The Parish Proclaimer Advent 2010
Cathedral Parish of Our Lady & St. Philip Howard, Arundel, West Sussex Published November 2010
All about the Parish Rev. Canon Tim Madeley - Dean Rev. Mr. David Clifton - Deacon Rev. Malcolm King - Priest in Residence Louise Sharp - Parish Secretary* Cathedral House, Parsons 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 9.30am Family Mass on the third Sunday of the month;
Sunday
Children’s Liturgy available other Sundays. Weekdays
11.15am
Cathedral Choir.
10am
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Saturday: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after Mass.
Saturday
11am
Benediction.
Convent of the Poor Clares at Crossbush Mass Times Saturday
5.30pm Vespers. 6.15pm Vigil Mass (entry at 6pm).
Sunday
Thursday
4pm
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.
5pm
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 Saturday
Cathedral:
10.30am otherwise by appointment.
Convent :
Before/after the Saturday 6.15pm Mass.
Advent Reflection
by Canon Tim
Christmas is popularly regarded as a time of peace and good will. The first Christmas was, however, far from it. The Christ child was born in great danger not only from the natural problems associated with infant mortality but also from the jealous machinations of King Herod who set out to destroy the child. The newborn Church that Christ created suffered similar danger from those who felt threatened by it and were hell-bent on its destruction and the elimination of its members. The Church’s calendar directly after Christmas Day celebrates these facts beginning on Boxing Day with the commemoration of the stoning of St. Stephen for witnessing to the Christian faith. This is followed on 28 December by the Feast of the Holy Innocents - those children killed by Herod in Bethlehem in his attempt to kill Christ. On 29 December we celebrate the martyrdom of St. Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, murdered in his cathedral in 1170 for justice and for the freedom of the Church. This last feast reminds us that the Church throughout history and even today suffers for celebrating its faith and recalling humanity to live the moral life as God intended. This Christmas, say a prayer and keep in your thoughts those who are persecuted and living in fear of their lives - may the peace and goodwill of this season be in their hearts if nothing else is possible.
ARTICLES FOR THE LENT ISSUE OF THE PROCLAIMER: 18 February 2011 Email to clouter@mac.com or post to Cathedral House, Parsons Hill, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9AY
COMING UP IN THE LENT ISSUE - A SPECIAL FEATURE ON BISHOP CASHMAN 3
Cathedral Altar Servers By Colin Swanton The Cathedral played host to the annual diocesan altar servers Mass on Saturday 16 October 2010, celebrated by Bishop Kieran. Over 80 altar servers from a number of different parishes of the diocese took part including some of our own servers. Three recent additions to our serving ‘family’ - Francis Carpenter, Jonathan Tangen and George Cheney - were enrolled into the Guild of St. Stephen during the Mass. At the opposite end of the scale, one of our altar servers has applied for his Gold Medal, which is given to altar servers who have served for over 50 years. William J. Walker, known affectionately to most of us as “Billy”, enrolled in the Guild of St. Stephen in September 1939, just two weeks before the outbreak of World War II. He served from this time until 1943 in the Church of St. Peter's in Dagenham, Essex (with parish priest the Reverend Hays), serving at the 6.30am Mass. After a flying bomb hit the north transept of St. Peter's during a Mass, Billy moved to Bristol, and began serving at St. Patrick's Redfield and St. Francis of Assisi, Fishponds, at their Sunday morning Masses. At the end of the war, Billy returned home to Dagenham, and began serving again at St. Peter's, taking in the 6.30am Mass and sometimes the one at 7.30am for the workers at the Ford Motor Company, until he was called up for National Service in 1954. Joining the RAF, Billy continued his involvement with the Church's work, serving the 8.30am Mass at RAF Binbrook in Lincolnshire until, at the completion of his National Service, he returned to Dagenham and St. Peter's. A year and a half later, Billy moved to West Sussex and he was asked to serve Mass at St. Richard's in Chichester, serving at 8am all week and a 12.15pm Mass during the school holidays. To date, Billy has served at nearly all the churches in our Deanery, and has been serving at Arundel Cathedral for ten years. He received his Silver Medal in September 2001.
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Uganda Martyrs By Mark Long The feast day of the Uganda Martyrs is 3 June. The Uganda Martyrs was a group of some 32 young Christian (both Roman Catholic and Anglican) men employed as pages to Kabaka Mwanga II, king of Buganda, one of several kingdoms which make up today’s Uganda. The group of pages was led and protected by Charles Lwanga who strongly resisted the homosexual desires of Kabaka Mwanga II. Because they refused to renounce their Christianity and not have anything to do with the king, the young men were taken to Namagongo, east of Kampala, where they were burnt to death. The martyrs were not Mwanga’s only victims. Dozens more Christians were killed in the surrounding countryside, and some of those who had taught the faith were singled out for special retribution. All this happened in 1886. 22 members of the group were Roman Catholic and they were at last beatified by Pope Benedict XV in 1920. I had been living in Uganda from 1963 - 1971, so I was around when Pope Paul VI canonised the 22 men at Namagongo on 18 October 1964. The Pope arrived at Entebbe Airport and moved onto Kampala, a distance of around 20 miles or so. To prepare for the Papal Visit, ceremonial arches were built along the road route, going through a number of villages. Many people lined up either side of the route, greeting His Holiness in the most traditional way with drums. Pope Paul VI was given a great welcome both by the Ugandans and their Government at that time. Today 3 June is a public holiday in Uganda and this year around 20,000 people were gathered at Namagongo. A basilica was built at the spot where most of the men were burned to death. A church was built at the place where the Anglicans met their death, about two miles from the Catholic basilica. Close by is a natural amphitheatre and a small lake with an island in the middle where the annual celebrations take place. The account of the celebrations was given to me recently by a dear old friend, the Reverend Father Kyeyune, aged 90+ years, who was in charge of Entebbe Parish when we as a family lived there. He has recently built a village church to celebrate his 60th year of ordination.
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Namagonga Martyrs’ Shrine (Catholic Cathedral) Photo by Justus Dahinden 1973
Saint Charles (Carl) Lwanga and his companions
The painting (above) depicts the men and boys whose martyrdom is considered the spark that ignited the flame of Christianity in modern Africa. As a footnote... we spent eight wonderful years in Uganda. with my three daughters spending their educational life both at primary school in Entebbe and boarding school at Namagunga. At the time I worked for the Ugandan Government, in the veterinary department which also had both farming and agriculture responsibilities. I was an agricultural chemist working as part of a team overseeing the introduction of cross-bred cattle from Kenya into Uganda as the latter country was getting all its milk from the former country. Up to that point Uganda was only producing matoke (boiled bananas) as an integral part of their protein diet so when we managed to get improved cattle from Kenya, at last the country could become self-sufficient in milk. This led to the end of kwasialer, a protein deficiency disorder. The Ugandans are a great people and a very Christian community. I feel great sorrow for the recent atrocity in Kampala where so many were killed by terrorists. To see a list of all the Uganda Martyrs’ names visit www.buganda.com/martyrs.htm
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Sit - Walk - Stand By Mary Corbyn
This is the title of a little book written by a Chinese Christian known as Watchman Nee (in Chinese he was Nee To-Sheng). He was a remarkable teacher and minister among his own people, who eventually suffered persecution for his faith and was imprisoned for twenty years; he died soon after his release in 1972. The Christian life, he says, begins with sitting, that is resting in the knowledge that God does everything for us, simply asking that we are receptive to His gift. Sitting expresses rest, but with attentiveness (unlike lolling or lounging!). After sitting comes walking, implying a sense of purpose, also of companionship and shared concerns. God walked with Adam and Eve, in the cool of the evening, in friendship with them. Noah, the just man, walked with God – in his shadow, so to speak. And Jesus walked along the Emmaus road with two downcast friends, letting them talk out their sadness before revealing the Good News. Walking sometimes leads to standing, being still, but in a way different from sitting; ready rather then restful. We stand by, stand firm, stand up, take a stand; Christian witness abounds with examples of decisions taken and resolve maintained. Then there’s standing in wonder before an amazing sight – or a truth just understood. More than anyone’s, the life of Mary, mother of Jesus, shows this pattern exactly. She sat attentive to Gabriel’s message, listening and questioning, but without alarm. Then she rose up and went for a walk with a purpose to show both friendship and support for a kinswoman; no doubt she and Elizabeth often walked together, sharing their experiences and making plans. 8
The Gospels imply that Mary sometimes walked with her Son on his journeys (‘Your mother and brothers are here.’), but even if not physically alongside, she must have walked with him in her thoughts – until that final, dreadful walk to Calvary, where she stood at the foot of the cross. Standing and showing by her silence, her readiness to share her Son’s obedience to the Father. The truth is, of course, that we can SIT, WALK or STAND without moving at all! Our minds and hearts are not restricted as the body might be. What matters is to recognize the requirements of the present moment and respond accordingly.
“Christ is the Son of God who died for the redemption of sinners and resurrected after three days. This is the greatest truth in the universe. I die because of my belief in Christ.” Watchman Nee
Arundel Cathedral Gift Shop NEW FOR THIS YEAR Limited stock of the Papal Visit book, Benedict XVI & Blessed John Newman, incl. colour photos, homilies & speeches New Arundel Cathedral Guide Solar-powered Christmas Window Lights
PLUS Advent Calendars & Nativity Cribs Religious Seasonal Greeting Cards Children’s Christmas Books Christmas & Grave Candles Religious Posters & Postcards Religious Statues and Ornaments And much more!
OPEN EVERY DAY FROM NOW UNTIL CHRISTMAS!
www.watchmannee.org
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Our Man in Milan By Father Bruno Father Bruno is now in Rome but spent the whole of August in Milan, staying at the Dominican Priory of Santa Maria delle Grazie and attending a Summer School to improve his Italian. Here are some extracts from his emails which you will find most interesting... “On the course there are three Japanese, one Chinese, one Russian, a Brazilian, a Spaniard and a Swede. The Brazilian and Spanish girls are quite good already, their languages being similar to Italian I suppose, but they haven't been to all the classes. Of those who are there for it all through, I seem to have the advantage because the vocabulary and structure is much more similar to English, as you can imagine, than Japanese or Chinese. For example, reading a short text and filling in missing words is much quicker for me than the others because I can guess, generally having French, English and Latin at the back of my mind. All is taught in Italian and there are texts to read and some listening exercises. But we must discuss our answers in Italian so the conversation is there all the time, although I find the Japanese and Chinese ‘Italian’ more difficult to understand! Today in class we had to describe a picture to our partner while he drew it! It was quite fun. I had a detail from Noah’s Ark! “The food here is fine. I had swordfish followed by oxtail for lunch one day. The table wine is a little fizzy! The coffee is, of course, very good. You may have realised that there is an army of people looking after the friars here. Lunch and supper are prepared and brought up from the basement kitchen (Italians do not understand breakfast - small biscuits to dunk in your coffee and a cup of milk, that’s it!). The only thing the friars have regular access to is the cafeteria to make their coffee! The kitchen is the province of the cook, a nice Romanian lady, who organises it all. She gets in at 7.30am! My school finishes at 1pm and lunch is at 12.30pm so I have to go down to the kitchen below to pick up from her what she has set aside. “But what is the most strange is a full laundry with women who wash, dry and iron your clothes! Put a batch in Monday and pick them up through the week. My linen trousers and particularly shirts are so clean and pressed, I’m afraid to put them on! “It’s very hot here in Milan and remains bright until 8pm and walking through the city it’s difficult to believe it is the evening. I went to look at the Cathedral, quite impressive, the largest Gothic church in Italy. It was the see of St. Charles Borromeo. 11
..
I have also visited St. Ambrose’s and the site of the church he built. And just like St. Frances of Rome, in the crypt his skeleton is lying there fully vested, with the two martyrs’ skeletons (for whom he built the church) lying either side of him in dalmatics! Very simple antiquated church as you might imagine. “St. Dominic’s tomb in Bologna is quite splendid, most of it dating from the time he was ‘translated’ to that very spot. It is carved with scenes from his life and the 13th century bit was added to in the 16th century I think, with additional things which surrounded it through the years and if I remember right, a plaque about Pius XII’s visit. It is in a very ornate side chapel (one of many) and set in an alcove with an altar incorporated below it, so you are facing right at the tomb when you say Mass. He is not open to view though! The tomb is quite enclosed. “Some of the other churches in Bologna were also quite spectacular, including one, San Paolo Maggiore I think, that was covered with paintings into the dome above the sanctuary. These places look like nothing much from the outside, tightly closed in by narrow streets and other buildings. I was able to get a 24hr ticket for the water bus in Venice and indeed it allows somewhat freer movement because the streets are so narrow and maze-like and packed with foreigners! There were far too many people really, but it was certainly something to see, a city built totally to the edges of an island. “What was more weird, was the use to which smaller islands were put. One of them ...continued on page 15 12
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San Paolo Maggiore Church was the cemetery. I suppose all funeral processions conclude in a boat ride. Except on one of the smaller islands, there were no beaches: the stone buildings were built right to the edges of what, presumably, was once simply land. “The Dominican Priory is near to the edge but not on it so there is no landing stage. It is one of the biggest churches in the city (bigger than San Marco) but a tiny parish. So, a huge church and very few people for Mass. It is quite an old building, probably Renaissance with a very famous picture (at least to Dominicans) on the Sacristy wall of Pope Honorius III granting existence to the Order. Almost all the buildings in Venice seem quite antiquated. The house in which the friars live is quite nice. There were only two friars there at that time (out of 6) one was called Igor and the other Cesare.” More from Father Bruno residing in Rome in the next Proclaimer! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Comedy with the Clergy A boy was watching his father, a Deacon, write a sermon.“How do you know what to say?” the son asked. His dad replied, “Why, God tells me.” The boy paused and then said, “Errr... then why do you keep crossing things out?” A little girl became restless as the priest’s sermon dragged on and on. Finally, she leaned over to her mother and whispered, “Mummy, if we give him the money now, do you think he will let us go?” 15
My profession and life afterwards By Sister Clare Ruva “He will rejoice over you with happy song…. He will dance with shouts of joy for you.” This text from the prophet Zephaniah, which is used for the first reading, captured beautifully what the Lord has been for me and how His love drew me to this way of life. I was blown away by a God who, out of love for me, will do away with all inhibition and, not being content with just ‘rejoicing over me’, will even ‘dance with shouts of joy’ for me. This for me is a truly wonderful image of God’s love for us and when I was praying with this text before my profession I thought to myself, this is how much God loves each one of us – unconditionally. And so my profession day was a celebration of God’s great love for me and my response to that love, which is the greatest thing we can believe in and the only thing that transforms us. It was a day of great joy and blessing for me, made especially so by all the hard work my community put into it and by all the many family and friends who came to rejoice with me. The liturgy was beautiful and moving, and the sound of the drum was wonderful to hear…. and the weather, well it couldn’t have been any better, which meant that all our visitors were able to wander round our garden.
Sr. Clare Ruva being congratulated by her friend, Zeny Emrith. 16
But how has life been for me since then? About a month before I made my final profession, a very good friend of mine had just made hers and she shared with me how, since that day, she had been living in this most profound peace and joy that not even the late arrival of the Zimbabwe group (who were going to sing some of the hymns in my own language) could shake – I took it all in my stride! I came down to earth soon after my profession and went through a very painful time. Reflecting on my own experience and that of my friend, I felt that if I can encounter the Lord with my feet in the air (which is wonderful), I can also encounter Him with my feet firmly fixed on the ground, living the life that He has called me to live with all its ups and downs. My yes to God on my profession day sealed an ‘Eternal Yes’ and strengthened my strong commitment to the life I had already been living for the past six years. My yes re-confirmed my great desire to serve God and the Church in this way of life, a life that gives meaning to my own life and fulfils me at a deeper level, well most of the time! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Power of One By an unknown writer One song can spark a moment, One flower can wake the dream. One tree can start a forest, One bird can herald spring.
One vote can change a nation, One sunbeam light a room. One candle wipes out darkness, One laugh will conquer gloom.
One smile begins a friendship, One handclasp lifts a soul. One star can guide a ship at sea, One word can frame the goal.
One step must start each journey, One word must start each prayer. One hope will raise our spirits, One touch can show we care.
One voice can speak with wisdom, One heart can know what’s true. One life can make the difference, You see, it’s up to you. 17
New at The Poor Clares Shop this Christmas Home grown plants and herbs Home made jam, jelly and pickled cucumbers Beautiful knitted wear Wide variety of secondhand books St. Clare of Assisi DVD Several Franciscan books written by our sisters Lovely range of wooden toys and puzzles Poor Clares cards and notelets ... and much more! Convent of Poor Clares Crossbush, Arundel BN18 9PJ www.poorclaresarundel.org maria.hii@gmail.com
Saint Andrew Christmas Novena While a novena is normally a nine-day prayer, the term is sometimes used for any prayer that is repeated over a series of days. This prayer is quite often called the "Christmas Novena" or the "Christmas Anticipation Prayer" because it is prayed 15 times every day from the Feast of Saint Andrew the Apostle (November 30) until Christmas. The first Sunday of Advent is the Sunday closest to the Feast of Saint Andrew. The novena is not actually addressed to Saint Andrew but to God Himself, asking Him to grant our request in the honour of the birth of His Son at Christmas. You can say the prayer all 15 times, all at once; or divide up the recitation as necessary (perhaps five times at each meal). Prayed as a family, the Saint Andrew Christmas Novena is a very good way to help focus the attention of your children on the Advent season.
Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed Mother. Amen
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Young Parish Proclaimer
Add some colour to this Nativity scene!
Knock, knock... Who’s there...? Hannah! Hannah who? Hannah partridge in a pear tree! Doughnut! Doughnut who? Doughnut open until Christmas Day! Wayne! Wayne who? Wayne in a manger, no crib for a bed! Wenceslas! Wenceslas who? Wenceslas train home?! Santa! Santa who? Santa Claus of course! Mary! Mary who? Mary Christmas and a Happy New Year! Hosanna! Hosanna who? How’s sanna gonna get down our chimney? Holly! Holly who? Holidays are here again!
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Advent Special Where’s Rudolph? Visit the website below and look for him! www.learn-ict.org.uk/resources/rudolph/rudolph.htm
Why did Father Christmas push his bed into the fireplace? He wanted to sleep like a log! What do snowmen eat for breakfast and lunch? Snowflakes at breakfast, iceburgers and chips at lunch-time! 21
Gaudete Sunday The third Sunday of Advent is also known as Gaudete Sunday. The following is taken from ‘Through the year with the Catholic Faith’ by Norman Cresswell. Shout for Joy! It’s Gaudete Sunday – Rejoice in the Lord always! Whatever happened to our sense of joy? Can’t you just imagine the faces around you at Mass today when this message is read? ‘I want you to be happy, always happy in the Lord; I repeat, what I want is your happiness. Let your tolerance be evident to everyone; the Lord is very near. There is no need to worry; but if there is anything you need, pray for it, asking God for it with prayer and thanksgiving.’ Even the priest will dress for the occasion, in the rose vestments reserved for celebration. And what about us today, will we join the party do you think, will we ‘shout with cries of joy’? God help us, probably not. Can’t you just hear it? The priest says: ‘Prepare our hearts and remove the sadness that hinders us from feeling the joy and hope.’ We say: ‘Will it be a fresh bird or a frozen one?’ The Reader says: ‘Sing a psalm to the Lord for He has done glorious things!’ We say: ’What on earth do we give Aunt Maud this year?’ We all say with our lips: ‘Alleluia, alleluia! The spirit of the Lord has been given to me. He has sent me to bring good news to the poor. Alleluia!’ Yet, deep down in our hearts, we are saying: ‘However will I get around the shops in time?’ It’s not the Church’s fault – nor is it God’s – that instead of being effervescent wine today, bubbling with the joy extended to us, we’re stolid Christmas puds, weighed down and lumpish when we should be sharing in the party we’re called to share. If all we know is the fear of God and not His joy in His creation then we have failed ourselves and our Church. I have this theory – and I’ve seen more than one priest try to prove it – that when we find joy in Church then, too, we find God.
CATHEDRAL FLECHE PROJECT On your next Cathedral visit, please view our display boards or, if you prefer go online to www.arundelcathedral.org/spire/spireprogress.htm
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A huge number to count: our trip to Cofton Park By Tristan Cranfield
The brief days of Pope Benedict’s visit to Britain are extraordinary to look back on. Anyone who has been to Lourdes will have felt something similar there: the sense that the focus of everyday life and society has been turned somehow inside out. It seems strange that, for a short period of time, the media was devoted to faithfully relaying the words and actions of the head of our Church and his encounters with the British public. The Papal Visit brought refreshment to the spiritual life of the UK in the teachings and liturgy that the Holy Father came to share with us Brits. My Catholic friends and I would get home from work as fast we could to catch up with each day’s events on the BBC website and iPlayer, but we weren’t the only ones. Non-Catholic friends and colleagues at work seemed enthused too, full of questions and observations about the Pope and our faith in general. It reinforced our community and brought others, if only for a short while, into our spiritual orbit. But to truly experience that feeling of fellowship, you can’t beat being there. It was certainly present at the Beatification Mass in Birmingham along, it has to be said, with the feelings of being wet, hungry and thoroughly exhausted! In many ways, our little jaunt to Cofton Park could be considered a fiasco. Imagine trying to sell it as a day trip commercially... Midnight: depart Barnham for nocturnal tour of deepest darkest Surrey. Coaches to travel in convoy in case of banditry. 5am: arrive at site of derelict car factory to be herded into penning area. 5.15am: take seat (if you could remember to bring one) in the rain, huddled with eighty thousand other people. In the dark. Rest stop: five hours to do as you please, provided you can do it without leaving your seat and without be able to see 3ft in front of you. Expect mud. 24
So what exactly was it that sustained us, parishioners of Arundel and our fellow pilgrims from all over the country, throughout our morning in that soggy quagmire in the Midlands? Certainly not the damp Danish pastry I managed to force down by way of breakfast. The first thing was the sense of anticipation in the crowd. We wanted to see our Pope. Practically every time a helicopter buzzed overhead, we’d wave our flags maniacally. It must have been quite an unexpected welcome for a number of confused pilots. “It’s definitely him this time”, said an African lady standing next to us each time one went over, “I can feel it!” Secondly: a sense of history. We wanted to see Newman recognised as Blessed. Benedict XVI’s decision to travel overseas to preside at this beatification shows the personal devotion and regard he has for John Henry Newman and sends a message about the value of Newman’s teaching and example to us today. But thirdly, and most importantly, it was the Mass itself. We didn’t need to go to Cofton Park to know that partaking in the Eucharistic sacrifice makes us one body, as we experience that every time we attend Mass at home. However, the vast crowd of dripping wet pilgrims present there was certainly a remarkable, visible witness to this body in the UK. Thronged all around were people you’d know from home, school, diocesan events; people from different parishes and different cultures; priests and religious from a multitude of orders and lay groups with their different charismata. We all met and conversed with people we may never see again, people we’d like to know better, people we’d never normally dream of speaking to... To stand in that multitude was to be surrounded by the Church in all her glory - familiar faces and unfamiliar, all united by their faith in Jesus Christ. Not bad for a day out. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We will remember them By Anne Brearley-Smith and Mary Corbyn Our ‘In Memoriam’ display by Our Lady’s Chapel now includes all those listed in our Parish Death Registers from 1860. This was just after the Catholic hierarchy had been restored in England and only a few years before our Cathedral was built (then a Church, dedicated to St. Philip Neri). It is there for you to browse through, but if you wish to check that your ancestors are recorded correctly, there is a copy text in the Sacristy. The original records were not 100% complete and the handwriting was at times obscure and often in Latin so quite a minefield! If you make any corrections which can be verified, we will include them with our annual update, next autumn. 25
News from St. Philip Howard Catholic High School By D J Todd, Headteacher We begin this academic year with extremely positive news, namely the publication of this year’s examination results. Although examinations are only one measure of the success of a Catholic school, they are an important key to future progress for the youngsters. We are elated that so many will make the next important step in their academic careers. We’ve also been informed by Ofsted that as a successful school we do not warrant an inspection this year – and we have been due a visit since January. Finally our sports hall build is well under way and we can announce that savings from phase one may ensure that the changing rooms can be included in the initial phase. August was the month of results and we were delighted with both GCEs and GCSEs. Following year 13’s exceptionally strong performance last year, we have maintained those high standards and increased the proportion of grades that met or exceeded the students’ predicted results. Given the difficulties experienced by many seeking a place at a higher education institution, and despite the inflated entry requirements, we were very pleased that over 80% managed to secure their first or second choice university. This was due, in no small part, to the support provided by staff on the ‘results day’, making calls to admissions tutors and providing guidance and advice. 2010 ‘A’ level performance maintained the high achievements gained last year with an overall pass rate of 98%. Nearly three-quarters of the results were at grades C or above. Using the UCAS points system the average point score per student is 791.21 and per entry is 194. 16% of results are at grades A and A*. Nearly 90% of students achieved the target grades that are based on prior attainment plus an element of challenge! Particular congratulations are offered to Lucy Goff (3 A grades), Jane Ireland (2 A* and 2 A grades), Mollie McGreal (1 A* and 2 A grades) and Gary Stockdale (3 A grades).
... continued on page 28 26
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Our GCSE scores are the best ever – with over 80% of students achieving five or more GCSEs at grades A*-C and 70% achieving five or more at those higher grades, including both English and mathematics. Nearly 30% of all results are either A or A* grades. Whilst particular congratulations are due to Jennifer Boyes (10 A* grades) and Ophelie Humphrey (10 A* and 1 A grade) our praise should go to all students who were justly proud of their individual outcomes, reflecting the very hard work involved and the high expectations of their teachers. It is a very uplifting way to start the year, but we always temper our success in examination performance with the knowledge that our mission is so much more than simply gaining qualifications. As a parent of one year 11 student wrote to me, “I compliment all the teaching staff who over the years have taught our daughter and given her an education that is not just about exam results but as a member of a caring community. It is particularly pleasing to hear her talk about how well other pupils have done and that she recognises the effort they have made, rather than being overly competitive. This, with the school's Catholic heart, is why we chose St. Philip Howard for her!” Perhaps this reflects what Jesus once said: “Set your hearts on his kingdom first, and on God's saving justice, and all these other things will be given you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) My thanks go to all the staff at St. Philip Howard, whose support for our Catholic mission and whose devotion to their vocation to secure the future wellbeing of our young people are the foundation of our success. They are truly magnificent in their desire to seek the very best for the students, even in the face of occasional teenage opposition! They are, without doubt, an inspiring team of dedicated professionals. December events coming up: Wednesday, 1 Dec Thursday, 2 Dec Wednesday, 8 Dec Thursday, 9 Dec Monday, 13 Dec Friday, 17 Dec
Advent Family Service, 7pm at Arundel Cathedral Year 12 Parents Consultation, 5.30 - 7.30pm Christmas Concert in school hall, 7.30pm Carols by Candlelight, 2 - 4pm Certificate Evening, 7.30 for 8pm Term ends
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Jack Edmonds RIP 12 August 1930 – 4 October 2010 Born in Eltham, Jack, along with his brother Bob, was evacuated to Leicester in 1940, where they were educated at Ratcliffe College. After school, Jack joined the RAF for his National Service, based primarily at RAF Carisbrooke on the Isle of Wight. After this, he wanted to see more of the world, joined the Merchant Navy and went to Australia, where he lived for several years. A spell in Canada followed, working as an ambulance driver, before he returned to England. A natural entrepreneur, he looked at several options before settling on importing tea and coffee and starting Calypsa Coffee Company. He was a gifted salesperson, and, with a passion for good coffee and tea, it was not long before he included Harrods, Waitrose and the Ministry of Defence among his customers. It was at this time that he met Jenny. They married in 1962, and a few years later adopted three children from the Crusade of Rescue – Rachel, Thomas and Harriet. Thomas and his wife Justine’s two children, Harry and Poppy, have added to a close and loving family. Jack is remembered and loved by scores of people for his warmth, kindness and wit. He was always ready to help anyone in need, as he believed that ‘the strong should look after the weak’. For seven years, after a full day’s work, he did regular night shifts with the Samaritans, and during his time in Arundel, he sold poppies for the British Legion and tickets for various charity events. He also helped out at St. Philip’s Catholic Primary School, listening to the children reading. Everyone who knew him will sorely miss Jack. The collection during his service amounted to £3,000, which has been donated to St. Wilfrid’s Hospice.
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Anything you say By Mike Webster I have called this article ‘Anything You Say’ as a tribute to my father-in-law who died at the end of 2003 aged 93. It is to remember a couple of amusing incidents that happened to him during his working life of 72 years – 32 years with the Lancashire Constabulary and 40 years with a local firm of solicitors having retired as a Chief Inspector. After retirement he worked in London for a short spell becoming Judge’s Clerk to an Honorary Judge in the Queen’s Bench Division at the Royal Courts of Justice. Not long afterwards he was invited to join a firm of local solicitors to set up a litigation section within the practice dealing with criminal law. I suppose it was pre-determined that Walter would join the police force as his future father-in-law (my wife’s grandfather) was the Asst. Chief Constable of Lancashire, his future wife was a serving police officer at HQ in Preston and Private Secretary to the Chief Constable, and his brother-in-law was a detective before he and the rest of his Lancaster Bomber crew were killed in the last World War. Walter’s first posting in the police force was at Lancaster Castle. I suppose it was the police equivalent of sending the new apprentice to the stores for a left-handed hammer. He was delegated to sweep out the leaves from the “drop” as they called it before a certain Albert Pierpoint (national hangman) came along to do a day’s work. As a young policeman he was armed with little more than his whistle and common sense. Life on the beat brought him into contact with a huge variety of colourful characters and situations. He served in a period when policemen were engaged in active police work and did not act as the enforcers of political correctness. So knowing his views on a range of today’s so-called political correctness I am sure he would have found it difficult to get his mind round the new culture and would have found himself at odds with them. Those were the days when the police dispensed their own justice and the criminal fraternity recognised where the boundaries lay. Many a time a local criminal had been bounced down the station steps to the cells; there were complaints but no legal cases resulted from them. There was no political correctness then…men were men. They just got on with life. ... continued on page 32 30
When he was serving in Fleetwood, much of his work on a Friday night involved in protecting the fishermen (who had just been paid) from their wives who wanted to see their housekeeping before it disappeared in a glass of beer…………... or eight as the case maybe. Mind you this “old fashioned policing” as Walter used to call it, was bound to catch up with him and one day it did. One dark night he was cycling home through the dock area of Fleetwood when he managed to get the wheels of his bike caught in the tracks laid down for the tram. Once you’re in them you are well and truly stuck. This was seized on by a couple of local hard cases who brought Walter off his bike and gave him a good working over. The true story never made its way to the local police station…. but Ann and I often had a smile to ourselves knowing that we knew about it but he didn’t know that we knew. In the early ‘50s he served in the South Lake District. It was during this time that King George VI and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother undertook a private visit to the Lake District. In addition to the royal protection detail, Walter was the local police part of the security presence. The royal party asked to be taken to ‘Gummers How’ to see that part of the Lake District and particularly Lake Windermere at its best. Part way up the climb they asked to be left alone to climb the rest of the way by themselves. Walter always remembered how attentive Queen Elizabeth was to her husband and he was left with the strong impression that it was a real love match despite some press reports to the contrary. 32
It was also while he was serving as Inspector in Ulverston that Khruschev and Bulganin visited Britain and asked to visit the Windscale Nuclear Reactor Plant in Cumbria. Walter was in charge of security when they visited the plant. After the visit the Russians were invited to climb ‘Gummers How’ to get a panoramic view along Lake Windermere. Windscale was Britain's first attempt at a nuclear reactor and had been producing plutonium for the military since 1950 as part of Britain's weapons programme which began in 1946. So the Russians had a particular interest in operations there. While they were walking up ‘Gummers How’, Khruschev eased Walter away from the rest of the group and through the interpreter asked him certain questions about the work at Windscale. Walter played it straight and told him he was not party to the fine detail of production at the plant but would only attend to make the surrounding area safe if there was a problem. Khruschev just looked him straight in the eye, smiled and carried on walking. On Thursday 7 November 1957 as the Inspector in charge of Ulverston and South Lakes area, Walter was responsible for overseeing the public security arrangements for the attempt on the water speed record by Donald Campbell on Coniston Water. He had to make sure that Donald Campbell would not be distracted by sightseers and autograph hunters, therefore providing security to him and his mechanic Leo Villa... and also enjoy a pint in the Sun Hotel in Coniston village. Campbell used his cult status and obvious charm to run up sizeable bar bills at the Sun Hotel and very seldom settled them in full. The first run along Coniston was timed at 260mph; the return run was not quite as fast but he managed to achieve a new world record. Campbell was a famously superstitious man and, years later, on the evening before his record attempt in January 1967, he played his favourite game of cards – Russian Patience. On one hand he drew first the Ace of Spades and then the Queen of Spades. He then turned and said to friends, “These are the two cards Mary Queen of Scots turned up just before she was beheaded. I have the most awful premonition that I’m going to get the chop this time”. He went to bed. The rest is history. Walter often recalled an inscription on a headstone in a cemetery in the South Lakes: Remember man, as you walk by, As you are now, so once was I. As I am now, so shall you be. Remember this and follow me. To which someone had written in chalk on the tombstone: ... continued on page 35 33
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To follow you I'll not consent Until I know which way you went. Sometimes it was hard to imagine this hard-nosed policeman being a former boy soprano who sang at music festivals all over the North West and who had sung with Kathleen Ferrier in Blackburn. He was a man I admired greatly particularly for his indomitable spirit, his devotion to his family, his friendship to me and his strong determination to do things his way. We often talked about Christian principles and how they had influenced the way he had carried out his duties as a police officer. I found a small entry in a book that summed up his and my attitude to life: Watch your thoughts, they become words Watch your words, they become actions Watch your actions, they become habits Watch your habits, they become character Watch your character, it becomes your destiny I am sure Walter would have been very pleased that I have been able to share these few memories from his interesting working life as a Police Officer. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Parish Diary November Sunday 28
1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT Mass at the Convent of the Poor Clares: Saturday 27/11 at 6.15pm Masses at 9.30am & 11.15am in the Cathedral 10.00am - 1.00pm Sardhana Coffee Fair, St. Mary’s Hall
December Wednesday 1
7.00pm Deanery Schools Advent Service
Sunday 4
7.00pm Arun Choral Society Carol Concert with local schools; tickets via www.arunchoralsociety.co.uk or ACS Box Office 01798 812481 35
Wednesday 8
SOLEMNITY: THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 10.00am Mass in the Cathedral 3.00pm Great Ballard School Service 7.30pm Mass in Castle Chapel
Thursday 9
7.30pm Medieval Baebes Concert tickets from the Parish Office or via www.mediaevalbaebes.com
Friday 10
10.00am Mass in the Fitzalan Chapel
Saturday 11
7.00pm Arun Choral Society Carol Concert with local schools; tickets via www.arunchoralsociety.co.uk or ACS Box Office 01798 812481
Wednesday 15
2.00pm St. Philip’s School End of Term Service
Friday 17
7.30pm ‘Friends of Arundel Cathedral’ Concert Free entry, retiring collection.
Saturday 18
2.00 - 5.00pm Joint Christingle Service & Craft Workshop at St. Mary’s Hall and service in the Cathedral. More details nearer the time or contact the Cathedral.
Friday 24
CHRISTMAS EVE Cathedral closes at dusk 11.00pm Carols and Readings 11.30pm Midnight Mass with Bishop Kieran Conry
Saturday 25
CHRISTMAS DAY 9.30am Family Mass 11.15am Sung Mass
Sunday 26
FEAST: THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH 9.30am Mass 11.15am Mass
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Friday 31
1.00pm
Wedding
January Saturday 8
7.30pm Cathedral Choir New Year Concert (tickets from 07971 090724 or on the door)
Thursday 27
2.30pm Holocaust Memorial Day, Convent of the Poor Clares
Saturday 29
7.30pm Parish Lourdes Fundraising Supper (tickets will be available nearer the time - refer to Weekly Newsletter)
February Sunday 13
11.15am Visiting Choir from St. Augustines School
Saturday 19
Vespers with RSCM Voices - tbc
March Friday 4
Sardhana Quiz Night in St. Mary’s Hall - tbc
Wednesday 9
ASH WEDNESDAY 8.30am Mass at the Convent 10.00am & 8.00pm Masses in the Cathedral
Thursday 10
10.30am Chapter Mass
Saturday 12
11.00am & 3.00pm RITE OF ELECTION
A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all parishioners from the clergy and staff at Arundel Cathedral
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Parish Notice Board Sardhana Fair
WELCOME!
10am - 1pm, Sunday, 28 November 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 can be registered on our Parish Database.
NEW YEAR GALA CONCERT 7.30pm, 8 January 2011 Performed by Cathedral Choir Soloists Ticket prices: £10 adults/£5 children Available from Elizabeth Stratford 07971 090 724/elizabethstratford@msn.com
Conversations for Advent led by Deacon David. St. Mary’s Lower Hall Monday evenings at 7.30pm 29 November - Judgement 6 December - Heaven 13 December - Hell All are welcome.
2011 DIARY DATES AT THE CONVENT OF POOR CLARES Holocaust Memorial Day 2.30pm, 27 January Womens’ World Day of Prayer 10.45am, 4 March followed by soup and bread lunch
There will be many stalls of books, bric a brac, costume jewellery, cakes and a tombola. Our aim is to raise money for the orphanage in time for Christmas. If you can donate any items and offerany assistance on the day, please email monica.clifton@btinternet.com
CHRISTMAS SUPPER 5.30 - 8.00pm, 29 December 2010 Despite the pantomime tickets all sold out, you are all welcome to come along to our supper in St. Mary’s Hall. It would be marvellous to see more people as it has become a very enjoyable social evening. Ask those who have been before!
Diocesan Youth Service: “Lourdes Redshirts 2011” Applications are invited from any young person in school years 10/11 (or age equivalent) who wants to have a place on the 2011 Pilgrimage. Timing: 27 July - 5 August 2011. It’s an experience of Fun, Faith, Friendship and Food; it’s also an opportunity to meet and make new friends of your own age group across the diocese! Interested to find out more? Please email Ray Mooney at the Diocesan Youth Office: ray.mooney@dabnet.org
Congratulations & Commemorations
Baptisms 10 October - Isabella Selina McKee
Marriages None
Deaths None
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. The content of The Parish Proclaimer is provided by parishioners and advertisers, published in good faith, without guarantee. The Arundel and Brighton Diocesan Trust is a Registered Charity - No. 252878 The Parish Proclaimer has been produced by Alexander Clouter, a parishioner who happens to be a writer, proofreader and designer. Email: here@rite4u.biz
An Advent Wreath Prayer
Lord our God, we praise you for your Son, Jesus Christ: he is Emmanuel, God with us, the hope of the peoples he is the wisdom that teaches and guides us, he is the Saviour of every nation. Lord God, let your blessing come upon us as we light the candles of this wreath. May the wreath and its light be a sign of Christ's promise to bring us salvation. May he come quickly and not delay. We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN From the Prophet Isaiah 9:1-6