord as she wept beside the empty tomb: Jesus said to her “Mary” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni” which means Teacher.

John 20: 16 All doubt gone, Mary hurried away to carry out her task: Go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” John 20: 18 But what, really, do we know about Mary of Magdala? In iconography she is named ‘the Penitent’ and shown holding a plain cross and a fine, decorated flask; this reflects a widelyheld tradition that she is the woman, a well-known sinner, who gate-crashed a very respectable dinner party given by Simon the Pharisee at which Jesus was a guest. She created a scene, weeping over the feet of Jesus, drying them with her hair and then anointing them.

The host, Simon, appeared to use the occasion to cast doubt on the identity of Jesus as a prophet, only to earn some very sharp words from Jesus concerning his failure to perform the duties proper in a host.

As for the woman, Jesus spoke gently to her: “Your sins are forgiven, your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

Luke 7: 36-50 ARTICLES FOR THE PENTECOST ISSUE OF THE PROCLAIMER: 7 MAY 2010 Email to clouter@mac.com or post to Cathedral House, Parson’s Hill, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9AY

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The image of Mary Magdalene and Jesus is a mezzotint from the 1800s by the Scottish artist Sir Joseph Noel Paton, who worked in the pre-Raphaelite style.

Picture courtesy of www.marymagdalene.net

But nowhere in this account is the penitent woman named; only in a few following verses does Luke refer to ‘Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out’ as one of the group who followed Jesus as he continued his journey through cities and villages. She followed him even to Calvary where she stood at the foot of the cross with his mother and the other women.

Matthew, Mark and John also give their accounts of anointing, but these are reported as having taken place at Bethany – in John’s version actually in the house of Martha and Mary whereas Matthew and Mark refer to ‘the house of Simon the leper’; here it is just ‘a woman’ who comes in with her jar of precious ointment (called Nard, see pages 25-27 in this issue), which she pours on Jesus’ head. John places the scene six days before Passover and relates that it is Mary herself (sister of Martha and Lazarus) who has the ‘costly perfume’ with which she anoints the feet of Jesus. In the Bethany stories, there is no mention of repentance and forgiveness, rather, Jesus accepts the gesture as in some way anticipating the anointing that will be performed at his burial.

It has been said that Mary Magdalene has been a victim of mistaken identity for almost twelve centuries – but does it matter? She is the saint with whom we can all – as sinners – readily identify, taking comfort from the words of Jesus as if addressed to us. Perhaps that accounts for her popularity and the spread of devotion to her throughout the Christian world, with many churches dedicated to her. The great Abbey of Vézelay in France (pictured on page 6) 5

Photos courtesy of www.sacred-destinations.com

owed its prestige to the claim that it possessed her relics, bringing thousands of pilgrims to its doors.

Legend tells of the saint being set adrift in a boat with Martha and Lazarus (thus confusing the gospel accounts) along with other companions. The boat eventually landed them in Southern France where, it is said, Mary Magdalene lived a contemplative life in a remote cave.

Whatever her story, Mary of Magdala must surely have experienced a transforming encounter with Jesus of Nazareth which entirely changed the direction of her life. Her faithfulness, which appears to outdo even that of Jesus’ disciples, led to her privileged role as first witness of the Resurrection – and messenger of the Good News to the apostles and so to the Church and the world. Her feastday in celebrated on 22 July.

PAPAL VISIT TO THE UK The Holy Father has officially announced his forthcoming visit to the UK on 16 -19 September 2010.

Sadly there is already opposition headed by the Secular Society of Great Britain to this visit. They already have an online petition which has attracted over 20,000 signatures.

There is another petition supporting the Papal visit with less than 6.000 visits. Please visit the link as below and sign the supporting petition as we welcome the Holy Father to our country. www.petitiononline.com/PopeinUK/petition.html 6

All about the Abbey of Vézelay Courtesy of www.sacred-destinations.com

Also known as the Basilique Ste-Madeleine (Basilica Church of St. Mary Magdalene) in Vézelay, the Abbey is the largest Romanesque church in France and only 10 yards shorter than the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. As it claimed to guard the relics of St. Mary Magdalene, Vézelay was a major medieval pilgrimage destination. It also saw the launch of the Second and Third Crusades.

Vézelay's history began in 860 AD, when the hilltop site was donated for the purposes of a monastery by Gerard, Count of Roussillon and his wife, Bertha. King Nicholas I in 867 and King Charles the Bald in 868 confirmed the donation. The new Vézelay Abbey was overseen by the great Benedictine Abbey at Cluny. Eudes, the monastery's first Abbot, offered his hospitality to King John VIII, who in 879 consecrated the First Church. Norman invasions destroyed the original church, which was then restored under Abbot Geoffrey in the early 11th century.

It was also under Abbot Geoffrey that the Abbey of Vézelay was first associated with St. Mary Magdalene. A papal letter dated to 1050 AD shows that the name of the saint was part of the official title of the abbey by that time.

It was around this time that the monks of Vézelay recorded an account according to which the tombs of Sts. Maximinus and Magdalene, at St-Maximin in Provence, had been opened and their bodies removed to Vézelay. Shortly afterwards, a second account relates that only the body of St. Mary Magdalene was taken. For two centuries the account of the monks of Vézelay was accepted. Papal Bulls of Lucius III, Urban III, and Clement III confirmed the statement that they possessed the body of St. Mary Magdalene. Accordingly, the tomb of the saint was visited in the 12th century by a host of illustrious pilgrims. "All France," wrote Hugh of Poitiers, "seems to go to the solemnities of the Magdalene."

The pilgrimage led to the town of Vezelay rising up around the abbey and an increase in the 7

monastery's power and prestige. Construction on the present basilica began in 1096 under Abbot Artaud to properly honour the sacred relics and welcome the many pilgrims. The “Basilica of the Madeleine” was dedicated in 1104 by Paschal II, Artaud's successor.

Soon after the founding of the original basilica, a major conflict erupted. Abbot Artaud demanded money from the townspeople for the reconstruction of the church and the monks refused to grant political independence to the citizens. This resulted in an insurrection in July 1120 in which the Abbey was burnt and the Abbot murdered.

Abbot Renaud de Semur, who later became Archbishop of Lyons, raised the basilica from ruins and added an Abbot's Palace. Work on the basilica's Romanesque nave was underway from 1120 to its dedication in 1132; the narthex was built around 1140-50. The original choir was destroyed by fire in 1165 and rebuilt in the Gothic style.

During the 12th century three more revolts occurred, fanned by the counts of Nevers, who wished to acquire the suzerainty over Vézelay for themselves. The monks were aided by the influence both of the Pope and of King Louis VII and came out victorious in every instance.

Under Abbot Pontius of Montboisier (d. 1161), a former monk of Cluny, Vézelay emancipated itself from Cluniac rule, declared its autonomy as against the claims of the bishops of Autun, and victoriously resisted the encroachments of the counts of Nevers.

Despite these conflicts, Vézelay continued to receive thousands of pilgrims and it hosted a number of important historical events: - In 1146 St. Bernard of Clairvaux preached the Second Crusade in front of the basilica.

- On Pentecost, 1166, St. Thomas à Becket used the pulpit of Vézelay to pronounce excommunication against the clerics who, to gratify King Henry II, had violated the rights of the Church.

- In July 1190, Richard the Lion-Heart and Philip Augustus met at the Abbey Vézelay to begin their journey on the Third Crusade.

- In 1217, St. Francis of Assisi founded the first French community of Friars Minor at Vézelay.

The prestige of the Abbey began to diminish in 1280 when the Dominicans of St. Maximin in Provence claimed that the true body of St. Mary Magdalene had been discovered in their church. Consequently, the number of pilgrims to Vézelay declined sharply during the 14th and 15th centuries.

In 1538, a Papal Bull of Secularization sought by King Francis I and the monks themselves transformed the Abbey into a simple collegiate church. Odet de Chatillon, brother of Coligny and Abbot of Vézelay, subsequently became a Calvinist.

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During the 16th century Wars of Religion, Vézelay was thoroughly sacked by Huguenots. The Huguenot masters of Vézelay converted the Abbey into a storehouse and stable and burned the relics.

During the French Revolution the ancient monastery buildings were destroyed and sold at auction. Only the basilica, cloister, and dormitory escaped demolition.

An attempt at restoration of the once-great pilgrimage site was made in 1876 by the future Cardinal Bernadou, Archbishop of Sens. The archbishop determined to restore the pilgrimage of St. Mary Magdalene at Vézelay and so brought a relic of the saint which Martin IV had given to the Chapter of Sens in 1281.

The basilica itself was restored by Viollet le Duc in 1840, the same restorer who fixed up the Cathedrals of Laon, Amiens and Paris's Notre-Dame.

Have you ever wondered about Life?

Why the sun lightens our hair but darkens our skin?

Why a woman can’t put on mascara with her mouth closed?

Why they call the airport ‘the terminal’ if flying is so safe?

Why ‘abbreviated’ is such a long word?

Why the man who invests all your money is called a broker?

Why there isn’t mouse-flavoured cat food?

Who tastes dog food when it has a ‘new and improved’ flavour?

Why an aeroplane isn’t made from the material used for the indestructable black box?

Why doctors call what they do a practice?

And finally...

Why lemon juice is made with artificial flavouring, while washing-up liquid is made with real lemons?

Hmmmm.

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Obituary: Provost Bernard David Thom 1929 - 2009

From the 2010 Diocesan Directory Bernard was born on 17 September 1929 into a loving (reasonably well-to-do) family and was very poud of his Scottish ancestry; he could even count Alexander Selkirk, the inspiration for the novel Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe, as a distant relative.

His childhood was interrupted by the Second World War and he was evacuated to Llandudno, North Wales with his mother, brother Ian and sister Mary, where he was taught to swim by a James Callaghan, later to become Prime Minister and Lord of the Realm. The only sadness was the death of his elder brother Forbes, killed in action serving with the RAF. Bernard pursued his vocation to the priesthood and on 12 June 1954 was ordained for the Diocese of Southwark. He was quickly identified as a high flyer, his stature and intellect set him apart from mere mortals. He was appointed to the Southwark Schools Commission in 1956 and was Clerk to Governors to all Catholic Schools in South London, being the only person who understood the new Education Act. An addiction to alcohol had taken hold over the years and Bishop Cormac gave Bernard the stark choice ‘live or die.’ With the support of the Church, family and friends the old Bernard did die but death was not the end - with recovery came the resurrection. A man of complete compassion, who now understood the forgiveness of God and no matter how hopeless a situation may seem, with God there is always hope.

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Here are Bernard’s words written in Clayton Court one week before hid death: “I have received so many graces since my first diagnosis with terminal cancer - it certainly focuses the mind. My gratitude to all those who have helped me with their care and patience, especially the Brothers and staff of the De La Salle Community at Clayton Court.

“The Priesthood has been my life and I’m so glad to have been a priest for 55 years. The first half of my life was filled with opportunities for interest and diversity - being a member of the Southwark Schools Commission at a time when many Catholic schools were being built and opened under the terms of the new Education Acts, teaching in the last days of the Junior Seminary before returning to parish life in different parts of the diocese including a time at this great Cathedral.

“It was at Arundel that I finally discovered that I was addicted to alcohol. Thank God, a local noble Lord ‘blew the whistle on me’ and opened up the possibility to be helped out of those very dark days.

“My life changed when I joined a necessarily anonymous organisation, first in America and then back in this country - an organisation that welcomed me without judgement or question over 26 years ago. I am sure that it has made me a better person and a better priest. It gave me a host of friends as well as giving me the chance to renew my relationship with God. I am sure there are fellow members here today. To them I say a big ‘thank you’ for the friendship, love and support you’ve always given me.

“I believe that we are closest to God when we love that extraordinary and mystical power we have within us. That love can bridge so many of our human divisions and bring healing to a broken world.”

Bernard served in the parishes of Wallington and Streatham as assistant priest and then in the parishes of Burgess Hill, Arundel, Polegate, Leatherhead, Eastbourne and Selsey before retiring to Midhurst. He died on 24 October 2009 aged 80 years.

May he rest in peace.

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The Solemnity of Corpus Christi 3 June 2010

Last year’s Carpet of Flowers in the Cathedral

The parish celebrates this solemnity annually with the famous CARPET OF FLOWERS. This year it will be on public display in the Cathedral on 2/3 June. The festival which celebrates the Body and Blood of Christ attracts vast numbers of visitors who come from far and wide, including foreign visitors who have heard about it through various sources. The hard work required to keep this wonderful feast alive in Arundel is a true test of faith and none of this could happen without the help of volunteers from around the parish and beyond. The design of the carpet has now been finalised and will commemorate the Church’s decision to celebrate 2009/10 as ‘The Year of the Priest’. Literally thousands of flowers have been ordered so that the intricate designs can be executed.

Among the many tasks which volunteers can undertake is marshalling in the Cathedral. This is an important task and includes talking to visitors and answering their questions. Help is also required in the sale of the wonderful religious goods available and of course the making and serving of refreshments in St. Mary’s Hall. Finally the Mass and Procession, the crowning glory of our celebration, will need ushers and marshals as well. If you can spare any time during the week beginning Tuesday 1 June, it will be greatly appreciated. Please contact the Parish Office on 01903 882 297, or turn up on the day to offer your services.

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Parish People: Mary Bagg

by Colin Swanton

One of the many pleasurable aspects of the life of a large church or cathedral is the skill and devoted attention given to the decoration of it with flowers for special occasions such as (in our case) Easter, Corpus Christi and Christmas. One of the prime movers in our parish in getting these displays organised is Mary Bagg.

Mary, a ‘Mullet and proud of it’, she says, was born in Surrey Street within the walls of the old town and attended Mass at the Cathedral from an early age. Early memories include walking in the Corpus Christi procession from the age of three. As she grew up, it was Liz O’Brien who first encouraged her to try flower arranging by saying ‘Just watch me!’ Mary said that she had no other training but was always good with colours and this has continued to hold her in good stead, as getting the colours matched is an essential part of the display. When Liz died, Mary was thrown in at the deep end and took over the flower arranging; she has done the job ever since, with the support of a loyal band of helpers, including Mary Harding and Margaret Myerscough.

Mary went on to tell me that at around six months before Corpus Christi, the group works out each year’s display, and then meets up with Jim Myerscough and Canon Tim to go through the details with them. They then have to decide on what flowers are needed and, most importantly, how many of each type and colour will be required. Flowers are bought from Countryfresh Nurseries in Yapton. They can offer the double chrysanthemums, which are grown in Holland and are the main flowers for the carpet. Flowers have to be ordered some weeks ahead – particularly in a year such as this when our display is in the same week as Chichester Cathedral’s.

On the Sunday before Corpus Christi at around 5.30pm a roll of card is laid down along the Nave and Oliver Hawkins does the layout and cuts what stencils are needed for the patterns.

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The flowers for the floral decorations are collected on the Monday morning whilst those for the carpet are collected on the Tuesday morning. Flower arranging continues throughout Monday and Tuesday before the Cathedral is opened to the public on the Wednesday and Thursday. The main Corpus Christi Mass is usually at 5.30pm - see page 12 for more details.

Mary likes to see children get more involved with the laying of the carpet and lately, groups of children from Year 6 spend part of each day giving a hand. One child, Alexi Hawkey, who also serves in the Cathedral at the 9.30am Mass every week, does his own layout drawings for Mary ‘in case you need any ideas’, he says. Mary finds this very encouraging and looks forward to his contribution each year.

Mary and her husband, Derek, have lived all their married lives in Arundel, until very recently, in a large semi in Howard Road. There they brought up their three children – one girl and two boys. They now also have three grandsons and a granddaughter.

No longer needing their large house, they moved to a small bungalow in Angmering a few weeks ago – the first time Mary has not lived in Arundel – and are already happily settled there.

Arundel Cathedral remains an important part of their lives, and we look forward to enjoying many more beautiful floral arrangements. Mary’s enthusiasm for the flower arranging in the Cathedral is obvious when you hear her speak about it – one thing she did ask me to say in this article is that volunteers are always needed and if anyone would like to help they can contact her through the Cathedral office on 01903 882 297.

Comedy with the Clergy When visiting his local hospital a priest glanced over a list of patients displayed in the matron’s office. He noticed that the letters ‘RC’ appeared frequently after the names of various patients, took no notice and made a special note he should see these people regularly. Gradually he saw more incoming patients with ‘RC’ after their names on the growing list. One day he remarked to the matron on the high percentage of Roman Catholics.“Oh, that’s not their denomination,” replied the matron, smiling, “RC stands for their breakfast preference - Rice Crispies.”

A group of clergy had gone into retreat and the subject of dreams, prophecy and fulfillment came up. “I firmly believe in it,” said one, “why, last week I was sound asleep, dreaming I was in an important diocesan committee meeting. The bishop singled me out of all the others in the room to ask my advice about something.

Then when I woke up, sure enough, there I was.”

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Good Neighbours Scheme

We’re here, we’re listening and we can help!

Are you lonely and over the age of 50 or do you know a lonely older person? Are you able to spare an hour or two each week, to visit an older socially isolated person?

The Good Neighbours Scheme, run by Age Concern West Sussex, has now been going for almost a year in the Littlehampton area, and is keen to expand its services to people aged 50 and over. Kelly Compton, the Scheme Co-ordinator, reminds us that there are many lonely older people in our local community who the team are trying to reach out to and to also recruit new volunteers, who can provide additional support in the Arundel area.

Why Do We Need A Good Neighbours Scheme?

The quality of all our lives depends, to a significant degree, upon the relationships we have with other people. Social relationships are a major source of happiness, and no individual has the ability to live entirely without other people. Solitary confinement is one of the most psychologically damaging experiences that can be imposed upon any individual. Whilst some people are able to cope better than others with social isolation, few would choose this as a favoured way of life. Everywhere there are older people living alone and experiencing the recognisable effects of social isolation - apathy, depression and, ultimately, self-neglect.

Increased social mobility has also contributed to the isolation of older people. Children and other family members often live many miles away, a factor that can lead to the feelings of abandonment in older people and considerable guilt on the part of younger relatives. Finally, many local communities are currently lacking much of the social cohesion they might once have had, with neighbours less likely to befriend and support each other. The primary aim of the Good Neighbours Scheme is to help alleviate at least some of the loneliness and social isolation experienced by older people as well as to help establish social links and access local services and facilities.

So what does the Good Neighbours Scheme provide?

The Scheme currently offers two levels of support: ‘Home from Hospital’ and ‘Short-Term Befriending.’ Both services are offered free of charge.

‘Home from Hospital’ supports older people, living alone, to prepare for hospital admission or re-settle back into their own homes after discharge from hospital during the first few critical weeks. The Scheme’s very friendly volunteers are able to assist their clients through these potentially difficult times, maybe helping with escorted shopping; collecting prescriptions, or providing information about other services. Or they might do nothing more than just sit and have a good old natter over a nice cup of tea! The client can feel reassured that someone they 15

can trust will call once or twice a week, for up to ten weeks or ten visits whichever is the longer, to ensure that they are coping.

Again, the ‘Short-Term Befriending’ service provides volunteers to visit on a regular basis for a maximum of 10 weeks or 10 visits, whichever is the longer. The volunteer befrienders are able to assist with most tasks associated with daily living except for personal care, cleaning, DIY and gardening. Perhaps most importantly they will listen to their clients’ needs and “signpost” them in the right direction to obtain additional advice, information or support.

Referrals for both services can come from social workers, GPs, or other statutory/voluntary agencies. However, an increasing number of referrals are coming from friends, relatives, or potential clients themselves.

Kelly Compton says there is an urgent need for both services but points out that the Scheme cannot possibly meet existing and potential demand without volunteers! Training is given and all volunteers are fully supported throughout their time with Age Concern West Sussex and all out of pocket expenses are reimbursed. “Just an hour or so a week is all we ask of your time.”

For further information about the Good Neighbours befriending scheme, or to simply request a volunteer information pack, please call Kelly Compton or Sharon Nurse on 01903 731 800.

Eulogy for Sister Francis

by Sister Aelred, Poor Clares Convent When we met the other night to share our memories of Sr. Francis’ long life, what emerged was that the 95 years she had been alive, more than seventy of them as a Poor Clare were paralleled by a wonderful inner journey which brought her to the gentleness, peace and gratitude characterising the years of her sickness and helplessness.

Sr. Francis, Margaret as she was then, was the eldest girl of a family of 10 and her mother died in childbirth when she was a young teenager. Her father could not cope with the whole family so the girls were placed in Nazareth House. In her later life Sr. Francis spoke sometimes of her mother and the immense grief and bewilderment she had experienced in that bereavement. At the age of 19 she entered the Poor Clares in Bullingham without her father’s consent. Her younger sister Agnes who was later to enter the Poor Clare monastery in York, was then sent to the foundation in Sri Lanka and onto Australia where she died a few years ago.

In Bullingham, for some reason we do not know, Sr. Francis and her friend who had entered with her were not allowed to become enclosed Poor Clares but were formed to be Extern sisters, who serve the enclosed community. Sr. Francis always believed it was because she had been in Nazareth House and had come from a poor background. The extern sisters were often 16

away from the community on begging missions, in parish churches after the Masses and also from door to door. Sr. Francis hated this, not primarily because it was physically demanding, she never shirked hardship, but because it was taking money from the poor who often had to borrow money from a neighbour in order not to send the sisters away empty handed. In this as in all else she had a keen sense of justice and though she was by temperament reserved, she was fearless in speaking her mind when she saw it was called for.

From that difficult beginning - of being deprived of the form of life she felt called to - she carried into religious life an abiding sense of grievance and bitterness which must have caused her much suffering. She was defensive for her fellow extern sisters and this, with her capacity for confrontation, sometimes made life difficult for her Abbesses and the then rigid separation of extern sisters from the rest of the community did not help towards a healing of these wounds. Even in those difficult days she showed a ready compassion, a love of prayer and while away on begging missions and also locally, was instrumental in bringing many people back to the practice of their faith. She was never idle (in those days free time was not a thing much encouraged!) and she nursed her companion extern sisters devotedly when they were ill, and, with other sisters, ran a thriving greenhouse business. The locals still enquire after the Greenhouse Sisters from whom they bought their plants each year. Her hand knitting was of an exquisite quality and a prodigious quantity (her mother had taught her to knit as a small girl) and when her sight was too bad to make garments she knitted huge blankets which are still in use today.

After the death of Sr Gabriel she remained in the extern quarters with just her beloved cats for company, but in 1995 she was very ill and had to come ‘inside’ to be looked after. This loss of her independence had been the thing she dreaded above all, but when it happened she not only accepted it but loved it. She entered a time of very poor health, much pain, loss of sight and hearing and all the diminishments that follow, but she loved the extra company, especially of the young sisters who loved to be with her. Her little tape recorder, marked with red and 17

green stickers to help her to use it in spite of her encroaching blindness was a great boon, and she went through hours of taped conferences. Sr. Margaret Mary read to her each day, at first the Rule and Constitutions and the documents of Vatican 2, then other holy books. Gradually this unquenchable thirst for holy things became satisfied and Miss Read and Marcia Willet replaced the heavier stuff. She loved listening to the letters from Myanga and Hollington and was delightful to read to as she entered in totally, making comments as you went along. ’Oh my!’ she would say, or ‘that’s tairrible’, with the Scottish accent she never lost. Part of why she was so lovely to look after was that she responded so warmly and attentively to those who were doing things for her and would say, ’you must be very tired’ or ‘have you had your breakfast?’ Sr. Angela warmly remembers that when she was Abbess she would entrust any big difficulty or worry to Sr. Francis’ prayers knowing Francis would take the request seriously and put it into her endless rosaries. Sr. Graca and Sr. Gabriel who were with Francis when she died were so moved to see her lips moving as they said a last rosary with her. While still here in the Infirmary she loved to say the last community prayer of the day with the infirmarian.

She would put her hands in yours and say, ‘PROTECT US O LORD FROM THE POWERS OF EVIL, SUPPORT US IN OUR LIVES OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. MAY GOD BE WITH US ALWAYS AND MAY WE BE WITH HIM ALWAYS AND IN EVERY PLACE’ and somehow the tensions and difficulties of the day fell away into insignificance in that moment.

For the last 17 months she has been cared for devotedly at St. Joseph’s, and on behalf of the community, Beth and her family I would like to take this opportunity of thanking Sr. Angela, Sr .Anastasia and Sr. Clare and all the lovely nurses and carers who have done for our sister what latterly we were unable to do. And thank you all for the cups of tea you made us each time we visited. Sr. Clare remarked that she never knew anyone who enjoyed her cup of tea as much as Sr. Francis! All of you in St. Joseph’s may be sure that the unfailing gratitude with which Sr. Francis responded to every service done for her will not suddenly stop now she is with God. Dear Sr .Francis, may you be united with all your loved ones and may you rest in peace and joy.

Poor Clares Gift Shop ~ open 9.30am - 5pm ~ please ring the front door bell ~ - Seasonal jams and chutney - Poor Clares greetings and handmade cards -books, bookmarks and postcards - African notelets - Olive wood carving from the Holy Land - religious artefacts - mounted icons or handpainted icons by order - a wide range of home knitted products by the sisters All welcome to browse or visit www.poorclaresarundel.org for order or enquiry Poor Clares Convent, Crossbush BN18 9PJ Tel: 01903 882 536/883 125 18

Proclaimer Crossword Puzzle 8

by Chris Dinham

Clues Across

Clues Down

1. Short summary (8) 1. Team, or viewpoint (4) 5. Gallant; prepared to have a try (4) 2. Zero (4) 9. In which railway food is served (6,3) 3. Useful vehicle for house-movers (12) 10. Refuse heap (3) 4. Salary (4) 11. Freedom to go ahead (10) 6. On who probably won’t win (8) 14. Dismount (6) 7. Relied on (8) 15. Plan or programme (6) 8. Travel from east to west (5-7) 17. Fickle; inconsistent (10) 12. Nonsensical, but funny (8) 20. Water container (3) 13. Allocate; distribute (8) 21. Defeat; fling too hard (9) 16. Descriptive of the very best (6) 22. Look in an unpleasant way (4) 18. Hold tightly (4) 23. Doesn’t shift (5,3) 19. Cram for exam (4)

TURN TO PAGE 22 FOR THE SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD PUZZLE 7

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Explosive News from the Archives

by Deacon David

Before the present Cathedral was built in 1873 the Catholic Chapel (as it was known) was situated in what is now the Priory Playhouse, in London Road. If you look carefully you will see that there are only windows at the upper level because the space inside is double height, and inside, even though it has been converted into a theatre, you can see the occasional glimpse of a carved angel!

Here is an account of an unfortunate incident at the chapel nearly 140 years ago...

ALARMING EXPLOSION AT THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHAPEL No little consternation was created at the Roman Catholic Chapel at Arundel, on Sunday evening last, by an escape of gas. When the congregation entered the building, a strong odour of gas was smelt, which greatly increased, and when half the service had been gone through, one of the clerks, with a lighted taper, proceeded to ascertain the whereabouts of the leakage, which was discovered at one of the gas stove gratings. Immediately the taper was applied a flash of light rushed forth to some height, burning the whiskers and face of the clerk.

A stout, elderly gentleman from Shoreham, who had never been in a Roman Catholic place of worship before, and who was staying in Arundel for the market in the morning, had ventured in, in spite of the remonstrance of two friends. There was something peculiarly ominous about the smell of gas to him. As he sat in his seat he pictured to himself the explosion in the parish church at Shoreham - about the time that their vicar, Mr. Wheeler, went over to the Church of Rome - when the windows were blown out and the clerk lifted up to the ceiling, and who came down again with a broken leg.

In the midst of this reverie it was that the light burst forth. He instantly tried to assure himself that the smell and flare might only be perhaps a part of the service, but seeing the people begin to make towards the door, he, not waiting for his hat, rushed off helter-skelter, picking up a child in the way, and managed to reach the street. He declares that he shall never forget his first visit to a Roman Catholic Chapel, and he gets no sympathy from his friends, who tell him that it “sarves him right.�

As reported in the West Sussex Gazette of 15 December 1870

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St. Philip’s Catholic Primary School News

The School Council at St. Philip’s met Shadow School’s Minister, Nick Gibb M.P. in the Houses of Parliament. They shared the day with the Deanery Schools, St. Philip Howard Catholic High School, St. Richard’s Catholic Primary in Chichester and St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Bognor. The purpose of the visit was to raise the profile of Fairtrade at a Parliamentary level and to deepen the children’s knowledge of Citizenship.

Questions were asked by the children on a range of topics, including his attitude to Sats tests.

They also asked him to offer reassurance that an incoming Conservative government would legislate to encourage Fair Trade branded goods.

The children have written their own thoughts on the day...

“First of all we got on the coach and it took so long. Two hours later we finally got there.

Before we went in we had to go through a security check. When we got in the Houses of Parliament a man showed us around. Then he took us to see people acting in the hallway.

Then we went to see where the Queen walked through every year. Then we met the MP and asked him some questions about schools and Fair Trade. After that we had lunch. We had to sit on wooden benches to eat! Before we left we went into the House of Commons to watch them talk to each other. Finally after a long day we got back on the coach for another two hours. I thought it was amazing because it was really interesting and I learnt so much.”

By Dominic Buckle and Jessica North Y4 “When we got to the Houses of Parliament we had high security, which meant we had to put our bags through a scanner and the teachers had their photos taken. Our bags were checked and we were asked if we had any bombs. Next, we entered a huge room, where we waited for 21

our tour to start. It was in this room that Oliver Cromwell’s head was hung for 25 years. A gentleman with a long white moustache took us on our tour around Parliament. We went into the House of Lords, where some of the paths to the House of Commons was restricted. This was because Gordon Brown and David Cameron were having a meeting. In the House of Lords we saw a painting of Napoleon and curtains which were used to divide the French and English. There was a throne for the Queen for when she comes to Parliament and a statue of Queen Victoria directly in front of us. After this we went into another room where there were lots of microphones and three gold thrones. We visited lots of other elaborate rooms too!

After lunch we went to the gallery above the House of Commons and we met a big man called Nick Gibb, an M.P. He answered our pre-prepared questions, but unfortunately we did not have a chance to ask ours. There were many questions, including ‘Why do we have SATs?’, ‘Why is there Parliament?’ Then he gave us a mini tour. Then he told us to go to the shop if we have money (we didn’t) but Mrs Groves saved the day and let us have a pencil, so we were happy. We really enjoyed going to London and the experience of visiting the Houses of Parliament, it is something we will always remember.”

By Jessica Brown and Henry Johnson Y5 “First, we went on a tour of the House of Lords, where there were many elaborate paintings of war and hardship. We passed statues (which followed you with an icy glare) and models, mosaics and patterns covering every square inch that wasn’t covered already. Questions burst inside my head and I felt it spin. We proceeded down winding corridors, we passed crowds of tourists and menacing guards and it felt very exciting. When we reached our destination there was a delicately decorated throne. The throne. Past it were many chairs and benches for those lucky enough to see the Queen. We moved on through. There was a giant statue of Queen Victoria in the middle of one room, paintings of Princes and Kings in the next. With not much time to go, we strolled around the House of Commons, asked some questions and listened intently on a fair speech on bribery. But then our time ran out, and all I can do now is remember.”

By Richard Schaeffer Y6

SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD PUZZLE 7 from the Lent Parish Proclaimer

CLUES ACROSS 1.Hideaway 5.Lace 9.Steep hill 10.Odd 11.Underwater 4.Acidic 15.Snooze 17.Nottingham 20.Car 21.Inelastic 22.Ease 23.Addendum CLUES DOWN 1.Hush 2.Deep 3.Appendicitus 4.Arisen 6.Adoption 7.Endorsed 8.Blowing a gale 12.Barnacle 13.Pictures 16.Agreed 18.Stud 19.Scum

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Keep Taking THE TABLET The New Missal (2)

by Michael Winters

In the Lent Proclaimer I introduced the subject of the new English translation of the Missal. I was greatly disturbed not only by the published objective that it should remain very close to the Latin text, but also by how it was actually working out. Since then, the Letters pages in The Tablet have been full of comments on this issue, most of which have been strongly opposed to the intended changes. I am therefore returning to this subject, this time on a Question-and-Answer basis.

1. Why are we having a new translation?

Because English is a living language which inevitably changes over the years. The version of the Missal being used should always be readily understandable by the great majority.

2. Why stick closely to Latin?

Because all the current translations (French, Spanish, Chinese and so on) are also close to Latin, and so all Catholics worldwide are praying together on the same track (or to use a current expression: “we are all singing from the same hymn-sheet”!).

3. Why do we have a Mass at all?

Because Our Lord gave us the foremost commandment (Luke 10:25) that we should love God with all our might etc., and to re-enact the Last Supper. The purpose of Mass is to help everybody, both clerical and lay, to do just that. It follows that every aspect of the Mass should regularly be examined to ensure that it is best designed to assist with this objective. It also follows that any aspect which weakens the drive for this objective (such as following a ritual merely because it is a ritual) is a ‘false god’. I take it as a self-evident truth that, as far as possible, everybody at Mass should be able to understand/appreciate what is going on.

4. Who will be using the new translation?

Across the world, the number of Catholics for whom English is the primary language runs into many millions. Let us take an average sample of, say, 1,000 people. Out of these, the number who can actually read is probably not more than one-half, ie. 500 individuals. The other 500 will be the under-privileged, the fishermen, the shepherds, the harvesters and the carpenters (and their sons). It is only by listening (and by remembering what they had heard previously) that these under-privileged 500 can understand the meaning of what is going on. There is clearly little room for poetic flights of fancy (as found in the Psalms). Instead, the message should be simple, direct and able to be understood ‘first time’ - the illiterate cannot ‘back-track’ and go over the words again.

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5. What ‘style’ should be adopted in the new translation?

Scripture gives us clear guidance here. In Acts 2, the Apostles were talking to “devout men from every nation under heaven,” and 12 such nations were listed. Despite the apostles being Galileans, each of the devout men were “bewildered to hear [the Apostles] speaking his own language about the marvels of God.” The message is clear - the language to be used must be able to be understood without difficulty by the man-in-the-street.

6. How, in fact, has the new translation worked out?

Dreadfully; let me give you an example. The following are some of the words we currently use in the ‘confession’ at the beginning of Mass: “I have sinned through my own fault … in what I have done and in what I have failed to do”. This is replaced by: “I have greatly sinned in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault.” Now, we have all sinned, but sins can be graded from ‘naughty’ (venial sins) to ‘heinous’ (mortal sins). The new words ‘greatly’ and ‘grievous’ now being introduced make it appear that the clergy believe that each of us regularly and indeed frequently commits mortal sins. It is, they appear to believe, the norm of everyday life.

Let us go back to Scripture. You will remember that Jesus as a baby was presented at the Temple. Luke (2:36) tells us that at that time Anna (an 84-year old widow) was there. “She never left the Temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayer.” Nevertheless, had this new translation then been in force, she would have had to declare and believe that she had been committing a mortal sin at least once a week.

7. How did this nonsense come about?

Who wrote (several hundred years after the crucifixion) the original Latin text? We don’t know, but it might have been a monk living with other monks and with no knowledge of the world outside. In Latin the words were in the form of a nice alliterative 3-point jingle - “Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa” - and the monks might well have thought it sounded attractive. In the context of a Tridentine Mass, the laity would not have understood it. Out of our sample of 1,000, only 5 would be clergy and only 1 or 2 would be monks. Perhaps they would have just passed over it. The Vatican now wants the new translation to follow the Latin ultra-closely. Pages 8/9 of the issue of The Tablet of 16/1/2010 give many other examples.

8. In The Tablet, what opinions have been expressed so far?

As far as I can remember, nobody has expressed any concern in principle for a new translation to be prepared, so as to deal with the gradual evolution of the English language. However, by a considerable margin, the new ultra-close draft has been rejected by both clergy and laity, both in the page-long articles and in the letters which have been published.

What surprises and saddens me are the reasons put forward by those (few) people who admit that they are comfortable with the new translation. In no case can I find any suggestion that the new draft will help people, either at the privileged or the under-privileged ends of the 24

the spectrum, to pray. Instead, for the most part they merely argue that the language is more ‘noble’. For example the Archbishop of Westminster says (T.6/3/10p37) that it would not be appropriate to use normal speech (“chatter”) for Mass. I find this elitist. There is another correspondent (T.6/2/10p19) who argues that the Mass is merely a public ritual and, as such, one would not expect to use everyday language. He accepts that the less well-educated will find the new text difficult to understand, but he thinks this to be no bad thing, as for such people it is “mystagogical”. (Don’t bother to look it up; it means ‘mysterious’.) He suggests that the under-privileged should simply adopt a “posture of contemplation.” Both his wordchoice and his attitude vividly demonstrate elitism.

Personally, when I pray to God, I speak from the heart. I have no wish to be ‘posh.’

9. What actions can or should we, ordinary members of the parish, take?

As well as praying and discussing the issues among ourselves, you may wish to add your signature to a worldwide internet petition which asks the Vatican to pause for a moment, to try out the new text in a few selected parishes in various countries, and to listen to the views of the under-privileged and less well-educated laity. At the time of the last issue of the Lent Proclaimer, the number of signatures was about 13,000. It is now about 20,000!

This petition can be found at www.whatifwejustsaidwait.org

Nard - a fragrant Biblical herb

by Father Malcolm

Though cited in only three places in the Bible, spikenard or nard, Nardostachys jatamansi, is one of the better-known perfumed plants of the Scriptures. In Solomon’s Song, nard is included in the garden of sensuous delight, to which the Lover compares his Beloved: “Your plants are an orchard of pomegranates with choice fruits, with henna and nard, nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with every kind of incense tree, with myrrh and aloes and all 25

the finest spices.” (Song of Solomon 4: 13-15, NIV) Better known is the reference in Jesus’ life: “Then Mary took about a pink of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of the disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, ‘Why was not this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.’ “ (John 12: 3-5; Mark 14: 3; NIV) The worth of the ointment was great in ancient times. Nard was traded extensively (Miller 1969). And the plant and its products are highly valued today, especially in ayurvedic medicine.

Because of demand for the plant in India and many other countries, there is concern over the exploitation of this Himalayan species (Larsen 2005). Nard is rhizomatous and the parts used include the rhizome and sometimes the leaves, which means the entire plant is destroyed. The dried rhizome is used for a variety of remedies and an oil is extracted from it as well.

Nard belongs to a group of plants like frankincense, myrrh and thyine, which were widely used in the Middle East though not cultivated there.

SPIKENARD “While the king was on his couch, my nard gave forth its fragrance.”

Song of Solomon 1: 12 “And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head.”

Mark 14: 3 “Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment.”

John 12: 3 In the time of the Bibles, spikenard (nard) was brought from India with some other drugs, such as cassia and cinnamon. In our days it is no longer valuable and has become all but obsolete.

Nerd, naird or nard is mentioned three times in the Song of Solomon and twice in the New Testament to designate an aromatic plant and the oil derived from it, which was sued by the ancients in perfumery and as an ingredient of the incense in the Temple. The identity of the Hebrew name was Nardostachys, though disputed, is accepted by most translators; nardos is also the word in Greek, nardus in Latin and nardin in Syriac and Persian. Moreover, the plant, native to Nepal and other parts of the Himalayan mountains, whence it was introduced to 26

India, has the Veddasian name narada or nalada.

Spikenard is a perennial herb of the Valerian family, sometimes included in the genus Valeriana. Its leaves and short aerial stem are very hairy and its clusters of flowers are small.

All of its parts contain an aromatic essential oil especially the rootstock, whose fragrant oil is mixed with other oils to make the spikenard ointment, a very precious salve once used in cosmetics and in medicine for the treatment of a nervous disorder.

Who God Uses...

Noah was a drunk, Abraham was too old.

Isaac was a daydreamer, Jacob was a liar.

Leah was ugly, Joseph was abused.

Moses had a stuttering problem.

Samson had long hair and was a womaniser.

Gideon was afraid, Rahab was a prostitute.

Jeremiah and Timothy were too young.

David had an affair and was an adulterer.

Elijah was suicidal, Isaiah preached naked.

Jonah ran from God, Naomi was a widow.

Job was bankrupt, John the Baptist ate bugs.

Peter denied Christ.

The Disciples fell asleep praying.

Martha worried about everything.

The Samaritan woman was divorced more than once.

Zaccheus was too small, Paul was too religious.

Timothy had an ulcer, Lazarus was dead.

No more excuses. God can use YOU to full potential.

Just remember, you aren’t the message but the messenger.

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Parish Events Diary MARCH Sunday 28

PALM SUNDAY Easter ‘Parish Proclaimer’ issued at the Masses 9.30am Mass in the Cathedral 11.15am Mass beginning at St. Mary’s Hall for Blessing of Palms

Wednesday 31

6.00pm

Chrism Mass in the Cathedral with Bishop Kieran Conry

APRIL Thursday 1

HOLY THURSDAY 8.00pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper in the Cathedral followed by watching to midnight at the Altar of Repose.

11.50pm Compline

Friday 2

GOOD FRIDAY 9.00am Office of Readings & Morning Prayer Stations of the Cross 10.00am 3.00pm Celebration of the Lord’s Passion Collection: Holy Places in Jerusalem

Saturday 3

HOLY SATURDAY 9.00am Office of Readings & Morning Prayer 8.30pm The Easter Vigil and First Mass of the Resurrection

Sunday 4

EASTER SUNDAY Masses at 9.30am and 11.15am

Sunday 11

All Masses

Wednesday 14

Live Broadcast for BBC Radio 3 with the RSCM Millennium Youth Choir – All parishioners welcome. (Please be seated by 3.45pm.)

Saturday 17

2.00pm Kent County Organists visit the Cathedral

Appeal by Visiting Priest from the Missionary Society of St. Columban

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Sunday 18

7.30pm

Arun Choral Society Concert for tickets see www.arunchoralsociety.co.uk or call ACS Box Office tel. 01798 812481

Sunday 25

All Masses 3pm

Collection: The Education of Future Priests St George’s Day Parade

Saturday 1

12 noon

UCM Mass (followed by AGM)

Friday 14

2.00pm

Wedding: Wenzell & Pearce

Sunday 16

SOLEMNITY: THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD Mass at 6.15pm Saturday 15th at the Convent of the Poor Clares 9.30/11.15am Collection: the Catholic Communications Network

MAY

3.00pm

Worthing Deanery Confirmations

Sunday 23

SOLEMNITY OF PENTECOST Pentecost ‘Parish Proclaimer’ issued at the Masses Masses at 6.15pm Saturday 22nd at the Convent of the Poor Clares 9.30/11.15am

Sunday 30

SOLEMNITY: THE MOST HOLY TRINITY Mass at the Convent of the Poor Clares 6.15pm Saturday 29th 9.30am First Holy Communion Mass 11.15am

JUNE Wednesday 2

9.30am – 8pm

CORPUS CHRISTI CARPET OF FLOWERS

Thursday 3

9.30am – 5.30pm

CORPUS CHRISTI CARPET OF FLOWERS

5.30pm

Mass with Bishop Kieran Conry

Approx. 6.30pm

Procession to the Castle

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Parish Notice Board WELCOME! If you are a new parishioner, we hope that you will quickly feel at home with us...

Please make sure that you have completed one of the special forms kept at the back of the Cathedral (to the left of where the newspapers are displayed) so that you may be registered on our Parish Database.

Melvyn Johnston is running the London Marathon on 25 April in memory of his dad, Kieran, and raising money for St. Wilfrid’s Hospice. Melvyn is keen to raise £2000 in sponsorship.

Visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/meljohnston to donate directly.

From the Parish Proclaimer Editor

ARUNDEL CATHEDRAL GIFTSHOP New in stock... a wide range of First Communion gifts!

Visit our shop to see what’s available alongside other religious gifts. Find us in the North Transept by The Shrine to St. Philip Howard.

1 Nov - 31 March: Mon - Sat, 10.30am - 12 noon 1 April - 31 Oct: Mon - Sat, 10.30am - 4.30pm All year: Sunday, after Masses If you are celebrating a special Wedding Anniversary and would like to be featured in the Parish Proclaimer, please call Louise at the Parish Office on 01903 882297.

She will arrange for Colin Swanton, a regular Proclaimer contributor to contact you and discuss more about what he can do for you

ENCOUNTER...

God’s love through praise, worship, adoration and workshops.

For anyone aged 14-20 at St.Wilfrid’s School, Crawley on Sat.17 Apr. 12-6pm www.encounter.yaab.co.uk

QUIET PRAYER An opportunity to experience 45 minutes’ quiet prayer with our church communities.

Every Monday at 2pm at the Baptist Church.

All welcome!

We are really keen to have more features that will be of interest to parishioners.

Whether it’s a recent visit to an interesting church (or cathedral) on a trip, your experience at Lourdes or at another religious shrine, or indeed any other interest you’d like to share with the rest of us, please email me!

Alex Clouter clouter@mac.com

VACANCIES AT THE TOWERS CONVENT SCHOOL CHAPLAIN R.E. TEACHER Both from September 2010 Please call 01903 812 185

Congratulations & Commemorations Baptisms 8 January 2010 - Jack Andrew Rae McCarthy 7 February 2010 - Klaidas Maskoliunas 14 February 2010 - Holly Jane Woodburn 21 March 2010 - Lewis Michael Stones

Marriages None

Deaths 5 February 2010 - Mary Deborah Neville (aged 89) 21 February 2010 - Sr. Francis of the Poor Clares (aged 95) 13 March 2010 - John Richards (aged 66) 17 March 2010 - Gerard (Ged) Phillips (aged 82)

Views expressed in The Parish Proclaimer are not necessarily the views of The Catholic Church, the Catholic Diocese of Arundel & Brighton, its affiliated companies and charities, employees thereof or persons otherwise associated directly or indirectly.

All material is provided by Cathedral parishioners and published in good faith, without guarantee.

The Arundel and Brighton Diocesan Trust is a Registered Charity - No. 252878 The Parish Proclaimer has been compiled by Alexander Clouter, a parishioner who happens to be a writer and designer all wrapped into one! Email: rite4u@mac.com

A Prayer for Easter “They took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices.” (John 19:40)

Triumphant Jesus You raised Lazarus from dead, saying “Unbind him, let him go free.”

You too were bound and laid to rest in a cold tomb, freshened by myrrh and aloes.

Unbind us so that we may also go free.

In sorrow we left you as the dead Jesus and in wonder you returned to us as the Risen Christ.

Untied from the strips of linen, You offered us a new-found freedom.

Raise us from the coldness of the tomb in which we are trapped.

With this freedom we are empowered to make choices about our lifestyle and attitudes, But our human frailty prevents us from being courageous by taking those first vital steps.

Release us from the self-imposed exile of our prejudices.

Amen.

© Tony Singleton, CAFOD