Father Francis Marsden’s Ruby Jubilee Celebrations
Father Moses Henry Ariho
A fantastic ‘Trust Mission Day’ for all within the St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust
Watch the conference film here
From the Archbishop’s Desk
President Biden’s present woes have got me thinking about the importance of age in leadership. Our Holy Father Pope Francis is six years older than the president of the United States and is leading the church into the future in new and exciting ways.
We know that Pope Francis’ mobility is not good, but with the use of a wheelchair and the help of two strong people to push it, he carries out a punishing schedule of weekly public audiences, daily meetings and overseas pastoral visits, in addition to his sacred duties as a pope, bishop and priest. Because Pope Francis likes to engage with his audience he doesn’t always stick to his script, and he occasionally makes offbeat comments that lead to his press office scrambling around to make good the damage he inadvertently caused. That’s not a lot different to President Biden. Even though the pope is the spiritual leader of over 1 billion Roman Catholics, Pope Francis is not a political figure in the usual sense of the word and the state of which he is head is one of the smallest in the world, so a comparison with Joe Biden may not be fair or relevant. Nevertheless, Pope Francis’ example helps me believe that God cares for his people in ways that are not ours, and that applies to all people, including the citizens of the United States, and not just Catholics.
Most Reverend Malcolm McMahon OP Archbishop of Liverpool
Monthly prayer intentions
August For Political Leaders
Let us pray that political leaders be at the service of their own people, working for integral human development and the common good, taking care of those who have lost their jobs and giving priority to the poor.
www.popesprayer.va
Editor Harriet Anwyl
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Contents:
4 Main Feature An Ordination Day with a Difference
7 Sunday Reflections
8 From the Archives Burns’ Eye View
9 News News from around the archdiocese
14 Pastoral Ponderings
Copy deadline September 2024 - Monday 12 August 2024
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16 What’s On What’s happening in the archdiocese
17 Cathedral Record
18 Profile Father Moses Henry Ariho
27 Animate Youth Ministry
28 Pic Extras Mums the word News from the KSC
29 Nugent News Good Shepherd Mass 2024
30 Dialogue and Unity
The Holy Father’s prayer intentions entrusted to his worldwide prayer network for the year 2024:
“‘One of the most impressive things for me was the beginning of Mass, as we arrived at the altar before the priests came in and saw just how long it was before they all filed in,’ Fr Martin.
An Ordination Day with a Difference
The ordination of four new priests – James Finnegan, Martin Fyles, Peter Ross and Lister Tonge –made 13 July a special day for the archdiocese.
‘There are so many expectations placed on a priest today. It seems you really do have to be all things to all people. But if you cannot sing, run a youth group, pack the church with people hanging on your every word, don’t worry. You might be able to learn these things as time passes, but the reason for you being here today is none of these, but to be ordained to offer sacrifice.’
These words came from Archbishop Malcolm McMahon during his homily at the Mass of Ordination for the Priesthood held at the Metropolitan Cathedral on Saturday 13 July. Sacrifice was the theme of the homily – the self-sacrifice of the priest who commits his life to serving others. Yet the mood was joyful as the Archdiocese of Liverpool saw four ordinations in the same summer for the first time since 2012.
There were over 150 priests on the altar and a congregation of around 2,000 people, and at the centre of it all were the archdiocese’s four new priests: James Finnegan, Martin Fyles, Peter Ross and Lister Tonge.
The Metropolitan Cathedral is a setting which suits the grand occasion, and the scale of the Mass was underlined as choir and congregation sang the
opening hymn ‘Hail Redeemer King divine!’ and the long line of priests advanced slowly towards the altar.
‘One of the most impressive things for me was the beginning of Mass, as we arrived at the altar before the priests came in and saw just how long it was before they all filed in,’ said Fr Martin.
‘I got a sense of how much it meant to the men who are now my fellow priests and to the archdiocese as a whole.
There was a sense of excitement and it was lovely to be at the centre of that.’
Also in attendance were guiding figures in each man’s path to the priesthood, including the respective rectors of the English College in Rome and Oscott College, Fr Stephen Wang and Fr Michael Dolan. The English College party also included the spiritual director, Fr Conrad Grech, and the pastoral director, Fr David King. From San Albano seminary in Valladolid –where Fr Martin and Fr Peter spent a year studying together – came Sr Patricia Grady, the former pastoral director, and Fr Chris Willis, the spiritual director.
Fr Ron Johnson, vocations director of the archdiocese, reflected: ‘To see the cathedral almost full of friends, family, fellow parishioners, seminarians and priests who have supported them over the years and were now united in prayer for them was very powerful.’
Different paths to the priesthood
In his homily, Archbishop Malcolm noted the differing routes of the four men to reach this point. ‘Your paths to the priesthood have all been different and you represent quite an age span,’ he said. While Fr James and Fr Peter are both 29 and served as altar boys together at St Margaret Mary’s parish in Knotty Ash, Fr Lister is 72 and a former Anglican priest whose second ordination came 48 years after his first. In between was Fr Martin, 47, who grew up in Southport in what is now the combined parish of Our Lady of Lourdes and St Joseph.
Their paths will differ too henceforth, with Fr Peter assigned to the cluster of Widnes parishes, working with Fr Mark Moran, while Fr Martin and Fr James will return to the English College to complete courses – respectively in Biblical Theology and Arabic and Islamic Studies – which will qualify them for a licence to teach in seminaries. As for Fr Lister, he will combine the role of associate priest at St George’s, Maghull, with that of volunteer assistant chaplain at Liverpool Hope University.
What they will share, according to the Archbishop, is that element of sacrifice. ‘It’s in your service of others that you must shed so many of the things that matter in our modern times –pride, honour and riches – and embrace simplicity, insults and humility, so that by your self-sacrifice those who are lost may feel the warmth of Christ’s love and through him be reconciled to the Father.
‘You’ll bring hope to those who are downhearted, you’ll go out to the lost and bring them home, you’ll give meaning to the lives of those who have no purpose,’ he added.
First Masses
For each new priest, the following day brought another memorable event as they said their first Masses. For Fr James, that was at Our Lady’s, Lydiate, where he had spent time with Fr Grant Maddock during the pandemic – and where he was greeted on leaving the church afterwards by a brass band playing ‘Immaculate Mary’.
St Margaret Mary’s was the venue for Fr Peter – not only for the fact it was his boyhood parish but also as it was there that he spent a period under the guidance of Fr Ian McPartland. As for Fr Martin, he said his first Mass at St Joseph’s in Birkdale, though perhaps just as memorable was the Mass he said at Our Lady of Lourdes a couple of days later, for the Our Lady’s primary school Year 6 leavers. ‘I’d prepared my homily on a completely different Gospel passage and found out a minute before Mass. I’ll try not to make a habit of it, but it actually went really well!’
As for Fr Lister, initially ordained as an Anglican priest when he was 24, his reflections on his ordination as a Catholic priest are fascinating to hear.
‘I have no doubt about my priesthood for the previous 48 years, but I recognise the need for this ordination to minister in the Roman Catholic Church,’ he said. ‘All the people who came in support of me, including an enormous number of Anglicans and my own former bishop, Dominic Walker, Bishop of Monmouth, came away with a sense that I was in the right place, doing the right thing, and very much rejoicing. My thanksgiving Mass at SFX on Sunday was astonishing and it was great to be back at the altar after the best part of three years away.
‘This weekend felt like my golden jubilee two years early!’ he added. ‘For me, it felt I was part of an old married couple and nearly 50 years on I had come to renew my marriage vows. It was the same sense of rightness and joy.’
Left to right Fr Martin Fyles, Bishop Tom Neylon, Fr Peter, Archbishop Malcolm McMahon, Archbishop Emeritus of Liverpool Archdiocese Patrick Kelly, Bishop Tom Williams, Fr James Finnegan, Fr Lister Tonge, Bishop Emeritus of Hallam Diocese John Rawsthorne
Finally, while this was a hope-filled weekend for the archdiocese, the wish of Fr Ron Johnson, as vocations director, is that such occasions come along more often. He offered the Pic a final reflection, sent from the archdiocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes.
‘I’m praying here to Our Lady for her intercession for those men currently studying for our archdiocese, those who’ll start in the autumn term, and those who meet regularly at St Charles Borromeo parish to discern if this is God’s will for their life – as well as for those who need that little push to reach out to find out more,’ he said.
‘In our society, there are so many who need the help of a good shepherd, and so if you see a possible vocation to the priesthood in someone you know, an encouraging word from you might help them.’
Archbishop Emeritus Patrick Kelly was present for the celebrations
On a liturgical note
On consecutive days at the end of this month, we keep the feasts of a mother and her son – Saint Monica (27 August) and St Augustine (28 August).
Augustine himself in his famous autobiography, his Confessions, acknowledges that he gave his mother sleepless nights and days of worry as he slowly edged himself towards embracing his mother’s faith, seeing that it was the answer to the big questions and searching of his life.
‘Late have I loved you, Beauty ever ancient and ever new, late have I loved you!
Lo, you were within, but I outside, seeking there for you, and upon the shapely things you have made I rushed headlong – I, misshapen. You were with me, but I was not with you. They held me back far from you, those things which would have no being, were they not in you.’
(Confessions Book 10, quoted in the Office of Readings, Feast of St Augustine, 28 August)
Sunday thoughts
There is a flowering cherry tree in the middle of the lawn on the grounds of the Cathedral Church of Saint Mary of the Isle. It was planted to mark the ordination to the priesthood of Father Brian Dougherty on 12 July 1999. Planted as a sapling, it is now a mature tree and a permanent reminder of that special day 25 years ago.
Fr Brian’s roots in Saint Mary’s go back much further than the roots of his cherry tree. All the priests who have served the island have been ‘come-overs’. Fr Brian is the exception. He was a parishioner before he became a priest. And it is as a priestparishioner that he holds a unique place in the hearts of the Catholic community on the island.
Brian Dougherty was born in Douglas on 17 October 1935 and brought to Saint Mary’s to be baptised on 11 November that same year. He attended St Mary’s parish school and Ballakermeen High School, before serving his time as a bricklayer in the construction industry. In his early twenties, he applied to train for the priesthood to both the archdiocese and the Montfort Fathers. They told him he was ‘too old’. Initially working part-time in British Telecom (later Manx Telecom), he went on to work full-time for 37 years.
He was heavily involved in parish activities and it was membership of the Legion
Canon Philip Gillespie
It took him time and effort and searching until he finally discovered that it was God who is the giver of all good things. While he had expended himself in looking for fulfillment and pleasure in the ‘externals’ of the world –‘the shapely things you have made’ – he now understood that he needed to look within, to find in peace and in gratitude that ‘beauty’ which was not merely skin-deep but had a breadth and depth which totally transformed and energised his life from thereon in.
Let mercy flow
As a young child visiting my Uncle Bernard’s house, I was always frightened by one of the pictures that hung in the hall. It showed the head and shoulders of Jesus as a young man in a smock and there was a ghostly light around his fair hair.
In our Liturgy we pray daily ‘Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation’ (Rite of Mass), and we add: ‘Our thanks to you Lord God for through your goodness, your graciousness we have received the bread, the wine for Mass and all the good things which we enjoy.’
Never let us mistake, however, the created things for the One who is the source of all goodness and all the good things that we enjoy – and sometimes take for granted.
Mgr John Devine OBE
of Mary that led to his first meeting with his wife Pearl. She was visiting from Ireland during the TT motorcycle races in 1957. They became engaged a couple of months later and married on 4 April 1959. They had two sons, Eamonn and Paul. There followed almost 35 years of married life, cut short by her unexpected death in 1992.
Eamonn died suddenly in 2020. In 1993, Brian began a three-year training programme for the permanent diaconate. Ordained deacon in 1996, he served four years as a deacon. Decades after being told he was ‘too old’, Archbishop Patrick Kelly invited him to undergo four years of further training for the priesthood. Fr Brian was not required to attend seminary. The Archbishop, a former seminary rector, designed a tailor-made programme to be delivered by the then parish priest, Canon Brendan Alger, himself a former seminary professor. Fr Brian was ordained priest by Archbishop Patrick at St Mary of the Isle on 12 July 1999. He celebrated his First Mass the following day at Sacred Heart, Pulrose.
On Friday 12 July, Bishop Tom Neylon joined Fr Brian and the other priests of the island in a concelebrated Mass to mark the silver jubilee of his ordination. We wish Fr Brian well and promise our continuing love and support. Thanks be to God.
When I walked in, I could feel Jesus’ eyes on me. It would get worse if I went to the toilet. The only light in the hall illuminated the picture, and on dark, winter evenings, it seemed as though Jesus was hovering in the light. It was awful and I would run up the stairs frightened to death. Even as an adult, I would look over my shoulder.
Poor images of God can stay with us for years and it can be difficult to replace them with the God that Jesus reveals in the Gospels. There may be no more powerful image of God’s love than the cross. Ronald Rolheiser suggests that in Jesus’ death, we see right into God’s heart and that because of Jesus’ death, there is no longer a veil between us and God’s heart. To see the heart of God is to see unconditional loving mercy. Every story about Jesus, or indeed most of the stories we hear Him tell, are about this extraordinary love.
Yet the image of God in the Old Testament seems to contradict this. We have to realise that in inspiring the Bible, God worked through human beings who had the cultural and intellectual limitations of their day. They believed in warfare and violence as a way of life, and they could only perceive God as acting in the same way. Thus, the God portrayed sometimes in the Hebrew scriptures appears to approve of, and even inspire, bloody war on enemies.
When the Pharisees criticised Jesus for befriending sinners, he quoted a phrase from the prophet Hosea: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ This is the deepest heart of Christ in every situation. What flows out of God’s heart is love: not payback, judgment, retaliation or shaming, but mercy that includes the guilty, mercy that defends the innocent.
Jesus never quotes the violent texts from the Old or First Testament because they don’t support His experience of God as unconditionally loving. So Jesus ignores some texts, including most of Numbers, Judges or Joshua. He is selective with texts because His experience was that there is no violence in God and that those stories that suggest otherwise were actually projections of vengeful and violent human beings.
Therefore, instead of quoting these parts of the Old or First Testament, Jesus affirms the indiscriminately loving God who begins to emerge in the prophetic books, who is ever faithful to the covenant, persisting in love despite human hardness. May we be filled with the mercy of God and let mercy flow through us into the world.
Father Chris Thomas
from the archives
Burns’ Eye View
by Neil Sayer, Archdiocesan Archivist
It isn’t easy to draw a cartoon. Even if you have artistic talent, you still need to identify a subject, make it amusing and give it some of your own inimitable personality.
The pressure to come up with something for publication on a weekly basis must be quite taxing. John Burns managed to do so for well over a decade. He and Bernard Atherton were our regular cartoonists back in the days when the Catholic Pic was a weekly tabloid newspaper. John alternated with Bernard the task of creating a single-panel cartoon on some item of news in that week’s Pic, but he may be more fondly remembered for the strip cartoon “Dominic”.
Dominic first appeared in the Pic as part of what then-editor Norman Cresswell described as “a few changes” introduced in autumn 1970 as the newspaper approached the end of its first decade in the archdiocese diocese. A bequiffed child in short trousers, Dominic experienced the world with his friends, and the cartoon strip featured his reactions to the activities, challenges and events of childhood, occasionally straying into religion. The inspiration for Dominic isn’t known, but surely every cartoonist owes a debt to the “Peanuts” cartoon strip by Charles Schulz, featuring Charlie Brown and Snoopy? “Dominic” is similar in having a cast of regularly-appearing characters, and there are stylistic resemblances to “Peanuts” too, with an economy of line and lots of flowing curves. Dominic’s friends, though, are rarely named, and the location isn’t small-town America but, from the backgrounds and the local dialect, is definitely Liverpool.
John Burns was born in Liverpool, on 28 June 1915, growing up with 3 sisters and a brother. A skilled draughtsman, he spent most of his working life as an illustrator in advertising before Norman Cresswell commissioned him to offer some light relief to the Pic, and the first Dominic cartoon appeared on 25 October 1970. They were generally 3-panel strips (Charlie Brown usually had 4), and they often followed the formula of a gag involving 2 people: callresponse-punchline. Technically, they are known as “slice-of-life” cartoons, and Dominic offered gentle humour, never intending to be satirical or topical. For topical cartoons, there was “Burns’ Eye View”, a comment on an item of news that by definition was created at very short notice. These often
wryly observe the way that worldly attitudes seemed to be winning out over religious sentiment, such as Advent being taken over by the number of shopping days left until Christmas.
John Burns continued to provide “Dominic” cartoons until December 1984. His eyesight began to fail around this time –which may be reflected in the cartoons published then – and he found it increasingly difficult to work. It’s difficult to say when the last illustration by John Burns was published, as there were a few “Dominic” repeats, and some single-panel cartoons continued to appear in the pages of the Pic. However, it seems the series was eventually merely described as “discontinued”, and there was never any proper farewell to Dominic or to John Burns, which is a real shame.
John was described by Norman Cresswell as “shy and soft voiced”, and Norman admired him as a perfectionist who took great pains over the cartoons he provided for the Pic. He never married and spent his later years living with his sister Joan, painting happily when he could. He died a few days after a stroke, on 29 May 1988, at the age of 72.
His funeral was held at All Saints Church, in Anfield. Among his legacies are the gentle cartoons to be found in the back copies of the Pic in the Archdiocesan Archives.
“Dominic” cartoon strip, 1978
Burns’ Eye View of Christmas 1984
John Burns (1915-1988)
A classic 3-panel Dominic strip from 1984
News diary
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Celebrations for Canon John Gorman’s Silver Jubilee
On 4 July at Our Lady Immaculate, Bryn, parishioners, friends, priests and family of Canon John Gorman gathered to celebrate 25 years of his priestly ministry in the archdiocese.
Archbishop Malcolm presided at Holy Mass, together with Bishop Tom Neylon, Bishop Tom Williams and Canon Aidan Prescott the Vicar General. The packed church was filled with well-wishers and prayers for Canon Gorman, or Father John, as he is known to his parishioners.
Father Ron Johnson, vocations director, preached a homily in which he thanked God for Father John’s ministry at the Metropolitan Cathedral, at Liverpool Royal University Hospital, and in the churches that make up Saint Oswald and St Edmund parish in Wigan. “25 years of priestly service, 25 years of bringing Jesus Christ to God’s holy people.”
Bishop Neylon recalled Father John’s late parents Margaret and Joseph Gorman in the eucharistic prayer.
A number of presentations were made on behalf of the parish: a beautiful Our Father tapestry was given by Father John’s family, and the spiritual bouquet was offered by the Legion of Mary.
There was a reception in the parish centre following when much joyful conversation, food and drink were enjoyed.
Father Francis Marsden’s Ruby Jubilee Celebrations
Bishop Gregory Komar, titular Bishop of Acci and Auxiliary Bishop of SambirDrohobych Eparchy in Ukraine, made a joyful visit to the archdiocese on 22 July to celebrate Holy Mass with his seminary professor, the Very Reverend Francis Marsden.
Parishioners of Saint Mary’s, Chorley and Saint Joseph’s, Adlington gathered with priests, deacons, and ecumenical guests from across the archdiocese to celebrate with Father Marsden on his Ruby Jubilee of ordination.
Bishop Gregory preached a homily which spoke of Father Francis, like Saint Peter in the Gospel, answering the Lord’s questioning call “Do you love me?”. Bishop Gregory commented that he aspired to be as good a priest as Father Francis, much to the joy and pleasure of those gathered.
At the end of the liturgy, Canon Aidan Prescott, the vicar general, on behalf of the Archbishop, thanked Father Marsden for 40 years of priestly service which have included ministry in Huyton, Walton Vale and Chorley. Bishop Gregory’s presence also points to the generous gift of service that Father Marsden gave to the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Ukraine at the seminary following the fall of communism in 1989. This service to the Ukrainian church continues by welcoming seminarians and priests to his parish.
After Holy Mass, a joyful reception in the parish club followed, with fine food, fine wine and good company.
Celebrating Creativity: Michalina’s winning design for the First Holy Communion Badge Competition
On Monday 1 July, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Leigh was host to Bishop Tom Neylon and several guests from the archdiocese’s offices – the organisers and judges of the Holy Communion badge competition – to celebrate Michelina, the year 4 student who designed the winning badge.
Michelina’s beautiful design was selected from entries submitted by children from across the archdiocese, all of whom celebrated their First Holy Communion this year. Her design has been immortalised on a special pin badge, which was presented to every child in the archdiocese who received the sacrament this year.
The event began with a warm welcome from Miss Michelle Daley, headteacher of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School. As well as Bishop Tom, attendees included Liz Parsons (Head of Pastoral Development), John McMahon (Head of Finance), Pat Peel (Primary Schools Adviser), Harriet Anwyl (Communications Officer), Phil Heaton (Chair of Governors for the school), and Michalina’s proud parents.
Bishop Tom spoke to Year 4 about their First Holy Communion experiences and encouraged Year 3 as they prepare for theirs next year. He and Liz Parsons presented Michalina with a certificate, a framed image of her design, a Perspex version of the badge for the school to display, and an art kit to encourage her artistic talents.
The badge, featuring rays of sunlight and a chalice with bread and wine, symbolises the spiritual essence of First Holy Communion. Michalina explained to Bishop Tom, “The bread and the wine are right in the middle because they’re the most important part of the day.”
John McMahon shared the inspiration behind the badge competition, recalling historical photos of pilgrims from Liverpool to Lourdes who wore badges as mementos. “We thought, wouldn’t it be wonderful if 100 years from now, people look at your photo and see the badges you created? So we decided to make that happen!”
Liz Parsons praised the young artists, stating, “We were really impressed with all of the designs; they were fantastic.”
Miss Daley, headteacher at St Joseph’s Primary School, said “We’re all so proud of Michelina’s achievements. She’s a wonderful pupil, always kind and hard-working – and a great artist!”
Pat Peel commented, “We’re looking forward to doing the competition again next year, so every child has a memento of their First Holy Communion that’s different for each group and designed by them. Something for them to keep hold of and look back on when they’re older and remember the day they first received the body and blood of Jesus.”
Religious Relics reunited in Widnes for the first time
A substantial number of First Class Relics have been reunited for the first time in Widnes.
Fr Thomas Clarke, Assistant Priest of St Wilfrid’s Parish in Widnes, said “I am delighted and overwhelmed to see these First Class Relics reunited and put on display for the first time in Widnes” He added “The Relics are testimony of the Catholic history and faith in the town. Some are from the Appleton Mission, which preceded the establishment of St Bede’s Parish in 1847. Others relate to the time the Jesuits, who had been expelled from Germany, established St Michael’s Parish in the nineteenth century. Others are from former Parishes such as St Patrick’s and St Pius X”. The collection of relics is now on display at St Michael’s church in Widnes. Fr Thomas added “These precious Relics have been stored away and some removed from the town for short periods, but now we have managed to bring them all together as one collection and put them on display for the parishioners to see for the first time”
The Relics are indeed a unique insight into the Catholic church in Widnes. “Too often,” added Fr Thomas, “these precious Relics are lost or discarded. Many are not on public display. They represent part of the Historical Faith and rich traditions of our Catholic Church. Many people find them a great aid to prayer and reflection contemplating the life of former servants and martyrs. It is indeed true to say they are a reflection of the Faith of our Fathers”
Anyone wishing to view the Relics can do so before Sunday and weekly Mass at St Michael’s Church in Widnes.
‘Margie Mac’ Honoured at
“Amazing things happen at Lourdes.” This statement proved to be true once again this year, as Mrs. Margaret McNeilis, affectionately known as ‘Margie Mac,’ received the prestigious Medal of Citizenship of Lourdes. This honour was bestowed upon her by the Lourdes Council Officials in recognition of her unwavering dedication and commitment to bringing pilgrims to the sacred site for 50 years.
Maureen Finnegan, Archdiocesan Deputy President of the Union of Catholic Mothers (UCM), was present: “It was a marvellous occasion and Margie was overwhelmed… Such a remarkable lady and this honour is so well deserved.”
During the leaving Mass of thanksgiving, Archbishop Malcolm McMahon paid tribute to Margie, expressing his admiration and gratitude for her years of service.
Margie, at the age of 84, continues to lead pilgrims to Lourdes with passion and devotion, and has no plans of slowing down.
Lourdes
Fr Thomas Clarke alongside the Reliquaries at St Michael’s Church Widnes
A selection of the Relics on Display
Food and Friendship: Celebrating Refugee Week with a BBQ
This year’s theme for Refugee Week was HOME, and Fr. Anton of St. Agnes & St Aidan’s in Huyton was more than happy to open the home of the church gardens as a venue to celebrate Refugee Week with SHARe Knowsley, a local grassroots charity aimed at Supporting & Helping Asylum seekers.
Fr. Anton has always been extremely supportive of the charity – indeed SHARe Knowsley has its origins in St Agnes & St. Aidan, when a parish Refugee Action group was set up and chaired by Margaret Roche, who is now the Manager of SHARe Knowsley, and a substantial number of their volunteers are also parishioners.
SHARe Knowsley’s acronym embodies the charity’s philosophy of sharing lives with everyone they meet, regardless of race, religion, gender, or sexuality. The celebration highlighted the diversity of the group, and the aim to make refugee friends feel at home in Knowsley.
Guests were welcomed warmly by Fr Anton and Eddie Connor, The Mayor of Knowsley, before being treated to the culinary delights of BBQ chicken and food from around the world including African Jollof Rice and Ghormeh Sabzi from Iran,
courtesy of our Refugee friends who were keen to share their Home foods with us.
The afternoon was spent relaxing, enjoying food together, dancing and feeling at home with each other. Deacon Justin Malewezi Jnr from Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in Croxteth, who was there, commented: “This is just what building the kingdom here on earth is all about; coming together to share food with
everyone welcome and celebrated.”
The success of the BBQ left everyone with lasting memories of unity and joy. The celebration was a testament to the shared values and inclusive spirit of St. Agnes & St. Aidan’s community.
To find out more, our website is: www. shareknowsley.org.uk
Congratulations to Mr Derrick Edmeads, the sacristan at St Mary’s, Leyland, who recently received an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis on the occasion of his 90th birthday.
Thank you, Norah! Congratulations Derrick!
Earlier this year, Norah Burns of St Michael’s & Sacred Heart Parish near the City Centre retired as Chair of the Newsham & West Everton Council of Churches, giving more than 30 years of commitment to celebrating the strong ecumenical links in the area.
Norah has been part of planning annual worship services, inter-faith dialogue and reflection whilst affirming differences, which has enabled an expression of a deeper Christian unity over these years. Thank you Norah, you are a very special person of encouragement and joy!
Jottings of a Lourdes Pilgrim
By Pat Murphy
Usually, I write my Lourdes jottings from my study desk. Today, I am writing from my hotel bedroom overlooking the River Pau. Yes - it’s Liverpool Lourdes pilgrimage week!
Our travel day dawned with the worrying news of the biggest IT glitch in history, and airlines all over the world were affected. It was with trepidation I travelled to John Lennon Airport, but lucky we only were delayed by a couple of hours.
By late Friday evening, some very tired pilgrims were checking into hotels, and into the hospital for our lovely assisted pilgrims. I really admire the hospitality volunteers who travelled with us and then went straight onto a night shift!
Despite the delays, we did all get a good night’s sleep, and then I had my most important part of my pilgrimage to fulfil - my first visit to Our Lady at the Grotto to say hello, and thank you for a safe journey, and for all the mini miracles we’ve had, especially during the last year. It’s a special visit.
Then it’s a familiar walk in the little streets, passing the cafes, shops, and bars. Bonjour madam! Good morning, good to see you again! Welcome back to Lourdes!
Soon it was time for us all to get together in St Bernadette’s Church at the Mass of Anointing - a very moving service for all pilgrims. Our Lourdes theme this year is “Come in Procession”. Archbishop Malcolm spoke very movingly, at both this Mass and our early morning grotto Mass, of the importance of each other in our procession of life. We are not alone in procession, by its very definition, we need others to be with us. It is in each other we find Jesus, and we discover ourselves.
So we have a few hours to ourselves, and then we have the Blessed Sacrament procession, and evening prayer later on. Well, we are on pilgrimage!
I am going to spend some time this afternoon walking around the ‘lower stations’ – there are some beautiful works of art I’m looking forward to seeing. As the week goes on, we walk in procession with friends old and new.
Our Lady of Lourdes pray for us.
St Bernadette pray for us.
Pastoral ponderings
by Paul Pimblett
By the time this article is published, I will have completed my first summer placement back in the archdiocese at the end of a wonderful first year of seminary.
For three weeks at the end of June and beginning of July I was on placement in St Helens and Eccleston. During my placement, I shadowed Fr Michael Harwood in the churches of St Thomas of Canterbury, St Julie’s, and Lowe House. It was a truly wonderful time and a great opportunity to meet and interact with a large number of parishioners. Both Fr and the people of all three churches were incredibly welcoming and caring and it was a genuine joy to spend time with them. I am incredibly grateful to them and Fr Michael for all the support and prayers they gave me.
Before I begin my second year of studies in Allen Hall Seminary, alongside my brother seminarian Rhys J, I will have some time off to relax and enjoy being back in the archdiocese. As I have said in previous articles, I am incredibly pleased with and grateful for how my formation in seminary has gone so far. The community at Allen Hall is one of brotherhood and discipleship. However, whilst I am enjoying my time in London, coming home to the archdiocese and to the people of the archdiocese is a great joy.
I am currently in formation for the priesthood, a vocation that is incredibly pastoral and centred on service of the people of God. Since I began discerning my vocation, I have always remembered and remained focused on this aspect of priestly ministry. Academic studies, community life, and prayer are all incredibly important to formation, yet spending time with the people we are called to minister to is equally significant. During the placements I have been privileged to experience, especially recently in St Helens and on pilgrimage in Lourdes, the pastoral nature of the priesthood has been reinforced and I have truly felt the power of the prayers of others.
As I continue in my formation and my journey towards, God willing, ordination, please do keep me and my seminarian brothers in your prayers. It has been humbling and moving to have met people of the archdiocese who have assured me of their prayers and support, and to have met those who have even been reading these articles!
Our Lady of Lourdes, Pray for us.
Living Catholic Social Teaching - Jubilee 2025
By Pablo Guidi, Catholic Social Action Coordinator
“I’m filled with hope,” said Annette as the Jubilee 2025 workshop drew to a close. Over seventeen Catholic organisations had mapped out hundreds of ways in which the Church was leading social action across the Archdiocese of Liverpool. “It’s a testament to the great work of individuals on the frontline, and something the Church should be proud of.”
The workshop was held on Thursday 4 July and focused on social issues facing our parishes and communities. Participants were invited to share their work in: Care for Creation, Food Poverty, Modern Slavery, Managing Debt, Forgiveness, and Rest - the six key areas identified by the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales (CBCEW) to which we are called to live out the Jubilee.
Organisations included: Nugent, Caritas, SVP, the Catenians, CAFOD, Micah, Christian Climate Action, Medaille Trust, Santa Marta, SHARe Knowsley, Together Liverpool, Commission for Dialogue and Unity, Justice and Peace Commission, Religious congregations, Bon Secours, and the Archdiocese of Liverpool Deaconate and Pastoral Development Team.
From food parcels and debt advice to creating a new home for the homeless and counselling – organisations are addressing deep and far-reaching
needs. Grounded in faith, this work spoke of the even more profound depths of God’s ability to respond through us.
It is this response that Pope Francis invites us to when he says, “We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart, and far-sighted vision.” We must all become Pilgrims of Hope.
This group of social action partners will consider how they can contribute to the Jubilee calendar of activities in the coming months. Rev Fr Ged Callacher, Jubilee Coordinator and Episcopal Vicar for Pastoral Development, spoke of his excitement at the development: “It is one of the many ways in which the archdiocese is responding to Pope Francis’ proclamation that next year be a year of Jubilee.”
The key priorities for the Jubilee year are Honouring and Celebrating; Complementarity and Cooperation; Local Action for Meaningful Change; and Audaciousness. It is through these themes that we can become Pilgrims of Hope. If you would like to join the Jubilee preparations, please contact Pablo (Archdiocesan Catholic Social Action Coordinator) on 0151 522 1042 or p.guidi@rcaol.org.uk
what’s on August
Sunday 4 August
Metropolitan Cathedral
Summer Sunday Organ Recital: Peter Kwater
14:00
Enjoy an organ recital by Peter Kwater, former organ scholar (1982–1984), at the Metropolitan Cathedral. The 40-minute performance includes works by Buxtehude, Vierne, and Stanford. Admission is free, with a retiring collection. More information and tickets at www.ticketsource.co.uk/metcathedral.
Sunday 11 August
Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, Liverpool
Visiting Choir at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King 11:00AM
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King will be welcoming The Occasional Singers to sing Solemn Mass on 11 August. All are welcome to attend. For those who cannot attend in person, this Mass will also be streamed live on the cathedral’s YouTube channel.
Metropolitan Cathedral Summer Sunday Organ Recital: Daniel Mansfield
14:00
Experience a 40-minute recital by Daniel Mansfield, former organ scholar (2017–2018), featuring works by Bach, Howells, and Price. The recital is free, with a retiring collection to support the Cathedral. For tickets and more details, visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/ metcathedral.
Sunday 18 August
Metropolitan Cathedral Summer Sunday Organ Recital: Peter Morrison
14:00
Join us for an organ recital by Peter Morrison, former organ scholar (1977–1979), featuring pieces by Jackson, Bach, and Vierne. The recital is 40 minutes long, with a retiring collection. Learn more and reserve your spot at www.ticketsource.co.uk/metcathedral.
Sunday 25 August
Metropolitan Cathedral Summer Sunday Organ Recital: Andrew Sharples
14:00
Andrew Sharples, former organ scholar (1980–1982), will perform a free 40
minute recital featuring works by Rawsthorne, Franck, and Widor. Free admission with a retiring collection to support the cathedral. For additional information and tickets, visit www. ticketsource.co.uk/metcathedral.
Looking Ahead…
Sunday 1 September
Celebrating 90 years of the Parish. St. Aloysius Members Club, Crosswood Crescent, Huyton, Liverpool L36 2QG from 2pm
Fr. Ealey’s 30th anniversary of becoming Parish Priest at St. Aloysius and Fr. Ealey’s Ruby anniversary of Priesthood. All parishioners are welcome (we will be having a shared Buffett)
Friday 6 September
National Altar Servers’ Dinner
7:00PM
The National Altar Servers’ Dinner will take place at The Liner Hotel, Liverpool on 6 September. The guest speaker will be Archbishop Malcolm McMahon. All altar servers and their families are invited. Tickets cost £30 for adults and £12.50 for Children.
Friday 13 September
St John Stone, Woodvale, PR8 3RN Living Christ Retreat
7:00PM - 5:00PM (Saturday)
Take time out to do something special for yourself listen to talks about people’s experience of Christ in their lives, and share prayerful conversation, in safe company, share as much as you are comfortable with.
Saturday 14 September
Oscott Adoremus
8:00AM - 8:00PM
The 2024 National Eucharistic Congress takes place at St Mary’s College, Oscott on Saturday 14 September 2024, a week before our own archdiocesan Adoremus event on Saturday 21st September. For those of you who would like to go, our archdiocese has organised a coach, which will depart from St Margaret Clitherow Centre, Croxteth Drive, Liverpool, L17 1AA at 8.00am in time for a 10.15 arrival at Oscott with events beginning at 11.00am. The last event finishes at 6.00pm and we are aiming to return to the Margaret Clitherow Centre by 8.00pm. Cars can be left in the St Margaret Clitherow Centre’s secure car park for the duration of the day. The cost per person is £20. This cost includes return coach travel and entry to the event. Please arrive in good time to board the coach as we will be leaving promptly at 8.00am.
Sunday 15 September
Pray & Picnic in the Park 1:30pm
Aid to the Church in Need have organised a Pray & Picnic in the Park event at St John’s Gardens, William Brown Street, L1 1HF. This will start with a Rosary, then Mass celebrated by Bishop Tom Neylon, followed by Irish Dancing and a Chinese Workshop and Display, to celebrate Liverpool’s culture. Anyone who wishes to join in with this free event is invited to bring along a picnic and something to sit on. For more information, contact Rachel Buckley at rachel.buckley@acnuk.org.
Saturday 21 September
Adoremus Liverpool
Following the national Adoremus gathering on 14 September at St Mary’s College, Oscott, the Archbishop has decided that we will have a similar event for the archdiocese. This will take place at the Metropolitan Cathedral and at the Co-Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Isle on 21 September 2024. This is part of our preparation for the Great Jubilee 2025, to come together as the archdiocesan family. in this “year of prayer” which Pope Francis has called for. There is more information on the Jubilee on the archdiocesan website. This will be updated as and when information will become available. Communities will be invited to come on pilgrimage to the Cathedral for this archdiocesan day of prayer.
CARJ Faith Ambassadors
The national Catholic Association for Racial Justice (CARJ) was formed in 1984 and the Liverpool Branch in 2012. Since then, CARJ has worked across the archdiocese with Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Sixth Form Colleges and Homeless Family Centres in Prescot and Liverpool.
Our goal is to raise the opportunities, achievements, self-esteem and Christian commitment of young people between the ages of 3 and 18 years. To do this, we initially supported Primary Schools with a 50-strong Circle of Voices choir, After School Homework sessions and Summer Schools, and engaged in art, drama and music projects, but recently, we have turned our attention to the development of young Catholic leaders through our Ambassador Programme. As well as leader development, we have focused on the promotion of justice and identifying and opposing racism in our church and wider society.
In 2022, we worked with twelve students at St John Rigby Catholic Sixth Form College in Wigan, and the following year, we worked with thirteen Year 10 students from Bellerive FCJ Catholic College in Liverpool. The programme generally consists of a one-day opening conference, ten 2-hour sessions and a 3-day visit to London, including the British Museum and the Houses of Parliament where we meet local MPs. The programme ends with a celebration attended by proud parents and Bishop Tom Neylon. Both years have been a great success, and we’re currently looking forward to the next programme.
A range of topics were covered, including What is Racism?; The Effects of Racism; The Concept of Identity; Stereotyping; Racism in the Media; Roots of Anti-Semitism; Attitudes to Gypsy, Roma and Travellers in Britain; Public Speaking Skills; Developing a Successful Political Campaign; Catholic Social Teaching; Racism and the Law; and Colonialism and Race. These are delivered with expert partners including lecturers and students from Liverpool JMU, a Liverpool barrister, a professional speech coach, the Archdiocese Justice and Peace Fieldworker and Mrs Gee Walker of the Anthony Walker Foundation.
The great success of the programme is attributed to the commitment of all the young people, combined with the support of the teachers, Chaplains and Head teachers at St John Rigby and Bellerive Colleges. We look forward to the emergence of these young Ambassadors as they work through their lives as Catholic Ambassadors.
For further information on CARJ Liverpool, please contact: CARJLiverpool@gmail.com
Cathedral Record
Canon Anthony O’Brien –Cathedral Dean
St Swithin has certainly lived up to his reputation this year, and the excessive summer rainfall has not only dampened everyone’s spirits but has caused us major problems in the Cathedral with internal leaks.
It has also impeded certain external works that had been scheduled to take place. With the Start of August, I’m sure we are all hopeful that we might have a few weeks of dry, sunny weather to have a taste of summer before the onset of Autumn.
August is a relatively event-free month in the Cathedral calendar, but there will still be plenty of activity within the Cathedral. It is the busiest time of the year for general visitors and cruise tours, and the popular time for visiting choirs to come and sing here.
On Saturday 10 August at 2.30pm, there will be a Mass celebrated in Cantonese. Many of the families and individuals who have moved here from Hong Kong have become very involved within their local parishes, and at the same time maintain a strong bond of support and community when they gather together for their monthly Masses.
For the next three Sundays, there will be various visiting choirs singing at 11am Mass. On Sunday 11 it will be the Occasional Singers Choir singing at 11am Mass (hopefully they sing more than the odd occasion!) and later at 2pm, an organ recital by Dan Mansfield. On Sunday 17 it will be the turn of the Sage Gateshead Chamber Choir, and then on Sunday 25, Freiburg Cathedral Choir, followed by a 2pm organ recital by Andrew Sharples.
If you are not going away for the summer, why not come and pay the Cathedral a visit - and if you have young children, try out the children’s audio tour with them!
It can be easy to forget that culture shock is a two-way street. Consider, for example, the English tendency to say sorry in any awkward social situation – even when it is your toe that has just been trod on, for example.
For Father Henry Moses Ariho, a Ugandan priest recently arrived in Liverpool, this quirk has not escaped his attention. ‘I like it when you are walking in the street and someone says sorry,’ he says with a grin. ‘Whoever might have made the mistake, everyone is concerned about the other person!’
For Fr Henry, the weather in Liverpool is rather more of a challenge. Brought up in a largely tropical country with two rainy seasons per year, here he is learning to contend with the sudden showers of a British summer. ‘Today it’s a bit warm but I don’t know how long it will continue like this,’ he says. ‘The unpredictability of the climate for me is really a challenge. When I go out, I know I should also go with an umbrella!’
It was in May that Fr Henry arrived in Liverpool, joining the community of the Missionaries of Africa – or White Fathers, as they are also known – at Saint Vincent de Paul parish in the city centre. While the archdiocese has just celebrated the ordination of four new priests, Fr Moses provides another fresh face, having just marked the first anniversary of his own ordination in July last year.
The Missionaries of Africa have been at St Vincent’s, near the Baltic Triangle, since 2018 when Archbishop Malcolm McMahon invited them to take over the parish. Initially founded in 1856, it served the mainly Irish population living in the dense and deprived housing of Liverpool’s docklands. Today, the parish has a different focus – welcoming refugees and asylum-seekers.
‘We normally give priority to evangelisation, interreligious dialogue, and justice and peace work,’ adds Fr Henry of the White Fathers’
Father Moses Henry Ariho
A missionary in Liverpool
By Simon Hart
work. ‘The Archbishop wanted our presence in this diocese to bring our missionary charism.’
As he explains to the Pic, Fr Henry’s own path to Liverpool has been a long and winding one. After three years in Uganda studying Philosophy, he had a novitiate year in Tanzania before spending two years in southern France, close to Marseille. ‘I went there for pastoral experience, especially dialogue with Muslim communities,’ he says, explaining the significance of his stay there. ‘From there I went to Ivory Coast to do my Theology for four years.’
Finally, while awaiting his visa after his ordination last year, he spent time at two parishes in Western Uganda, including his home parish of Kitanga in the Kabale diocese. ‘I had a rich experience of sacramental and pastoral life. For me it was a great experience to see what takes place in the lives of parishioners. Every day during that period, I don’t remember a day where I missed a Mass. People wanted the sacraments.’
Yet as a missionary priest, Liverpool is the place where he will now serve, at least for the next three years, in a community which includes Cardinal Michael Fitzgerald and Fr Terry Madden, along with Kenyan priest Fr Charles Obanya and Nicolas Nzirubusa, a seminarian from Burundi. ‘For me, I chose this missionary life because God has no limit,’ he adds. ‘Wherever He sends me, I need to go. Once I am a missionary, it is a gateway. I am not limited by my congregation or my diocese. I am only open to God and wherever He sends me. That is why I chose a missionary life.’
And that is why he has found himself here in Liverpool. ‘The people are kind and welcoming for a new person here,’ he enthuses. ‘When I ask for directions, they’ll stop and sometimes they even show me the way.’ No doubt with the odd ‘sorry’ thrown in for good measure.
Paralympic gold medallist joins St John Bosco for special awards celebration
British skier, sighted guide and Paralympian, Charlotte Evans, joined St John Bosco Arts College for its annual awards celebration.
Charlotte, who won gold in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games alongside Kelly Gallagher, shared an inspiring speech about overcoming challenges in the face of adversary.
Charlotte said: “It is so important that we prepare our young people for the challenges that lie ahead, whether personally, emotionally or professionally.
“We all face adversaries in our lives, but it is how we adapt and ultimately, overcome those challenges, that mould us into the people we are.
Charlotte was keen to share her experiences as a successful female athlete in the sporting industry with the next generation.
The event celebrated the achievements of students across the school. Key Stage 4 students accepted subject prizes for maths, science, English, and more.
Prizes for effort and achievement were awarded to students across all year groups. The effort and achievement awards celebrate the students who invested significant time into their studies.
For those who completed GCSE and A-levels during the 2022/23 academic year, it was a chance to receive their certificates, which will serve as a memento of their accomplishments at St John Bosco.
Throughout the awards ceremony, staff, students and parents were treated to several incredible student performances.
The heart-warming afternoon was closed by participants joining together for the school hymn.
Darren Gidman, headteacher at St John Bosco Arts College, said: “Our school community is built on nurturing and celebrating the dreams and talents of our students, in the spirit of St John Bosco.
“As another year ends, it is an opportunity to reflect on a fantastic year at St John Bosco. There have been so many outstanding achievements, and each one deserves recognition.”
SJCMAT celebrates another year of fantastic Catholic education
St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust (SJCMAT) recently held its annual trust conference, entitled ‘Trust Mission Day’, at St George’s Hall.
This conference marked the end of another incredible year of growth for the trust and marked a special celebration with a focus on its mission as a community – ‘Christ is at the centre of everything we do. We exist to transform children’s lives through a world-class Catholic education’.
Trust CEO Andrew Truby said it was ‘the most powerful conference’ SJCMAT has had.
The day was filled with celebration and provided an opportunity for staff across the trust to come together and reflect on another year of fantastic Catholic education.
This year’s conference focused on the SJCMAT’s mission and its emphasis on St Joseph, the trust’s patron saint and role model. To mark SJCMAT’s mission, a prayer was commissioned, which was written by Jo Boyce and edited by Rebecca Wall, the trust lead for Catholic life and mission:
‘The Carpenter’s Tools remind us that St Joseph was a worker and a craftsman and most likely taught this trade to Jesus. We may use different tools in our work of Catholic education and we are crafting young lives, not wood or stone. It is good work and it is God’s work.
Lord, bless our labours, especially when the work is difficult and the days are long.’
above is from a
prayer and focuses on the trust’s logo and the three powerful symbols that it includes.
Staff from SJCMAT enjoyed a keynote speech from Father Eamonn Mulcahy and a lunch in St John’s Gardens, the perfect location for an engaging working lunch. The day brought together the unique mission of each of the trust’s schools.
The event was supported by Jo Boyce and her team at CJM Music.
The short passage
fitting
St Bernard’s celebrate ‘Outstanding’ Catholic Schools Inspectorate
St Bernard’s RC Primary and Nursery School has proudly achieved ‘Outstanding’ in its recent Catholic Schools Inspectorate.
The inspection, conducted on 27 and 28 June, evaluated the overall quality of Catholic education at the school, including its Catholic life and mission, religious education, and collective worship.
St Bernard’s, part of Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust, excelled in all areas, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to nurturing faith and fostering a strong, supportive Catholic community.
The school’s leadership team was recognised as ‘inspirational’ and staff were applauded for embracing all aspects of the school’s mission, religious education, and prayer life of pupils.
The report referenced: “Leaders and governors ensure the Catholic life and mission of the school underpins every aspect of school life. They are enthusiastic in their pursuit of this mission and prioritise training and resources to support it.”
The Ellesmere Port school was praised for its high standard of teaching and learning in religious education.
The report also highlighted: “Prayer is central to the life of St Bernard’s. Staff and pupils gather to celebrate significant times during the year and relevant scripture passages are used to highlight these to the liturgical season which helps to deepen pupils’ understanding.”
Head of school, Mrs Julie Le Feuvre, said: “We are thrilled to receive an ‘Outstanding’ rating from the Catholic Schools Inspectorate.
“It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire school community, from our talented staff and supportive parents to our wonderful pupils.”
CEO of Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust, Andy Moor, added: “The school’s commitment to faith, education, and the holistic development of each student is truly inspiring.
“We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and the strong foundation of Catholic values they continue to build.”
All Saints Primary in Golborne holds special Mass for retiring headteacher
Pupils and staff from All Saints Catholic Primary School in Golborne, have celebrated the wonderful career of its headteacher as she retired after 26 years.
Wendy Hughes has been a class teacher, PE subject leader, maths subject leader, deputy head and for the last 12 years she has been an outstanding headteacher. She has worked tirelessly for the school community, alongside being an exemplary leader, mentor and friend to many.
The school community recognised Wendy’s commitment to PE and sport by organising a special activity day for her to take part in sporting activities with every year group from pre-school all the way through to Year 6.
In recognition of her commitment to her Catholic faith, the whole school staff, children, governors, members of Wendy’s family and colleagues joined Wendy and parish priest Father Gordon Abbs at St Catherine of Siena and All Saints church in celebrating a retirement Mass.
As a community, they prayed for Wendy as she moves on to the next chapter of her life. They prayed for Wendy to sit back and see the seeds that she has sown grow; referencing Wendy’s
dedication to the school’s mission statement - ‘giving us roots to grow and wings to fly’.
It was a very emotional day for the whole school community.
All Saints Multi Academy Trust celebrate new schools with Service of Blessing
All Saints Multi Academy Trust held a momentous Service of Blessing to welcome and celebrate the new schools that have joined the trust this year.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Archbishop of Liverpool, The Most Reverend Malcolm McMahon OP, esteemed stakeholders, headteachers, teachers, support staff and students.
The Service of Blessing highlighted unity and shared vision among the newly joined schools, existing schools, and the trust. It took place at Liverpool Cathedral and was led by Canon Rev Stuart Haynes.
All Saints Multi Academy Trust is proudly sponsored by the Diocese of Liverpool and Archdiocese of Liverpool and is guided by Bishop David Sheppard and Archbishop Derek Worlock’s vision that communities are ‘stronger and better together’.
This academic year Hope Academy, St Margaret’s Church of England Academy, St Margaret’s Church of England Sixth Form, St Mary’s Catholic Infant and Junior Academies, St Teresa of
Lisieux Catholic Primary Academy, and St Cleopas CE Primary Academy, joined the trust.
Archbishop Malcolm delivered an opening prayer and an inspiring homily, highlighting the importance of community and inclusivity, reminding everyone that they are all capable of love, help, and unity, as all are created by God.
He emphasised recognising the deep and essential humanity in every person, which allows people to be happy, to love, and to come together as one family.
He also highlighted sainthood is not limited to those canonised but extends to everyone living selflessly for others, making the name ‘All Saints’ a fitting representation of the diverse talents and holiness within the multi academy trust.
CEO of All Saints Multi Academy Trust, Heather Duggan, said: “Welcoming our new schools into the Trust is not just about growth; it’s about strengthening our collective mission to inspire and support every student in their academic and spiritual journey.”
Left to right: Chair of Saints Multi Academy Trust, Matt Elliot, Canon Rev Stuart Haynes, Archbishop Malcolm and Heather Duggan, CEO of the trust
Archbishop of Liverpool, Most Rev. Malcolm McMahon, delivering his homily
education news
“We’re all goin’ on a summer holiday No more workin’ for a week or two Fun and laughter on our summer holiday
No more worries for me or you”-
Cliff Richard
Summer has arrived, and I hope the summer weather has arrived by the time you read this article. There is debate each year concerning the length of the school summer holidays. It is a challenging time for some with them trying to juggle childcare and other responsibilities.
The original purpose of long school holidays was to release children to help with the harvest. While our reliance on using children for agriculture has waned, we have kept the tradition of holidays. In the UK, school summer holidays last for six weeks, but in most other countries they range from eight to 12 weeks. So why do we have them?
There is much written on the topic with advocates arguing that the long summer holiday gives families the opportunity to spend quality time together. It also gives young people the chance to explore interests outside of school and develop their independence. The day-to-day work and atmosphere in classrooms can be overwhelming for children and a summer break enables them to relax.
Others argue that the holidays are too long and that for some children they lose the learning they have acquired throughout the year.
In the Bible, there are many occasions where people celebrated holy days, embarked on long journeys, and found time to rest. The story of Creation highlights that God rested on the seventh day. The Roman poet Ovid wrote “Take rest: a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop. “
So, I wish all our young people and all who work in schools a happy and restful summer holidays. Please find time to rest and reset.
Joan McCarthy Director of Education Archdiocese of Liverpool
St Matthew’s praised by Ofsted for adapting school curriculum for SEND pupils
St Matthew’s Catholic Primary School, Liverpool, has been praised by Ofsted for raising its expectations for what pupils should learn.
The school received a ‘Good’ rating from the educational body after a 14-year period without an inspection.
The report commends the school’s high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Inspectors noted that St Matthew’s identify pupils with SEND early and staff support them well, adapting the delivery of the curriculum appropriately to help these pupils access their learning.
SEND Coordinator (SENDCo) at St Matthew’s, Toni Gaskell, said: “At St Matthew’s, we believe that every child, regardless of their needs, deserves the opportunity to excel. This recognition is a testament to our tailored support and high expectations for all our pupils with SEND.”
Ofsted inspectors were impressed by the positive relationships between pupils and staff, noting students feel safe, well cared for, and happy.
Behaviour and engagement in lessons were also praised, with inspectors observing most pupils engage well and behave sensibly when moving around the school.
The report further highlighted that pupils at St Matthew’s are actively involved in shaping their extracurricular activities, with school councillors regularly gathering input from classmates to propose new clubs. This has resulted in a diverse range of activities.
Headteacher of St Matthew’s, Claire Sime, expressed pride in the school’s achievements, stating: “This Ofsted report is a testament to the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our pupils, and the support of our parents.
“Achieving a ‘Good’ rating in such a dynamic environment is a tremendous success and a clear indication of our commitment to providing an environment where every child can thrive. We will continue to strive for excellence in all that we do.”
St Matthew’s Catholic Primary School looks forward to building on this success.
A week of new experiences at St Mary’s Catholic College
Students at St Mary’s Catholic College in Wallasey had a week of new experiences as part of its unique Inspire Programme.
The experience week, now in its seventh year, was developed by the school to ensure that each child can experience something they haven’t before.
At the start of Year 7, each student is asked what they would like to do that they haven’t done before. The school then uses the responses to plan fully-funded trips and activities across the last week of the summer term.
Across the week, the usual school timetable was replaced with various exciting enrichment activities for students to enjoy.
Some students headed to one of the UK’s largest zoos, Chester Zoo, while other activities included a trip to Chester city centre for some shopping, a day exploring the woodland of Delamere Forest, and visit to Hollywood Bowl for a game of bowling – there was much more.
A group of Year 7 students also participated in Water Aid’s Walk for Water charity event, which supports the individuals, families and communities globally who walk long distances daily to collect water.
Meanwhile, other students participated in creative art sessions ahead of the Care of Creation arts festival in September.
Students designed bespoke pieces from recycled materials and incorporated elements that reflected St Mary’s core values.
The Inspire Programme’s experience week was a chance for students to gain new skills, build stronger friendships, and develop a deeper appreciation of the school’s values.
Experience week culminated in a rewards assembly, where student achievements were celebrated by students, staff and families.
Headteacher at St Mary’s Catholic College, Mr Kevin Maddocks, said: “Our students have had an incredible week and even managed to support some truly worthwhile charities, helping make a difference in the lives of others.”
Bishop Tom Williams celebrates Corpus Christi’s 150th anniversary
It was a very special occasion at Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School, Rainford, as it celebrated its 150th anniversary with a special Mass in the school hall.
The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Tom Williams, and was concelebrated by Father Paul Harris, parish priest at the nearby Corpus Christi church and Canon Leo Stoker, the former parish priest in the area. Deacon Kevin Duffy also assisted during the Mass.
On what was the hottest day of the year, the school welcomed guests from the local area and beyond.
There was representation from the archdiocese’s education department, as well the chair of governors at the school, the Mayor of St Helens and the council leader of Rainford Council. It was attended by junior students at the school, some of which gave readings during the Mass.
The Mass started with Bishop Tom reminding the children of some of the things that have happened over the last 150 years, including the formation of his beloved Everton, and some inventors that were born that year.
Once the Mass ended, students returned to class, while the adults stayed for refreshments and were all given a complimentary lavender plant as a way of thanks for attending.
A few guests were then invited to the front of the school, where Bishop Tom unveiled a plaque by the front door to commemorate the anniversary of the school.
Acting headteacher of Corpus Christi Alexandra Mowatt, said:
“It was a wonderful afternoon filled with song and prayer.
“The students behaved brilliantly throughout the Mass, and a special mention to those who got up and gave readings.
“It was also lovely to welcome Bishop Tom, Fr Paul and Canon Stoker to the school as well. It was a really special celebration.”
(Left to right): Tony Ford, Bishop Tom Williams, Canon Leo Stoker and Fr Paul Harris
St Mary’s Crosby stages extravaganza for over 1,500 people
St Mary’s College staged its Proms in the Park music and fireworks extravaganza at the school’s Blundell Park playing field, where an audience of more than 1,500 people were entertained by the musical skills of around 250 students from the college and its preparatory school.
The musical ensembles performing during the evening included the college symphony orchestra, the college symphonic wind band, the college stage band, the college junior choir, the college chamber choir and the preparatory school’s show choir and concert choir.
After a four-year Covid-enforced break, the musical spectacular had actually resumed last year, but had to be abandoned at the interval due to heavy rain, thunder and lightning.
Audience members enjoyed a wide-ranging programme conducted by St Mary’s director of music, Andrew Byers, and featuring a special guest appearance by acclaimed soprano and former pupil Rachael Russell.
Highlights included themes from movie classics, a Beatles Medley, and the haunting ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ from Les Miserables, and Jersusalem – led by Rachel.
As darkness fell over Blundell Park, and pyrotechnics lit up the sky, with the concert building up to its climax.
All this was enjoyed by the appreciative audience, many of whom had enjoyed an open-air picnic earlier in the evening before settling down to the musical entertainment.
St Mary’s principal, Mike Kennedy, commented: “As usual, Proms in the Park was a wonderful showcase for the wealth of musical talent to be found at the school, and the standard of performances at the concert was incredibly high throughout.
“I would like to pay tribute to all those who took part, the staff who nurtured their skills and the audience members who came along in such numbers to support the event.
“As always, it was a magnificent spectacle and an evening to remember.”
St Mary’s Prep spotlight achievements with special VIP guest
Staff at St Mary’s College Preparatory School organised a special event to put the spotlight on the achievements of its pupils over the past 12 months.
Southport’s Atkinson arts centre on Lord Street was the venue for the junior prize-giving ceremony hosted by the Blundellsands primary school.
The VIP guest at this year’s event was Southport-born rugby union player Stuart Turner, who enjoyed a successful career with Sale Sharks as a formidable prop.
In an inspirational speech, Stuart told pupils never to give up on their dreams, to keep working hard and to carry on in spite of any setbacks they face. He left them with some memorable advice: “It’s better to try and fail than to fail to try.”
The large Atkinson audience heard that the preparatory school had again achieved excellent academic results during the year.
They also watched pupils collect prizes and awards from Stuart recognising their success in a wide range of extracurricular activities including music, drama and sport.
And guests were also entertained by a series of choral and instrumental performances.
In a wide-ranging review of the last year, headteacher Jonathan Webster said that pupils had had the opportunity to take part in four residential trips as well as more than 20 other visits as far afield as the Imperial War Museum.
The school also supported 15 charities and welcomed a similar number of visitors from outside organisations.
Mr Webster commented: “It is our belief that every child has a gift and as a school it is our role to help them find and nurture it, and in turn to celebrate the successes that result from it.”
He also thanked Stuart Turner, saying he is an ‘inspiring role model’ for the children of St Mary’s.
Knowsley pupils treated to fully funded Alton Towers trip
Year 6 pupils at St Margaret Mary’s Catholic Junior School in Knowsley were treated to an all-expenses paid trip to Alton Towers to enhance their cultural capital.
John Robinson, managing director of David M Robinson jewellers, offered the kind gesture to one year group in the school after making contact with St Margaret Mary’s headteacher, Rebecca Wilkinson.
Rebecca is keen for the pupils at her school to have access to as many enriching experiences as possible. For some pupils, the only access they have to enhance their cultural capital is via school.
John Robinson was informed of the school’s goal to provide pupils with cultural opportunities and other fun activities. The school is situated in an area of significant deprivation so some pupils do not have access to such activities.
John said: “We are delighted to have been able to help send the pupils for an amazing day out. They have all been through so much, and we wanted them to know that there are lots of good people throughout Liverpool who want the best for them all and their teachers!”
St Margaret Mary’s chose its Year 6 cohort to go on the Alton Towers trip as they have
left this summer. Also, this was the year group Olivia Pratt-Korbel was in, and staff felt it would be a lovely gesture to Olivia’s classmates.
Rebecca expressed her gratitude, saying: “We cannot thank John Robinson (David M Robinson Jewellers) enough for his generosity.
“In sponsoring our Year 6 end-of-year trip to Alton Towers, you have given our children at St Margaret Mary’s Roman Catholic Junior School the best end to their primary education and have left them with memories that will last a lifetime.”
Our Lady Star of the Sea children tidy up local community
The children at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School have been living out their faith as ‘stewards of God.’ Its school council has been involved in a project with other schools in Bootle, Seaforth and Litherland area called ‘Social Signature.’ A Social Signature is ‘the mark we leave on other people’s lives, our community, ourselves and the world around us’, as said by Dr Peter Hawkins. The project has involved improving the local environment, especially the school run area as children and parents felt sad walking past rubbish every day.
The children went out in force to litter pick in different areas of the community. Year 6 litter picked around Seaforth train station, Year 5 litter picked at Rimrose Valley,
and the rest of the school litter picked at Bowersdale Park and the school grounds. In addition to this, each class was set a project to encourage dog owners to pick up their dog’s mess. Each class designed a poster and created a dog poop bag dispenser using recycled materials. The children used some of the money from the Spring Fair fundraising to purchase the biodegradable dog poop bags to fill the dispenser.
Furthermore, children at Our Lady Star of the Sea have collaborated with Emmaus, a community hub in Seaforth.
They have litter picked outside the building and donated a poster and dog poop bag dispenser which is now displayed on its outside railings. Children at the school have
also donated £100 from the Spring Fair, so that Emmaus can purchase planters and plants to improve the outside area of the building.
The children have brought a smile to the community of Seaforth.
Mass celebrated for beloved retired headteacher of St Oswald’s, Padgate
The much-loved headteacher of St Oswald’s Catholic Primary School in Padgate has retired after 25 years of exceptional service.
Helen Lennon returned to the school in 1997 as its deputy headteacher since attending St Oswald’s at five years of age; she served as headteacher from 1999-2024.
To mark the occasion, a Mass of thanksgiving was celebrated by Bishop Tom Neylon, Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool, and a former pupil of St Oswald`s Primary School.
The Mass took place on 5 July at St Oswald’s Church. The church was filled with family,
friends, school governors, parishioners and former pupils.
A social celebration was held after the Mass in St Oswald`s Parish Centre with refreshments, music, dancing and lots of laughter.
In a message to everyone, Helen said: “I would like to thank all who have shared their skills, talents, advice, guidance and friendship with me over my many years in education.
“It has been a joy and privilege to have led the school as headteacher for 25 of those years. I will remember you all and will be forever grateful to you. I am blessed to have known you.”
Photo credit: Kevin Holt
St Patrick’s Catholic Primary’s flourishing school gardens
As summer term comes to an end, St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School in Southport is proud of how much the school’s garden has flourished in the past year.
The school plot started two years ago. From what was once a school playing field has grown into a lovely area with vegetables and flowers.
Mrs Williams in Year 4 asked Clive Baines, gardener for both the school and St Patrick’s and St Marie’s churches, if he could get a veg plot up and running for the Year 4 cohort at St Patrick’s.
The children have worked hard in planting potatoes, onions, beetroots, leeks and spring onions as well as some bedding plants like geraniums and sunflowers.
The ‘big attraction’ of the garden is the ‘bug hotel’, which pupils and staff have worked very hard in caring for and maintaining.
Clive, who is also an altar server in both St Patrick’s and St Marie’s churches, said children loved making the hotel.
Headteacher of St Patrick’s, Mrs Halsall, got the project up and running, while Mrs Williams, who runs the gardening club at the school, has helped all the children learn about gardening and the wildlife within the bug hotel.
All the work is overlooked by Father John from St Patrick’s and St Marie’s Churches.
DOVES take over Sunday Mass at St Teresa’s Upholland
St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School’s service team, known as the ‘DOVES’, staged a takeover of the regular Sunday parish Mass.
The DOVES consist of children in Year 5 and Year 6 who serve the Skelmersdale school and the St Teresa’s parish community. DOVES stands for Demonstrating Our Values (through) Evangelisation and Service.
The children planned and prepared all aspects of the Mass including writing the bidding prayers, choosing the hymns, taking part in the offertory procession and carrying out the collection. Two of the Year 5 pupils even served on the altar.
During Mass, the DOVES delivered a presentation to the congregation, explaining all they had achieved during the academic year. They talked about taking the lead on being awarded the Live Simply Award, organising a review of St Teresa’s mission statement and values as well as holding numerous charity events throughout the year.
After Mass, the DOVES served delicious homemade cakes and refreshments in the church club which was very well received by all members of the parish community, including parish priest, Father Philip Kehoe.
Mrs Rigby, headteacher of St Teresa’s, said: “The Mass was an uplifting event for the school and parish community. We are incredibly proud of the DOVES team who inspire others through their dedication and service.”
One parent who attended the Mass with her family commented: “I feel like my children will be inspired to become part of the DOVES group when they are older. I was very impressed with the love and care shown by all during the Mass.”
Many parishioners commented on how much they enjoyed the DOVES parish Mass takeover and have enquired as to when it will happen again.
Building for the Future at Animate
Father Simon Gore explains how Animate Youth Ministries has adapted to changing times and can look forward with optimism thanks to its refurbished retreat rooms.
As the clock rang five on the afternoon of 12 July, we looked around the house and breathed a sigh of relief. The last few days of tidying up the house were over, and the end of the year could be formally announced –meaning we could decamp to the local pub for a welcome pint!
Each academic year ends with a slightly fraught few days, with our final series of retreats as well as the last preparations for the Lourdes pilgrimage. We also have to clean Lowe House. And so, as I sit and write this, I am looking at a newly tidied room. We only have Lourdes left to go –as the kit at the end of the corridor reminds me.
It has been quite a year for us. The number of retreats and young people we have worked with through the year has stayed at the level of the past few years. After a two-year lockdown with less contact with young people, you do wonder if things will return to as they were. But I am pleased to think that we are not only back to that but, in some ways, doing a little better.
We have schools and groups that we have worked with consistently through the years. But it is interesting that over the last couple of years we have begun connections with new schools and new groups. We think it must be a real positive that new people are hearing about what we might be able to offer them in the Archdiocese of Liverpool and then taking up that offer – and even passing word of it to others. It has meant a year jampacked with retreats all the way through from September to this last week. This is a good thing for everyone; it is, after all, the reason why we exist.
Although we have had a smaller team than we might like for the past couple of years we have still managed to fit in all the requests that have come our way. In the past some activities we offered on retreats needed a larger number of people yet, with our smaller team, we have
manipulated our resources and activities to make them work. The end result is that we do our retreats in a different way, but with no less care or quality. Many people reading this will have encountered new and streamlined ways of working post-pandemic and we are no different. Thankfully, as mentioned already, we are still able to work with as many young people as we have ever done.
Another change has come from the building work on Lowe House, which is now completed. This was done to give us a better-equipped retreat centre for the future. As a 100-yearold building, it required work to comply with modern fire safety regulations. As a consequence, we now have new spaces for young people to use when they come for the day. The addition of a canteen – through two old meeting rooms being knocked through into one bigger room – has been a revelation.
We can now ask groups to go to that space at break and lunch times, allowing us to prepare the retreat room for the next sessions. In times past, we would often have to shuttle youngsters from one side of the room to the next while we hoovered the sandwiches and crisps from under their feet and tried to set up for the next activity while they were still having their lunch.
To sum up, in some ways, this year has been much the same as any other year we have had. The number of retreats we have held has not changed too much. And the work we do is not too different from in years gone by. Yet when you pause to look back over the year, you can see some of the subtle changes that have been mentioned above. There are new names in our booking calendar, and the work that we can do with them has been altered slightly by the fact of having a smaller team and the changes in the layout of the house.
I suppose this goes to show that, as with any ministry in the Church, we cannot just remain where we are, but must try to embrace whatever changes come our way and make them a positive force for what we do. I just hope that next year the changes will involve fewer walls being knocked down around me!
Mums the Word
Ladies, what wonderful experiences we have had in July.
On Tuesday 2 July, a group from the archdiocese travelled to Walsingham to take part in the annual UCM pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady. In all, around 400 members from across the country gathered for a procession followed by Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and Benediction.
It is a welcome tradition for us to visit Our Lady’s shrine, and on our return journey we stopped at Houghton Hall for a couple of hours. The house was amazing, and we spent a couple of hours walking around the vast gardens, admiring all the beautiful flowers.
As reported in the front pages of this month’s Pic, we also witnessed at the Metropolitan Cathedral on Saturday 13 July the ordinations of four new priests – James Finnegan, Martin Fyles, Peter Ross and Lister Tonge. Vocations to the priesthood are so close to our hearts and we pray for our seminarians and for more vocations to the priesthood.
We have neither any meetings nor a bimonthly Mass this month, so enjoy your holidays and I hope to see you all soon.
Maria Pimblett, Media Officer
A century of service News from the Liverpool Province of the Knights of St Columba
Knight Life
What is the mission of the Knights of Saint Columba? And how do we define our role? As the concluding part of our series on the history, organisation and work of the KSC, these are the questions we will look to answer below.
Aims & objectives
1. The Order exists to support the mission of the Roman Catholic Church and to work for the spiritual, intellectual and material welfare of its members and their families.
2. The Order is an organised body of Catholic men, giving its entire loyalty to the Holy See, the Hierarchy and the Clergy in all things appertaining to the Catholic faith.
3. By doing so, it is pledged to support its members in their vocation and mission as Catholics and in spreading the Gospel for the conversion of souls and the growth of the Church.
4. Realising it is part of the Universal Church, the Order is further pledged to cooperate with other organisations – local, national and international – in the furtherance of these objectives.
5. In accordance with the social teachings of the Catholic Church, members of the Order will diligently work for the moral and social welfare of their country and to help young people develop in the likeness of Christ.
6. Members of the Order will aim to achieve these objectives through the fundamental virtues of ‘charity, unity and fraternity’.
Role of a Knight
Across the UK, the Knights engage with their parish communities in differing levels of activity. Here are some examples:
For the Church/Clergy – welcomer/steward; Mass co-ordinator; offertory collections; Eucharistic minister visiting the sick/housebound; altar server; choir.
For parish – PPC/Church council; grounds maintenance; treasurer; hospital chaplaincy; prison; widows contact; school governor; food banks.
For Pro-life – Lenten stations; May Rosary; March for Life; work with various partners including SVP, SPUC, Project Truth, etc.
Other activities – pilgrimages and retreats; supporting Lourdes trips; National Action workshop and fundraising for National Action project; setting up council Facebook pages; supporting the National 200 club; council dinners; participation in youth events.
News from the councils
Council 147 Southport – the Southport Knights, accompanied by family and friends, recently enjoyed a day’s retreat to Hyning Monastery, a Bernardine Cistercian monastery near Carnforth. On a sunny day, all enjoyed a warm welcome, refreshments, Mass in the chapel, talks by the sisters and a delicious lunch along with time for personal reflection in the grounds. The monastery is open by appointment all year round and offers well-appointed bedrooms so that visitors can extend their stay (with two or three days recommended).
Websites: www.ksc.org.uk
Good Shepherd Mass 2024
A heartfelt thank you to the amazing 1,200 pupils who attended Nugent’s Good Shepherd Masses held at the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral and St. Mary’s Church in Leyland on 26-27 July. Both events were an overwhelming success and filled our hearts with gratitude and appreciation.
Our Good Shepherd appeal is one of the oldest charity appeals in the UK. The appeal’s origins begin with our founder Father James Nugent, who built the appeal to aid children across the archdiocese. The Good Shepherd appeal has helped support families struggling to support themselves in difficult times for over 121 years.
This year, the Good Shepherd Appeal revolved around the theme of ‘The Lord is my Shepherd’. Many people turn to Nugent at times of need, sometimes feeling lost and with no one else to turn to. This year’s Good Shepherd theme helped us extend the message that it is important to love one another and to show care and compassion for others through acts of kindness.
Primary and secondary schools from across the archdiocese wholeheartedly embraced this theme, and their creativity in raising funds for Nugent
was truly remarkable. They came up with incredible ideas that their friends and staff could take part in, including litter picks in the local community, bake sales, sponsored walks, non-uniform days and even dance-a-thons!
Year after year, Nugent’s Good Shepherd Masses offer a remarkable platform to express deep appreciation and celebrate the outstanding efforts of the incredible students who tirelessly raise funds for Nugent. This year, the services were led by Bishop Tom Williams, and saw an incredible choir of over 900 children! Schools took part in the Masses through readings, bible prayers and presenting offertory gifts.
The funds raised through the schools’ generosity and hard work will go directly to supporting the Our Future Now project. Our Future Now aims to build brighter futures for everyone, regardless of their circumstance; and thanks to our compassionate and dedicated student community, we will be able to make a huge difference in the lives of children and families across Merseyside.
So far, the total raised is over £11,000! Thank you to everyone who took part in this year’s Good Shepherd Appeal!
Jo Henney Chief Executive Officer Nugent
I am deeply humbled and honoured to share with you the news of receiving the Community Leader Award at the Merseyside Women of the Year Awards. This recognition is not merely a reflection of my individual work but is a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of every member of the Nugent team. It symbolises our collective efforts to provide exceptional care and support to those in our community.
The award underscores the significant impact we, as a team, have on the lives of the vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals we support. It is an honour to represent Nugent and to work alongside such a committed and compassionate team. Recognising the incredible contributions of women is something I hold close to my heart. This award is a celebration of the dedicated and courageous team of colleagues within our frontline and support services – thank you for everything that you do.
In addition to this personal recognition, I am delighted to announce that Nugent has been nominated for the Social Impact Award at the Liverpool Chambers Innovation in Business Awards! This nomination acknowledges the significant contributions we have made to the wellbeing and development of our community. It highlights the impactful programs we have implemented to address social issues and improve the lives of those we support.
I am also humbled to have been nominated for the Leadership Innovation Award at the Liverpool Chambers Innovation in Business Awards. This nomination is a recognition of the strides we have made in leadership and innovation within our sector. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team in driving forward initiatives that truly make a difference.
These nominations and awards are a reflection of the unwavering support and commitment of everyone associated with Nugent. From our frontline workers to our support colleagues, every member plays a crucial role in our mission to care for, educate, protect, and inspire those within our communities. It is always a pleasure to see the hard work of our colleagues recognised through such prestigious nominations and awards.
Thank you to all who have supported our journey and mission. Together, we will continue to strive towards a brighter future for all those we serve.
Normandie Wragg Chief Executive Nugent
Dialogue and Unity Howard Connell - Sharing our synodal journey
By Ultan Russell, Archdiocesan ecumenical officer
Howard Connell has been an enthusiastic Consultant Observer on the Dialogue and unity Commission since its formation over four years ago.
He served not only as an Ecumenical Consultant to Synod 2020 but subsequently was appointed by Archbishop Malcolm to serve as one of two Anglican consultants to the Archdiocesan Synodal Council. The Isle of Man may be a small part of the archdiocese numerically but geographically and ecumenically is extremely significant. Howard’s role in this has been considerable working closely with Monsignor John Devine and successive Bishops of Sodor & Man and their partners via Churches Alive on Man.
Howard was born in Liverpool but moved to Newcastle at the age of 4 then to London when he was 13. Raised as an Anglican, he nevertheless went to Eltham College, a school founded by Baptist and Congregationalist missionaries, between 13 and 18. The profound Christian faith of his teachers at Eltham undoubtedly influenced his faith, as did 3 years reading law at Durham, during which time he lived within a stone’s throw of the Cathedral. In 1993 he moved to Nottinghamshire, and became a Methodist, trained as a Local Preacher in 2000-2004 and was admitted to that office in January 2005.
After 20 years working in the UK Government Legal Service, in 2008 he moved to the Isle of Man to join a small team of specialist lawyers in the Attorney General’s Chambers drafting Acts of Tynwald. One lunchtime he walked into the church at the end of the street where he worked, to find it full of scaffolding and plastic sheeting. This reminded him that he had been involved, 25 years earlier, in the restoration of St Oswald’s Durham after it was firebombed on Ash Wednesday in 1983.
The following year he undertook the necessary study to become an Anglican Lay Reader and, having been given responsibility for vetting Manx Church Measures by his boss (“because in interview you mentioned that you “did God” and the rest of us don’t”) he decided he ought to study canon law properly. He took the
Cardiff University Masters in Canon Law graduating in 2014. He was appointed the Deputy Vicar General (i.e. Deputy Diocesan Chancellor in English terms) the same year and became Vicar General in 2019. This carries with it the title “The Worshipful” Howard is pictured in his official ecclesiastical robes plus a less forbidding picture with Angela.
Howard is married to Angela, a Catholic and a fellow lawyer. She is a parishioner of St Mary’s Castletown and St Columba’s Port Erin and a member of the Isle of Man Deanery Synodal Council. Ecumenism has been dear to Howard’s heart for more years than he can remember, probably because of that early exposure to a variety of strands of Christian thinking at Eltham. He chaired a local ecumenical group in Bedford before moving to the Isle of Man and served for some years as Diocesan Ecumenical Officer on the Isle of Man, giving up the role only when he was appointed Vicar General. The new Ecumenical Officer is the Archdeacon of Man, the Venerable Irene Cowell also member of the Dialogue and unity Commission.
His duties as Vicar General involve swearing Churchwardens into office, administering the oaths to incoming clergy and Lay Readers, and deciding cases involving alterations to churches and churchyards. These frequently involve delicate pastoral issues, such as the exhumation of a man who had been lost at sea a decade ago and buried in an Anglican churchyard because no-one knew who he was. Advances in DNA meant that he was finally identified last year, and his body returned to his family and reinterred in Ireland earlier this year.
Commenting on the Archdiocesan Synodal process Howard said “Having been involved in Anglican synodical government for over a decade, I am delighted to be able to contribute to this new process. I really hope that the opportunity is taken to harness the energy of the laypeople of the archdiocese as together we explore new ways of working to promote the Kingdom of God in our part of the British Isles. Listening to each other to discern the best ways forward will be a new experience for some, but it is really valuable.”
Howard extreme left with Angela in red pictured with Angela’s brother Dermot and wife Nancy
Howard in robes as Vicar General (Chancellor) Of the Diocese of Sodor and Man
