CEA September 26

September 2026

EastAnglia Catholic

www.rcdea.org.uk

Newspaper of the Diocese of East Anglia

Two men answer God’s call to serve as Deacons – page 2

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Priesthood Ordinations bring joy to the Diocese – page 6

Cardinal Stephen Chow visits Cambridge – page 10

Bury St Edmund’s celebrates heritage

Bishop Peter Collins and clergy from across the Diocese celebrate the Golden Jubilee Mass at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist.

A Faith-full past, a hope-full future The Diocese of East Anglia marked its Golden Jubilee with a joyful and prayerful Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Norwich, on Friday 26 June, as hundreds of clergy, religious and lay faithful gathered to celebrate 50 years of diocesan life.

Charlie Bohan-Hurst reports. n Held on the Solemnity of the Dedication of the Cathedral, the landmark celebration was led by Bishop Peter Collins and brought together Catholics from every corner of Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Catholic, civic and ecumenical representatives were also in attendance, including His Excellency Miguel Maury Buendía, Apostolic Nuncio; Cllr Karen Davis, Lord Mayor of Norwich; Emma Corlett, Lady Mayoress of Norwich; Dave Shraga, Sheriff

of Norwich; and the Rt Revd Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich.

It was a sweltering summer’s day, with temperatures climbing into the high thirties as the sun shone brightly over the Cathedral, providing a fitting backdrop to one of the most significant occasions in the Diocese’s history.

Prominently displayed throughout the Cathedral was the Jubilee motto, “A faith-full past… A hope-full future”, capturing both gratitude for the past five decades and confidence in the future mission of the Church in East Anglia.

The Cathedral was filled to capacity as worshippers united in prayer and thanksgiving, while the Diocesan Choir provided beautiful musical accompaniment throughout the liturgy, adding to the sense of celebration and reverence.

The Scripture readings reflected the significance of the occasion. The first reading, from the prophet Ezekiel, described the lifegiving waters flowing from the Temple, bringing healing and abundant life wherever they reached. It served as a powerful image

of the Church’s mission over the past fifty years, as the Diocese has sought to bring the life of Christ to communities across East Anglia.

St Paul’s words to the Ephesians reminded the congregation that all the faithful are “members of the household of God”, built together upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ himself as the cornerstone. As the Diocese celebrated its Golden Jubilee, the reading spoke eloquently of a Church continually being built through the faith, service and witness of generations of clergy and laity.

The Gospel from St John recounted Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well, where he revealed that true worship is offered “in spirit and truth”. It provided a timely reminder that the heart of the Church’s mission is not found simply in buildings or institutions, but in leading people into a living relationship with Christ through authentic worship and faithful discipleship.

In his homily, Bishop Peter reflected on the rich history of the Catholic faith in East n story continues on page two.

n A celebration of parish history through photography attracted more than 150 visitors to St Edmund’s School Hall in Bury St Edmunds over the weekend of 27–28 June, as part of the Diocese of East Anglia’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.

The exhibition showcased more than 500 photographs, displayed in both printed and digital formats, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the life and history of the parish over the decades.

One of the highlights of the exhibition was a screening of a televised Mass from 1987, recorded during the celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of St Edmund’s Church.

The footage revealed how both the church building and its interior have evolved over the years, while also illustrating the growth and increasing diversity of the parish congregation.

The exhibition was organised by John Saunders and curated by Angela Garnace, who is currently undertaking a Master’s degree in a related field. They were supported by a dedicated team of parishioners who helped bring the project to life.

Visitors were full of praise for the exhibition, with one commenting: “The photo exhibition was awesome. It was historical. Most of all it depicted the unity of the parishioners in our lovely community.”

Reflecting on the success of the event, John Saunders said: “This was yet another example of our Parish working together aided by significant support from the Schools of St Edmund and St Benedict, many parishioners who loaned their pictures and those who came to visit. Display boards were loaned by external organisations and several people attending were non-Catholic and appreciated the displays, demonstrating our standing in the wider community. Requests for a repeat of the Exhibition to enable those who could not attend is being considered for later in 2026.”

Given the enthusiastic response, organisers are now considering staging the exhibition again later in 2026, allowing even more people the opportunity to explore the rich history and vibrant community life of the parish.

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Diocesan Jubilee n story continued from page one.

Anglia, paying tribute to his predecessors who have guided the Diocese over the past half century. He reminded the congregation that the story of the Diocese stretches back far beyond its establishment in 1976, recalling the arrival of St Felix in East Anglia in AD 630 and the enduring witness of Christianity throughout the centuries.

While giving thanks for all that has been achieved during the Diocese’s first fifty years, Bishop Peter encouraged the faithful to look confidently towards the future, continuing to build upon the foundations laid by those who have gone before and embracing the mission entrusted to the Church today.

At the conclusion of Mass, a Papal Message from the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, was read to the congregation.

In his message, the Holy Father reflected on the Church’s missionary calling, reminding the faithful that “being one in Christ calls us to keep our gaze fixed on the Lord, so that he may truly be at the centre of our lives and communities.”

Quoting his Message for the 100th World Mission Day, Pope Leo encouraged Catholics to become “living stones in the Church” through faithful listening to God’s word and the grace of the sacraments.

The Holy Father concluded by imparting his Apostolic Blessing to Bishop Peter, the clergy, religious and lay faithful gathered for the Jubilee celebrations, invoking through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary an abundance of God’s grace upon the Diocese. The full message can be read below.

Following the final blessing, clergy and parishioners gathered in the Cathedral gardens for refreshments beneath the welcome shade of a marquee, sharing fellowship as they celebrated this historic milestone together.

The Golden Jubilee Mass was a fitting celebration of all that God has accomplished through the Diocese of East Anglia over the past fifty years. As the Diocese gives thanks for its faith-full past, it now looks forward with renewed hope and confidence to the future, continuing its mission of proclaiming the Gospel and serving the people of East Anglia for generations to come.

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Catholic East Anglia – September 26

Two men answer God’s call to serve as Deacons The Diocese of East Anglia celebrated a joyful and significant occasion on Saturday 18 July as Paul Gilbert and Richard Rahim were ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons by Bishop Peter Collins at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Norwich.

Charlie Bohan-Hurst reports. n The Solemn Mass, celebrated at 11.30am, drew priests and deacons from across the Diocese of East Anglia and beyond, together with family members, friends and parishioners who gathered to support the two candidates as they took this important step in their ministry.

At the beginning of the Mass, Bishop Peter welcomed all those present and offered particular thanks to the families of Paul and Richard for the encouragement, sacrifices and steadfast support they have provided throughout their years of discernment and formation.

The Liturgy of the Word set the tone for the celebration. The first reading, from Acts 6:17b, recounts the appointment of the first seven deacons by the Apostles. Faced with the growing needs of the early Christian community, the Apostles selected men “filled with the Spirit and with wisdom” to serve, ensuring that no one was neglected. The passage highlights the origins of the diaconate as a ministry rooted in service, charity and practical care for God’s people.

The Gospel, Luke 12:35-44, calls the faithful to remain watchful and ready for the coming of the Lord. Jesus speaks of servants

who keep their lamps burning and are prepared for their master’s return. The reading serves as a powerful reminder that ordained ministry is one of faithful service and vigilance. Deacons are called to be visible signs of Christ the Servant, always ready to proclaim the Gospel and respond to the needs of the Church.

Following the homily came the Rite of Ordination, one of the most ancient and moving liturgies of the Church.

The candidates were first called forward and presented to the Bishop, signifying that they had been found worthy and prepared for ordination. Their election by the Bishop, and the consent of the people gathered in the cathedral, demonstrated the communal nature of vocation: while a call begins in the heart of an individual, it is affirmed and received by the wider Church.

Paul and Richard then made the Promise of the Elect, publicly declaring their intention to undertake the ministry of the diaconate faithfully and with humility. This was followed by the Promise of Obedience to Bishop Peter and his successors, a visible expression of their commitment to serve in communion with the Church.

One of the most solemn moments of the liturgy was the Litany of Supplication, during which the candidates lay prostrate before the altar as the congregation invoked the prayers of the saints. The gesture symbolises complete surrender to God and a recognition that ordained ministry can only be undertaken through His grace.

The essential rite of ordination followed as Bishop Peter laid his hands upon each candidate in silence before praying the Prayer of Ordination. Through this ancient act, handed down from the Apostles, Paul and Richard were ordained as deacons and configured to Christ the Servant.

They were then vested with the stole, worn diagonally across the body, and the dalmatic, the distinctive vestment of the deacon. These garments signify their new ministry of service at the altar, in the proclamation of the Gospel and among the people of God. The newly ordained deacons next received the Book of the Gospels from the Bishop, accompanied by the charge to believe what they read, teach what they believe and practise what they teach. The presentation of the Gospel book highlights the deacon’s unique role in proclaiming the Good News and bringing the message of Christ to the world.

Finally, Bishop Peter offered each new deacon the Kiss of Peace, followed by the college of deacons present. This ancient gesture welcomed Paul and Richard into the Order of Deacons and expressed the fraternity and unity shared among those called to this ministry.

The ordination of deacons is always a moment of great joy for the Diocese. It is a visible sign that God continues to call men to serve His Church and that the faith is being handed on to future generations. In a world often marked by uncertainty and division, the witness of those who dedicate their lives to service, charity and the proclamation of the Gospel is both encouraging and inspiring.

As the Diocese of East Anglia continues its Golden Jubilee celebrations, the ordination of Paul Gilbert and Richard Rahim stands as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and the hope that lies ahead. Their ministry will enrich parish communities across the Diocese, supporting clergy and serving the people entrusted to their care.

It was, indeed, a great day for the Diocese of East Anglia: a celebration of vocation, service and the enduring call of Christ, who continues to invite His followers to “be dressed for action and have your lamps lit”.

EastAnglia Catholic

Newspaper of the Diocese of East Anglia

EDITOR: Charlie Bohan-Hurst

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Deacon Paul, Bishop Peter & Deacon Richard.

Catholic East Anglia – September 26

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Sacred spaces at the heart of our schools in East Anglia As we celebrate our fifty years as the diocese of East Anglia, let us remember the great places and events that mark the living Faith of places and people here in East Anglia.

In this sixth article in the series, Kate Pereira (Diocesan Director of Schools), Dr Fred Corbett and our secondary school chaplains explore how the challenge of engaging our fantastic young people is enhanced in our secondary schools through the development of places of worship within their schools, and supports the commitment of each school to Catholic teaching. n We want to illustrate the important role of school chaplaincy by explaining to everyone in the Diocese why each high school ensures there is a special place within the school which is quite often a spiritual centre, but that most of us know little about. Since we have had to be much more aware of effective safeguarding practice in all schools, a sad consequence is that school chapels are no longer as open to the public as they were at times in the past.

As parishes reflected during the Jubilee of Hope, and now in the Diocesan Jubilee, on the changes in our parishes in recent years, one theme seems to be common across most parishes. We have become more concerned about how we engage our young people in the life of the Church, encourage their active engagement in the Church’s mission, and harvest the creativity and drive of our young people in making the whole of parish life richer.

Pope St John Paul II taught us that Catholic schools exist to support the full human development of each person, placing children and adults at the centre of Jesus’ teaching. Within school communities, chaplains play a vital role in the spiritual and pastoral mission.

Many priests work closely with schools and, where this is possible, their presence is integral to school life. However, our secondary schools also benefit from lay chaplains or chaplaincy co-ordinators, whose ministry greatly enriches the community, especially for the young people they accompany. Chaplaincy should act as a living image of what the whole school strives to become.

Chaplains describe, with real love, that their work is about building a community through presence, friendship and support on the faith journey, emphasising the importance of listening and humour. Another description is that it is “guiding each student in their spiritual life and reminding them daily of God’s love”.

Chaplains often face challenges, such as the feeling that they are expected to have all the answers. The Diocese supports chaplains and co-ordinators in their ministry through the Diocesan Schools Service, recognising the

profound impact they have on young people and their vital role in underpinning the Catholicity of our schools.

We hope that this short tour around our six high schools, building on the excellent work of our primary schools, helps all in the Diocese to appreciate the important work being done by our school chaplains, who have written these short cameos of the places of worship in their schools. We hope you find the descriptions as moving and inspiring as we did.

Notre Dame High School Chapel by Alex Savage Our Chapel is at the heart of our school. It provides our community with a beautiful, spiritual space for prayer and peace throughout the day. It was originally established by the Sisters of Notre Dame, whose daily prayers became the foundation of prayer life in our school. One hundred and sixty-two years later, our Chapel is now filled with the prayer cards of our young people, written on retreats and during Chapel services.

Alongside our traditional marble altar and statues, we have an ever-changing display of student artwork to help inspire our worship. We are blessed to have Mass once a week before school for students and staff.

We often have special intentions for members of our community in need of prayer.

Our Chapel helps us to reflect on the different stages of the liturgical year. In November, the Chapel becomes a focal point for our prayers for the dead. It is then transformed for our Advent candlelit prayer services. During Lent we offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In the summer we have a steady stream of students who visit the Chapel to light a candle and say a prayer before an important exam. We end our year with a day of continual prayer for peace.

Whatever our spiritual needs, the Chapel is there for us, not just at the heart of our school,

days a student-led Bible group meets during lunchtime, promoting student engagement and peer-led exploration of Sacred Scripture.

At the beginning of each term, the chapel hosts services and welcome Masses, marking key moments in the school calendar and fostering a powerful sense of community. Open throughout the school day, the chapel provides a peaceful environment for students and staff to pray or light candles. This accessibility ensures everyone has a quiet sanctuary for personal reflection and spiritual practice, reinforcing the chapel’s significance as a cornerstone of school life at St Alban’s Catholic High School. Recently, the school received a new altar as part of its 60th anniversary celebrations, which is now used for Mass and takes pride of place in the chapel.

of teaching.

The chapel itself is full of character. Being part of the original structure of the building, once a staffroom and then the home of our sixth form, it has always been a prettier room than the rest of the classrooms. Its unusual octagonal shape creates a sense of intimacy and community, and even the squeaky floorboards are becoming part of its unique charm.

The beautiful wooden benches, generously donated by the Sisters of Mercy, were designed for prayer and are now carrying on that purpose.

The chapel is already well used and students regularly “pop in” for a few moments of quiet, to light a candle, to pray before an exam, or simply to enjoy a few minutes of peace away from the busy life of the school.

Every week we celebrate Mass in the chapel, with a regular congregation of around 25 to 35 staff and students, making it a vibrant centre of our Catholic community. We will be dedicating the chapel to St Francis of Assisi, whose joyful faith, love of creation and commitment to peace continue to inspire Christians around the world.

We take our annual sixth form pilgrimage to Assisi, walking in the saint’s footsteps and praying in the places he visited.

One of the chapel’s newest and most striking features is its beautiful handpainted reproduction of a Giotto masterpiece, painted by the very conservator responsible for repairing and restoring St Alban’s Chapel. the original fresco. This extraordinary connection allows our students and staff to St Benedict’s Catholic School, Bury St encounter one of the treasures of Christian art Edmunds by Matt Spiller through the hands of someone who knows The new school chapel has quickly become the original better than almost anyone else. one of the most cherished places in St Bene- We hope such icons create a fitting space dict’s. Created from what was once the Sixth where our community can encounter God’s Form Common Room, the space has been presence, find moments of stillness, and distransformed into a welcoming home for cover that prayer continues to have a vital prayer, moments of quiet and worship. As I place in the life of our school write this, one of my colleagues is in the pews n story continues on page eight. recomposing herself at the end of a long day

NDHS Chapel. but at the heart of our lives.

St Alban’s Catholic High School, Ipswich

by Paul Gilbert The chapel at St Alban’s Catholic High School plays a significant role in both the spiritual and educational life of the school.

Every Wednesday, Mass is celebrated, allowing students and staff to participate in formal liturgy. It also serves as the venue for staff briefing, which begins with prayer.

RE classes from across the school regularly visit the chapel to learn about the liturgy, the sacraments, vocations and Catholic imagery, engaging with the core elements of their faith linked to the curriculum. During in-house reflection days, year groups assemble for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, using the chapel as a place for contemplation, spiritual growth and prayer.

The Worship Group benefits from the chapel for its spiritual activities, and on Mon-

St Benedict’s Chapel.

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Catholic East Anglia – September 26

Two centuries of faith in Thetford Parishioners, clergy and visitors gathered at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Thetford, on Sunday 5 July to celebrate a remarkable milestone as the parish marked the 200th anniversary of its church with a joyful Jubilee Mass.

Charlie Bohan-Hurst reports.

The liturgy was marked by a spirit of thanksgiving and joy, with parishioners coming together in prayer to celebrate the enduring presence of the Catholic faith in Thetford.

Following Mass, the celebrations con-

tinued in the church gardens with a bringand-share meal. Parishioners and visitors enjoyed an afternoon of fellowship, sharing food, conversation and memories as they celebrated the life of the parish community.

The occasion proved to be a fitting tribute

to 200 years of St Mary’s Church, honouring its rich heritage while looking forward with hope to the future of Catholic life in Thetford.

Bishop Peter and the congregation following the Jubilee Mass.

n The celebration was led by Bishop Peter Collins, who was joined by parishioners from across the area for a thanksgiving Mass giving thanks for two centuries of Catholic worship and witness in Thetford.

In his homily, Bishop Peter reflected on the rich history of the Catholic Church in both Thetford and the wider Diocese of East Anglia. He spoke of the resilience and faith of those who had kept the Catholic tradition alive through the generations, laying the foundations for the vibrant parish community that exists today.

Looking back over the church’s 200-year history, the Bishop encouraged those present to give thanks for the sacrifices and dedication of previous generations while looking ahead with confidence and hope. He reminded the congregation that jubilees are not simply occasions to celebrate the past but opportunities to renew faith and recommit to the mission of proclaiming the Gospel in the years to come.

The anniversary Mass formed part of the Diocese of East Anglia’s Golden Jubilee Year celebrations, making the occasion especially significant as the parish celebrated its own bicentenary alongside the Diocese’s fiftieth anniversary.

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n In a quiet corner of Newmarket, something remarkable has been happening. Week after week, a dedicated team of volunteers has been gathering to run the Newmarket Community Pop-Up Shop, offering food, household essentials and something harder to quantify but just as important: human dignity and neighbourly warmth.

The shop, which grew out of the emergency community response during the Covid pandemic, has become a quiet institution in the town. What began as a practical response to sudden, acute need has evolved into something more sustained and more profound: a community of care that serves some of Newmarket’s most vulnerable residents, regardless of background or belief.

The volunteer team, connected to Churches Together Newmarket and drawing

support from local parishes, embodies the kind of ecumenical, practical Christianity that Pope Francis long called for. This is faith with its sleeves rolled up.

Deacon James Hurst, who has been closely involved with the shop as part of his diaconal ministry, speaks with evident passion about what the project means. “The diaconate exists to serve,” he has said. “And here is service in its most direct and human form - people giving their time, their energy, and their hearts to make sure their neighbours don’t go without.”

The shop operates as a dignified, welcoming space rather than a conventional food bank. Visitors are treated as guests, not cases. Volunteers know regulars by name.

There is tea, conversation and the kind of unhurried attention that is itself a form of charity.

Behind the scenes, the logistics are considerable. Stock must be sourced, sorted and displayed. Rotas must be managed.

Safeguarding, food safety and insurance requirements all demand careful attention.

That this is achieved almost entirely by volunteers, many of them retired or juggling

other commitments, speaks to an extraordinary depth of communal commitment.

The shop’s reach extends beyond food.

Households in difficulty can access a range of essential items, and signposting to other local services means that a visit to the PopUp Shop can be a gateway to wider support.

In this way, the shop functions as something of an informal hub: a place where practical need and human connection meet.

For the volunteers themselves, many speak of receiving as much as they give.

“You come to help,” one regular volunteer has reflected, “and you find yourself helped, by the friendships, by the purpose, by seeing the difference it makes.”

As the shop looks to its next chapter, there is every reason to celebrate what has been built and those who built it. In a town and a world where the Church is sometimes asked what it is actually for, the Newmarket Community Pop-Up Shop offers a quietly compelling answer.

The shop is a reminder that when Christians serve together, the Gospel is not only proclaimed but lived out in ways that transform lives and strengthen communities.

Catholic East Anglia – September 26

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Double celebration for Canon David and the Diocese Parishioner Carole Wilson reflects on a joyful double celebration at All Saints, Leiston, where parishioners, family and friends gathered to mark both the Diocese of East Anglia’s 50th anniversary and Canon David Bagstaff’s golden jubilee of ordination.

n Over the summer months, many of the parishes in the Diocese of East Anglia have held special celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the Diocese. However, on Sunday 12 July, the parish of Aldeburgh and Leiston had two 50th anniversaries to celebrate, as it was also Canon David Bagstaff’s 50th anniversary of ordination (10 July).

Canon David was the first priest to be ordained for the new Diocese of East Anglia and has held many roles and served in many parishes since 1976, so will be well known to and well loved by many.

The parish celebrated with one Sunday Mass at All Saints, Leiston, the larger of the two churches, which also has an adjacent hall.

In order to be with Canon David as he celebrated this very special Mass, the church

was filled with local parishioners and friends from across the Diocese, as well as members of his family; many had travelled long distances to share in the special double celebration.

The readings from the Mass of the day were naturally aligned to the theme of the occasion. It was one of those times when it was compelling to think of fellow Catholics, not only throughout the Diocese but throughout the whole world, who would be listening to and learning from them, and perhaps also reflecting on the blessings in their lives because of dedicated priests like Canon David.

With only slight bias, Suffolk folk have a reputation for being great singers and happily ‘raised the roof’ for this special occasion. As the liturgy and hymns were sung, it felt as though the church was filled with twice the number in the congregation. Afterwards, many visitors commented on the joyful and uplifting effect of this.

Mass was followed by an advertised ‘finger buffet’ that actually transpired to be an amazing sight: a beautifully arranged and very delicious feast. After everyone had taken their fill, the plates seemed to refill themselves in biblical fashion – the catering team were definitely thinking ‘double’!

And, of course, there had to be double cake too. With two knives to hand, Canon

David did the honours with encouragement from all, who were full of admiration for both the diocesan commemorative cake and his own commemorative cake, which carried a scroll listing his many roles and appointments from 1976–2026.

After a round of applause, Canon David was feted with yet more singing as ‘For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow’ rang out, followed by spontaneous cries of ‘Three Cheers’ from the crowds gathered around him after a very

sociable lunch in the church grounds.

The event organising team, and all who helped make the Mass doubly special, are to be congratulated but, from the heart, a special thank you is due to Canon David, whose knowledge, experience, wisdom, tact and gentle humour are a blessing to all who come into contact with him.

A truly memorable double celebration that left everyone both fulfilled and filled.

Canon David cuts into his Golden Jubilee cake.

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Bishop joins St Alban’s for 60th anniversary n Students, staff, governors and clergy gathered at St Alban’s as the school marked its 60th anniversary with a special whole-school Mass celebrated by the Bishop of East Anglia, the Rt Rev Peter Collins.

The celebration brought together the entire school community, along with members of Our Lady of Walsingham Catholic Multi Academy Trust, to give thanks for six decades of Catholic education, faith and service. Several local clergy also joined the occasion, including former priest chaplains to the school: Canon Patrick Cleary, Canon David Bagstaff, Fr John Warrington and Fr Jude Belnas.

The day began with Bishop Collins meeting the Headteacher, the Chief Executive Officer of Our Lady of Walsingham Catholic Multi Academy Trust, Clare Clark, and members of the student chaplaincy team. Students spoke about what makes St Alban’s special to them, highlighting the importance of faith, prayer, service and belonging in the daily life of the school.

They described how Catholic life is reflected not only in formal liturgies, but also through everyday relationships, acts of kindness, charitable work and opportunities for students to take an active role in the life of the Church. The Bishop also heard how students had established their own Bible group.

Bishop Collins praised the school’s role in spreading the faith and commented on the reverence shown by students during the Mass. Pupils took part in the liturgy through the readings, bidding prayers and altar serving, helping to create a celebration that was both prayerful and joyful.

There was also a speech from the Head Student, who spoke on behalf of the student body and reflected on the importance of the anniversary. Mr Corless, the Headteacher, thanked the visiting clergy for joining the school community to mark what he described as a momentous milestone in the school’s history.

Visiting clergy also commented positively on the way Catholic life is visible throughout the school, noting that faith is not treated as something separate, but as something that shapes the rhythm, values and mission of the community.

The Bishop also noted that the school would soon have a deacon as its chaplain, with Paul Gilbert having been ordained to the permanent diaconate on Saturday, 18 July, at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Norwich. The news added further significance to the anniversary celebration and highlighted the continuing development of chaplaincy and Catholic life at St Alban’s.

For many students, the occasion was the first time they had met the Bishop of East Anglia. After the Mass, Bishop Collins and the visiting clergy visited the school chapel, where he blessed the recently commissioned Stations of the Cross, designed by an art teacher.

The blessing created a lasting spiritual legacy for the anniversary, ensuring the artwork will continue to support prayer and reflection for students and staff in the years ahead. The visit ended with the clergy meeting members of the leadership team, teachers and governors before sharing a lunch in the chapel garden.

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Catholic East Anglia – September 26

Priesthood Ord bring joy to the

Bishop Peter Collins and Bishop Emeritus Alan Hopes flank the newly ordained Fr Anthony Reilly and Fr Peter Ho.

The Diocese of East Anglia gave thanks to God with great joy on Saturday 4 July as the Revd Peter Ho and the Revd Anthony Reilly were ordained to the Sacred Priesthood during a solemn Mass at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Norwich.

Charlie Bohan-Hurst reports. n The Ordination Mass was celebrated by Bishop Peter Collins and attended by clergy from across the Diocese of East Anglia and beyond, together with family, friends and parishioners who had gathered to witness this significant moment in the life of the Church.

At the beginning of the Mass, Bishop Peter warmly welcomed all those present, paying particular tribute to the families and friends of Revd Peter and Revd Anthony. He thanked them for the love, encouragement and steadfast support they had offered throughout the vocations of both men, recognising the important role they had played in helping them reach this day.

The Liturgy of the Word reflected beautifully the vocation and mission of the priesthood.

The first reading, from Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:4–9), recalled God’s call to the prophet before he was born and His assurance: “Do not be afraid… I am with you.” It is a powerful

reminder that every priestly vocation begins not with human ambition, but with God’s initiative and grace.

The second reading, from St Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians (Ephesians 4:1–7, 11–13), called the faithful to live lives worthy of their calling and highlighted the different gifts Christ gives His Church, including pastors and teachers who are entrusted with building up the Body of Christ. The passage reflected the responsibility now placed upon the two ordinands to serve God’s people faithfully and to help lead them towards maturity in faith.

In the Gospel (Luke 22:14–20, 24–30), proclaimed during the celebration, Jesus instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper before teaching His disciples that true greatness is found in humble service. The reading lies at the very heart of priestly ministry, reminding the newly ordained that they are called to serve after the example of Christ, who gives Himself completely for His people.

Following the Liturgy of the Word, the Rite of Ordination began. Revd Peter and Revd Anthony were called forward before bowing before Bishop Peter. They were then formally presented to the Bishop by Canon Michael Dolman, Rector of St Mary’s College, Oscott, who testified that they had been found worthy to be ordained.

The Bishop then declared his election of the candidates, and the people gave their joyful consent, affirming their support with warm applause.

Bishop Peter then preached the homily before the Rite of Ordination continued with

the Promise of the Elect. One by one, the candidates placed their joined hands into those of the Bishop, making their solemn promise of respect and obedience to him and to his successors.

One of the most moving moments of the liturgy followed during the Litany of Supplication.

As the congregation knelt in prayer, Revd Peter and Revd Anthony lay prostrate before the altar, placing themselves completely in God’s hands while the Church invoked the prayers of the saints on their behalf.

The essential rite of ordination then took place through the laying on of hands by Bishop Peter, followed by the Prayer of Ordination. In silence, the ancient gesture handed on through the centuries expressed the apostolic succession of the priesthood before the solemn prayer consecrated the two men for their sacred ministry.

The newly ordained priests were then vested with the priestly stole and chasuble before Bishop Peter anointed their hands with Sacred Chrism, signifying that they were now consecrated to sanctify God’s people and to offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. They received the bread and wine for the celebration of the Eucharist before exchanging the Kiss of Peace with the Bishop and then with each of the priests present, welcoming them into the diocesan presbyterate.

Following the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the Mass concluded with the final blessing, during which the newly ordained priests stood before Bishop Peter as they prepared to begin their ministry.

Catholic East Anglia – September 26

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inations Diocese

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Bishop Peter’s engagements AUGUST Aug 21 – 28, Fri – Fri Bishop to lead the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

SEPTEMBER Sep 1, Tue Bishop to celebrate Mass for the Solemn Vows of Sr Sara Nowakowska at 10.30 in Quidenham Sep 5, Sat Bishop to concelebrate Mass with Archbishop Richard Moth and then join March for Life and lead a prayer on stage from 10.30 in Parliament Square Sep 6, Sun Bishop to join the Dowry of Mary Pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham Sep 8, Tues Bishop to attend Bishop’s Council at 11:00 in Poringland Bishop to celebrate Confirmation Mass at 19.00 in Sheringham Sep 8, Weds Bishop to attend Chapter of Canons Capitular Mass at 12.00 at the Cathedral Sep 12, Sat Bishop to attend Diocesan Commission for Dialogue & Unity at 11.00 in Poringland Sep 13, Sun Bishop to take part in the Jubilee Event for Ipswich Deanery from 12.00 in Ipswich Sep 15, Tues Bishop to attend CBCEW Plenary via Zoom Bishop to celebrate Confirmation Mass at 19.00 in Thetford Sep 17, Thurs Bishop to celebrate Mass following the Annual Meeting of Retired Priests of the Diocese from 11:00 in Poringland

In one of the most poignant moments of the day, before the Marian antiphon, Bishop Peter knelt before each of the new priests to receive their first priestly blessing, a powerful and deeply symbolic gesture marking the beginning of their ministry.

After the celebration, clergy gathered with the newly ordained priests for photographs and fellowship, while family members, friends and parishioners shared in the joy of this memorable occasion.

The ordination of two new priests is a moment of profound thanksgiving for the whole Diocese of East Anglia. It is a visible sign of

God’s continuing call to serve His Church and a source of great hope for the future. For Revd Peter Ho and Revd Anthony Reilly, it marked the culmination of many years of discernment, formation and prayer. For their families, friends and all who have accompanied them on their journey, it was a day of immense pride and gratitude.

As they begin their priestly ministry, the Diocese holds them in prayer, giving thanks for their generous response to God’s call and asking the Lord to bless them with wisdom, holiness and joy in the years ahead.

Bishop to attend Commission for Catechesis and Formation at 18:00 in Poringland Sep 19, Sat Bishop to attend International Cook Out Day from 10.30am at St Peter and All Souls Sep 20, Sun Bishop to join the Pilgrimage of Our Lady of Peñafrancia from 09:30 at St Helen’s, Hoveton Sep 21, Mon Bishop to attend Plater Trust Working via Zoom Bishop to attend Charismatic Diocesan Service of Communion Sep 22, Tues Bishop to attend Plater Trust Working via Zoom Bishop to celebrate Confirmation Mass at 19:00 at St Philip Howard Sep 23, Weds Bishop to attend meeting at Department of Dialogue and Unity from 11:00 in London Sep 24, Thurs Bishop to attend Diocesan Board of Trustees Meeting at 10.30 in Poringland Sep 25, Fri Bishop to celebrate Annual Schools’ Mass at 12.00 in the Cathedral Sep 26, Sat Bishop to attend Caritas Steering Committee from 11.00 in Poringland Sep 27, Sun Bishop to celebrate a Golden Jubilee Anniversary Mass at 11.00 at the Sacred Heart, St Ives Sep 29, Tues Bishop to celebrate Confirmation Mass at 19:00 at St Mary’s Church, Great Yarmouth

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Catholic East Anglia – September 26

STORIES FROM OUR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN EAST ANGLIA

School Chapels across the Diocese n story continued from page three.

St John Fisher High School, Peterborough by Rowena Goodfellow Placing the chapel at the very heart of the school site symbolises the centrality of the Catholic faith at St John Fisher. Within the chapel, we have four stained glass windows, designed and created by staff to represent the Houses: Beverley, Cambridge, Rochester and Westminster, all areas associated with St John Fisher. When we are blessed with sunshine, the light shines through the windows and also through the cross-shaped window in the ceiling.

Our chapel is a shared and well-used space. We are incredibly fortunate to be able to celebrate Mass every Tuesday, attended by staff, students and pupils from our neighbours, St Thomas More Primary School. The chapel is also used for our prayer group, led by the Sixth Form Leadership Team, Chaplaincy Ambassadors, the weekly Angelus and praying the Rosary. It is also used weekly by each tutor group during the year for reflection and collective worship. In addition, it is a place of peace and solace in times of need, and a place of deep joy when giving thanks to the God who loves us. Our chapel is open to everyone within our community and is inclusive of all faiths and religions. It anchors our faith and supports all within our community to flourish and live out our mission statement to “live life to the full”.

St John Fisher Chapel.

St Bede’s Inter-Church School Chapel, Cambridge by Alexandra Clarke After 64 years of waiting, St Bede’s finally opened a chapel with a service of dedication and blessing at the start of this academic year. Our school community can now worship in a chapel reserved for private prayer and collective worship in the heart of our school. Each week, services of Morning Prayer are held in our school chapel as a very special part of our collective worship together. In addition, voluntary Mass is celebrated each half-term by Father Bienn or Father Philip within the chapel, which is large enough to accommodate one of our six Houses or a year group.

Adjacent to the chapel, we have four small meeting rooms where clergy can hear the confessions of students and where pastoral counselling can take place. There is also a larger informal chaplaincy space where students’ Christian clubs meet at lunchtimes.

The chapel has been carefully decorated with stained glass transfers on the windows, the school prayer inscribed along the curved wall, and artefacts donated by members of

our community. Outside, a small contemplative garden has been planted with fruit trees and flowering shrubs within raised beds designed in the shape of a cross. This area is available for staff and students to use for private prayer and reflection. Please pray for our staff and students as we gather each morning at 9.05am for worship.

between the Chapel building and the mission of the school’s founding order, the Congregation of Jesus, in the education of women.

In the second half of the nineteenth century, until five years before the order acquired the house, The Elms, as their convent, it was owned by Professor Kennedy, Professor of Greek and Latin at the University of Cam-

bridge. He was one of a group of university fellows who campaigned for women to be admitted, but he allowed female students to sit the university Tripos examination papers as an academic exercise. It is said these unofficial examinations took place in the drawing room of The Elms, the room that is now dedicated as the school’s Chapel.

St Bede’s Chapel.

St Mary’s Independent Catholic School, Cambridge by Daniel Bennett Our Chapel is on the ground floor of a large Victorian townhouse which was once a convent. Over the last century it was incorporated into the school site. The altar was commissioned and crafted from local oak during its restoration in 2013, with a large reproduction of the San Damiano crucifix above it, standing in a large bay window looking out to the old Chapel Lawn and garden, providing creation’s own stained glass. The chapel can seat about 100 people, so whole-school liturgies are celebrated in the school halls or the local church, but there is enough space to accommodate year group celebrations such as the Year 11 Final Mass, Sixth Form Leavers’ Mass and the Year 7 Welcome Service.

The chapel is a space where we can gather to mark the changing seasons. For example, in November, leaves are hung on the tree of remembrance and candles are lit in commemoration and prayer for those who have died, with a brief service of remembrance held each week during the month.

There is an Advent reflection and prayer each week, and daily prayer and carols around the Advent wreath in the main reception area. In Lent, some students and staff follow the Stations of the Cross in the Chapel, including reflections and prayers prepared by students on a previous day of reflection. Some students and staff also join a daily Lent “micro-retreat” in the Chapel.

A group of colleagues meet in the Chapel for staff prayer every Monday lunchtime, sharing a psalm and a period of silent prayer for members of the school community. The Chapel is the place for times of prayer, reflection, liturgy and music. It is always open as a quiet space for students or staff to pray or to find a moment of peace or contemplation. As well as a selection of prayers and books for those who might find them helpful, we have a book and a box into which prayer requests and intercessions can be posted.

These are shared with a group of “prayer sponsors”, anonymous volunteers from both students and staff.

There is a pleasing historical coincidence

St Mary’s Chapel.

Catholic East Anglia – September 26

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Notre Dame pupils give generously Pupils at Notre Dame Preparatory School in Norwich have once again demonstrated their commitment to serving others, donating an impressive 231kg of food to Norwich Foodbank during the current academic year. n The school’s Mini Vinnies group has led the initiative, encouraging fellow pupils, families and staff to support local people facing hardship through regular food collections. The generous response from the school community has resulted in a significant contribution to the Foodbank, which has thanked the school for its continued support.

The Mini Vinnies, inspired by the values of St Vincent de Paul, have played a key role in organising the collections and promoting the importance of helping those in need. Their efforts reflect the school’s commitment to putting faith into action and living out the Gospel through practical acts of charity.

Headteacher Mrs Kim Laudan said the school was proud of the generosity shown by

its community and the dedication of the Mini Vinnies in supporting Norwich Foodbank over many years.

Meanwhile, the school has also announced an exciting development for local families. From September 2026, Notre Dame Preparatory School’s Minibeasts Nursery will offer 30 hours of funded childcare for eligible three and fouryear-olds, alongside 15 hours of funded provision for eligible two-year-olds.

The expanded funded places will help make the school’s early years provision more accessible to Catholic families across the NR2 area of Norwich and beyond, supporting children at the very start of their educational journey in a caring, faith-filled environment.

The two announce-

ments reflect Notre Dame’s ongoing commitment both to serving the wider community

and supporting local Catholic education.

families

through

Notre Dame pupils with a thank you certificate from Norwich Foodbank.

Vocations focus: Fr Alvan Ibeh SMMM As the Diocese of East Anglia continues to celebrate its 50th Jubilee Year, we are shining a spotlight on the people who live out their vocations in service to our diocesan family. Each month, we meet a member of our clergy or someone in formation, reflecting on their call, their ministry and their hopes for the future. n This month, we hear from Fr Alvan Ibeh SMMM, Priest at St Peter’s Church in Gorleston, who shares how his vocation first took shape, what inspires him in his ministry today, and why fostering vocations remains vital to the life of our diocese.

“I grew up in a Catholic family that was religious but not very strict, and Sunday Mass was always a must. From my primary school days, I felt drawn to the altar. I sensed something inside me, like Samuel in the Bible, though I did not know what it was.

I first wanted to join the altar servers because they were young like me, and I wanted to be with them in the sanctuary. I never imagined myself as a priest, since our parish priest was old and strict. When I told my parents I wanted to be an altar server, they supported me, and I joined. Over time, I watched the priest closely during Mass, and after church, I would dress up in my mum’s clothes and pretend to be a priest with my siblings. This made me happy and made me want to be a priest even more.

Meeting a young seminarian in our parish and getting encouragement from my family helped me say yes to the call.

What gives me the most purpose and joy in my ministry is being there for people during important times, like illness, grief, reconciliation, fear, or when they return to

the faith. Making God’s children smile brings me real happiness and satisfaction.

In 13 years of my priestly ministry, mostly here in the Diocese (except two years in Nigeria), I see how I have improved. I have become more open and freer in my interactions with people from different nationalities and religious backgrounds, knowing God loves everyone.

The Diocese of East Anglia holds meaning for me, as it is where I first experienced being a missionary abroad, working both as an assistant parish priest and as a school and hospital chaplain. These have been amazing experiences.

Promoting and supporting vocations in the diocese is so much needed at this time, as I can sense a massive growth in the population of the faithful of this diocese. For this growth to be maintained, there is a need for more priests for the diocese. There is a need for young people in the diocese to start saying yes to the call while they are young and vibrant. This can only happen when a vocation to the priesthood is promoted and supported massively.

For those who are beginning to wonder whether God might be calling them, I would say, “Don’t be a Jonah.” Don’t try to run from it. One thing is that once God calls you, you cannot run away from it. Don’t shy away because you feel you are not worthy. Fulton J. Sheen once said, “No one is worthy to be a priest. God does not call us because we are qualified; He qualifies us when He calls us” (1 Corinthians 1:27). It is not about you; it is about God who has called you, and He who calls you is faithful (I Thessalonians 5:23–24). So do not be afraid to say “yes”. I said “yes” 13 years ago, and now, getting to 14 years this year, there have been no regrets. So speak to a priest today for direction.

Parishes with a lot of young people should be organising activities that will aim at promoting vocations to the priesthood

and religious life. Parish priests should encourage young people and their parents during their homilies, especially when we celebrate Vocation Sunday. There is also a need for the vocation team to work in conjunction with the Ignite team and visit parishes and schools. This, I think, will make a great impact. Young people want to hear about the life of a priest, and they have

a lot of questions to ask.

Looking ahead, I am hopeful that in the next few years, with the interest the bishop has shown in promoting vocations in the diocese, coupled with the work the Ignite team is doing, there will likely be a great improvement in the number of young people embracing the vocation to the priesthood and religious life. There is hope indeed.”

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Catholic East Anglia – September 26

Students cycle 124km for Lourdes charity Year 12 student Kuba Chatkowski shares the story of how he and three fellow students cycled from Cambridge to Norwich Cathedral, raising more than £2,500 for HCPT Group 104 and its work supporting disabled and disadvantaged children on pilgrimage to Lourdes. n On Thursday 21 May, a group of four of us (Gabriel Bell, Daniel Galantini, André Costa Zubko and me) undertook an ambitious challenge, cycling from the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and the English Martyrs in Cambridge to the Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Norwich to raise money for HCPT Group 104, which takes disabled and disadvantaged children from across the Cambridge area on life-changing pilgrimages to Lourdes.

Each year, Hills Road Sixth Form College organises Social Action Week, during which all Year 12 students are taken off timetable and challenged to raise at least £200 in small groups for a charity of their choice.

Wanting to support a worthwhile Catholic cause, we chose HCPT, as one of our team members has a strong personal connection to the charity.

Just before setting off from OLEM, we received a pilgrim blessing from Bishop Alan, who praised our commitment to the chal-

lenge and highlighted the importance of charity and service within the Catholic faith.

Our route took us through the beautiful countryside of Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Norfolk, passing through quiet villages, open farmland and woodland, a side of East Anglia that is often missed when travelling by car.

The journey was physically demanding.

As the miles passed, fatigue began to set in, and we also had to contend with a puncture along the way.

However, thanks to strong team spirit and encouragement from fellow cyclists, including some we met en route, we persevered and continued towards our destination.

After around eight hours of cycling, we finally arrived at the Cathedral, where we were warmly welcomed

by Deacon Jonathan Callejo. He kindly offered us a final blessing before the altar and congratulated us on our achievement.

Thanks to the gener-

osity of our supporters, we far exceeded our original fundraising target of £200, raising more than £2,500 for HCPT Group 104. Our team finished as the highest fundraiser

during Social Action Week, and we were delighted that the money raised will help support such a valuable Catholic cause.

Kuba Chatkowski, Gabriel Bell, Daniel Galantini, André Costa Zubko receive a blessing from Bishop Emeritus Alan before heading off on their journey.

Cardinal Chow visits Cambridge Cardinal Stephen Chow SJ completed a three-day pastoral visit to Cambridge from 9 to 12 July 2026, following months of preparation by the East Anglia Cantonese Chaplaincy, Our Lady of the English Martyrs (OLEM), Our Lady of Lourdes (OLOL), the Bishop’s Office and the UK Hong Kong Catholic Migrants Pastoral Coordination Group. n The visit, the first by a serving Cardinal from Hong Kong to the Diocese of East Anglia, marked a significant moment for the local Catholic community.

During his stay, Cardinal Stephen celebrated Mass, visited sites linked to the English Martyrs, met young Hong Kong Catholics, and spent time with migrant families.

At Sawston, he concelebrated Mass with Canon John Minh before visiting Sawston Hall and reflecting on the witness of St John Rigby and St Nicholas Owen.

“We are standing on the land of the martyrs,” Fr John reminded the group.

The Cardinal also visited Fisher House, Queens’ College and St John’s College, exploring the Catholic heritage of Cambridge and highlighting the importance of ecumenical dialogue.

A visit to a Hong Kong Catholic family

provided an opportunity to encourage families to live as a “domestic Church”, with Cardinal Stephen blessing their home and praying in Cantonese.

On Saturday, he met young Hong Kong Catholics before celebrating a sung Mass for the Feast of the Holy Martyrs of China at OLEM. Bishop Peter Collins attended in choir as a sign of support for the Hong Kong Catholic community. Before Mass, many people received the Sacrament of Reconciliation in both English and Cantonese.

More than 170 Hong Kong Catholics and local parishioners attended the celebration.

During his homily, Cardinal Stephen reflected on the Beatitudes as the virtues of Christ and reminded the congregation that Christian witness is lived out in everyday life.

“We are not necessarily called to shed blood, but through our everyday actions, our steadfast small acts of love, self-sacrifice, and solidarity against dehumanisation, such acts, in many ways, may amount to martyrdom.”

He also encouraged the community to em-

brace synodality by listening to one another, discerning together and sharing responsibility for the life of the Church.

Reflecting on the visit, organisers said it demonstrated that integration into the local Church does not require Hong Kong Catholics to lose their identity or heritage.

As one altar server reflected afterwards: “I enjoyed it, and I understood the presence of Christ.”

The visit concluded on 12 July as Cardinal Stephen continued his pastoral journey to Birmingham before returning to Hong Kong. Organisers expressed their gratitude to Bishop Peter Collins, Monsignor Eugene Harkness, Canon John Minh, Fr Peter Ho, Deacon James Shin, Deacon Jonathan Wright, and the many volunteers, musicians, servers and parishioners who helped make the historic visit possible.

Cardinal Chow was joined by Bishop Peter on his visit to Cambridge.

Catholic East Anglia – September 26

Faith in the Home

A Surprise pilgrimage to the Curé of Ars n In this Faith in the Home article, a parishioner reflects on their summer visit to the Shrine of St John Vianney.

I sighed as I switched off my phone and looked through the car window at the hot, dry French countryside. Four hours in the car and another couple to go until we reached our destination. As I looked out, a road sign flashed past us: “Ars.” “Ars?!” I thought. “Ars? As in the Curé of Ars…St John Vianney?!” One of my favourite saints! Are we really near Ars?!

I quickly switched my phone back on, loaded Google Maps and took a closer look. I couldn’t believe it; we really were near Ars, where St John Vianney had been parish priest!

“Quick!” I shouted to my bemused husband. “Take the next exit! St John Vianney wants us to visit him!”

What were the chances of looking out of the window just before passing the sign to Ars? There are no coincidences with Providence!

We swerved off the motorway and made our way to Ars-sur-Formans and the Shrine of St John Vianney. Patron saint of parish priests, he remains one of the Church's most beloved saints. Ars is a quiet village where one immediately senses an atmosphere of peace and prayer.

Walking towards the basilica, I was struck by its beauty. Inside, sunlight filtered through the stained-glass windows.

We had arrived at Vespers, and the Divine Office was being sung beautifully by the nuns, their heavenly voices echoing through the basilica. Kneeling before the incorrupt body of St John Vianney, I felt deeply moved by this saint of extraordinary holiness.

As we explored the shrine, we visited the humble presbytery where the Curé lived. Seeing his simple room and belongings reminded us that true greatness is found not in worldly success or possessions, but in faithfulness to God's will and humility of heart.

Before leaving, we visited the reliquary preserving the incorrupt heart of St John Vianney. We wrote the names of every priest and bishop we knew in the book of prayer intentions.

As we departed Ars, we carried with us renewed hope, peace, and a deeper friendship with this special saint.

Sometimes you set out to visit a saint on pilgrimage, and sometimes the saint seems to call you instead.

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Fr Martin Hardy inducted as new Cathedral Dean n The Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Norwich welcomed a new chapter in its life on Tuesday 7 July as Bishop Peter Collins celebrated a Sung Mass with the Rite of Induction of Fr Martin Hardy as Cathedral Dean and Parish Priest of the Cathedral with Holy Apostles.

The liturgy marked the formal beginning of Fr Martin’s ministry at the Cathedral, with clergy, parishioners and guests gathering to pray for him as he undertook his new responsibilities.

The readings chosen for the Mass reflected the mission entrusted to every parish priest.

In the Gospel, Jesus declares that “the harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few”, reminding the congregation of the Church’s ongoing call to proclaim the Gospel and serve God’s people.

Following the homily, Fr Martin made the Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity

before signing the official documents with Bishop Peter. The Bishop then addressed him directly, outlining the responsibilities of his new office: to celebrate the sacred mysteries, preach the Gospel faithfully, pray the Divine Office, and serve the people with zeal and charity. Fr Martin responded: “I am, with the help of God.” The congregation also made their own commitment, promising to support and pray for their new parish priest and to work alongside him in the mission of the Church. Bishop Peter then formally inducted Fr Martin as Parish Priest of the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist with Holy Apostles.

As part of the rite, Fr Martin was presented with the Book of the Gospels as a sign of his responsibility to proclaim God’s Word, before receiving the keys

of the Cathedral, symbolising his pastoral care for the parish and his stewardship of its sacramental life.

The celebration concluded with prayers for Fr Martin and the Cathedral community as they look ahead with confidence and hope, united in their shared mission to proclaim Christ and serve the people of God.

Bishop Peter inducts Fr Martin as Cathedral Dean.

Fr Alvan Ibeh: Are you a weed or wheat?

In his regular column Fr Alvan Ibeh invites readers to examine whether they are living as 'wheat' or 'weeds', reminding them of God's patience, the power of repentance, and the call to bear the fruits of love, humility and service. n On the 16th Sunday of the year, the Gospel reading at Mass was from Matthew 13:24–43, which is the Parable of the Weeds. In this parable, Jesus describes a field where good seed is planted, but an enemy secretly sows weeds.

As I was reflecting on this reading, I got a message that gave me a completely different understanding of this parable, which I have read several times. This is one thing about the Word of God. It is always alive and active (Hebrews 4:2). The more we read and reflect on it, the more God reveals new things about Himself to us.

The parable of the wheat and the weeds is not merely about identifying "good people" and "bad people". It is an invitation to examine ourselves by asking: "Am I a weed or wheat?" Another question that comes up from this parable is: "Am I this enemy who came at night to sow these weeds?"

What does it mean to be wheat or weed, then? Being wheat means allowing God's Word to bear fruit in our lives. Wheat nourishes others. It bends in humility as it ripens instead of standing in pride. Every disciple of Christ is recognised by love, mercy, forgiveness, truth and service. This is what it means to be wheat.

Being a weed means allowing sin to spread unchecked. Weeds do not simply fail to bear fruit – they hinder the growth of

others. Gossip divides communities. Anger destroys relationships. Selfishness weakens families. A life centred on self rather than God becomes a stumbling block. These are not needed in the life of a child of God. That is why weeds are defined as an unwanted plant.

But even when, because of the type of life we live, it becomes clear that we are weeds, there is still hope for us. We can still change from being weeds to becoming wheat.

Impossible, right? In the eyes of men, this is very impossible, and that is the reason why we can easily conclude about others that they are finished or can never amount to anything. When Paul changed from being a persecutor of Christians to a preacher of the Gospel, even the disciples of Jesus couldn't believe it. God can do the impossible.

Remember, He is a specialist in impossibilities. So even the worst person on earth can be transformed by God, so we shouldn't make conclusions or even give up on anyone.

Therefore, the most hopeful part of the parable is God's patience. The servants, just as any of us would want to do, wanted to pull the weeds immediately, but the master says, "Let both grow together until the harvest." God's patience does not mean He tolerates our sins; He is only giving us time to repent. Whenever we sleep and wake up, it's another opportunity He has given us to change from being weeds to wheat. He would have uprooted us while we were sleeping, but He says, "Let's give him/her another opportunity today." He does not rush to condemn us. Every new day is another opportunity to become what He created us to be.

Another question I can ask myself in this parable is, "Am I like the enemy who came at night and sowed weeds in the farm

someone has worked so hard to cultivate?"

Whenever I see something good happening in someone else's life and choose to cause them sadness, I am acting like the enemy.

Whenever I see peace and choose to sow confusion, I am acting like the enemy. When I see friends getting along well and choose to use gossip to put them asunder, I am an enemy planting weeds of discord. If I am someone who is always putting hateful thoughts in people's minds against others because of the things we say or do, then I am the enemy who goes around planting seeds of hatred.

So, let us ask ourselves this question: Who exactly am I? A weed, wheat, or an enemy?

The final harvest reminds us that our choices matter. One day we will stand before God, not judged by appearances but by the fruits our lives have produced.

May we choose each day to be good wheat in the Lord's field, bringing hope, love, and life to everyone we meet.

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Catholic East Anglia – September 26

Picture gallery from parishes around the Diocese

n Children from Our Lady and St. Charles Borromeo, Wisbech received their First Holy Communion on 5 July.

n Carolyn Sharrock (Southwold parish) and Rebecca Bretherton (March parish) received their Certificates of Catechesis after studying the 2 year online course run by the Dominican Sisters of St Joseph. A beautiful day in Winchester completed an excellent programme of learning.

Rebecca said, "We would really recommend this course. We learnt so much about our faith and had opportunities to practice transmitting the Good News in different ways. Students came from the UK and Ireland and even Australia. Not everyone was involved in catechesis at the beginning of the course as some people simply wanted to learn how to share the Gospel with family and friends. Many of us have found that we are now confident to support our parish catechesis programmes. Alongside the learning, we discovered a real community of fellow Catholics and the sisters welcomed us into their community life."

For more information, check out: https://www.lightoftruth.uk/certificate Photo: Sr Hyacinthe, Carolyn Sharrock, Rebecca Bretherton, and Sr Cooey at St Peter and the Winchester Martyrs Catholic church.