Lancaster Voice July 2026

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The O cial Newspaper to the Diocese of Lancaster

INSIDE:

Issue 381 + July ’26

Full story & pictures on page 10 >

Meet Joe and Ruth - Bringing the Gospel to the heart of Preston with the Metanoia Project

Blessings & Joy in July As the Diocese of Lancaster welcomes Fr Stephen Bamber Congratulations on your ordination!

May God abundantly bless your ministry and 昀ll you with grace as you shepherd His people.

May your priesthood bring comfort, hope, and joy to all the lives you touch.

“The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” Numbers 6-24-26

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2 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + July 2026 Parishioners from the Blackpool & Fylde Deanery gather together.

CONTACT US: The Catholic Voice of Lancaster is published on the last Sunday of the month previous to publication date.

The Catholic Voice of Lancaster is published by its owners. The Trustees of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lancaster, a registered charity, (No. 234331), and is wholly independent of and separate from any previous newspaper published by or on behalf of the diocese.

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Articles & Letters to: CatholicVoiceNews@lrcd.org.uk POSTAL ADDRESS: FAO Father Stephen Pearson The Catholic Voice of Lancaster C/o Holy Family Catholic Church 1 Lytham Road Freckleton Preston PR4 1AD Please send articles for publication on CD or by email, supplying any photos separate to the text (i.e. in jpeg format).

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Journeying on together in Blackpool & Fylde Sister Philomena Grimley reports in the latest update

O

n Saturday, May 16th in St Mary’s Catholic Academy, Blackpool, 63 people from the 12 parishes in the Deanery met to share with each other what had been happening since our last meeting in February. At that meeting nine groups were set up representing the nine practical issues that had emerged from reports sent in from local parish meetings. It was now time to hear what the groups had to report.

But 昀rst, Father Peter Sharrock, our Dean, reminded us that we are all on the Easter journey. So, aware that as disciples now, we were sharing in the universal Church’s preparation for the Feast of Pentecost, we began by singing COME HOLY GHOST, we listened to the Word of God and re昀ected on our call to be witnesses to the Gospel.

Over the next hour representatives from each of the groups reported on what they had been able to 昀nd out and what action plans they were proposing to follow through on. It was obvious that solid work had been done. Here are some examples:

COMMUNICATION: practical research about a deanery website is underway. It was seen as an essential service for the deanery in the future.

BUILDINGS: the Diocesan Property O ce had been extremely helpful with practical advice. The group is organising a workshop meeting in the near future to help all our parishes and communication about this will be sent out soon.

YOUNG PEOPLE: Three practical outcomes from their meetings are: First: A workshop in June facilitated by the organisation A MILLION MINUTES which works with young people nationally. This is to help us be aware of the challenges of working with young people.

Second: FAITH IN ACTION initiative, a collaboration between parishes and

St Mary’s Catholic Academy enabling young people to do precisely that.

of skills and services provided across the deanery.

Thirdly: In St Wulstan’s, Fleetwood there is already established a monthly evening for young people and the team there welcome newcomers from our other parishes.

PARTICIPATION AND COLLABORATION: Working Together Across Parishes and Deaneries – The group has put together a simple and practical one-page guide to help in the sensitive process of working out together issues and concerns such as we are having to address amongst us in this time of change.

ECUMENISM: the importance of this dimension of our baptismal calling was stressed; how, through parish partnerships in local branches of Churches Together in our deanery, in prayer, dialogue and social action, we are establishing friendships and trust,

“laying the quiet foundations from which unity grows.”

FORMATION: a twelve week course is being prepared to “go live” later this year in two parishes in order to help adults, especially young parents, to have the con昀dence to share their faith with their children.

MISSION FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE: the group had gathered a wealth of information about the many ways in which our parishes are active across the deanery, collaborating locally with other Christian churches and councils. They are considering how best to make use of this information as a deanery.

MASS TIMES: the group worked together to ensure that they could present an up-to date chart showing current times for Masses which could be displayed in all our deanery churches. They brought forward a proposal that there could be a Sunday evening 4.30pm Mass provided in the deanery in a central church e.g.

St Kentigern’s.

PARISH AUDIT: As a result of their collaboration, this group produced a thoroughly comprehensive skills matrix which, when completed, will prove to be practical help to each individual parish and at the same time indicate the wealth

After a short break for welcome refreshments Father Peter invited Clare Gooden from St Teresa’s parish to report on what has been happening owing to the sudden retirement last year of Father Chris Cousens due to ill health. At 昀rst St Teresa’s relied on other priests supplying for Father Chris including Father Peter Draper who came for several months. Before Easter this year it was announced that Father Peter Burns, parish priest of Sacred Heart Thornton would be the priest in charge for St Teresa’s and St John Southworth.

Several well attended meetings have taken place to allow the parish to look at the situation together, develop a better awareness of the positive things that already are in the community and help people to get to know each other better.

It was acknowledged that change is very di cult for some people and it is still “early days” for all involved.

For the last stage of the morning small groups were formed so that everyone could re昀ect back on the morning and then share with each other. All were invited to write down and submit any ideas and suggestions.

The Deanery Pastoral Council continue to facilitate this journey, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. So the meeting ended, but our journey goes on: “Go, tell everyone the news that the Kingdom of God has come!”

Sister Philomena Grimley, SHCJ

July 2026 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 3

Relics of St Gerard Majella Visit Lancaster Cathedral

Secretary- Brother Christopher Costello representing the newly formed Lancaster Knights of Saint Columba with Fr Royston… for an evening with Saint Gerard Majella with Fr Royston Price CSsR.

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Bishop Paul Swarbrick and Father Royston Price CSsR, Missions Co-ordinator for The Redemptorists - with the Relic of St Gerard Majella at Lancaster Cathedral.

T

he Diocese of Lancaster was privileged to welcome the relics of St. Gerard Majella to Lancaster Cathedral on Monday June 15th, as part of a tour around the parishes. The relics tour was brought to the Lancaster Diocese by Fr Royston Price CSsR, Missions Co-ordinator with the Redemptorists.

It was a beautiful occasion with a packed congregation who visited from all over the Diocese and took part in prayer before the relics, confession, and Holy Mass celebrated by Bishop Paul Swarbrick, concluding with a blessing with the relics.

Refreshments were served after Mass in the Cathedral House Library.

Fr Royston delivered a powerful homily in which he explained how St Gerard became known as the mother’s saint and one who cared particularly for those seeking the gift of new life, for expectant mothers and new mothers and all mothers.

He passionately spoke of how he: “Hoped that the years ahead will see a great number of Gerard’s, Geraldine’s and Majella’s in our Catholic primary schools from those entrusted to his care and prayers.

“Each of us can learn from St Gerard the perseverance needed in our spiritual lives, we are called to greatness, not mediocrity, to do great things for Jesus Christ and His church, to live lives of radical and sacri昀cial love.

Let’s be inspired to have a spirit of boldness not timidity, and to take heart those words we heard from St Paul: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

St Gerard Majella Pray for Us. Thank you to the UK Redemptorists and support from Christopher Costello at the Knights of St Columba (Lancaster Cathedral) for this amazing opportunity and bringing the tour to our Diocese.

Pearl Mina

Congratulations Father Stephen Bamber All the team at The Catholic Voice of Lancaster would like to congratulate Father Stephen Bamber on his ordination as a Catholic Priest. “May the Lord bless your ministry with strength, grace, and divine wisdom as you shepherd those in your care.” Due to the ordination taking place at the same time of going to press, we will feature full coverage and an interview with Fr Bamber in the September edition.

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4 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + July 2026

YOUTH

MATTERS

A busy year ahead at Castlerigg Manor With Jack Regan

I

t has been a remarkable twelve months at Castlerigg Manor. Bookings are at record levels, with more than 230 nights booked in and over 昀fty schools coming through the doors, and alongside all of that the team have been quietly building up a programme of open events that we are really proud of. So I thought it might be helpful to set out what’s coming up over the year ahead, because there is a good chance that something here is for you, or for someone you know.

Although Castlerigg is best known as the diocesan youth retreat centre, the programme below is not just for young people. There are retreats here for families, for adults, for uni students, for teachers, and for young adults. We have tried to build a programme where most people in the diocese could 昀nd at least one thing with their name on it. // Family Retreats We started running family retreat weekends earlier this year and they have proved really popular. The idea is simple: the whole family comes away together, and we run separate streams for di昀erent ages, from babies right up to the adults, together with some time for families to head out and explore the area together.

The feedback from the 昀rst ones was excellent, and our team genuinely love running them.

want a packed timetable, and this retreat is built exactly for them. If that sounds like you, bookings are open now.

There are three coming up. The 昀rst is September 18th to 20th, the second is December 11th to 13th, which makes for a lovely way to begin Advent as a family, and the third is March 12th to 14th, the Palm Sunday weekend, which has become one of our most popular open programmes of the year.

Bookings for the 昀rst two are open now at castleriggmanor.com/events, and the March weekend opens early in 2027.

// For Students and Young Adults Our Catholic Student retreat runs from November 20th to 22nd and is open to current university students and recent graduates. This year, though, we are doing something a little di昀erent and extending the invitation to Year 13 students as well, so that those preparing for university can get a sense of what life as a Catholic student actually looks like, and meet some people who are living it. If you know a young person heading o昀 to university next year, do point them our way.

// Something New: A Quiet Week for Adults This one is a new initiative for 2026, and it’s something people have been asking us about for quite a while. From October 26th to 30th we are running a 昀ve-day retreat for adults with minimal input and plenty of time to re昀ect and relax. There will be a talk each morning, daily Mass, and evening prayer, and around all of that the time is yours: to rest, to pray, to walk, to read, or simply to enjoy being in the Lakes for a few days. All meals are provided, and there’s a choice of simple rooms or en-suite. We know that plenty of adults across the diocese would love a few days away with the Lord but don’t

Then from January 8th to 10th we have a Theology of the Body retreat for 18 to 30s. This is one of our young adult formation weekends and a chance to spend some proper time with a beautiful and important area of Church teaching.

Bookings for both of these open soon. // For Women: Faith & Fitness From December 4th to 6th we welcome back Trish Morgan for our Faith & Fitness retreat, a weekend for women aged 18 and over. Trish is from Manchester and has been leading programmes like this

for some time, and we have run it a few times now with her. It is exactly what it sounds like: a 昀tness weekend with a spiritual twist, and it has gone down very well in the past. // For Teachers and Chaplains We work with a heck of a lot of schools at Castlerigg, and we know how hard the people in them work. So from January 29th to 31st we are running a retreat weekend designed speci昀cally for teachers and chaplains. We have built it to be fun and genuinely relaxing while also o昀ering good quality CPD, and we have some great speakers lined up.

Mostly, though, it’s a chance for school sta昀 to kick back for a couple of days, be looked after for a change, and get to know others doing similar work. If you are a teacher or chaplain, or you know one who deserves a weekend away, keep an eye out for bookings opening soon. // Friends of Castlerigg Finally, a quick word about our Friends scheme. Earlier this year we launched Friends of Castlerigg, a monthly giving scheme for people who want to support the mission of the house. Members get invited to a few things across the year, including our annual Friends walk

July 2026 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 5

David Pope dip FD MBIFD

Independent Catholic Funeral Director and meal on September 13th. If you would like to be part of what happens here without necessarily coming on retreat, you can 昀nd out more and sign up at castleriggmanor.com/friends. The support genuinely makes a di昀erence, particularly as we work through some signi昀cant repairs to our lovely but elderly Victorian building. // Come and See

Everything above, with booking links and full details, is at:

castleriggmanor.com/events We also welcome private group stays, parish groups, and school residentials throughout the year, and details of those are on the website too.

Castlerigg has been welcoming people to Keswick for decades now, and the heart of the place has always been the same: it is somewhere people come to meet the Lord, to rest, and to be looked after well.

We would love to welcome you this year.

If you have any questions about anything here, you can reach us on 017687 72711, or drop me a line at director@ castleriggmanor.co.uk Jack Regan is Director of the Diocese of Lancaster Youth Service, based at Castlerigg Manor, Keswick.

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6 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + July 2026

Letting their light shine for all to see St Pius X Catholic Primary School in Barrow celebrate success with an open afternoon for teachers, leaders and governors.

S

CARDINAL ALLEN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

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t Pius X Catholic Primary School, Barrow, welcomed sta昀 from nine schools across the diocese following a very successful Catholic Schools Inspection where the school was judged outstanding in all areas: Catholic Life & Mission; Religious Education and Collective Worship.

In Catholic Life and Mission three areas were judged outstanding: Pupil outcomes: the extent to which pupils contribute to and bene昀t from the Catholic life and mission of the school; The quality of Provision for the Catholic life and mission of the school and How well leaders and governors promote, monitor and evaluate the provision for the Catholic life and mission of the school.

Inspectors found that St Pius, as a school responds faithfully to the call to live as a Catholic community at the service of the Church’s educational mission.

In Religious Education, all three areas were judged outstanding – Pupil outcomes: how well pupils achieve and enjoy their learning in religious education; The quality of teaching, learning and assessment in religious education (provision) and how well leaders and governors promote, monitor and evaluate the provision for RE. Inspectors reported that the quality of religious education is outstanding.

Pupils demonstrate excellent knowledge, understanding and skills across the RE curriculum. Teachers across the school have high expectations of pupils and behaviour in lessons is exemplary.

The quality and range of liturgy and prayer provided by the school was judged as outstanding in the following areas: How well pupils participate in and respond to the opportunities for prayer and liturgy provided by the school; the quality of collective worship provided by the school.

How well leaders and governors promote, monitor and evaluate the provision for the collective worship across the school.

Mr Kevin McGoldrick, headteacher together with sta昀 at St Pius X welcomed everyone and shared a Celebration of the Word with the whole school, he introduced the feast of the Sacred Heart in the month of June.

Pupils at the school showed great respect and responded enthusiastically to the opportunities provided to pray and re昀ect on the gospel message of compassion which Kevin reiterated was the focus of the week. Having spoken to pupils afterwards, they understood that they are loved by God and they are forgiven when they are sorry.

We then looked at the RE books from every year group in school and everyone

July 2026 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 7

was very impressed with the content and presentation with lovely comments about the knowledge organisers used at the start of every half term’s new topic. These were introduced and developed by Mrs Tracie Roberts, the RE subject leader. She answered lots of questions regarding the RE taught and shared how much the children loved RE and looked forward to it every week. She also stated that the new RE curriculum was ambitious and that the whole school was being taught it, ahead of the request from the Bishops’ Conference to introduce it fully by September 2026.

Mrs Anne-Marie Cotgreave is the Prayer and Liturgy Coordinator and she works with groups to develop child-led liturgies

and also works with sta昀 who appreciate her time and expertise. We were able to wander around classes and we saw some wonderful adult and pupil-led liturgies where faith was shared and encouraged.

and how to act in a strategic manner, both support RE as a subject and also holding the school to account for the Catholic Ethos – which is evident from the minute you walk into St Pius.

leaders for RE and Prayer and Liturgy who are knowledgeable and passionate about Catholic education, they both want to make a di昀erence every day to the provision across the school.

Pupils joined her to share with us their planning and enjoyment of leading liturgies. They were wonderful ambassadors for their school and talked about ‘letting their light shine for all to see’ and were proud to be pupils at St Pius’.

We witnessed what the inspectors reported – that St Pius is a joyful, welcoming and fully inclusive school that permeates Catholic values in all areas. It is a safe and nurturing school that acts as a family at the heart of the community with strong links with parishioners and families.

A committed and dedicated governing board that has a clear understanding of how the school can provide the very best for their pupils.

After the headteacher had shared the documentation that he had gathered with sta昀 in preparation for the inspection, governors at the school shared their experience of inspection

Mr McGoldrick is a strong, driven and inspirational headteacher with a dedicated and hard-working leadership team who inspire sta昀 and pupils. Strong

Thank you for inviting colleagues to your school and sharing your many successes – everyone present was impressed with your school and what you o昀er the pupils.

Lots of good ideas were ‘magpied’ and the impact of your hard work will be seen in lots of schools across the diocese.

St Pius Primary School, Barrow

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8 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + July 2026 Natalie Nadine in Rome.

The famous Gesu portrait of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Finding God in all things – Following in the footsteps of St Ignatius Loyola SJ Natalie Nadine shares her Ignatian journey of faith and fellowship

I

recently joined the Roma Ignaziana, a pilgrimage to Rome following in the footsteps of St Ignatius of Loyola SJ. The four-day journey, organised

by Jesuit Young Adult Ministries, brought together young adults from London, Edinburgh and Glasgow to explore the spiritual home of our Catholic faith and encounter the living legacy of the Society of Jesus in Rome today.

With 16-hour days and average step counts of 27,000 a day, mornings began with prayer and re昀ection in some of Rome’s most beautiful churches, and evenings ended with gelato and laughter in a moonlit St Peter’s Square or salsa dancing in Trastevere – embracing the Ignatian grace of “昀nding God in all things”.

Our pilgrimage opened on the steps of the Chiesa del Gesù, the Mother Church of the Jesuits. Inside, we prayed at the tomb of St Ignatius, attended Mass and prayed together at the Shrine of Madonna della Strada.

The beauty of the Gesù is hard to describe, and this was true of many churches and basilicas I visited in Rome.

We frequently found ourselves awestruck by their breathtaking art, architecture and atmosphere. Though construction of the Gesù began after St Ignatius’ death, he envisioned churches that could draw people in through beauty while supporting preaching, music, drama and worship.

The Jesuit patronage of the arts resonated with me, given my own

background singing at the beautiful former Jesuit church of Sacred Heart, Blackpool. It was a special moment to realise the link between “home and Rome” and to feel part of a tradition that draws people closer to the heart of Jesus through beauty, art and design.

The second day of the pilgrimage included visits to many of Rome’s iconic sites. The priority, however, was the Ignatian heritage woven throughout the city. After guided prayer at the Sacred Heart Altar in the Gesù, we visited the Church of St Ignatius, re昀ecting on the global missionary legacy of the Society of Jesus. A short walk away, we passed the Collegio Romano, the former Jesuit seminary, and Santa Marta, where Ignatius founded a residence for the rehabilitation of penitent prostitutes. It

was a reminder that the Jesuits have long been committed to serving the poor and marginalised, following Christ’s example.

Deepening our spiritual lives was integral to the pilgrimage. We prayed the Examen daily and took part in MAGIS Circles at the International Jesuit Headquarters.

In small listening groups, we shared the consolations and desolations of the day in a space of trust and vulnerability.

It was a humbling experience to witness one another’s hearts, recognising that, as Christians, we all wrestle with our own shortcomings and hurts, while also sharing in small joys, moments of grace and the desire to grow in love and goodness. There was an understanding that “what is shared in the room stays in the room”, but later, over dinner, there was a sense of tenderness, care and

July 2026 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 9

C

elebrate the Feast of St Ignatius of Loyola with the annual 31 Days with St Ignatius prayers a month-long celebration of Ignatian Spirituality.

Jesuit Priests on the pilgrimage – Fr David SJ (Edinburgh), Fr Lazo SJ (Glasgow), and Fr Kensy SJ (London).

St Ignatius Fresco ceiling.

In honour of the feast of St Ignatius Loyola on 31st July 2026 there is a selection of articles, blog posts, videos and some beautiful daily prayers and meditations to help you explore the riches of Ignatian spirituality.

Visit: www.ignatianspirituality.com for special 31 Day Ignatian prayer, guide and celebrations.

Anima Christi Soul of Christ, sanctify me.

Body of Christ, save me.

Blood of Christ, inebriate me.

Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me.

O Good Jesus, hear me.

Within your wounds hide me.

Permit me not to be separated from you.

From the wicked foe, defend me.

At the hour of my death, call me and bid me come to you That with your saints I may praise you For ever and ever. Amen.

humour between us. It seemed that the authenticity and openness we had entrusted to one another had deepened our friendships.

Sunday can only be described as an epic day! After prayer and exploring the rooftop terrace at the Jesuit HQ, with its incredible views overlooking St Peter’s, we headed to St Peter’s Square for the Regina Caeli. While waiting for Pope Leo’s appearance, we prayed the Rosary together. There was something deeply moving about standing in the heart of the Roman Catholic Church alongside cradle Catholics, converts and reverts, united in prayer. For a few moments, it felt like a beautiful expression of the Church as one family. When Pope Leo appeared, I was smiling so much that, after a while, I suddenly realised I barely

understood a word of Italian and had no idea what he was saying! Yet my heart was full of joy and gratitude, and afterwards we made our way into St Peter’s Basilica on a real high.

That evening we joined Rome’s “The Seven” Mass at the Church of Sant’Andrea al Quirinale. Afterwards, Rome’s Young Adult Group welcomed us with generous hospitality, delicious food and fun.

Our 昀nal morning arrived, bringing with it one of the most powerful experiences of our time in Rome. Next to the Gesù sits the Camerette, the “little rooms” of St Ignatius, where he lived, wrote the Constitutions of the Jesuits and ultimately died. We were fortunate enough to be welcomed in to celebrate Mass in the room where he passed away.

I was seated on the very spot where he died. I cannot begin to describe the atmosphere during that Mass or how deeply a昀ected those of us present felt.

Afterwards, we all said the same thing: “It was like being in the Upper Room.”

I feel privileged to have experienced the power and presence of Christ in that modest, lowly room. For all the majesty of the churches and basilicas we visited, it was in the simplest of places that we most profoundly felt the presence of Our Lord among us.

touch and visit one another in the future.

We 昀ew back to our di昀erent corners of the UK carrying something of Rome home with us too.

There is something strange about the end of a pilgrimage: knowing that you have been changed in ways you cannot yet fully explain and knowing you are not quite the same person who set out on the journey. Having shared such a special time together, we made plans to stay in

As we celebrate St Ignatius’ Feast on 31st July, I am grateful for the experience of walking in his footsteps and the reminder that God is still calling people to seek Him today. The pilgrimage may be over, but the journey of faith continues.

Natalie Nadine

My lasting memory will not be a particular church, artwork or historic site, but the experience of encountering Christ through prayer, friendship and community. In an often lonely, divided world, it was a joy to spend four days with people who genuinely wanted to grow in faith and help others do the same.

10 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + July 2026

T

he word metanoia [μετάνοια] is one of the most signi昀cant in the Christian vocabulary. It forms the opening call of Jesus’ public ministry in both Matthew’s and Mark’s Gospels.

Usually translated as “repentance”, it means far more than simply feeling sorry for one’s sins. It describes a profound change of heart and mind; a turning towards God that transforms life. It is a central theme of the Gospel and lies at the heart of the mission of the Metanoia Project in Preston.

Joe and Ruth White with members of the Metanoia Community at St Wilfrid’s Church, Preston.

Metanoia: Bringing the Gospel to the heart of Preston

21st

8th

2026

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Founded by married couple Joe and Ruth White in 2011, the project takes its inspiration from this Gospel call to transformation. Having met on pilgrimage to the Holy Land, they have spent more than two decades helping people encounter Christ through prayer, worship, service and discipleship. At the heart of the project is a community built around three de昀ning attitudes: Communion, Detachment and Mission.

Members seek to build authentic Christian community, recognising that their gifts and resources are entrusted

by God for the service of the Gospel.

Based at St Wilfrid’s Church in Preston, the community has grown into a vibrant centre of evangelisation, prayer and outreach.

One of the project’s most visible ministries takes place in Preston city centre. Members regularly invite shoppers and passers-by into St Wilfrid’s Church simply to light a candle, spend a few moments in prayer or sit quietly in the presence of God. What is perhaps most striking is that people respond.

The team sees a constant 昀ow of visitors seeking prayer, peace, meaning and, ultimately, God. Many have not entered a church for years. What begins with the lighting of a candle often becomes an opportunity for conversation, prayer and spiritual accompaniment.

The experience of the Metanoia Project challenges the assumption that modern society has lost interest in faith. Joe and Ruth’s experience is that people remain open to God when o昀ered a genuine invitation and a welcoming place in which to encounter Him. Prayer and worship remain at the centre of everything the project does. Regular Friday evenings of praise and worship, together with Eucharistic Adoration, draw people from across Preston and beyond. The same spirituality underpins the project’s work among the homeless and vulnerable. Joe and Ruth are keen to emphasise that this ministry is not simply about providing food or practical support. Volunteers seek to accompany people not only in their material needs but also in their spiritual lives, recognising the dignity of each person as a child of God. The

e昀ectiveness of this approach has not gone unnoticed. Preston City Council has been su ciently impressed by the project’s work with vulnerable people that it has invited the Metanoia Project to assist elsewhere in the city.

The project’s commitment to evangelisation extends across all age groups. Through chaplaincy work at Corpus Christi Catholic High School, members of the team help young people explore the Catholic faith and deepen their relationship with Christ.

Many go on to participate in retreats, discipleship programmes and leadership opportunities.

Re昀ecting on the past 昀fteen years, Joe and Ruth see many reasons for hope. Whether through city-centre evangelisation, school chaplaincy, university outreach, worship events or ministry among the homeless, they continue to encounter people searching for faith, purpose and belonging. The project is rich in stories of lives changed through prayer and personal encounters with Christ. Alongside its salaried sta昀, the ministry is supported by a large team of volunteers who generously give their time and talents in service of the Gospel.

“People are still searching for God,” says Joe White. “What we have discovered is that when people are invited, many respond. Every week we see people coming into church looking for prayer, peace, hope and meaning. That gives us enormous con昀dence in the power of the Gospel.”

Their experience suggests that the challenge facing the Church is not that people are no longer interested in God, but that many are waiting for an invitation to encounter Him. Yet the future of this important ministry is not without challenges. St Wilfrid’s Church has become far more than a base for the project’s activities. Today, however, the buildings require urgent repair work and signi昀cant investment.

At the same time, the Metanoia Project faces the challenge of securing the 昀nancial resources needed to sustain and expand its mission. While much of the work is supported by volunteers, the project also relies on salaried sta昀 whose ministry enables its programmes and outreach to 昀ourish.

Perhaps the greatest lesson of the Metanoia Project is that evangelisation works. In the heart of Preston, people continue to seek God, respond to an invitation and begin a journey of faith.

The challenge facing the project is not a lack of opportunities, but 昀nding the resources to respond to them.

As the Metanoia Project looks to the future, support is urgently needed.

Donations will help fund essential repairs to its home at St Wilfrid’s Church, sustain the salaried sta昀 who make much of the ministry possible and enable the project to expand its outreach.

Find out more at: metanoiaproject.co.uk Or call: 01772 203790 Donations can be made at: wonderful.org/pay?ref=1169470

July 2026 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 11 Trainee teachers from the Catholic Teaching Alliance celebrate the successful completion of their training alongside family members, mentors and sta昀 following the Service of Celebration held in the Chapel at Cardinal Newman College, Preston.

Catholic Teaching Alliance celebrates outstanding year of teacher training T

he Catholic Teaching Alliance (CTA) marked the successful completion of another exceptional year of teacher training with a joyful Service of Celebration held in the beautiful Chapel at Cardinal Newman College, Preston.

Almost 60 trainee teachers, together with their families, mentors and colleagues, gathered to celebrate the culmination of a year of hard work, dedication and professional growth as they prepare to begin the next stage of their teaching careers.

The special service featured hymns, readings and re昀ections, providing an opportunity for trainees to re昀ect on their journey and give thanks for the support they have received throughout their training year. Guests were warmly welcomed by Nick Burnham, Principal of Cardinal Newman College, who spoke passionately about the rewards and privileges of a career in teaching. He congratulated the trainees on reaching this important milestone and encouraged them to embrace the opportunities ahead as they begin making a di昀erence in the lives of young people.

The address was then given by Richard Charnock, Headteacher and Chair of the Catholic Teaching Alliance, who spoke movingly about the joy and privilege of working in education. He highlighted the profound impact teachers have on the lives of children, young people and families, reminding trainees that their in昀uence extends far beyond the classroom. Richard encouraged the newly quali昀ed teachers to draw upon the values, experiences and friendships developed during their training with

the CTA as they move forward into their professional careers. Speaking directly to those taking up roles within Catholic schools and colleges, he challenged them to continue striving to make a di昀erence through their service and witness. He also encouraged those beginning careers outside the Catholic sector to remember the CTA community and to keep Catholic education in mind as they progress through their teaching journey.

His inspiring address re昀ected on the distinctive mission of Catholic education and the vital role teachers play in helping young people 昀ourish academically, spiritually and personally. He reminded trainees that teaching is not simply a profession but a vocation through which they can make a lasting di昀erence.

Following the service, trainees, families, mentors and sta昀 gathered together for refreshments.

About the Catholic Teaching Alliance The Catholic Teaching Alliance has been training teachers across the North West and Cumbria for the past 12 years and has prepared more than 400 teachers for careers in primary, secondary and post-16 education. Today, the Alliance operates through six training hubs: Preston Primary, Preston Secondary, Blackburn Secondary, Carlisle Secondary, Post-16 Preston and Post-16 St Helens.

The CTA continues to play an important role in supporting schools and colleges by developing highly skilled and dedicated teachers. As another cohort embarks on teaching careers across the region and beyond, the Alliance remains proud of its growing network of alumni and its contribution to the future of education.

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12 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + July 2026

The joy of the Priesthood Spirituality Now With Ursula Walker

12th 13th July is

Sea Sunday.

Please pray for seafarers and fishers and support the Catholic charity ministering to them: Stella Maris (formerly known as Apostleship of the Sea).

To donate, go to www.stellamaris.org.uk/donate

To advertise please contact Nick Layton on 01440 730399 or email ads@ cathcom.org

A

s we celebrate new ordinations in the Diocese, Ursula looks at: The joy of the Priesthood.

“Baptism, Eucharist and Con昀rmation are sacraments of Christian initiation. They ground the common vocation of all Christ’s disciples, a vocation to holiness and to the mission of evangelising the world”. (CCC 1533)

Often when I 昀nished celebrating Mass, I am 昀lled with such joy that wants to burst out in my jumping down the mountains like a gazelle.”

“Two other sacraments, Holy Orders and Matrimony, are directed towards the salvation of others... They confer a particular mission in the Church and serve to build up the People of God.” (CCC 1534)

Fr Luiz Ruscillo “I can imagine nothing better than serving as a priest in a parish. In this role I am part of a living, vibrant community made up of kindred spirits with very di昀erent backgrounds, ages, jobs, families, interests; yet we are united.

Holy Orders is the way the mission of the Church is, entrusted to the apostles continues to be exercised in the Church.

“Ordination” is the word we use for the sacramental act which integrates a man into the order of priesthood confers a gift of the Holy Spirit that permits the exercise of a “sacred power” which can come only from Christ himself through his Church.

I asked some of the priests of the Diocese if they would be happy to share “the joys of being a priest in our Diocese.”

Our advertisers are great supporters of the Lancaster Voice, so please help them by supporting their businesses

It is such a sublime mystery! It is such a humbling privilege. Sheer magnanimity and concern of our Lord and God to perpetuate Emmanuel - God with us!

Fr Moses Amune (MSP) “My joy comes from gratitude to God, 昀rst for the unmerited privilege of being called to share in the priesthood of Jesus Christ. Secondly in the support and love of my religious community, and the people of God. I get the chills each time I realize who I am in God, and for the people - a priest con昀gured to Christ, blessed with the honour of not just representing Him as His ambassador of reconciliation, but with the unmerited privilege of actually being (another) Christ during Mass!

I get to preach the Gospel, share and learn about the Faith, listen to people’s lifestories and their life with Jesus. I know I am loved by God and invited to love Him back. I also 昀nd love in the parish community.

As if all of this was not enough - and it brings more joy and ful昀lment than anyone could ask - I have the privilege to be a vehicle for the forgiveness of sins through Confession and I celebrate Mass each day. I can’t ask for anything more.”

Fr. Simon Marley “It is an endless privilege to be a priest.

No two days are the same. Though we are all unworthy, God in His providence enables us to further His Kingdom here on earth. As St John Henry Newman so rightly said: ‘God has created me to do Him some de昀nite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another.”

For a slightly longer version of this article go to www.lancasterspirituality.uk Ursula Walker, Diocesan Spiritual Rep Spiritualrep@lrcd.org.uk

July 2026 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 13

Lancaster Seminarian ordained to the Transitional Diaconate in Rome T

here was great joy for the Diocese of Lancaster on Wednesday 17 June as Christopher Sumner was ordained to the Transitional Diaconate in Rome.

The ordination took place in the magni昀cent Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls on a beautiful Roman summer day, with temperatures reaching 33 degrees during the afternoon. Built over the tomb of St Paul the Apostle, the basilica provided a 昀tting setting for a liturgy that marked a signi昀cant step on Christopher’s journey towards the priesthood.

Christopher was one of six men ordained to the diaconal order. Joining him were Uldarico Galeste of the Archdiocese of Manila, Gerard Holden of the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh, John E. John of the Diocese of Miao, Martyn Jones of the Diocese of Clifton and Kingsley Chikwendu Madubuike of the Diocese of Stockholm.

Together they re昀ected the international character of the Church and of the

Chris Sumner photos courtesy of Beda College, Rome.

Deacon Christopher Sumner.

Ponti昀cal Beda College where they had undertaken their priestly formation.

and highlighted the rich liturgical tradition of the Church.

The ordination was celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal James Michael Harvey, Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls and former Prefect of the Papal Household during the ponti昀cate of St John Paul II.

For many present, the setting added particular signi昀cance to the occasion. Saint Paul Outside the Walls is one of the four major papal basilicas of Rome and among the most important churches in the Catholic world. Pilgrims have travelled there for centuries to pray at the tomb of St Paul, the great missionary Apostle whose preaching carried the Gospel across the ancient world. For a man preparing to dedicate his life to proclaiming that same Gospel, it was a particularly appropriate place to be ordained.

In a moving homily, Cardinal Harvey re昀ected on the meaning of the diaconate and reminded the ordinands that ordination was not something a person chose for himself but rather a calling received from God so that His work might be accomplished through those who responded generously to His invitation. His words provided a powerful reminder of the servant ministry to which the new deacons had been called.

The beauty and solemnity of the liturgy were enhanced by the Schola, which comprised members of the Ponti昀cal Institute of Sacred Music.

Their singing enriched the celebration

Our Diocese was represented in the sanctuary by Rev. Stephen Bamber, who served as one of the assisting deacons during the liturgy. Deacon Stephen was joined by Rev. Anthony Duns of the Diocese of Port Pirie in Australia.

Both men are due to be ordained to the priesthood later this year.

At the conclusion of the Mass, words of thanks were o昀ered by Canon Marcus Holden, Rector of the Ponti昀cal Beda College. He expressed gratitude to Cardinal Harvey, the sta昀 of the Basilica, family members, friends and benefactors, and all those who had supported the ordinands throughout their years of formation. The celebrations continued afterwards at a reception held at the Ponti昀cal Beda College, where guests gathered to congratulate the newly ordained deacons and give thanks for the vocations that had been a rmed that day.

For Christopher, the ordination marked the culmination of years of discernment, prayer and preparation. For the Diocese of Lancaster, it was a moment of thanksgiving and celebration. As Deacon Christopher Sumner began this new stage of ministry, he did so accompanied by the prayers and support of the people of the Diocese, who looked forward with joy to his future priestly ordination.

Andrew Wygladala

Our Lady of Fidelity

090699502

14 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + July 2026 The church needs religious sisters URGENTLY to bring Christ to others by a life of prayer and service lived in the community of Ignation spirituality.

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If you are willing to risk a little love and would like to find out how, contact Sister Bernadette Mature vocations considered.

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O

n Saturday 5th September, thousands of people will gather in London for March for Life. This pro-life witness starts with an indoor festival, in which pro-life groups showcase their work, along with sessions for children of all ages, prayer, talks and testimonies.

Then there is a procession through the streets to Parliament Square for keynote speeches, prayer and remembrance of the lives lost to abortion.

This year’s theme is ‘Abortion Hurts the Family,’ and to align with this there are new sections prior to the march to make it a day out for the whole family.

Along with the usual ‘LifeFest’ at the Emmanuel Centre, which will feature not only stalls from all the pro-life organisations but also a Pro-life Family Summit, there is also a new Pro-life Youth Summit (‘The Pro-life Revival’) from 10am - 1pm which includes a free hot breakfast for 18-35 yr olds.

Additionally, age-appropriate sessions for children of all ages will begin at 10:30am and continue throughout the morning.

Fourteen Catholic bishops are attending including Bishop Paul Swarbrick who will be concelebrating the 10.30am Mass at Westminster Cathedral.

It’s not an exclusively Catholic event; leaders from other Christian churches, including Anglicans, Evangelicals and Orthodox Christians, will also be there.

What about you? Will you join us?

If you’ve never done anything pro-life before, this is an ideal 昀rst step. There have been many attacks on human life recently, for example, pills by post, bu昀er zones, abortion up to birth (so-called ‘decriminalisation’) and then a push for assisted suicide.

If we don’t stand for life now, when will we?

A lot of people attend who have themselves been a昀ected by abortion (both women and men). If that is you, you’d be particularly welcome to come along, and information will be available on the day to help with your healing journey with organisations like Rachel’s Maria Platt, Preston SPUC Vineyard.

SPUC Preston have booked a coach from Lancaster and Preston!

Depart: 05.00am – Lancaster – Lancaster Cathedral, Balmoral Road, LA1 3BT. Depart: 06:00am – Preston – St Walburge’s Church, Pedder Street, PR2 2QE. Arrive: 11:30am – London – Emmanuel Centre, Marsham Street, SW1P 3NT. Ticket’s cost: Adults - £45, Children £22.50 available on Eventbrite at: https://M4L-Coach-Lancasterand-Preston.eventbrite.co.uk If you have any questions, please contact Nicola Randal, Preston Branch SPUC secretary: Email: spucpreston@gmail.com Mobile: 07523 183758 Or click the QR Code:

July 2026 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 15

The Catholic Voice of Lancaster would like to hear from you!

Catholic Social Teaching in Action

Million Minutes visits Our Lady’s Catholic High School, Fulwood

If your parish or school has any news or if you would personally like to submit an article for publication, please send us what you have.

Contact details can be found on page 2.

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Students enjoy the Million Minutes and PAX CHRISTI workshops.

M

illion Minutes came to visit our school and stayed with us for the whole day. They spent time talking to di昀erent classes and really got to know us. They listened carefully to our thoughts and opinions about important issues that matter to us, such as war, global warming, recycling, waste, and problems in our local area caused by some young people.

It was a wonderful visit, and the pupils spoke with con昀dence and respect. Their contributions were thoughtful, mature, and meaningful, and it made us feel proud to share our ideas.

Million Minutes is a Catholic youth agency. The charity promotes an inclusive and collaborative youth ministry, where the voices of young

people are centred. We are working towards a world where young people take transformative social action, with an understanding of Catholic Social Teaching.

PAX CHRISTI Visit Success The RE Department at Our Lady’s Catholic High School in Fulwood were delighted to welcome Pax Christi into school to work with a group of Year 9 pupils. During the session, students explored the theme of peace, re昀ecting on its importance in today’s world and considering practical ways they can promote peace in their own lives and communities.

Aisling Gri n, Schools and Youth Education Worker, also spoke to pupils about her career path. She explained the

steps she took to reach her current role, including her studies, experiences, and the values that guided her choices.

This session gave students a clearer understanding of the di昀erent routes into careers focused on peace and social justice.

We were especially pleased to have Aisling share her knowledge, as her insights o昀ered a valuable perspective on working in peace and justice, and inspired pupils to think about how their own values might shape their future pathways.

The session was engaging and thoughtprovoking, and we are grateful Million Minutes visits Our Lady’s Catholic High School, Fulwood. Sarah Lee, Our Lady’s Catholic High School Fulwood, Preston

To advertise please contact Nick Layton on 01440 730399 or email ads@cathcom.org

16 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + July 2026

Alston Lane Primary School’s May Procession continues legacy of Lourdes Grotto

P

the death toll across other villages, towns and cities.

Many schools celebrate Mary’s life and venerate her in this way, but Alston Lane’s history with this celebration has a signi昀cant historical context within the parish of Our Lady and St Michael’s.

The Lourdes Grotto was built behind the church, consisting of a large mound of earth and stone, a cave, altar and statues of Mary along with a kneeling and praying St Bernadette. The Grotto became the focal point of the parish’s May procession since then.

In 1922, the Lourdes Grotto was constructed to give thanks to God, as not one Catholic from the parish had been killed in the Great War – a fact which was almost unbelievable given

In the last ten years, the grotto had become unsafe and it sadly ceased being used for the celebration. However, in 2024, work was commissioned by Canon Doyle to signi昀cantly repair the

upils, sta昀 and parishioners from Alston Lane Catholic Primary School, Preston took part in their annual May procession.

stone-work, and in 2026, it once again became the focal point of the procession, which culminates in the crowning of Mary.

Just prior to the start of this year’s celebration, a parishioner,speaking to the Headteacher, remarked that, 85 years ago, she had been the pupil chosen to carry the pillow bearing the crown of 昀owers used in the procession. This is testimony to the rich historical context of the May procession at Alston Lane.

This year’s celebration included traditional Marian hymns and more modern hymns to Mary, as well as

scripture read by pupil and sta昀. Led by Canon Doyle and a crowning party of Year 3 pupils, receiving the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist this year, the school processed towards the grotto.

Mr Mark Fitzgibbon, the school’s Headteacher, is keen to ensure that the tradition and ceremony of the May procession continues to endure, so that future generations of pupils can also share in the history of the parish and worship Mary in this special way.

The redeveloped Lourdes grotto will remain the focal point of the school and parish’s Marian celebrations.