Catholic Pic February 2025

Issue 246 February 2025

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The Congo parish building for tomorrow INSIDE THIS MONTH

St Mary’s parish marks epiphany

Happy retirement Sr Johanna

Join a high-performing and ambitious Catholic MAT St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust is now a permanent CMAT for the Archdiocese of Liverpool.

Delivering world-class Catholic education, the Trust has raised performance expectations with two academies going from ‘Requires

Learn more about joining our growing family:

Improvement’ and ‘Inadequate’ to ‘Good’ in all areas in the last year alone.

St Joseph is now open to welcoming many more schools as part of the Archbishop’s vision for Catholic education across the Archdiocese of Liverpool.

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From the Archbishop’s Desk When I lived in community as a Dominican friar, February was always thought of as the worst of the months. Many of the brothers would take to their beds with colds and flu, and there was a general atmosphere of gloom. Maybe that was because the joy of Christmas seemed long ago, and the promise of spring was still to be fulfilled. That shouldn’t be the case this year as climate change has put paid to regularity of the seasons. Daffodils are blooming in January, and the weather, although as unpredictable as ever, is warmer. Even though the seasons of nature are topsy-turvy, the seasons of the church continue in a regular pattern, and in so doing they give structure to our lives. We will soon be celebrating Lent in a different way this year – as pilgrims of hope.

Hope, we remember, is a supernatural gift of God. It is real enough, but it overarches nature, not just because we think something better might turn up, but because we know it will. Lent, the Anglo-Saxon word for Spring, leads us through the Passion to the Resurrection of Jesus at Easter. Jesus’ rising from the dead is the foundation on which all hope is based. The old catechism defines the virtue of hope as a supernatural gift of God, by which we firmly trust that God will give us eternal life and all the means necessary to obtain it if we do what he requires of us. I think the first thing God requires of us is that we appear hopeful and cheerful so that others may see that Hope within each of us.

Most Reverend Malcolm McMahon OP Archbishop of Liverpool

Monthly prayer intentions The Holy Father’s prayer intentions entrusted to his worldwide prayer network for the year 2025:

February For vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

Let us pray that the ecclesial community might welcome the desires and doubts of those young people who feel a call to serve Christ’s mission in the priesthood and religious life. www.popesprayer.va

Correction: Stonyhurst College's Diocese In last month's issue, our article "New Book Explores Stonyhurst’s Golden Era" incorrectly stated that Stonyhurst College is located within the Archdiocese of Liverpool. We would like to clarify that Stonyhurst College is, in fact, located in the Diocese of Salford. We apologize for the error and appreciate the feedback from our readers.

Editor Harriet Anwyl Editorial Catholic Pictorial Magazine, St Margaret Clitherow Centre, Liverpool Archdiocesan Office, Croxteth Drive, Liverpool L17 1AA Tel: 0151 522 1007 Email: CatholicPic@rcaol.org.uk Advertising Sales team 0151 709 7567 sales@cpmmmedia.com Contributor Katie Parry Pictures Nick Fairhurst www.nickfairhurstphotographer.com Martin Cahill (cahill-photography.com) Sue Mannings Website: www.catholicpic.co.uk Twitter: @PicCatholic Youtube: CPMM Media

Contents: 4 Main Feature

The Congo parish building for tomorrow 7

Sunday Reflections

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From the Archives Eric Carr: The craftsman as artist

9 News

News from around the archdiocese 10 Pastoral Ponderings 12 What’s On

What’s happening in the archdiocese 13 Cathedral Record 16 Catholic Life 17 Profile Christina Mitchell 27 Animate Youth Ministry 28 Pic Extras Mums the word News from the KSC 29 Dialogue and Unity

Copy deadline March 2025 - Monday 10 February 2025 Subscriptions To take out a subscription please email Kim O’Brien at kim.obrien@cpmmmedia.com or call 0151 709 7567 Distribution Contact Barbara on 07714 814 662 Publisher CPMM Ltd Suite 4 Pacific Chambers, 11-13 Victoria Street, Liverpool L2 5QQ CPMM Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced copied or transmitted in any form or by any means or stored in any information storage or retrieval system without the publishers written permission. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published, Catholic Pictorial Ltd. can accept no responsibility for the veracity of the claims made by advertisers.

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“The church was no longer fit for community worship, but this couldn’t be said publicly, not only because it’d hurt the whole community, but because this church was the only place of solace and comfort for a population which has suffered war for the last 30 years”

The Congo parish building for tomorrow – with Liverpool’s support The Archdiocese of Liverpool is helping a church rebuilding project in DR Congo – and a recent fact-finding trip highlighted the progress made.

by Simon Hart “Frankly, the church there was no longer fit for community worship,” says Father Jean Paul Ilunga, as he recalls the one negative impression left by a visit three years ago to his mother’s home village in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

He was delighted to be saying Mass in the local chapel, which forms part of the parish of Saint-Barthelemy – St Bartholomew’s, in English – yet he found the state of the building in which he stood deeply dispiriting.

“I said the Mass with mixed feelings as I felt it was not safe,” reflects Fr Jean Paul, parish priest of St Anne and Blessed Dominic in St Helens. The interior showed signs of damage from roosting bats. They had left a pungent smell too. “The church was no longer fit for community worship,” he adds. “But this couldn’t be said publicly, not only because it’d hurt the whole community, but because this church was the only place of solace and comfort for a population which has suffered war for the last 30 years and whose lives are sustained by their Catholic faith and community worship.”

Touched by the commitment of those parishioners to be a “striving faith community despite the state of their church building”, Fr Jean Paul

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felt compelled to act. On his return to Liverpool, he showed Archbishop Malcolm McMahon photographs of the church, and the response was a commitment by the archdiocese to provide financial support for a rebuilding project. “The Archbishop said that it was possible to help the parish in the village to have a decent place of divine worship,” adds Fr Jean Paul.

That was in 2022. Fast forward to November last year and Fr Jean Paul made a return visit to his home country together with Martin Miller, Chief Operating Officer of the Archdiocese of Liverpool, to see the extent of progress made on the rebuilding project.

Kilumbu is in the southeast of DR Congo, Africa’s second-largest country in terms of landmass. It lies in a rural, beautifully verdant region famed for its lakes. Indeed Kilumbu-Mangi – to use the village’s full name – is a stone’s throw from the vast expanse of Lake Kisale. It was there, in the diocese of Kamina, that Fr Jean Paul’s late mother Kasumbwe spent her childhood.

To get to the village, Fr Jean Paul and Martin first flew to DR Congo’s second city, Lubumbashi, landing there on 12 November. Three days later, on Friday 15, they arrived in Kilumbu. Inside the now largely rebuilt church, Fr Jean Paul celebrated Mass once more. “The Mass

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Father Jean Paul in the village

was in my mother tongue, Kiluba. It was very moving and I felt overwhelmed.”

The church’s brick walls were now in place, though the roof remained unbuilt, meaning a canvas awning was hung above the altar for the Mass. “People were thrilled to see us.” Fr Jean Paul continues. “They wanted to thank us, as the people who’ve helped them to build the church.” During Mass, that gratitude was expressed in song after Communion. “We could see how joyful they were and how grateful they were to the Archdiocese of Liverpool.”

Donations from the archdiocese have helped with the purchase of materials including cement, tiles and paint.

Parishioners from St Bartholomew’s, for their part, have contributed in practical ways, such as by “baking bricks, carrying sand, even fetching water from wells,” as Fr Jean Paul observes. “The work is progressing well, and the church looks good so far.”

Yet, as the visitors from Liverpool saw, there is one significant challenge remaining. The initial plan to build a wooden roof has had to be revisited, owing to the threat of termites.

Consequently, more funding is required to construct a metal roof instead. “The

next stage is the roofing, and this will be expensive as it has to be in metal. People have advised us that wood wouldn’t last, which is why we’re now forced to use metal,” explains Fr Jean Paul, adding that the cost is estimated at around £25,000.

To this end, he would be grateful for further donations and, as before, any contributions will be managed on the ground by the Canonesses of Saint Augustine of the Notre-Dame Congregation, who are based in a convent close to Kilumbu. The revised target date for the completion of the project is now this coming summer.

For their November visit, it is worth adding that Fr Jean Paul and Martin did not travel out to Central Africa empty-handed.

Rather, they took with them around 100 items of football kit – shirts, shorts and socks – which had come from KitAid, a UK charity which for 25 years has been sending used football gear to poorer countries around the globe.

As the photo shows, a high proportion were Everton shirts, owing to the fact that Richie Gilham, the Merseyside regional co-ordinator for KitAid, is also secretary of the Everton Heritage Society. “It’s always great to spread the royal blue across the world! But ultimately it doesn’t matter what colour the shirt is – it is about getting smiles on faces,” he says.

“If we can supply full kits then these kids are allowed to play in leagues, as often in some poorer countries, they struggle to get the kits to play in. Also, it’s more than just a shirt for many people – it’s a piece of clothing that won’t be worn for just football.”

For Fr Jean Paul, these acts of generosity towards his fellow Congolese have only enhanced his own sense of gratitude towards the people of the Archdiocese of Liverpool, where he first arrived 22 years ago.

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feature “In all the parishes where I’ve been here, I have been made welcome,” says Fr Jean Paul who, across 17 years as a priest here, has had spells at each of Christ the King in Liverpool; St Mary and St John’s in Wigan; St Oswald’s in Longton; St Julie’s in St Helens; and now the abovementioned parish of St Anne and Blessed Dominic in St Helens. “This experience has transformed my feelings of being a victim of injustice, when I left Congo, into being a witness of hospitality and generosity,” he relates. “And to now see the church completed in the village of my mum will be further confirmation of my belief that our Church is truly “Catholic” – as per the Apostles’ Creed – and that we share in the sufferings of all our brothers and sisters around the world.”

To make a donation to the Kilumbu project, please write out a cheque to “St Anne & Blessed Dominic”, and write “The Congo Church” on the back, and post it to: St Anne & Blessed Dominic Parish, Parish Office, 40 Monastery Road, Sutton, St Helens, WA9 3ZD • To find more about KitAid, visit: kitaid.net

Sunday reflections

On a liturgical note The rhythm of times and seasons...

(Words taken from the Epiphany Proclamation)

We find ourselves already in the second month of the year and “the rhythm of times and seasons” is rapidly carrying us towards Lent, Easter and the lengthening of the days! In his Encyclical Letter Laudato Si, Pope Francis highlighted the fact that we live in a “common home” with all our brothers and sisters of the world and that awareness of and sensitivity to the creation of which we are part is ultimately an enriching experience. The more we recognise ourselves as part of something much bigger than we are, the less likely we are to fall into the trap of thinking everything revolves around ME and therefore living our lives in a selfcentred and self-referential manner.

Canon Philip Gillespie

enlighten” our living. It is by the wisdom of the Gospel that we judge the things around us, how we are to make use of them while never losing sight of the bigger picture, the Godly picture.

Two Liturgical Feasts in this month of February may help us as we grow in this sensitivity. First is the Feast of the Encounter, sometimes called the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, which speaks of the “Light to

The second is the Feast Of The Chair Of Saint Peter, kept on 22 February.

The Chair – Cathedra in Latin - is the symbol of the teaching authority of a person, for instance, in a university. In our Catholic tradition, it gives us the place where the teaching ministry of the Bishop is highlighted by the placing of his Cathedra, a Chair in which nobody but the Bishop will sit, hence the name of the place is the Cathedral. This Feast is kept as a reminder of the teaching and guiding ministry which, under the Holy Spirit, is exercised by the Holy Father, Bishop of Rome; in the words of Pope Benedict XVI, it is “a symbol of the special mission of Peter and his Successors to tend Christ’s flock, keeping it united in faith and in charity.”

Sunday thoughts

Mgr John Devine OBE

Although weekly Mass attendance can no longer be taken for granted, requests for baptising babies have not diminished.

Our faith is a gift, symbolised in the Baptism ceremony by the lighting of a baptismal candle from the Easter or Paschal candle. Candles are less reliable and intense than modern LEDs. They flicker. They are easily blown out. One aspect of the gift of faith is that each of us only gets a little bit. But it is enough. If my candle goes out, I can always relight it from the person next to me – and vice versa. My faith fluctuates. The weak support the strong. We can carry each other at difficult times in our lives. In other words, we are a community of faith. Saint Paul speaks of fanning into a flame the gift of faith that God has given us. Sometimes I compare my faith to the pilot light in a gas central heating system. It remains lighted but dormant until I turn it on, or the thermostat activates the boiler.

The Church’s hope is that every child who is baptised may do just that over the course of a lifetime.

We require preparation for parents seeking Baptism for their children.

However imperfect, their request itself can be a recognition that the

spiritual dimension of life is important to them even though it does not find expression in regular church attendance. Faith can be difficult to put into words, but in these conversations, their faith can come alive. Often the first enquiry comes from grandparents, but it is the parents who are required to speak on their own behalf in the Baptism ceremony. Some may not have thought about their faith since their First Holy Communion or Confirmation. Sometimes it is in their asking for Baptism that the first real appreciation of their own Baptism begins to make sense. They can admit to cutting corners with their own faith but want the best for their children. The Church does not demand watertight guarantees of commitment, but it requires an openness to recognising the hand of God at work in the birth of their child. Baptism is never refused. Yet it could be delayed. The parish priest, as the Church’s custodian of the sacraments, may seek reassurance of parents’ good will and that the renewal of their own baptismal promises during the ceremony will not be empty words.

The Mystery of Love Recently, I met a woman called Helen who was overflowing with life and laughter as she talked about her experiences.

One night she began to share seriously. She talked of a never-ending search for God and of always believing that she could journey further into the mystery that is God. She had been baptised and made her First Holy Communion, but hadn’t been to church since she was in her early teens. One day she was passing a church, and before she knew it she found herself inside, crying in real desperation. As she cried, her very being was swamped with the most amazing sense of love.

What changed was her relationship with a God who had swept her off her feet. Unconditional love had made her a new creation and she told me that every day she found herself thanking God for the gift of being loved.

Rob Bell, the well-known evangelist, says: “Love is what God is, love is why Jesus came, and love is why He continues to come. May you discover that this love is as wide as the sky and as small as the cracks in your heart no-one else knows about, and may you know, deep in your bones, that love wins.

“When you know that truth in your guts, you will know that God is always more than you can possibly imagine, and it’s then that great adventure of faith begins to open up and the boundaries within which God works begin to widen and, before we know it, we are drawn into a broader, more spacious understanding of God than we could ever have imagined or conceived.”

Sadly, it seems most of us do not want that sort of relationship with God, because it is not neat and tidy. It is open-ended and far deeper than we can imagine. That is scary for most of us humans, who want order and control in our lives. We can never penetrate the depths of God. That is why theologians and philosophers often call God “a mystery”.

We seem to want a God who backs up our moral positions and perpetuates our small-mindedness, but God is always more than our finite minds can imagine. That awareness of God is an experience, a gift, something totally unmerited. It is the gift of the Spirit who blows away the cobwebs of our minds and opens us to broad horizons and a wider vision. Very few people have had that sort of real experience of God and so want to create a God that they can handle.

The truth of the depth of God’s love upsets many people. Most followers of Jesus have trouble with an unconditionally loving God because we are influenced more by culture than the Gospel. We Christians want people to get their just rewards.

For many Christians, that does not include God’s favour or God’s love.

The God of Jesus is pure unconditional love with all the challenges that brings: the challenge that God’s grace is poured out on good and bad alike, the challenge of discovery, journey and openness.

We follow a God who does not dance to humanity’s tune but always gives more than we deserve and, yes, more than we can ever imagine.

Father Chris Thomas

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from the archives

Eric Carr: the craftsman as artist

by Neil Sayer, Archdiocesan Archivist

in 1976 with his Stations of the Cross and with a painting in a side chapel that elicited some controversy, comparing “Ancient and Modern Eden”. Controversy also accompanied his works for another new church, the hexagonal Our Lady of Walsingham: his sculpture of Jesus was altered both in its detail and its positioning, his font was removed, and a painting of John the Baptist was unceremoniously dumped. He did achieve success here with a 32-foot panel depicting the story of Walsingham, made over the course of a year of figures carved in lime wood with a bronze finish.

A playful side of Eric’s work is evident in his inclusion in this panel of Larry, the dog who lived at the Presbytery, who can be seen watching a pilgrimage procession.

Eric worked in various dockside buildings that always seemed one step away from demolition, and lived for a time on a boat in Collingwood Dock. He never married, and though modest and apparently solitary he maintained friendships with other local artists including Arthur Dooley, Frank Hendry and the sculptor Terence McDonald. It seems he maintained no grand illusions about his art, seeing himself as a craftsman with no artistic philosophy to expound for the arty set: “My work”, he said, “is made for the general public.”

Eric Carr died on 28 October 1991, aged 75, and a funeral service for him was conducted a week later by Fr Leo Stoker at St Patrick’s Church in Toxteth.

Eric Carr with Fr Michael Jones, at work at Our Lady of Walsingham Church, Netherton, in 1974

Eric Carr never received any formal training as an artist. He learned on the job, and his jobs were varied. His art included murals and sculptures, often with a religious theme, and he is probably best-known in our archdiocese for his work at the church of Our Lady of Walsingham in Netherton.

Born in Everton in 1916, he got his start in commercial art. As an apprentice for Buchanan’s in Liverpool city centre, much of his early work was in producing pub signs and ornamental glass windows.

He joined the Royal Navy in the Second World War, serving for a time on the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal, and crewing air-sea rescue boats out of Anglesey. After the war, he joined a circus – as a carpenter for Bertram Mills – designing animal cages, painting not only the scenery, but also, on occasion, elephants used for advertising purposes.

In the 1960s, he set himself up as a commercial signwriter. Pubs and restaurants up and down the country featured his hanging boards, and if you drank in the Morris Dancers at Scarisbrick or the Punchbowl at Sefton, then you may have seen his handiwork.

Alongside his nightclub murals of South Sea Islands and cowboys and Indians, Eric found time to carve angels and saints for altar and other church furnishings, and figures for Christmas cribs.

He mixed painting and sculpture, being self-taught as a wood carver. His paintings included Mersey scenes and Lake District views. Among his work with religious themes was a 9-foot-high statue of Christ commissioned for the International Garden Festival in 1984 and a statue of St Joseph displayed in the Metropolitan Cathedral for the 1980 National Pastoral Congress.

He created sculptures for churches as far afield as Worksop, Nottinghamshire, and Marton, Blackpool, and was commissioned to make Stations of the Cross for Salford Cathedral. In 1975, he was asked by Fr Thomas Lambe to design artworks for the new church of St David’s in Newton-le-Willows, and the church opened 8

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Eric at work in a characteristically dockland location, 1977

News diary

News diary If you’ve got any news from your parish that you’d like featured e-mail us with the details at: CatholicPic@rcaol.org.uk

St. Mary’s Parish Marks Epiphany with a Shared Table Feast St Mary’s, Lowe House in St Helens celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany in style this year with an international shared table meal following the 11am Mass. Parishioners braved snowy weather to attend the event, which brought the whole community together in a joyful display of faith and friendship.

Inspired by global Epiphany traditions, Parish Priest Fr Michael Harwood explained, “In other countries, Epiphany celebrations take many different forms, and we wanted to reflect that. So, we decided to have an ‘international’ shared table meal.”

The table was filled with an impressive variety of dishes, including traditional food from Poland, Brazil, Puerto Rico, several parts of India, Africa, Italy, and Vietnam. Local favourites such as St Helens hot pot, Lancashire parkin, and Eccles cakes added a distinctly regional touch. The children’s liturgy group contributed to the celebration by bringing items representing the Gospel story of the three kings.

“There was a great atmosphere,” Fr Michael noted, “with all our different nationalities sharing food, united by faith. It was a wonderful way to start the new year, and all agreed we will do it again next year!”

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News diary

South Liverpool Parishes Youth on J&P Path Justice and Peace groups are not just the preserve of adult parishioners. That is the lesson from the young people of the twin parishes of Our Lady of the Assumption, Bishop Eton, and St Mary’s, Woolton, where a Justice and Peace Youth Group has been thriving for nine years now.

The group is made up of around 40 youngsters, aged between nine and 18, who meet up twice a month to learn, pray and play together. And their shared goal, according to longstanding member Harriet Paes, is “to make a difference based on our Christian values”.

The group was formed after Father Tim Buckley, the parish priest, organised an ‘Awakening Day’ to bring out the gifts and talents of parishioners and boost the number of activities taking place.

According to Harriet “members usually join after they have made their First Holy Communion and reluctantly leave when they go to university!”

group attended a session on resuscitation and emergency first aid given by doctors at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital.

Harriet continues: “We have also held Youth Masses for a number of years now on Youth Sunday, and we organise table sales and have sponsored walks to raise money for different charities.

“In addition, we sing and play instruments at a local old people’s home and collect items for a foodbank. We pray together too, and spend time meditating and reflecting on the teachings of Jesus and the lives of the Saints. But it’s not all hard work! We go bowling and have games nights as well.”

To join the Justice and Peace Youth Group at Bishop Eton/St Mary’s, or seek advice on setting up your own group, please contact semoorhead@hotmail.com.

Explaining more, she adds: “We invite different charities to come to talk to us and then we try to help. Last autumn, for example, we had a talk from SHARe Knowsley about the difficulties faced by refugees. We then began collecting trainers to give them, to keep their feet warm now that they’ve come to our colder climate.

“Meanwhile, Anna Houghton came in to tell us about Mary’s Meals, and we led a project to get our parishioners to save £19.15 over a fortnight, as this is the amount of money it takes to feed a child at school in a developing country for a whole year.

We spoke at several Masses about this, and our parishioners were very generous!”

Other groups they have shared activities with include the SVP, CAFOD, the RSPB, Nugent Care and St Paul’s Eye Hospital. And there have been learning opportunities too, such as when the

Happy Retirement Sr Johanna!

Parishioners gathered at St Patrick’s on 5 January to celebrate the remarkable contributions of Sr Johanna, who retired on 12 January 2025 after decades of devoted service. The farewell party followed the 9:45am Mass and was a heartfelt tribute to her tireless ministry.

Fr Silviu expressed deep gratitude for Sr Johanna’s dedication to the parish and her compassionate work at Mersey Park Nursing Home, where she brought communion to residents. He praised her commitment to the housebound and her thoughtful practice of praying the Rosary for deceased parishioners.

The celebration was marked by joyful fellowship and thoughtful gifts, including a monetary collection, a beautifully crafted icon, and an embroidery set for Sr Johanna to enjoy in her retirement. A parishioner made a delicious cake in her honour, which was a highlight of the gathering.

Sr Johanna, originally from Tipperary, Ireland, has been a vital part of the Liverpool Catholic community for many years, serving in parishes such as St Patrick’s, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and St Vincent de Paul. Her kindness, devotion, and unwavering faith will be greatly missed.

Now returning to her order’s house in Cork, Sr Johanna leaves behind a legacy of love and service that has deeply touched the hearts of all who knew her.

Parishioners and friends wish her a peaceful and joy-filled retirement.

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Jottings of a Lourdes Pilgrim

Racism: an attempt at a definition

By Rev Dr Yazid Said The Anglican Bishop Trevor Huddleston constantly reminds us of someone who understood that the racial struggle against apartheid in South Africa was not something different in kind from what goes on in other parts of the world, including here in the United Kingdom.

He had an active presence as Bishop of Stepney in many anti-racist movements for nearly 20 years. Yet what does the Church have to say on what has become a more, not less, critical situation in our own society and in the world at large?

As a Palestinian-born Christian with dual Israeli and British nationality, my experience of racism suggests a different understanding of racism from living in Israel compared with living in Britain. But, by saying this, I am obliged to try to clarify a definition of ‘racism’ if I want to provide a Christian perspective. It may sound too elementary, but also too ambitious, for a short reflection like this. It is too ambitious because it requires good historical and sociological expertise and personal engagement. Too elementary because most people think that they know what racism means.

My experience suggests that it is common in Britain to think of ‘racism’ as essentially a question of ‘attitudes’. We often hear statements like ‘the Church is a racist institution’. Most people will assume that what this means is that the nation or the Church is accused of racial prejudice.

There will be lots of people who will respond angrily to this claim. Whatever we might think, we do need to remember that those who live in Cornwall or Cumbria or Norfolk may not know what could possibly be meant by such a claim. This complexity suggests that we need to think harder about the issue.

There are a couple of things that need clarifying. First, racism does not mean ‘fascism’, as some anti-racist groups sometimes claim. If racism were simply about racial superiority, it would be a lot easier to deal with. This leads to another confusion. If racism was not about an overt attitude, then it could reflect a ‘hidden’ attitude, buried in our consciousness. The difficulty with this claim is that it might be no more than white guilt exposing itself to black anger.

By claiming that it is a ‘hidden’ attitude, the risk is to make it simply a private issue relating to people’s minds. It is not about black lives as such.

When I lived in Jerusalem at the Tantur Ecumenical Theological Institute, I went to join a nearby gym in a Jewish neighbourhood. I had just finished my PhD at Cambridge and spoke Hebrew with an English accent and dressed smartly.

The boss thought I was a new Jewish immigrant. She was very keen to win my membership. She explained that one of the reasons why this was ‘the best gym in town’ is that they did not admit Arabs.

At that point, I laughed but was not angry.

I explained to her that it wouldn’t work because I was, in fact, an Arab. She was rather shocked and apologised strangely: ‘But you sound terribly educated.’ I replied: ‘Well you obviously have not met an Arab before!’ Nonetheless, I wanted to join with the hope of breaking the stereotype and becoming a regular visitor. Sadly, she offered me a ‘special’ price for Arabs which I could not afford.

This experience, which I have never experienced in Britain, suggests that it might be best to define racism as an issue about power, decision and definition, rather than simply about ‘hidden’ attitudes.

It is not very different from the injustice experienced by the very poor in Britain.

Racism, like class prejudice, allows fantasy to be acted out. This may be why one finds some white working-class communities supporting far-right policies.

Where does liberation lie then? It must lie with accepting and owning in public the reality of shared common life beyond the roles defined by those who hold power. This requires highlighting the differences. Racial justice cannot happen through ‘treating everyone as if they are the same’. There is a liberal assumption that we treat everyone alike, which is a rather problematic view of human nature.

It assumes there is a primordial or ‘inner’ true humanity. But in reality, life is lived in relationship and in history. What we share is not human essence – a fantasy – but a common involvement in the limits of history. The only humanity that we have is one bound by difference. Understanding racism, therefore, requires understanding a human crisis overall, which is where the Christian tradition can or should, in theory, make a difference.

By Pat Murphy The cold icy days of January are quickly disappearing, and already here we are in the month of February, and the great feast of our Lady of Lourdes. 11 February, the date of the first apparition of the Blessed Virgin to St Bernadette. We are blessed and have a lot to look forward to this year.

Already bookings are being made for the annual Liverpool pilgrimage this year to Lourdes, which will take place from Thursday 24 – Thursday 31 July. I was busy sorting my flight and accommodation out and realised that it was the anniversary of the birth of St Bernadette. Bernadette came into this world still in the embers of the Christmas season, and the cold damp weather of the Pyrenees’s mountains; the first apparitions of Our Lady were also in the same icy weather. Bernadette with her sister was collecting firewood when she saw “The Beautiful Lady” for the first time.

St Bernadette was born the day after the feast of the Epiphany, often called Old Christmas Day, greatly celebrated in many other countries such as Spain and Italy. Mary became a Mother for the first time to our Lord Jesus Christ, and in turn Mother to us all. I like the Irish tradition of “Nollaig Na mBan”, known as “Women’s Christmas”. The women in Ireland take the day off from their usual chores and visit each other in their homes, sharing the stories of the past year and their hard work.

Bernadette certainly had much hard work during her short life.

In this Jubilee year, there will be many places of pilgrimage open to us. Whether it be in the great eternal city of Rome, a visit to Lourdes; a little nearer home around our own archdiocese, or a little further afield to another shrine of blessed Mother in Walsingham.

Do consider joining us in Lourdes this year, or maybe one of the other Jubilee year pilgrimages. Also, all are welcome to the great celebration of the miraculous cure of Jack Traynor Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral on Tuesday 18 February at 7pm.

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pastoral

Pastoral ponderings

by Paul Pimblett

A Reflection on the Vocation of Marriage Moses Mui, Training Coordinator

By the time this article is published the Church will have celebrated the conversion of my namesake, St Paul.

His conversion is a stark reminder that regardless of our history and previous sins, the Lord will always be there to call us back to union with him.

I have often talked about the questions I am asked when people discover I am a seminarian. One that I have not already talked about is the question “How long is your training?”. I, alongside my brother seminarian, Rhys J, am in my third year of formation. We previously spent an introductory (propaedeutic) year in formation before being sent to Allen Hall Seminary, Chelsea, in September 2023.

Next year we will begin an extended placement, during which we will be back in the archdiocese for the majority of the year. Following this, we will study theology for a further three years in seminary before, God willing, being ordained a deacon. Having spent a year on placement as a deacon we will then be ordained a priest, marking an end to essentially eight years in formation.

However, as we are reminded by our formators here in the seminary, formation continues throughout life. Indeed, all of us are being formed and configured to the example of Jesus Christ as He draws us into a deeper relationship with the Father.

Occasionally, the amount of time the Church asks us to spend in formation for the priesthood is daunting. It is easy to become either dismayed by the amount of time left in seminary or distracted with wishing the time away. Both extremes are dangerous. The Church, in her wisdom, calls upon her seminarians to spend several years in seminary to allow them to both discover if they are truly called to serve the Lord as celibate, obedient priests and to become well-rounded, prayerful men. Personally, when worries about the amount of time left arise, I remind myself of how quickly the previous two and a half years have gone. I am then able to refocus on making sure I truly make the most of the opportunities for spiritual, academic, human and pastoral growth that the seminary offers.

If there are any men reading this who feel they too may be being called to discern a vocation, please do not discard it - the Lord may be calling you!

St Paul, Pray for us 12

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As we approach Marriage Week, it is important to reflect on the profound meaning of sacramental marriage.

There are occasions during our marriage preparation sessions when it becomes clear that some engaged couples are unaware of the deeper significance of this sacrament.

When asked about the visible sign of marriage, most often, they immediately think of the wedding rings. However, they may not realise that the married couple themselves are the visible sign of an invisible mystery, reflecting the love of Christ for His Church.

Pope Francis, in his apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia, reminds us that “Marriage is a vocation, inasmuch as it is a response to a specific call to experience conjugal love as an imperfect sign of the love between Christ and the Church. Consequently, the decision to marry and to have a family ought to be the fruit of a process of vocational discernment” (AL 72). Marriage is not merely a social contract; it is a divine calling, rooted in the universal call to holiness given to us at baptism.

The vocation to marriage invites couples to grow in holiness through their daily choices of love, sacrifice, and faithfulness. However, as Pope Francis cautions, we must avoid idealising marriage as if it only exists in perfection, without challenges.

The grace received through the sacrament empowers couples to live out this call to holiness within the lifelong partnership of married life.

Marriage Week, celebrated from 7-15 February this year, offers a special opportunity for us to support and promote marriage and family life.

It encourages married couples to reflect on the vows they made at the altar and to recognise that “I do” is not only a one-time declaration, but a daily commitment to love — a commitment that reflects the mission of marriage itself.

This week also invites the entire Church to pray in thanksgiving for the gift of marriage. Archbishop Malcolm McMahon will celebrate the Marriage and Family Life Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King on Sunday 9 February, at 11:00 am. Over this next year, the archdiocese will also be recruiting and training volunteer facilitators for the marriage preparation team. If this is something you might be interested in, please contact m.mui@rcaol.org.uk.

Let us pray in thanksgiving for the vocation to marriage and for all married and engaged couples. May the Holy Spirit strengthen them to live out their call to marriage, and may they be signs of hope in a world full of challenges.

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what’s on Saturday 1 February

Come and See: February 25 10:30AM - 4:00PM at The Irenaeus Project, Liverpool, 32 Great Georges Road, Waterloo, L22 1RD The second Come and See Day of 2025 will feature a talk from Dr Karen Groves on The Wonder of Death and Dying. All are welcome. You are asked to bring a packed lunch, and a suggested donation is £10. For more information, contact jenny@irenaeus.co.uk or 0151 949 1199.

Wednesday 5 February

The Upside-Down Gospel - Reflections on the Gospel of Luke. Session 4 10:30AM - 12:00PM at The Irenaeus Project, Liverpool, 32 Great Georges Road, Waterloo, L22 1RD The Irenaeus Project will be running sessions throughout January on the Gospel of Luke. All are welcome to attend.

Sunday 9 February

Annual Celebration of Marriage and Family Life 11:00AM at Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, Liverpool, Mount Pleasant, L3 5TQ Archbishop Malcolm McMahon will celebrate Mass for Marriage and Family Life. The Mass will include the renewal of marriage vows and a special blessing for those married in a Jubilee year. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the Gibberd Room. For those couples who are celebrating a significant wedding anniversary, please register online for a certificate through this form: archdioceseofliverpool.org/ MarriageandFamilyLife

Monday 10 February

Sunday 2 February

Johann Sebastian Bach: Ich habe Genung 6:30PM at St Clare, Sefton Park, Arundel Avenue, Sefton Park, L17 2AU To mark the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, the Liverpool Bach Collective will be hosting Evening Prayer and Cantata at St Clare’s Church. All are welcome to attend. They will perform Cantata 82 It is enough - a solo cantata.

Monday 3 February

Marriage Preparation Team Volunteer Training: Session 2 7:00PM - 8:30PM at St Helen, Crosby, Alexandra Road, Crosby, L23 7TG The archdiocese is now recruiting and training volunteer facilitators to join the marriage preparation team. This new team will offer two marriage preparation courses for couples in 2025. If you are interested, please contact Moses Mui, Training Coordinator, at m.mui@rcaol.org. uk or sign up on the online enrollment form here:

Marriage Preparation Team Volunteer Training: Session 3 7:00PM - 8:30PM at St Helen, Crosby, Alexandra Road, Crosby, L23 7TG The archdiocese is now recruiting and training volunteer facilitators to join the marriage preparation team. This new team will offer two marriage preparation courses for couples in 2025. If you are interested, please contact Moses Mui, Training Coordinator, at m.mui@rcaol.org. uk or sign up on the online enrollment form here: archdioceseofliverpool.org/ MarriagePrepTraining Time Out on Tuesdays 10:00AM - 4:00PM at Sisters of Our Lady of the Cenacle, Liverpool, Tithebarn Grove, Lance Lane, Wavertree, L15 6TW In the midst of their busy lives, Jesus invited the disciples to “Come apart and rest for a while.” Why not take time to respond to this invitation and join The Sisters of Our Lady of the Cenacle for a time of prayer and quiet? No need to book, just come along and maybe bring a friend. For further information, contact Sr Winnie Morley on 0151 722 2271.

Website at www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk 14

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February

Thursday 13 February

Year of Jubilee: Focus on Human Trafficking 6:30PM - 8:00PM (Online Event) This online Social Action Network is open to anyone interested in social justice. It will focus on human trafficking - a theme chosen by the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales for 2025.

For more information and to register, visit: archdioceseofliverpool.org/ HumanTrafficking

Monday 17 February

Marriage Preparation Team Volunteer Training: Session 4 7:00PM - 8:30PM at St Helen, Crosby, Alexandra Road, Crosby, L23 7TG The archdiocese is now recruiting and training volunteer facilitators to join the marriage preparation team. This new team will offer two marriage preparation courses for couples in 2025. If you are interested, please contact Moses Mui, Training Coordinator, at m.mui@rcaol.org. uk or sign up on the online enrollment form here: archdioceseofliverpool.org/ MarriagePrepTraining

Tuesday 18 February

Archdiocesan Celebration of Miraculous Cure of John Traynor 7:00PM at Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, Liverpool, Mount Pleasant, L3 5TQ Following the announcement in December of the miraculous cure of John (Jack) Traynor, the Archdiocese of Liverpool will be celebrating this historic moment with Mass followed by a drinks reception at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King on Tuesday 18 February at 7:00PM. All are very welcome to attend.

Sign up here: forms.office.com/e/ U9Vg0WK4pW

Cathedral

School Singing Programme

by Dr Christopher McElroy Director of Music, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral In addition to running the choirs and music at the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Archdiocese of Liverpool Music Department currently partners with over 30 schools across the archdiocese through its Schools Singing Program.

Our department mission statement is to “nurture excellence through musical education and performance,” something we aspire to do on a daily basis across our work at the cathedral and in archdiocesan schools.

Our partnerships with schools in the archdiocese provides great impetus in forming the next generation of singing Catholics. I am sure many of us, myself included, can remember the joy of singing songs and hymns when we were at school. Indeed, I know that when I meet with couples to plan the music for their weddings, they will often request the songs they loved as children. These songs are formative to children and remain with them throughout their life.

We currently have nine talented Choral Directors delivering over 40 hours of singing curriculum sessions to around 3,000 children and young people each week during term time.

In the initial phases of our programme (we launched in 2022), we have focused on a limited number of areas (Liverpool, Huyton, Kirkby, South Sefton & Widnes), but we are gradually expanding the geographical areas that we can cover and very much look forward to partnering with schools

throughout the archdiocese in the coming months and years.

To complement our singing sessions in schools, we are forming a network of after-school children’s choirs to give those children who enjoy singing opportunities to sing more regularly.

The Knowsley Catholic Children’s Choir has been running since 2022, and we are in the process of launching new Catholic Children’s Choirs in Kirkby and Widnes. These new choirs will follow the lead of the Knowsley Catholic Children’s Choir and sing regularly at Sunday Masses, perform in concerts and contribute to civic functions.

In December, I had the honour of attending the Schools Advent Carol Service in the Metropolitan Cathedral, with a congregation of around 2,500 children including a choir of 1,000 children from our partner schools.

Hearing the 1,000-strong choir leading the huge congregation in The First Nowell and Feliz Navidad was awe-inspiring and a testament to the fantastic work my colleagues do in schools each week.

Stay tuned for more exciting developments!

Cathedral Record Canon Anthony O’Brien – Cathedral Dean For some of our parishioners, the New Year only starts at the beginning of this month. On 2 February, which is the Feast of the Presentation, members of the Cantonese community from Hong Kong will be celebrating the Chinese New Year, which this year is the year of the snake. Our simple post-Mass tea and coffee reception on that day will have a distinctly Cantonese flavour.

Archbishop Malcolm will celebrate the 11am Mass on Sunday when we pray for and give thanks for families and family life within the archdiocese.

There will be an opportunity for the renewal of marriage vows and a blessing of couples during this Mass.

The Annual Camra Beer Festival takes place in the Crypt Hall from the middle of the following week. As a way of raising some much-needed funds for the Cathedral, we are having a Cathedral preview night before the festival begins, with a selection of the festival ales and ciders available. If you fancy slaking your thirst before lent begins, tickets are available from the Cathedral Office.

Following the recent announcement and declaration that the instant healing of Jack Traynor during a pilgrimage to Lourdes in 1923 was a miraculous cure, the 91st recognised miracle at the shrine at Lourdes, there was an indication that the archdiocese would organise a General Diocesan Celebratory Mass in recognition of this. This Thanksgiving Mass will be Celebrated by Archbishop Malcolm on Tuesday 18 February at the Cathedral at 7pm. The Bishop of Tarbes/ Lourdes will be joining us, along with other Bishops from across England and Wales.

We have a later start to the Season of Lent this year, and traditionally we have the Annual Civic Mass on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. This will be celebrated on Sunday 2 March at 11am.

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Catholic life

Walking Pilgrimage of the Month FEBRUARY

Sefton Inland Family Part One

Our next Families of Parishes pilgrimage will take us to the first family in Sefton Inland, which includes the newly formed parish of St Josephine Bakhita in Litherland. This route also includes Bootle and Netherton.

Reader’s Prayer Corner O Lady of Lourdes At the Grotto you led St Bernadette to a profound experience of God’s mercy.

As she gazed upon you her heart was renewed and she became the first pilgrim of hope in that sacred place.

Inspired by that encounter, millions of people have made pilgrimage to Lourdes, to seek answer to their prayers and found new life, through your intercession.

As we commemorate one such pilgrim, John Traynor, whose life was dramatically transformed by the wonder of his miraculous cure, we too seek your intercession.

Lady of Lourdes, prayerfully support us on our pilgrimage of life.

With St Bernadette, intercede for us all.

May we be renewed in our faith, hope and love of God. May our lives so bear witness to the power of the Father’s mercy, that we may inspire others to have the courage to turn to the Lord in their need.

Send us a prayer (one you’ve heard, or one you wrote yourself), along with your name and your parish, at CatholicPic@rcaol.org.uk to be featured in next month’s issue!

Saint of the Month

Our Lady of Lourdes

Stop 1: St Robert Bellarmine. 14 minutes (0.6 miles) A short walk down the road takes us to St Robert Bellarmine, the second church in the newly formed Parish of St. Josephine Bakhita. Located just off Orrell Road in Bootle, this church is easily accessible with a pleasant stroll along Harris Drive from St. Elizabeth’s. Consecrated in 1993, St. Robert Bellarmine features a more modern architectural style and is surrounded by charming gardens, offering a peaceful stop on your pilgrimage.

Stop 2: English Martyrs, Litherland 12 minutes (0.6 miles) Just another short walk away, and back into Litherland to English Martyrs. This is the final church in the new parish of St Josephine Bakhita. This was also consecrated relatively recently, in 1985, and has recently held a peace service for

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the Holy Land. Parish Priest Canon Mark Madden has also been actively involved in initiatives for the Holy Land, including celebrating Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption in Gateacre for an Ecumenical service for the Holy Land in November.

Stop 3: Our Lady of Walsingham, Netherton, 33 minutes (1.5 miles) The longest walk of the pilgrimage will then take you you along the park into Netherton, bringing you towards Dunnings Bridge Road. This is also a mid-20th century church, which stands on the corner of the road by the Park Hotel. Whilst there, you can also see a plaque dedicated to the memory of all of those that visited the Shrine of Our Lady in Walsingham, Norfolk.

Final Stop: St Benet’s, Netherton, 21 minutes (1 mile) The pilgrimage concludes with a walk along Copy Lane to the picturesque surroundings of St. Benet’s Church in Netherton. Whilst it is the oldest parish - the parish itself has existed since 1742 - the church that now exists on the site was consecrated in 1982. Take time to immerse yourself in the rich heritage and serene atmosphere as you reflect on the journey and celebrate the accomplishment of completing this Families of Parishes Walk.

Puzzle Time!

Epiphany Word Scramble 1. PIHNAEPY

6. NKGI

3. DLOG

8. UNYJROE

2. IGAM

4. NFKAERESCINN 5. RRHMY

7. LMBHEEETH 9. OHWIRPS 10. TEBASL

Answers: 1. EPIPHANY 2. MAGI 3. GOLD 4. FRANKINCENSE 5. MYRRH 6. KING 7. BETHLEHEM 8. JOURNEY 9. WORSHIP 10. STABLE

Start at St Elizabeth of Hungary, Litherland We begin our pilgrimage at St. Elizabeth of Hungary, one of the churches within the newly formed Parish of St. Josephine Bakhita in Litherland. St. Elizabeth’s has been a landmark in its current location for over 110 years. If you choose to start here, consider attending the 9:30 am Sunday Mass before embarking on your walk.

Our annual archdiocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes has been a central part of the life of the church here in Liverpool. During our time there, we remember that in 1858 Our Lady appeared to a 14-year-old girl, Bernadette, eighteen times at the grotto of Massabielle. Our Lady instructed that people “Come in procession and do penance”. She also instructed Bernadette to dig in the ground, where a spring emerged. Today, millions of pilgrims visit Lourdes each year to receive the spiritual and physical healing powers of the Lord. Our Lady of Lourdes feast day is 11 February, the anniversary of the first apparition.

profile

Christina Mitchell “Bravery means leaving your comfort zone”

By Simon Hart Jumping into the cold, dark waters of the Albert Dock might not be everyone’s idea of an enjoyable winter’s evening, but for Christina Mitchell, it says much about her willingness to embrace a challenge.

As a leadership and performance coach, Christina believes in being ‘modern-day brave’ – which, as she elaborates, means “stepping out of comfort zones in small, everyday ways, not just through extreme activities”.

Her dip in the dock in December was about “doing something unfamiliar where you aren’t in control of the outcome,” and this is precisely what she encourages school leaders, staff and pupils to do.

Christina, who lives in Bishop Eton parish in south Liverpool, uses the phrase ‘embrace the ick’ for what she describes as ‘uncomfortable yet growth-inducing experiences’ which are central to her coaching approach and her programme for schools, the Happy At School Project.

With over two decades of experience in the primary sector, Christina describes her coaching style as “addressing the whole person and linking different aspects of a leader’s life. For headteachers, bravery might mean setting boundaries to protect their energy or having empowering conversations with a staff or family member. For teachers, it could be initiating difficult conversations. For pupils, it might be raising their hand in class or trying something new.

“Bravery is contagious and builds new neural pathways in the brain, fostering a belief in action regardless of the outcome,” she adds. “Headteachers can model this bravery by sharing their stories in school assemblies and conversations with staff and pupils. By sharing their own experiences of stepping out of their comfort zone, then sharing simple tools for staff and pupils to do the same, they can inspire their school community through the power of storytelling.”

Christina has coached educators globally, from Sweden to Singapore to the UAE. She began her career at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Warrington in 1997 but now focuses on empowering school communities through leadership, coaching and consultancy. She regards her choice of logo for the Happy At School Project – a tree in bloom – as an apt metaphor, symbolising the need for strong roots in life. She reflects: “The headteacher is the trunk. Build them, and you build the school. By developing their self-awareness and gaining useful insights and tools, headteachers can create a ripple effect of positive change, fostering resilience, growth and empowerment within their schools.”

Christina speaks openly about her mental health struggles as a young woman – an experience that, she says, “left me determined to ensure that my sons had optimal mental health and potential”.

Her desire to extend this impact led her to share mindset and coaching strategies with staff, pupils and parents, and in turn, set her on the path to becoming a full-time life coach.

In her attempts to foster “more interconnected and supportive environments” in schools, she draws also on the inspiration of a favourite teacher from her own schooldays at St Julie’s in Woolton. Recalling fondly her old Latin teacher there, Mrs Holden, she explains: “I remember her because she brought in sunshine. She created a ‘lovely weather’ in her classroom, and I felt psychologically safe. Because she believed in me, I believed in me. Today I use that tool in my schools – ‘you create the weather’.”

Whether it works on a winter’s evening at the Albert Dock is a moot point. However, just as Christina embraced the cold plunge that night, so she will carry on encouraging others to take brave steps of their own, both inside and outside the classroom.

• To contact Christina, email hello@christinamitchell.co.uk.

To learn more about her work, visit: www.happyatschoolproject.co.uk

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education news

St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust publishes its annual report for 2023-2024

St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust has published its 2023-2024 annual report, showcasing the many achievements and impressive growth throughout its second full academic year as a trust.

All colleagues across the trust have been highly focused on their mission to transform children’s lives and have continued to raise expectations in all areas to create a positive culture, built on Gospel values, in all academies.

Guided by five key pillars that put Christ at the centre and foster a culture for success, St Joseph continues to improve schools’ academic performance, pupil attendance and professional development offer.

Here are just some of the achievements the trust has seen in this pivotal year of growth.

New academies

The St Joseph family of schools has grown to nine, with St Francis Xavier College joining the trust in April and Notre Dame Catholic College in June. These two large secondary schools boast a long, well-established history, having provided education for boys and girls in the city of Liverpool since the 19th century.

Improved performance

Each of the trust’s academies have made exceptional progress.

Two academies, Holy Spirit and The Trinity, have undergone Catholic Schools Inspections with good outcomes, while Blessed Carlo Acutis had similarly positive results following its joint SIAMS inspection.

Two academies previously judged as ‘inadequate’ and ‘requires improvement’, Holy Spirit and St Augustine of Canterbury, were inspected by Ofsted and both received ‘good’ judgements for every aspect of their work.

The trust could not be prouder of its achievements in this last academic year, all of which are a testament to the commitment of all leaders and teachers to improving outcomes for the entire community.

Academic achievement

The relentless focus on continual improvement has begun to bear fruit in the trust’s academic achievements, evidenced by externally validated trust reviews as well as the performance data.

From 2023 to 2024, the trust has seen a 17 per cent increase in the percentage of Year 1 children passing the Phonics Screening Check.

At the school level, three academies truly lived up to the trust’s vision and surpassed all expectations: • St Augustine of Canterbury is the third most improved secondary school in the archdiocese and the seventh highest-performing school in the archdiocese in 2024. It is also among the top 30 most improved secondary schools in the country.

• St Ambrose is the third most improved Catholic primary school in the country for Key Stage 2 combined outcomes, with three-quarters of the cohort disadvantaged. It is also the most improved Catholic primary school in the Archdiocese of Liverpool.

• Holy Family is in the top 20 per cent of Catholic schools nationally for Key Stage 2 combined outcomes.

education news The vision to improve children’s lives set out by St Joseph’s board of directors has now become a reality, as leaders and teachers have aligned around evidence-informed practice to implement the SJCMAT sequence of learning in every classroom.

Starting January 1st 2025, SJCMAT has now become a permanent Catholic multi academy trust for the Archdiocese of Liverpool, and as set out in the Archdiocesan Strategy, will onboard 25 Catholic schools in Liverpool.

You can read the full report here: sjcmat.co.uk/about-us/reports

Professional development

The trust has invested significantly in excellent professional development for all staff in order to deliver the best possible Catholic education.

Not only have all academies had more professional learning days and instructional coaching, but staff across the trust have also come together for three trust conferences.

Remarking on the annual report and the trust strategy set in place by the trust, CEO Andrew Truby commented: “We are delighted that our trust strategy is now bearing fruit in terms of both inspection findings and pupil outcomes.

“We know that when the trust strategy is implemented effectively through strong leadership and management, with high-quality teaching and within a culture of no excuses, we will transform children’s lives.”

“ We are delighted that our trust strategy is now bearing fruit in terms of both inspection findings and pupil outcomes. We know that when the trust strategy is implemented effectively through strong leadership and management, with high-quality teaching and within a culture of no excuses, we will transform children’s lives.”

17%

increase in the percentage of children in Year 6 achieving at least the expected standard in reading, writing and maths (combined) 19

education news

Calling all Catholic schools!

Entries to open in February for the Educate Awards 2025 The prestigious Educate Awards has announced that entries for 2025 will officially open on Monday, 3 February.

“Last year, we received an extremely high standard of entries from schools, with some truly inspirational submissions.

Founded by Kim O’Brien in 2012, the Educate Awards is the largest education awards in the North West which celebrates the achievements of schools, colleges, academies, and their teaching and non-teaching staff.

“We encourage all Catholic schools, colleges and MATs, whether it’s their first time entering or not, to take part. It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate your hard work and share your achievements with the wider community. We’re thrilled to see what 2025’s entries will bring!”

The awards, in partnership with ASL, is open to all Catholic primary and secondary schools, colleges, academies and multi academy trusts (MAT) across the Liverpool City Region, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cumbria. It is also open to independent private educational establishments, further education providers, special schools and specialist provisions.

With 21 categories to choose from, the Educate Awards provide a unique platform to celebrate every aspect of school life, from inspiring teachers, superb support staff, strategic leadership teams, and forward-thinking MATs, to innovative projects across the entire curriculum, including sport, STEM, literacy and the arts.

Entries are completely free and unlimited – although each one must be different. Submissions should be no more than 750 words and must include a 200-word brief summary of the entry The deadline for entries is Sunday, 13 July.

Kim O’Brien, Educate Awards founder, said: “The Educate Awards shine a spotlight on the incredible achievements of schools, colleges, academies and multi academy trusts across the North West.

Now in its fourteenth year, the Educate Awards 2025 will be in partnership with ASL. Associate sponsors confirmed so far include; All About STEM, CER, CPMM Media Group, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Careers Hub, LJMU, LSSP and SENDSCOPE. The Educate Awards will return to the iconic Liverpool Cathedral in November 2025 with a jam-packed programme, including special performances from schools across the region.

A full list of categories can be found here: https://educateawards.co.uk/categories

For more information about the event, please visit: https://educateawards.co.uk

St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School, winners of the Outstanding Arts in Primary School award 2024 20

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education news

ENTRIES OPEN

MONDAY 3 FEBRUARY DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS SUNDAY 13 JULY Keep up-to-date www.educateawards.co.uk and via social media

VISIT WWW.EDUCATEAWARDS.CO.UK FOR MORE DETAILS ASSOCIATE SPONSORS

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education news

St John Plessington welcome inspirational Holocaust survivor On Monday, 20 January, St John Plessington Catholic College, Bebington, welcomed Tomi Komoly, an inspirational Holocaust survivor.

Tomi works alongside the Holocaust Educational Trust (HET) to educate younger generations on the Holocaust and shared a detailed account of his story with Year 12 and 13 students.

Born in 1936 in Budapest, Tomi survived the Holocaust in hiding with his mother. Post-war, Tomi struggled under Communist rule, leading to his escape to Austria in 1956.

After staying in a refugee camp in Vienna for a few months, Tomi won a Ford Foundation scholarship to study in the UK and arrived in Dover on March 17, 1957.

Headteacher at St John Plessington, Mr Peadar McLoughlin, said: “Tomi’s determination to overcome adversary and his experiences have left a lasting impression on our students.”

Karen Pollock CBE, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said: “This year, on Holocaust Memorial Day, we come together to mark 80 years since the liberation of the extermination and concentration camps of Europe.

“We remember the six million Jewish men, women, and children who were murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators and we honour those who survived and rebuilt their lives after enduring unimaginable horrors.”

In 2020, Tomi was awarded a British Empire Medal for his invaluable contributions to Holocaust education.

The visit was organised by Mr Jones, teacher of RE and personal development coordinator.

Later this year, a group of students studying RE will visit Krakow, Poland, to gain a deeper understanding of the Holocaust.

Mr Jones said: “All our sixth form students are currently learning about the Holocaust and ‘heroes of the Holocaust’ through our core RE provision. This is a really important part of our students’ personal development and enables them to gain a deeper understanding of events that shaped our history.”

St Mary’s Crosby celebrates 2024 achievements St Mary’s College paid tribute to the 2024 achievements of its pupils at its annual prize-giving event.

Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral was the setting for the ceremony which saw the school welcoming recently-retired staff member, Cath Howard, as the VIP guest speaker.

Cath joined St Mary’s as school librarian 22 years ago, subsequently serving as a head of year and taking charge of careers education and support.

One of the key themes of Cath’s humorous and well-received speech was the importance of faith in your ability and a willingness to be pushed out of your comfort zone.

Meanwhile, principal Mr Kennedy reported the school had enjoyed another successful summer in public examinations, with its attainment 8 score (a measure of GCSE grades across the full range of subjects) again placing it top of the Sefton league table and also the Archdiocesan league table of 36 Catholic schools across the wider Merseyside area.

There was also success to report by many St Mary’s teams on the sports field. Musical highlights included the school’s annual Liverpool Philharmonic Concert and the Proms in the Park music and fireworks extravaganza.

St Mary’s continues to offer students the choice of more than 60 clubs, societies and related activities each week, from Dungeons & Dragons to Japanese appreciation. The year also saw successful school trips to the USA and Paris, and continued success for students in the Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme.

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In his address, the principal highlighted pupils’ efforts in support of a wide range of charity fundraising projects during the year.

There was praise for the contribution of staff, governors and parents to life at the college.

Addressing all students, Mr Kennedy said: “It is your values, your character, your initiative and your community cohesiveness that are the real achievements we are celebrating this evening.”

Keeping you up­to­date with all the news from around the Archdiocese online at:

www.catholicpic.co.uk You can follow us on social media at: @PicCatholic Plus you can subscribe to the Pic Postal subscriptions are available as follows: • £9.50 for 3 issues (3 month subscription) • £19 for 6 issues (6 month subscription) • £37.50 for 12 issues (annual subscription)

POSTAL: To take out a postal subscription please email enquiries@cpmmmedia.com or call 0151 709 7567 DIGITAL: You can also subscribe to a digital version on the Pic by emailing enquiries@cpmmmedia.com or call 0151 709 7567 Catholic Pictorial

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education news

St John Bosco Arts College celebrate Feast Day of St John Bosco On Friday, 31 January, St John Bosco Arts College, Croxteth, celebrated the Feast Day of its patron saint, St John Bosco.

The annual celebration is an opportunity for the school community to come together for collective worship and a chance for pupils to participate in Salesian activities.

The Feast Day celebrations began with a school-wide Mass, led

by Fr Anthony Kelly.

respond to the needs of the young are a powerful reminder that we must support, encourage, and nurture young people.”

Born in Turin, Italy, St John Bosco spent much of his life as a parish priest. St John Bosco’s insistence that boys in his care learn a trade made him a pioneer in modern-day vocational training.

This year’s theme is based on the Salesian Strenna for 2025 – ‘anchored in hope, pilgrims with young people’.

Each year group participated in different activities throughout the day that centred on highlighting the importance of the school’s core values of ‘Faith, Hope, Love, Respect and Community’.

Students shared why they feel it is important to celebrate the life and work of St John Bosco.

One student said: “St John Bosco’s life inspires us to live out our mission to flourish in faith, hope, and love, supporting one another, just as he did.”

Headteacher at St John Bosco Arts College, Mr Darren Gidman, said: “The Feast Day of St John Bosco is one of the most important dates in our calendar and is a chance for our school community to come together to give thanks and celebrate the life and teachings of St John Bosco.

“As the patron saint of youth, St John Bosco dedicated his life to the service of young people. His teachings and determination to

St Mary’s Catholic Junior Academy unveils new school library St Mary’s Catholic Junior Academy, part of All Saints Multi Academy Trust, recently celebrated the grand opening of its highly anticipated new library.

This inspiring new space, designed to ignite a lifelong love of reading among pupils, was officially opened by the Mayor of St Helens, Cllr Jeanette Banks, who is also a proud governor of the Newton-le-Willows-based academy.

The new library features a wide range of books for all reading ages and offers a welcoming environment for exploration and discovery. The academy has chosen a number of pupil librarians from Year 3 to Year 6 to oversee the space and support other pupils on their reading journeys.

new library, which will enrich the educational experiences of our children. A huge thank you to our PTA, All Saints Multi Academy Trust, and to everyone else who supported us in bringing this vision to life.”

Miss Heather Duggan, CEO of All Saints Multi Academy Trust, said: “The library is a fantastic new addition for St Mary’s, where a love of reading has always been a key part of the academy’s culture.”

Speaking at the event, the Mayor of St Helens expressed her pride in being part of the celebration, noting the vital role that such spaces play in schools.

The Mayor of St Helens, Cllr Jeanette Banks, commented: “I am honoured to open this wonderful new library not only as the Mayor but also as a very proud governor for such an inspiring school.”

The celebration also recognised the outstanding efforts of the academy’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), which played a pivotal role in fundraising for the new provision. All Saints Multi Academy Trust also donated new flooring for the library.

Mrs Samantha Birchall, executive headteacher of St Mary’s Catholic Junior Academy, said: “We are thrilled to unveil our 24

Catholic Pictorial

(L-R) Mayor of St Helens Cllr Jeanette Banks, CEO of All Saints Multi Academy Trust, Heather Duggan, and Samantha Birchall, executive headteacher of St Mary’s

education news

All Saints Catholic Primary launches UK-Ukraine schools’ partnership with inspiring guest authors Special visitors gathered at All Saints Catholic Primary School to launch a new government initiative which will link schools in the UK and Ukraine to swap stories and run joint reading projects to strengthen the relationship between the countries and boost education standards.

War Horse author Sir Michael Morpurgo, and current Waterstones children’s laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce, read beautifully to the children and answered questions about their careers and their love of reading.

about extending the hand of friendship across borders, learning about each other whilst always caring for this common home we share.

“The joy of reading is one expression of that common bond.”

Staff and pupils are preparing for further work this year alongside School No 2019 in Kyiv, whilst also preparing for a Y5 and Y6 visit to Seville in May where they are working with a Colegio San Francisco de Paula on environmental challenges they can address together.

Also in attendance was the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson MP, along with the permanent secretary to the Department for Education, Susan Ackland Hood.

The UK-Ukraine Schools Partnership programme, delivered by the British Council in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, will see 50 schools in the UK matched with 50 schools in Ukraine on a year-long project.

Schools will be chosen from across the four nations of the UK between now and the scheme’s launch in late spring. Each school group will share their favourite stories from their own culture and explore the benefits of reading.

Children were amazed when the prime minister Sir Keir Starmer came in from All Saints’ partner school, No 219 in Kyiv, on a video call with pupils.

All Saints’ executive headteacher Jeremy Barnes, said: “After Pope Francis wrote Laudato Si in 2014, we made a long-term commitment to educating our children about the wider world,

DOVES launch Jubilee of Hope The DOVES Service Team at St Teresa’s Catholic Primary in Upholland have launched the Jubilee of Hope during the Sunday Family Mass. Since the start of the academic year, each half term, the DOVES (Demonstrating Our Values through Evangelisation and Service) stage a parish Mass take over.

January’s DOVES take over was a particularly special event as they introduced the congregation to the Jubilee of Hope.

With the support of parish priest, Father Philip Kehoe, the children used the CAFOD Jubilee resources to explain what the year of the Jubilee is about. They chose hymns and wrote bidding prayers on the theme of ‘hope’.

All the parishioners were gifted a handmade prayer card made by the DOVES, which had the Jubilee prayer of hope on it and promise of prayers through this special year from the children at St Teresa’s School.

During Mass, the children read out readings, psalm and bidding prayers, and took part in the offertory procession and the collection. All the children attending the Mass joined the DOVES on the altar for the final hymn and sang a joyful rendition of ‘Here I am to Worship’.

After Mass, the parishioners were welcomed to the stay for tea and delicious homemade cakes made by the DOVES. Headteacher of St Teresa’s Catholic Primary, Mrs Cecilia Rigby, commented: “With the DOVES taking the lead on the Jubilee

celebrations at St Teresa’s, we certainly have a lot of hope that this will be a special year where together we can grow in faith, friendship and community”.

The next DOVES Mass Take Over will be on Sunday 16 March, with a warm welcome extended to all.

Love: The Heart of Our Mission As we approach Valentine’s Day, when we are all bombarded with images and ideas of love, it is important to reflect on what love truly means. In a world often confused about the true meaning of love, our Catholic schools and colleges stand as beacons of hope, illuminating the path toward understanding and living out authentic love.

Love in Action

Jesus Christ: The Model of Love

Our young people are taught that love is multifaceted and expressed in countless ways. Love is seen in the kindness of a friend comforting another in distress, in the courage of standing up for what is right, and in the selflessness of serving those in need. Catholic schools nurture these acts of love, helping students recognize that love is not limited to grand gestures but is often found in the everyday choices to care, forgive, and uplift others.

The mission of our Catholic schools and colleges stresses the importance of loving one’s neighbour, as Jesus commanded: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (Mark 12:31). This commandment is brought to life through service projects, charitable initiatives, and the cultivation of a compassionate and inclusive school culture. Students learn that love is not confined to their immediate circles but extends to the marginalized, the poor, and the forgotten.

The Bible reminds us, “God is love” (1 John 4:8). This profound truth forms the foundation of the Catholic school’s mission. Love is not merely an emotion; it is a call to action. Jesus Himself is the ultimate example of love, as He laid down His life for us: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). By following His example, Catholic schools look to embody this love in every aspect of their community.

Teaching the Meaning of Love

Love is not always easy to understand, especially in a culture that often reduces it to fleeting emotions or self-serving desires.

Catholic schools take seriously their vocation to teach young people the true nature of love. Rooted in the Gospel, this teaching challenges students to see beyond themselves and embrace love as a gift to be shared. St. Paul’s famous words to the Corinthians provide a blueprint for this understanding: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not selfseeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

These virtues are woven into the fabric of Catholic education.

Students are encouraged to practice patience in their relationships, kindness in their interactions, and forgiveness when wronged. They are taught to rejoice in the truth and to persevere in love even when faced with challenges.

At the heart of the Catholic school’s mission is the person of Jesus Christ, who is the perfect model of love. His life, death, and resurrection reveal the depth of God’s love for humanity. Through prayer, liturgy, and the sacraments, students encounter Christ and are invited to deepen their relationship with Him. This encounter transforms them, empowering them to become witnesses of His love in the world.

Acts of Love in Practice

In Catholic schools, acts of love are celebrated and encouraged.

A teacher’s dedication to their students’ growth, a classmate’s willingness to share and support, and a school community rallying together to help those in need are all expressions of God’s love.

These acts remind students that love is not abstract but real and tangible.

A poignant example can be seen in how schools support one another in times of crisis. Whether it’s organising fundraisers for families in need or volunteering with charitable organisations, students witness firsthand the power of love in action. They learn that to love is to give of oneself freely and joyfully, following the example of Christ.

Love as a Lifelong Mission

Catholic schools instil in young people the understanding that love is not just a lesson for today but a lifelong mission. They are called to carry this message into their families, communities, and the wider world. In doing so, they become the hands and feet of Christ, spreading His love wherever they go. Enjoy your Valentine’s Day!

Joan McCarthy Director of Education Archdiocese of Liverpool 26

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youth ministry

The gifts that Confirmation brings

By Father Simon Gore from Animate Youth Ministries By the time you read this, we will be halfway through the registration period for the sacrament of Confirmation in the archdiocese. However, that does mean anyone in Year 8 or above still has another month or so to register!

As part of the preparation scheme, we at Animate offer to visit our Catholic high schools to introduce and promote the sacrament to the Year 8 cohort. One of our biggest problems when doing this is to try to explain why the sacrament is important and what it offers.

When we think of the other sacraments, we often associate them with lifechanging moments. Baptism marks us out as being part of God’s family.

At Communion, we receive the Lord in the Eucharist. Even, sadly, the Sacrament of the Sick marks a significant point in our life. But what does Confirmation mark? And what does it change? Marriage marks a legal change and possibly a name change; Communion means we can now do something we could not before. And these changes are often marked with parties or gifts being given. Memorable days.

What can we do after Confirmation that we could not do before? What change does it make for us? Of course, we know that Confirmation does offer a change, or why else would the Church have the sacrament? How do you articulate that to a group of Year 8s, though?

It may be that in the apparent differences between Confirmation and the other sacraments we can find an answer. Because we do get a name change – of a kind – with our patron saint’s name. And we do get gifts – the gifts of the Spirit.

And that patron saint and those gifts will be with us throughout our life and so our life does change. We have something we did not have before.

It can be challenging to try to show why Confirmation is such a great gift to have in Year 8. But we try to say that this is the ideal time to have this gift: as young people mature and are faced with the opportunities, but also the difficulties, of adult life, to know there is something there to help guide you on the right path is the perfect gift.

Therefore, if you know anyone in Year 8 (or above but still in high school) to whom this may be of interest, please ask them to register on the website and receive this great gift this year.

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Mums the Word Happy New Year to you all. I hope you have enjoyed the Christmas and New Year period and returned with lots of enthusiasm for this year coming.

For my first column of 2025, I do not have much information to share with you, owing to a quiet start to the year, but what I can tell you is that Saint Gregory’s parish have celebrated the birthday of one of their oldest Union of Catholic Mothers members, Molly Pagan.

Molly turned 88 years young in December. Unfortunately, she has been unable to attend our UCM meetings for a number of years due to ill health, but her family did bring her along to the final meeting of last year, on 18 December, for a brief visit.

As the image above shows, the members of the St Gregory’s UCM group were delighted to present Molly with a cake to enjoy on her birthday.

The other photos below show two other parish groups’ Christmas celebrations.

St George’s UCM foundation had a lunch of chip butties followed by Secret Santa. St Margaret Mary’s Foundation, meanwhile, had their Christmas party in the parish centre, and I can vouch that it was a great night. The meal was delicious, the singer sensational, and we danced the night away.

Over a Century of Service News from the Liverpool Province of the Knights of St Columba

A Trio of Reflections For this month’s column, I have the following messages to share:

From our Provincial Grand Knight, Alf Swain I recently arrived early at St Joseph’s in Upton for the funeral of Marie Grunnill, deceased wife of Brother Bert from Council 51, and as the church filled up, I found myself contemplating the sacrifices of Our Blessed Lady. From being what we assume to be a simple girl to becoming the Mother of God must have caused an unimaginable upheaval, yet she accepted it unconditionally as God’s will. Looking around, I wondered how many women present had made sacrifices like Mary in their own lives, in raising families and supporting not only the Church but also their husbands – our fellow brothers in the KSC. Whenever I see a statue of St Therese of Lisieux, it reminds me of how she inspired St Teresa of Calcutta, who said: “If we can do no great things, we can do little things with great love.” In essence, isn’t this what these women do in support of our work in the KSC? Always willing to lend a hand in fundraising and other efforts to make the world a better place, without them we would be in a much sorrier state. We shouldn’t, of course, have to rely on the efforts of others to make the KSC a success, so please take the opportunity to evaluate your own personal contributions, and resolve to make even more of an impact going forward. President Kennedy once said, “Pray not for easy lives, pray to be stronger men” and we should all aspire to achieve this.

From our Ecclesiastical Adviser, Bishop Tom Neylon This year is designated as a Holy Year of Jubilee. We believe that life is a gift from God, and we walk the path of life with family, friends or the stranger we encounter. We live in a world which God has entrusted to humanity, giving us the responsibility to tend and care for it.

The beginning of a new year is an opportunity to reflect on how well we have embraced all that God has given and to resolve to show our appreciation for this generosity. A Jubilee Year is a great opportunity to draw closer to the Lord who calls us to follow him.

The Jubilee Year has been given the title “Pilgrims of Hope”. Vatican II urges the members of the Church to engage with the “hopes and dreams” of all. We find our world groaning with the cries of those suffering hunger and thirst, sorrow and death, because we are not looking after each other and the Earth we inhabit. Jesus’ birth is a sign that God has not given up on us and He invites us once more to look outwards as ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ for the sake of others and the world in which we live.

From our Supreme Knight, Michael Akinrele Pray God this will be a year where we fulfil all our hopes; pray God it is a year where we take advantage of all our possibilities while presenting ourselves to the Catholic faithful; and pray God it is a year where we are kinder to each other and help and pray for those less able than ourselves.

Opening the Jubilee Year in Southwark, Archbishop John Wilson said, “Hope is the daughter of faith, and the sisters of hope are joy and love.” In 2025, I wish you hope, faith, joy and love.

If you are interested in finding out more about the KSC or arranging a visit to your local council meeting, then please contact me at Philonline2@btinternet.com.

Maria Pimblett, Media Officer 28

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Phil Woods, Provincial Publicity Officer

Dialogue and Unity

The Saints that we Share

By Ultan Russell, Archdiocesan Ecumenical Officer

In May 2024, during a meeting with the Coptic Orthodox Pope, Pope Francis added 21 Coptic Orthodox martyrs to the Catholic list of saints.

The 21 Coptic Martyrs of Libya comprised 21 fishermen (20 Egyptian and one Ghanaian), mostly in their twenties, who had travelled to Libya to support their families back in Egypt. In 2015, they were captured and brutally martyred by Isis, or the so-called Islamic State, for refusing to renounce their Christian faith. Isis released a film showing the brutalities. The martyrs died praying.

Some expressed concern and even shock at this action by Pope Francis. Others saw it as a symbol of unity. As is sometimes overlooked, it was actually the second time this had occurred as, in 2001, several Orthodox saints, who lived after the separation of the Catholic and Orthodox Churches in 1054, were added to the Catholic list of saints. These included the Slavic saints Theodosius and Anthony of Pecerska (11th century), and Stephen of Perm and Sergius of Radonezh (14th century). Surely these are wonderful signs of a shared Christian heritage.

For its part, the Church of England commemorates a significant number of Post-Reformation Catholics in its liturgical calendar.

Indeed, it included St Oscar Romero many years before Pope Francis canonised him. Among this number are also Francis Xavier, John of the Cross, Francis de Sales, John Bosco, Paul Couturier, Philip Neri, Ignatius Loyola, John Vianney, John Henry Newman, Maximilian Kolbe, Vincent de Paul and Martin de Porres. All except Paul Couturier, the pioneer of Christian Unity, have been canonised by the Vatican; perhaps he may join the list in the future.

The Church of England also commemorates great Christians of other denominations: George Fox (founder of the Society of Friends or Quakers), Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Luther theologian and anti-Nazi activist), John and Charles Wesley (founders of Methodism), John Calvin (Reformed Church leader at the Reformation), William and Catherine Booth (founders of the Salvation Army), John Bunyan (Baptist/Congregationalist spiritual writer), Martin Luther (Reformation leader) and Isaac Watts (Congregationalist hymn writer).

Perhaps we might consider using a prayer or meditation from Christians from another tradition in our school assemblies, or in prayers at the beginning of house groups and synodal councils, or at meetings of the Union of Catholic Mothers or Knights of St Columba.

Additionally, if you have a neighbouring church named after a saint, why not pray for them in the Sunday bidding prayers near that anniversary or mention it in the weekly bulletin? Mostly this will be Anglican churches, or potentially an Orthodox one, though there are a few Methodist and United Reformed churches named after saints too. If not, you could check when they celebrate their anniversary and mark that instead.

Prayers to commemorate martyrs of all traditions: 1) ‘Heavenly Father, thank you for welcoming into your arms all Christian martyrs who have given their lives because they refused to stop sharing the gospel and living out their faith by loving you.

Lord, heal the hearts and minds of those who have lost loved ones because of persecution and restore them to full physical, mental and spiritual health.

‘God of mercy and compassion, through the merits of their martyrdom and by their intercession, grant us the grace we humbly ask, so that like them, we may witness with our lives to the presence of the Kingdom of God’s Love and extend it to the human family throughout the world.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.’

2) ‘Lord, so great is our love for you That even though we walk in a world where speaking your name can mean certain death Your faithful still speak it And speak it all the louder.

‘Help us work for a world where all may speak their creeds And pray their prayers Without fear of violence.

Hear the prayers of those who abide with you in dangerous times and in dark valleys, And who die with your name on their lips.

Draw them quickly to your side Where they might know eternal peace.

Amen.’

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Meet Brandon Roussel: From Secure Childcare Worker to Registered Manager Meet one of Nugent’s inspiring leaders, Brandon Roussel, who began his journey as a Secure Childcare Worker at Marydale Secure Unit and, through dedication and passion, progressed to become a Registered Manager. In just four years, he’s made a significant impact on young lives and continues to foster positive change within residential care. His story highlights the power of opportunity, growth, and making a real difference in social care.

What motivated you to pursue a career in this sector?

“I was really interested in the work being done at Marydale and how the most vulnerable children in the country were supported to achieve positive outcomes. That motivated me to pursue a career in this sector.”

Key milestones and promotions

“I have had so many opportunities that have helped shape my career. I’ve been involved in transformation projects, compliance work, and achieving strong regulatory ratings. Most importantly, seeing the difference we make in young people’s lives continues to inspire me. Over the past four years, I have worked as a childcare worker, a senior, a deputy manager, and now a registered manager. Nugent really promotes internal development, and I’ve been fortunate to grow within the organization.”

“One of the highlights of my career was developing my own children’s home. It started from a single visit to a decommissioned home with the CEO and my peers, where we discussed our vision. Watching it come to life and achieving an ‘Outstanding’ rating has been one of my proudest moments.”

Inspiration to become a Registered Manager

“I was inspired by the tenacity of other Registered Managers at Nugent. It’s a challenging role that holds a lot of legal responsibility, but it’s incredibly fulfilling. There’s nothing quite like seeing a young person feel safe, loved, and happy when they may not have experienced that before.”

Advice for aspiring professionals

“My advice to anyone looking to progress in this field is simple: Go for it! The sector is so varied—you wear many hats, and no day is ever the same.”

Training and mentorship

“I’ve been lucky to have fantastic mentors, both those who linemanaged me and my peers. The support network within Nugent is incredible, and I’ve leaned on it a lot throughout my journey.”

Inspired by my journey? Take the first step toward your own rewarding career in health and social care by signing up for our Health and Social Care Bootcamp today.

Start your journey toward a fulfilling career in health and social care. Register now for the Skills Bootcamp and take the first step to making a real impact in your community. For more details or to register your interest, visit wearenugent.org/all/health-and-social-care-skills-bootcamp or email colcbootcamps@liv-coll.ac.uk.

Don’t miss this chance to make a difference and start a career with purpose!

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Catholic Pictorial

Normandie Wragg Chief Executive Nugent

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