Catholic Pic January 2024

Issue 233 January 2024

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Congratulations Father Hugh!

INSIDE THIS MONTH

Fr John Poland made Honorary Canon

COP28

contents From the Archbishop’s Desk I needed Christmas this year to be a time of peace for me and for the world. Because the fourth week of Advent was only a day long, I seemed to be running out of time preparing for the great feast, and at times I wished it would go away. There was so much to do and so little time in which to get it done. That is, I think, a common feeling which we all share, and not only at Christmas time.

As it turned out, Christmas went very well indeed. I enjoyed the evening prayer and blessing of the crib, I got over my frustration with the arrangements for the broadcast midnight Mass, and as the day went on, my worries evaporated, and I looked forward to Christmas dinner and travelling south on St Stephen’s day to meet up with my family and friends in different parts of the country.

There is a lot of truth in Bob Marley’s words, “Don’t worry, ‘cause every little thing is going to be alright”. Anyway, Jesus said as much in St Luke’s Gospel: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes”. Nevertheless, I sometimes find it hard to take the words of Jesus for granted, so my resolution for the new year will be to worry less and trust God more. Something tells me that I should have arrived at that place many years ago, but it is never too late to change. My prayer is that 2024 will be worry-free and peaceful for you and your families.

Most Reverend Malcolm McMahon OP Archbishop of Liverpool

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Monthly prayer intentions

Contents: 4

Main Feature Hugh Donleavy’s Ordination

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Sunday Reflections

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From the Archives Unpaid jobs for willing workers

The Holy Father’s prayer intentions entrusted to his worldwide prayer network for the year 2023:

9 News

News from around the archdiocese

January

14 Pastoral Ponderings

For The Gift Of Diversity In The Church Let us pray that the Spirit help us recognize the gift of different charisms within the Christian community, and to discover the richness of different ritual traditions in the heart of the Catholic Church. www.popesprayer.va

Editor Harriet Anwyl Editorial Catholic Pictorial Magazine, St Margaret Clitherow Centre, Liverpool Archdiocesan Office, Croxteth Drive, Liverpool L17 1AA Tel: 0151 522 1007 Email: catholicpictorial@rcaol.co.uk Advertising Sales team 0151 709 7567 sales@cpmmmedia.com Pictures Nick Fairhurst www.nickfairhurstphotographer.com Alex Monkhouse, eyeofalex.co.uk Website: www.catholicpic.co.uk Twitter: @PicCatholic Youtube: CPMM Media

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15 What’s On

What’s happening in the archdiocese 16 Profile Deacon Justin Malewezi Jr. 17 Cathedral Record 19 Care for Creation 27 Animate Youth Ministry 28 Pic Extras Mums the word News from the KSC 29 Nugent News Tackle Poverty in Your Community 30 Dialogue and Unity

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feature Archbishop Malcolm on what lies ahead In his homily at Fr Hugh’s Ordination, the Archbishop said: ‘Nowadays being a priest is not easy. You will not be at the centre of things, but marginalised in society. You will only get the respect you earn.

You may have to put up with jibes. You will most certainly be lonely at times. Paul put up with all those things and more. You will be encouraged by his example, and that of the martyrs, but example and encouragement are not enough.

The only thing that will sustain you is the life of Jesus in you.

Jesus’ life in you will empower you to be his priest.

‘Being a priest also brings joy.

Just imagine the happiness of the people that those martyrs ministered to in the short time that they were active.

We take holy Mass, Baptism, Marriage, and the availability of a priest for granted at times.

You will share in the sheer joy of parents who have their child baptised, or the adult who comes to faith or into full communion with the Church.

Teaching children our faith and working with our schools and Confirmation candidates will help you discover afresh what it means for them to come to know Jesus in their lives. You will discover that your people love you and that love is nothing less than a foretaste of the love that God has for you.’

‘A young man of faith and devotion’ The Ordination of Father Hugh Donleavy at St Alban’s, Warrington, in December was a moment of celebration for the diocese.

by Simon Hart ‘Jesus said that He came to serve, not to be served. Don’t forget these two words of Pope Francis, adore and serve; they will keep your feet firmly on the path of priesthood. You will be walking in the steps of the Martyrs of England and Wales, and they will walk with you as they pray to God that you will be a faithful and generous-hearted priest.’

With these words, Archbishop Malcolm McMahon completed the homily during the Ordination Mass of Hugh Donleavy on Friday 1 December.

Hugh, 27, officially became the newest priest of the diocese at that 6pm celebration at St Alban’s in Warrington.

It took place on the feast of three of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales: Edmund Campion, Ralph Sherwin and Alexander Briant – hence the above reference by Archbishop Malcolm, and also the choice of Faith of Our Fathers as one of the hymns sung.

The following day, Hugh celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving at Sacred Heart, the other church of his home parish.

For Father Hugh, as he has now become, it was the final step taken on

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his path to the priesthood – and the first into a new life. From this month, he will embark on a posting at St William’s in Wigan, serving alongside Fr Ian O’Shea, the parish priest.

At the start of the Ordination, Archbishop Malcolm used the word “awesome” to emphasise the significance of the occasion. ‘I always think Ordinations are awesome.

Cardinal Hume said that to me when he ordained me years ago – and that was before “awesome” became a popular word. If one believes in sacraments, then this is really something quite amazing that happens when a young man is made a priest to serve people, and “feed them with the divine food” as the Fathers of the Church used to say.’

For Hugh himself, one moment felt especially profound. ‘Just after the laying on of hands, the Prayer of Ordination was quite moving,’ he recalled. ‘It goes through the history of priesthood, from Moses to Jesus to the present day. I do remember getting a bit emotional at that point. I thought I might cry, but I didn’t.’

At the Mass were Hugh’s parents, Bernard and Anne, and six of his seven

siblings (Stephanie, one of his sisters, arriving the next day owing to a train strike). The clergy in attendance included figures from past staging posts, starting with Canon Christopher Cunningham, the long-serving parish priest of St Alban’s and Sacred Heart. ‘As a child, he was part of the inspiration for me wanting to be a priest,’ said Hugh who, between 18 and 21, spent three years in France with the Paris Foreign Missions before deciding to become a diocesan priest. Fr Paul Keane, vice-director at Oscott College during Hugh’s time there, was present, and so too was Fr Michael Dolman, Oscott’s current rector. Also in attendance was Monsignor Philip Whitmore, who was rector at the English College when Hugh began the Roman leg of his studies.

Hugh had a word of thanks too for the parishioners and musicians from St Alban’s and Sacred Heart who contributed to the day, as well as Mrs Hardman, head teacher of St Alban’s Primary School which hosted the buffet afterwards.

Canon Chris, who baptised Hugh and later welcomed him onto the altar as a server, said: ‘It was wonderful. I summed it up at the end of the Mass when recalling how, after my own ordination 56 years ago, my father took me to see a great aunt of his and she

said, “How do you feel about your son being a priest?”. He said, “My cup is overflowing”.

I said the same. It was wonderful to see so many priests there supporting him and not just from this diocese.’

The day after his Ordination, Hugh said his first Mass at Sacred Heart. ‘It all went pretty smoothly - though I did miss out one of my lines in the Eucharistic Prayer with all the nerves!’

He then celebrated his first Sunday Mass as a priest at St John’s in Wigan where he received, among other generous gifts, ‘a sign with my name on it to put on the confessional’.

Hugh, who wrote our Pastoral Ponderings column in the Pic during his time as a seminarian, is now focused on the challenge ahead. ‘I would have to say that I’m most looking forward to day-today things such as saying Mass, hearing Confessions, sick calls,’ he reflected.

‘These are the things I’ve wanted most from priests, and so I’m looking forward to being able to provide them for other people.’

That said, the sense of novelty has not worn off fully. ‘You dress like a priest, and to other people you look like one, but it does take a few days for the reality to set

in. I have people calling me “Father” and it’s a bit surreal.’

And moving too. He cites the moment he gave a blessing and had his hand kissed in return. ‘There is something moving about it because you recognise it isn’t about you – it is about what you represent and ultimately it is about Christ.

You represent Christ.’

And those close to Hugh have confidence he will do this well. Archbishop Malcolm reflected: ‘It is a challenging time for a young man to be a priest, as the future is going to be very different from anything we’ve experienced in the past because of changing structures and declining congregations. It needs young men of faith who have the ability to reach out to people in love, and he is a good example of that.’

Canon Chris, a guiding hand from the start, shares this view, concluding: ‘Right from a very early age he had the priesthood in mind – he was full of devotion I am sure he will be a very able priest.’

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On a liturgical note We begin the calendar year with great Christmastide feasts – Mary, Mother of God; the Epiphany (which this year is kept on Sunday 7 January); and then the Baptism of the Lord.

These feasts remind us that the Christmas season is exactly that – a period of time, not just a one-day wonder! Just as the weeks of Advent have helped us prepare for the coming of the Lord at the end of time (the Parousia, the theme of Advent’s first three weeks) and then to celebrate the coming of the Lord in the history of the People of Israel and of the world – from 17 December through to Christmas Day – so the weeks after the 25th enable us to reflect on the wonder of the star which we have seen, the song of ‘Glory to God in the highest’ which we have heard, and the child whom we too have embraced and in whose birth we are made glad.

We also need to respond to that most fundamental question – and what difference does it make? Fundamentally, we can with surety reply, ‘All the difference in the world’. This is what we sing on the night of the Easter Vigil in the Exultet: ‘What good would life have been to us, had Christ not come as our Redeemer?’

The birth of Jesus, his life and teaching, his death and resurrection – all these events are caught up in one wondrous proclamation: ‘God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that whoever

Sunday thoughts

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Canon Philip Gillespie

believes in Him may not perish but have eternal life.’

(John 3:16)

The gift who is the Word made Flesh transforms our lives into lives which look towards God to find their ultimate purpose and dignity – and lives which look towards the world to find that place where the proclamation of God’s love must be translated into acts and works of charity and kindness.

Why, we may ask; what is the reason for this hope and purpose for our daily living, faithful to the example and command of the Lord Jesus? Because we acknowledge in the words of Pope Leo the Great, which we read on Christmas night in the Office of Readings, a fundamental truth which makes each of us a bearer of God’s goodness and God’s Word to others: “O Christian, be aware of your nobility! It is God’s own life that you share…”

Advent and Christmastide have invited us to be a people of hope and of vision.

These attitudes are closely linked to the feasts we have celebrated over these last days; may we bear the fruit of these virtues in our daily living in the weeks and months ahead in this new year of the Lord, 2024.

20 – C.M.B. – 24 May the Lord bless our homes, this year as in every year.

Mgr John Devine OBE

I write this in Advent. We’re still waiting for the coming of the Messiah.

Christmas hasn’t come yet. And the world in which we wait this year needs our Saviour more than ever.

ANNE TURNER

sunday reflections

In his recent address to COP28, Pope Francis spoke of armed conflict in the Holy Land and Ukraine. He coupled them with the degradation of the planet and extreme weather conditions. Each of these realities impacts on the poorest in our world, while the wealthier nations insulate themselves from many of the consequences.

Crises of migration are proof of this, as the poorest flee the horrors of war and natural disasters to live in the relative comfort we take for granted. We dismiss refugees and asylum seekers as ‘economic migrants’ but they are victims of a global postcode lottery. We blame the poor for their plight, while those of us lucky enough to be born in a relatively peaceful part of the world with a temperate climate keep that way of life for ourselves.

Uncertainty over the outcome of pending elections in the US and the UK adds a further layer to our anxiety. But political

polarisation itself centres on how we deal with the problems we have just described. We’ll maintain our dependence on fossil fuels and leave the Middle East and Ukraine to take care of themselves. And if the facts describe a reality we do not wish to recognise, then we’ll change the facts.

How does the Christian vision sit with this? What are our hopes for this new year? An isolationist version of the Gospel can never be Good News at all. That’s the one that says God takes care of His own.

It only works for the lucky ones. Nor is the message of the midnight angels that the child to be born will ‘fix’ our broken world.

The joyful and hopeful message of Christmas is best captured in the opening words of the Vatican II document ‘Gaudium et Spes’: “The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the men of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ.”

How great is our God? Several years ago I met a wonderfully free man called Ken. He was in Ireland at a conference I was speaking at. He told me that he had been a Carthusian, but left the monastery because of the hard nature of some of the priests and brothers who lived there. He now spent most of his time living in a hermitage behind a Franciscan friary.

He worked in a wood shop producing gifts for the friars to sell and, in return, they looked after him. He said that once a year he broke out for a charismatic binge and then went back to his silent way of living.

One night he shared his image of God, and it was beautiful. He talked of the grandeur of the skies that he looked into each night through the windows of his hermitage. He talked of the stars and the moon and the sun and spoke of the beauty of wind and rain and clouds. He talked of wild animals that he watched in the forest and people he had met down the years. Then he said he saw God in everything, and yet that God is always more than we can imagine, because love, which is at the kernel of God’s nature, is more than we can ever know.

The invitation of God is to live in that free place of love poured out and received, which always means to live in a world of abundance and open horizons. The love of God has been poured out and is breathtaking to behold in the wonder of creation. That love means we are forgiven, freed, saved. The heart of God is love flowing out and there is nothing we can do to earn it. We are invited to simply fall into grace and know the truth of love.

The truth of love that Jesus brings smashed apart the petty provincialism of the Jews. The God that Jesus was showing them was a God who was bigger, who was more than they could imagine. Jesus’ God was a God who was not limited by the Jewish code of law and that, of course, threatened the whole covenant and way of living of the Jews. Sadly, we can be just as small-minded as we decide how God works and within whom God works.

God is more than we can ever expect. God is at work all around us if we have eyes that see. As we enter this new year, will we open ourselves to the power of grace? Will we live in that free place where God is constantly surprising us? Dare we have the courage to believe in the greatness of God? If we do, it will change our lives.

Father Chris Thomas

The joys and the sorrows of our world are the joys and the sorrows of Christ himself.

He rejoices and suffers with us.

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from the archives

news diary

Unpaid jobs for willing workers

by Neil Sayer, Archdiocesan Archivist

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

Fr John Poland installed as honorary Canon Canon John Poland was installed as an Honorary Canon in a special Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King.

Canon Poland was awarded the honour following his appointment as the Judicial Vicar in the first instance in the newly launched National Tribunal Service of England and Wales.

The Duchess of Gloucester visiting the second Atlantic House, 1942

January 2024 marks 100 years since Archbishop Keating announced the foundation of the Apostleship of the Sea in Liverpool, and a recent donation of family papers sheds light on around 40 years of the Mission’s history. The Apostleship was created in Glasgow in 1920, and gained Vatican approval two years later.

So, as Archbishop Keating pointed out, Liverpool, despite its importance as a major port of the British Empire, was quite late in jumping aboard: “We have been frequently reminded that we are lagging behind other ports”, he said. A Port Chaplain had been appointed, but volunteers were needed to give him help, and “some kind of job (unpaid!) will be found for those willing and able to give active service”.

In due course, one of those volunteers was Edward Bellew, known as Ted. He was born in West Derby in 1905. Soon after his marriage to Jane Croughan in 1933, they both became very much involved in their local branch of the Apostleship of the Sea. They lived in Blundellsands, though Ted’s business was wellknown in the area around the Cathedral, in what is now known as the Georgian Quarter. The aromas emanating from the firm of Bellew and Co, tea and coffee merchants, on Hope Way, were familiar even in the 1980s.

The Apostleship was intended to cater to the physical and spiritual welfare of sailors while on shore. Port Chaplains offered religious services, as well as devoting much time to interviewing seamen and helping them with a diversity of problems and difficulties. Advice and assistance was given by lay members to sick and unemployed sailors, to those facing marriage problems, to families attempting to trace missing mariners, and when the need arose, funerals were arranged in a dedicated portion of Anfield Cemetery. A club and hostel were provided in various incarnations of Atlantic House, and rambles, sporting, and social recreation were available to sailors while in Liverpool.

Funding for the activities of the Apostleship was obtained in a variety of ways, through subscriptions and donations from businesses and individuals. Area Committees for fundraising were organised in Bootle, Crosby, Wigan and St Helens, and it wasn’t long before Ted’s energy and commitment to the cause led him to become Secretary of the Crosby Area Committee and Assistant Treasurer for the Archdiocesan Executive Committee. Even 8

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Programme for the International Congress 1964

during the Second World War, when Ted served in the RAF as a member of the groundcrew, he continued his association with the Apostleship, and Mrs Bellew carried on with her work of collecting subscriptions from crew members of ships in port. Two royal visits of inspection to the second Atlantic House, on Little Howard Street, are recorded in photographs among Ted’s papers, and he was present at another royal visit that opened the third Atlantic House on Hardman Street in 1947. This, according to publicity, offered the lonely sailor a “home from home”, with warmth and cheer, peace, and contentment. Every seaman, regardless of religion or nationality, was to be welcomed at Atlantic House: “We want him to make Atlantic House his home, his club to meet friends from other ships, his library, his reading and writing room, his information bureau and his place of entertainment”.

In 1964, the International Congress of the Apostleship of the Sea was held in Liverpool. This prestigious event provided sessions over 4 days, reporting on the work of the Apostleship of the Sea throughout the world. It was 3 years in the planning, and Ted Bellew took a leading role in it, serving as secretary of the planning committee. The Congress welcomed some 300 delegates from 28 countries, and it was deemed “a spectacular success” in creating a sense of unity, an appreciation of the pastoral task all were engaged in, and a strengthening of their resolve. Ted’s efforts were recognised when he was awarded a Bene Merenti medal at the end of 1964.

Ted continued his association with the Liverpool Apostleship of the Sea, organising and attending many events at Atlantic House and the Stella Maris Centre in Bootle, until his death in 1983.

The Third Atlantic House, Hardman Street, 1964

In total, four clergy of our archdiocese were appointed to roles on the new NTS. Bishop Tom Neylon, Vicar General, was appointed Bishop-Moderator in the second instance. Canon Aidan Prescott, Vicar General, was appointed a Judge in the first service and Fr Sean Riley, Chancellor, was appointed Promoter of Justice in the second instance.

Celebrating a Mass for the feast day of St Cecilia, patron saint of music, the installation then took place following the homily, and Canon Poland took his place alongside the Chapter of Canons.

The new Canon received congratulations from many people attending the Mass and greeted them before returning to the sacristy.

The Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Malcolm McMahon, who works closely with Canon Poland. He described it as a great gift to be able to install Fr John as an honorary Canon.

The Mass was celebrated in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in the Cathedral, with the Chapter of Canons, the archbishop, and other priests, including other officers of the NTS in attendance.

As well as that, members of staff from the archdiocesan offices were also there.

Debating a better world in Woolton

Panel – Left to right: Paula Barker Labour MP for Wavertree; Ged Edwards Liverpool Co-ordinator for CAFOD; Bill Chambers Chair of Question Time; Liz Makinson LibDem Councillor for Caldertsones Ward; Liam Robinson Leader of Liverpool Council; Paul Rooney Lecturer at Liverpool Hope University, Deacon and Leader of the Liverpool Archdiocesan Environmental Strategy.

On the opening day of the COP28 summit in Dubai, the twin parishes of Bishop Eton and St Mary’s in south Liverpool came together to stage a BBC Question Time-style event titled ‘Climate Crisis: What Can I Do?’.

Organiser Tim Walsh from the parishes’ LiveSimply team assembled a discussion panel featuring the MP for Wavertree, Paula Barker; the leader of Liverpool City Council, Liam Robinson; and local Calderstones councillor Liz Makinson.

Presenting the Catholic perspective were the Liverpool co-ordinator of CAFOD, Ged Edwards, and Deacon Paul Rooney, who is both a lecturer at Liverpool Hope

University and leader of the archdiocesan environmental strategy. Also on the top table, acting as chair, was Bill Chambers, the Pro-Vice Chancellor Emeritus of Liverpool Hope.

Fifty parishioners attended the event at St Mary’s church hall and contributed to 90 minutes of lively debate. Barker was asked about the priority of climate change for Westminster and Robinson about the big things that the city and region are doing to tackle climate change.

Makinson, meanwhile, talked about local priorities, and this led to a discussion on matters such as the roles of schools and 20mph speed limits in residential areas.

The impact of climate change on the global south – an issue of great interest to CAFOD – was also discussed, while Deacon Paul was asked to reflect on Pope Francis’ impact on the international debate as well as how this is affecting local actions in parishes in the archdiocese.

The subsequent questions from the floor were wide-ranging, covering the ethics of direct action, the effectiveness of petitions to influence political leaders, economic opportunities resulting from climate change, and the contributions of parishes to reducing climate change. The evening ended with everybody present invited to pledge one thing they would change in their own lives to improve the planet.

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news diary

Celebrating the centenary of St. Monica’s first parish church

Environment Bishop: “There is no option but for COP28 to succeed” As the COP28 climate summit gets under way, the Lead Bishop for Environmental Issues, Bishop John Arnold, has reiterated his call for the nations of the world to act:

Churches Together

“Whilst the extreme heat of last summer may be a distant memory for many of us, huge numbers of people around the world have had their lives devastated by climate disasters in the last year or so. Given that the impacts of climate change will only worsen, there is no option but for COP28 to succeed.

Ecumenical Co-ord

Churches Together in The Prime Minister 10 Downing Street London SW1A2AA

“I have recently written to the Prime Minister asking his government to take a real leadership role at the COP28 climate summit. Pope Francis, and our own bishops of England and Wales, have asked political leaders to take decisive action at this summit and create energy transition targets that are efficient, obligatory and readily monitored. They must also consider how such targets can be enforced so that any agreements made at the summit are meaningful.

Parishioners of St Monica’s first parish Church, Bootle, recently marked the church’s centenary with a “glorious” Mass celebrated by Archbishop Malcolm, followed by a parish party.

The Mass was attended by parishioners of St Monica’s, St Francis de Sales, and friends and clergy from local parishes, as well as staff and pupils from St Monica’s Primary School.

Parish priest Father Ged Callacher commented, “It was a wonderful and joyful occasion, a fitting way to celebrate the journey that started so many years ago.

“We gave thanks to God for the past, the present, and the future of the parish, and celebrated the many parishioners, friends, clergy and religious sisters who have come and gone from us over the years, and thanked God for what they have contributed to our parish community of St Monica’s Bootle.”

St Albans Bicentenary The Bicentenary of Saint Alban’s church was celebrated recently and proved to be a wonderful and exceptional occasion for all who had gathered.

Archbishop Malcolm presided at the Mass, joined by several priests and many parishioners. During the two hundred years in the life of the church, notable people and events have been remembered in various special ways displayed within the church.

This year, to mark the Bicentenary, two Frescoes have been created for the Lady Altar to replace those which had been damaged some time ago. Archbishop Malcolm blessed them during the Mass, and parish priest Canon Christopher Cunningham expressed his gratitude to Rose Dring, a parishioner, who used her talents and skills to paint the Frescoes.

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In years to come, they will be a reminder of the church of today, identifying the welcome given to members of the congregation who come from many different walks of life.

“Care for God’s creation is intrinsically bound up with care for all our brothers and sisters and, given that climate change will affect poor countries the most, caring for creation can be thought of as an intrinsic part of the “preferential option for the poor”.

“Referencing his hopes for COP28, in his recent Angelus address on 26 November, Pope Francis mentioned the tragedies of war and the dangers of climate change. Both, he said, are contrary to God’s plan who created everything for life. The world is becoming more dangerous and fractious, and conflicts are increasing. It is vital, at this time, that the governments of the world overcome their divisions and work to promote real healing as well as effective co-operation to reduce carbon emissions.

“I also ask Catholics in England and Wales to pray for the success of COP28 – that real progress will be made. And I urge people to use the resources provided by our agency CAFOD so that politicians and the general public are made more aware of the urgency of this issue.”

in the Merseyside Regio

n

inator: Elisabeth Hachm oeller Office: St Margaret Clitherow Centre, Croxte th Drive, Liverpool, L17 Tel: 0151-709-0125 1AA E-mail: office@ctmr.o rg.uk

the Merseyside Regio n statement on COP28

Dear Prime Minister

Wednesday, 29th Novem ber 2023

As ministers for His Majes ty’s Government gathe r for COP28, the Christ Merseyside offer our suppo ian communities of rt and prayers. We praise the positive work that regional, national and has been done at a international level. As part of the global Christ concerned about the effect ian community, we are s of the ‘climate catast 1 rophe’ and the dispro having on the poorest portionate effect this is people in the world.

On Merseyside we appla ud the local leadership.

These are just 3 examples place: of many

actions taking

•

Cool 2 - Wirral Council's Climate Change Strate gy: This recognises the role that faith communitie unique and important s play in taking action on climate change includ reduction, enhancing biodiv ing carbon ersity and engaging worsh ip communities.

• Liverpool City Regio n (LCR) 5 Year Climate Action Plan: The Clima Climate Portfolio leads te Partnership features the from all 6 Borough Counc ils and partners from health, education, energy, activis business, t, local authority, faith and VCS sector, togeth 5-year action plan, signed er they have created a off by the Metro Mayo r with the agreement of Councils. all 6 Borough • Local Nature Partn ership (Nature Connected): This is the advisory body resident consultation under in the LCR, with taken and phase one mapp ing of the existing specie priorities underway. s and However, at a national level we acknowledge the challenges raised by Audit Committee2. In a recent Environmental June 2023, an assessment by the Climate Change the prospects of the UK Committee stated that meeting its own Natio nally Determined Contr “worsened since last year” ibution (NDC) had . The Committee asked that further statement in the lead up to COP2 on NDCs is published 8.

1 2

António Guterres, Secret ary-General of the United Nations 8 November 2023 - Prospe cts for UNFCCC COP28 Presidents The Most Rev’d Malcol m McMahon, Archbi shop of Liverpool The Right Rev’d Dr John Perumbalath, Bishop of Liverpool The Rev’d Dr Sheryl Anderson, Chair of The Rev’d Geoff Felton, the Moderator of the Mersey Liverpool Methodist District Synod of the United The Rev’d Phil Jump, Reformed Church Region al Minister, North West Major David Taylor , Divisional Commander, Baptist Association North West and Isle of Man Division, Salvati on Army

(Churches Together

in the Merseyside Region

is a registered charity , No.519061)

Pauline Ruth Bene Merenti A very special and joyous event took place in St Wilfrid’s Parish, Widnes on Wednesday 11th October when Bishop Tom Neylon, assisted by Parish Priest Fr Mark Moran and fellow priests Bishop John Rawsthorne and Fr Bill Murphy celebrated Mass to mark the occasion of the presentation of the Bene Merenti medal to parishioner Pauline Ruth (nee Cox).

Fr Mark concluded by saying ‘well done Pauline and may God give you the strength and courage to carry on his work for many years to come!’

The award was the ’Gold Medal’ for ‘Exemplary Christian Service’.

Fr Mark commented, ‘Pauline does so much to safeguard our community and we know her work with refugees and migrants is at the heart of her Christian vocation of service’. Bishop Tom added that it was a privilege to make the presentation of behalf of his Holiness Pope Francis.

In accepting the award Pauline, made reference to the many people who had assisted her in her work over the years and made specific reference to her late mum and dad, Doris and Frank Cox for the work that they had done in their community roles. Pauline referenced the fact that both her mum and dad had also been awarded the medal and it appeared now to ‘run in the family’. Pauline’s family, including her husband Paddy who had been her rock, were present at the Mass, together with parishioners and associates Pauline had either helped or worked with over the past years.

Following the Mass there was a wonderful party atmosphere as friends, family and parishioners mingled for a reception in the church presbytery.

Pauline Ruth: invested with the papal Benemerenti medal by Bishop Tom Neylon at St Bede’s, Widnes, for her outstanding service in St Wilfrid’s parish to Christian education, safeguarding, asylum seekers and the homeless.

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news diary

Lister Tonge Ordained as Deacon On 13 December 2023, at Saint Francis Xavier Church in Liverpool, the Reverend Lister Tonge was ordained to the Order of Deacon in the Archdiocese of Liverpool. The Mass was celebrated was Archbishop Malcolm and was attended by several other deacons from the archdiocese.

During the homily, the Archbishop highlighted the unique role of a deacon in the Church, standing at the point of conflict or resolution between people of faith and the challenges of present reality.

Addressing Lister directly, the Archbishop spoke of the symbolic significance of the Chalice, which represents the tears of humanity—”both of sadness and joy”. He underscored that the deacon’s ministry is one of service, reaching out to the lost and forgotten, touching the wounds of their hearts, and bringing the love of God to those in need. He emphasised the deacon’s unique role in serving God’s people, both in the liturgical setting and in the broader community.

Lister, who had previously served as an Anglican priest, reflected on his journey, expressing gratitude for the impact of his previous Anglican ministry and subsequent spiritual endeavours. He shared his discernment process, acknowledging the “generosity and encouragement” he received from Archbishop Malcolm.

Despite being a “dual passport holder” spiritually, he embraced the opportunity to become a Roman Catholic, feeling a call from the Lord.

Lister highlighted the personalised nature of his formation process, which was adapted due to what he describes as his “great age and impaired eyesight”. He also expressed that he was “humbled by the extent of recognition of my previous studies and my previous ministry.” His ordination as a deacon marked a familiar path, and he expressed a sense of coming home, resonating with the disciples’ recognition of the Lord after the resurrection.

“The welcome I have received from the Archbishop and Bishop Tom, from Catholic clergy already known to me and others I had never met, plus the warm support and encouragement of folk at SFX and at the Cathedral, leave me with an increasing sense that, however different the culture, something in me is in some way coming home.”

As Deacon Lister Tonge looks forward to his future ministry, including an impending ordination to the priesthood, the Archdiocese of Liverpool welcomes him with open arms, recognising the richness of his journey and the unique gifts he brings to the Catholic community.

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pastoral Pastoral ponderings

by Paul Pimblett

Advent and Christmas are truly wonderful times of the year as we anticipate and welcome the Lord, truly incarnate in the flesh for us. The sights and sounds of decorations and songs in London also help to lift the spirits when the nights are long, dark and cold. However, Christmas also brings to an end my first semester in Allen Hall, Cheslea, and gives me time to reflect on how my journey of discernment has gone so far this term.

It is hard to believe how quickly time has gone since I travelled down to London to begin my studies in September, let alone the September before which was when I left for Spain. When I look back, it is interesting to see how I have grown in a relatively short time. Through my studies, I have begun to gain a deeper understanding of the life and history of the Church, philosophy and community life.

I am proud of how I have settled into the rigours of the seminary routine and how I have approached the various pastoral opportunities I have been privileged to experience. However, more importantly, I have also begun to develop a deeper appreciation of my call to discernment and what it is the Lord truly wants of me.

Formation for the priesthood is, quite rightly, a lengthy process during which we are given the time to stop and truly reflect in the silence of our hearts on how the Lord is calling us to serve Him. At times, the length of the process can seem daunting, and there can be the temptation to expect immediate answers or an epiphany. However, after only a year and a half in formation, I have already begun to appreciate how valuable this time is. Whilst there are many studies to complete in that time and pastoral experiences to enjoy before, God willing, I am ordained, I know now even in the early stages of formation that being able to focus on prayer and reflection is going to be the real benefit of seminary.

As I have said before, we are all of us called to know and serve the Lord in our lives.

Prayer, reflection on the Word and the sacraments are the ways in which we can truly know Him. Please keep me and my seminary brothers in your prayers and be assured you are always in ours!

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Living Catholic Social Teaching and Nonviolence

“He did not retaliate.” Andrew paused as he remembered that dark night on the streets of Brixton last winter caught between two arguing gang members.

Andrew admitted he was “middle class and old,” but when he saw those people shouting, he knew he “had to go across”. Then he saw Ali, a youth worker from a Christian peace organisation which operates in the heart of conflict, “standing in between the two gangs... carefully and quietly de-escalating the situation.” This encounter with Ali would go on to shape the direction of Andrew’s life.

Now the new CEO of Pax Christi, Andrew Jackson will be speaking at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King in Liverpool on Sunday 14 January.

Pax Christi and its over 1,000 members work through the Church to promote peace and nonviolence.

Andrew recalled how he always felt nonviolence was “...part of the Gospel... part of being a Christian.”

He recognised how promoting nonviolence may be easier in times of peace, but questioned how we can do this during times of conflict.

“How can we live non-violently... in a violent world?” asks Andrew. “This is something that I’m really interested in and want to invite people into a conversation about”.

Andrew is particularly interested in the personal, everyday calling to peace.

The things that we can all do that stem the cycle of bad feelings or hatred.

The ways in which we can respond to a situation, as Ali did, without retaliation.

Andrew commented, “A lot of writing about peace... comes from the Catholic Church.”

In 1963, Pope John XXIII wrote, “Peace… is an order that is founded in truth, nurtured and animated by charity, and brought into effect under the auspices of freedom.” More recently during Advent, we heard that we are all called to the work of peace

by Jesus who came to Earth as the Prince of Peace. It is work that the Old Testament prophets ask of all peoples as they “beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks” (Isaiah 2:4).

Would you be interested in entering this conversation with Andrew and Pax Christi? Then you are more than welcome to attend the Metropolitan Cathedral for the Peace Sunday Mass at 11am on 14 January 2024.

This will be followed by a talk from Andrew as part of the Justice and Peace Memorial lecture in the Cathedral’s Gibberd Room from 1pm.

Join Andrew and Pax Christi President Archbishop Malcom for what should be a very good afternoon. Please contact Pablo (Archdiocesan Catholic Social Action Coordinator) for further details on 0151 522 1042 or p.guidi@rcaol.org.uk

what’s on Wednesday 3 January Imagine – Jesuit Institute Join us for guided prayer with the imagination: a chance to meet, listen and share with others, and a space of nourishment once a month, live on Zoom.

Every first Wednesday of the month, at 8pm- online. See www.jesuit.org.uk/ events for more information.

Tuesday 9 January Time Out On Tuesdays 10:30AM - 4PM Wanting time for yourself? Time to stop and reflect? Time to step aside for a while from the daily round of life? Then why not join The Sisters of Our Lady and the Cenacle on a Tuesday to get away for a few hours to stop and ponder the important things of life? No need to book, just come along and maybe bring a friend. Suggested offering for the day is £10, bring your own lunch, tea/ coffee provided. For further information contact Sr Winnie 0151 722 2271.

Sisters of Our Lady of the Cenacle, Tithebarn Grove, Lance Lane, Wavertree, L15 6TW Wednesday 10 – Wednesday 17 January Living with the Spirit of the Synod – Jesuit Institute Over this short online course of two evenings and a full day, we will explore synodal expressions of mission, participation and community through shared experience, prayer, reflection and discussion. We hope that this will help us grow more as pilgrims of love, changed through encounter, listening and discernment.

10th-17th January 2024 (evenings plus Saturday) online www.jesuit.org.uk/events/living-with-thespirit-of-the-synod-3 Sunday 14 January Peace Sunday Mass and Lecture “The challenges of non-violence in 2024: being non-violent in a violent world” 11:00AM Join Archbishop Malcolm and Pax Christi Liverpool for solemn mass at 11AM to mark Peace Sunday. This will be followed by the Liverpool Archdiocese Justice and Peace Commission’s annual memorial lecture at 1:30 PM in the Gibberd room at the Cathedral. Andrew Jackson CEO of

Pax Christi England and Wales will speak on ‘The challenges of non-violence in 2024: being non-violent in a violent world.’ For contact p.guidi@rcaol.org.uk

January 7TQ. Tea and coffee will be available from 7.15 pm for a 7.30 pm start. The event is free to attend and everyone is welcome. Metropolitan Cathedral Thursday 18 – Thursday 25 January Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (WPCU) This special week provides an opportunity to focus our prayers on Christian unity, as well as speak about and experience Christian unity personally, in our village, town or county as well as engage with what happens at a national level. Resources can be found here https://cte.org.uk/wpcu2024

Bach Evening Prayer and Cantata In today’s gospel, John the Baptist welcomes Jesus as the “Lamb of God”, and the term is echoed in this cantata, especially in the conclusion, which is a direct appeal for mercy to the Lamb of God. Scored for the usual instrumental ensemble of oboes, bassoon, strings, and organ, the music includes a vocal duet and two fine choruses.

St Francis of Assisi Church, Earp Street, Garston, L19 1RT Wednesday 17 January Sacrosanctum Concilium: Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy Seminar and Lecture 5:30PM - 7:00PM The third event of the Vatican II Constitutions Lecture and Seminar Series will take place in December at Liverpool Hope University. This can also be viewed online. The speaker will be Peter McGrail, who will be giving a talk on Sacrosanctum Concilium. The day starts with a seminar, then refreshments, before ending with a lecture. To book your place, visit store.hope.ac.uk/ product-catalogue/events FML 014, Hope University, Hope Park, Taggart Avenue, L16 9JD Thursday 18 January Newman Association Talk 7:15PM “Newman and Manning: two very different Cardinals - the tragedy of two good men misunderstanding each other.” Speaker: Fr. Eamonn Mulcahy CCSp. Join us at St. Helen’s Parish Centre, Crosby, L23

Looking Ahead to February: Wednesday 7 February Homes, Housing and Land: Social Action Workshop 7-8.30pm online Hear from SVP about the pressures facing people living in the archdiocese and how Housing People Building Communities have refit 2 disused archdiocesan churches, to help provide a solution.

Book your place here https://archdioceseofliverpool. churchsuite.com/events/g3wy7lpj Wednesday 28 February Gaudium et Spes: Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World Seminar and Lecture 5:30PM - 7PM The fourth event of the Vatican II Constitutions Lecture and Seminar Series will take place in December at Liverpool Hope University. This can be also be viewed online. The speaker will be Pat Jones, who will be giving a talk on Gaudium et Spes. The day starts with a seminar, then refreshments, before ending with a lecture. To book your place, visit store.hope.ac.uk/productcatalogue/events FML 014, Hope University, Hope Park, Taggart Avenue, L16 9JD

Website at www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk Catholic Pictorial

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profile

cathedral airport tarmac. ‘We were told by security to “keep your hands together” but he started walking past and I reached out my hand and the Pope stopped and gave me a blessing. I felt something came alive at that time.’

Called to serve

Deacon Justin Malewezi Jnr

Justin, who is today a lecturer in Primary Computing Education at Edge Hill University (as well as coordinating their satellite centre at Wigan and Leigh College), first came to England to do his A levels before gaining a degree in Graphic Design at the London College of Printing. He and his wife Emmie – who also teaches at Edge Hill, in the faculty of health – moved to the UK permanently in 2002 and have been in Liverpool for seven years, with their teenage children Leoni and Mayambo attending St Edwards’ College.

By Simon Hart

‘He was a man of service and all his life he served the people of Malawi. I always heard, “Your father did this and that” and I walk in his shoes.’

Justin Malewezi Jnr is explaining the calling which led to his Ordination as a permanent deacon at the Metropolitan Cathedral last summer.

It begins with the man he is talking about, his late father, Rt. Hon. Justin Malewezi, former vice-president of Malawi, from whom Justin – a deacon in the Croxteth parish of Our Lady, Queen of Martyrs and Saint Swithin – learned the significance of service.

Additionally growing up in a country that was ‘very volatile in terms of governance’, Justin, now 46, gained a swift understanding of what really matters in a world where ‘anything can happen at any time’.

for lunch and there was some food on the table. I ate it and by the evening I was in hospital.’ With a strong measure of understatement, he adds: ‘I must have been a week in an intensive care unit. It was a bad week.’

With his father later serving as vicepresident under Banda’s successor, Bakili Muluzi, power and its trappings came and went more than once – which meant saying goodbye to the cars and bodyguards and returning to ‘our private little house’.

He reflects: ‘That does connect with my diaconal calling to try to help to build a community that puts God first and treats people as humans first without these things that are here today and gone tomorrow – like power.’

His father had worked his way up the civil service ladder to serve as Secretary to the President and Cabinet under Malawi’s first post-independence ruler, Hastings Kamuzu Banda.

‘He was a dictator and anybody who went against him would either get fired or be killed,’ explains Justin. ‘There were good times, but then it went very bad to the point they tried to assassinate my father by poisoning him.’

It was Justin, returning hungry from school one lunchtime, who ate the poisoned food. ‘Dad hadn’t been home 16

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Another formative experience came when St Pope John Paul II visited Malawi in 1989. As an altar server at Maula Cathedral, Justin was among the boys selected to greet the Pontiff on the

His duties as a deacon have so far focused largely on baptisms and visits to the sick – leaving him more ‘integrated’ in parish life. He senses that people ‘are quite curious’ about the African deacon on the altar and offers an example from a recent baptism ‘The mother of the child invited me to be in the picture. She said, “I want my child when she grows up to remember who baptised her” and it gave me a feeling of being really welcome in a community. It was a very simple gesture.’

That said, thoughts of his home country are seldom far away. He worked for UNICEF in Malawi in his twenties and has set up a project that involves ‘feeding 500 children every day’. His wife, meanwhile, was part of the team that established the country’s first centre for the care of stroke victims. Their next plan is to build an early learning centre, with fundraising support from the Knights of St Columba, of which Justin is a member in Council 584. ‘I am a Knight, and we have the Malawi project in my council,’ he explains. ‘I hope in a couple of years to get that off the ground.’ Then he will move on to a ‘bigger project’ still. ‘My dad left us a piece of land to build a primary and secondary school, so the land is there. It’s just the financing now.’ All this on top of his work as a deacon. Dad would be proud.

A celebration of Christmas

by Dr Christopher McElroy Director of Music, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral

2022 saw the launch of the Archdiocese of Liverpool School Singing Programme, an exciting new musical venture within the archdiocese whereby archdiocesan staff work together with schools to develop a lifelong love of music and singing.

As we move into 2024, the programme is partnering with 17 schools in the archdiocese, delivering around 30 hours a week of singing leadership to over 2000 children each week! For the first time we now, have a waiting list of schools wanting to join the Singing Programme, so we hope to expand further in the near future.

In addition to weekly sessions in schools, we are beginning to create a network of ‘after-school’ choirs for children who would like to develop their singing further. The first of these choirs is the Knowsley Catholic Children’s Choir. The choir has sung at Masses in several churches in Knowsley, taken part in civic events in Huyton and performed in front of large audiences at the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Since the launch of the programme, children from our partner schools have sung at a wide variety of different liturgical events across the archdiocese, including:

- First Holy Communion Masses in Churches across the archdiocese - Good Shepherd Mass & Schools Advent Service - Performances of ‘Joseph’ the Musical - Headteachers conference at Anfield football stadium - Christmas Carols at Liverpool Airport - Concert with Glyndebourne Opera company!

We are delighted to receive positive feedback from schools each term:

“The children and staff have loved being involved in the singing programme. Teachers have commented on how inclusive it has been and how they have seen high levels of engagement from the children from the very first session.

The children thoroughly enjoy singing at the cathedral and in the end of year service. It was wonderful to see some of our children in the Knowsley Children’s Choir.”

“It is wonderful to have you in school, to develop musicality across the school. It is a delight to hear the children singing every Wednesday; with such passion and developing skills to performance level.”

“Just to say a massive thanks to you for the excellent work and really positive impact you continue to have with our music and singing provision. The children’s ‘Joseph’ performance at the end of last term for parents was a truly fantastic culmination of your hard work, your endless energy, and infectious enthusiasm which we all see from you each time you visit us in school.”

Cathedral Record Canon Anthony O’Brien – Cathedral Dean We enter January celebrating the beginning of the Calendar year and the Feast of Our Lady Mother of God, and on the following weekend, the joyful Feast of the Epiphany.

We will have a special afternoon Epiphany Service of Carols and Readings at 3pm to celebrate this special day and mark the final days of the Christmas Season.

For most of the month, we will have a constant throughput of students sitting various exams within the Crypt Halls. These days, things have changed considerably from the days when I sat exams, attending with only a pen and a ruler. Various devices are now allowed for many of the exams, but the students still have that look of fearful anticipation when they are queuing for entry in the mornings.

The wise men were not the only ones having to make processional journeys at this time of the year. At the end of the month, distance students, further degree postgrads, and their parents will be travelling from other parts of the world for Hope University’s Winter Graduation Ceremony within the Cathedral on Thursday 25th January.

The weather is always touch-and-go at this time of the year; we hope for a clear day for this so that all goes smoothly and we don’t have any unforeseen problems to deal with.

We finish the month with the joint Cathedrals Ecumenical Service of Evening Prayer on 28th January at 3pm. This year, the service takes place here with Professor Gerald Pillay as the guest preacher and joint choirs from both Cathedrals taking part.

Watch this space for further news about the Archdiocese of Liverpool School Singing Programme!

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education news

Reflection and resolution

by Dr Jennifer Jones, Scientist and nature writer

A school in Kensington, Liverpool, recently held a special ‘Culture Day’ that brought students and staff together in a joyous display of cultural diversity.

The Academy of St Francis of Assisi (ASFA) is proud of its vibrant school community with students from all over the world accessing its broad and ambitious curriculum.

As one year tiptoes away and another arrives, there is an opportunity to reflect on the year passing and make resolutions for the year to come. That usually relates to our personal lives, but we can also reflect on how we have cared for creation.

Reviewing what has happened in 2023 does not make comfortable reading with respect to climate change and biodiversity crises. Reports and headlines showed that summer 2023 was the hottest on record globally. Extreme weather disasters – drought and floods – caused loss of life and livelihood, particularly in those parts of the world less affluent than the West.

Canada experienced its worst wildfires ever; Haiti, Pakistan, and parts of the US were affected by unprecedented floods; while heatwaves caused people to suffer heat stress in many countries including Italy, China, and Mexico. Melting sea ice in Antarctica showed a record low extent for early winter; Greenland’s glaciers have melted twice as fast since 2020 compared with the twentieth century; and glacier melting is reported across Europe.

We could go on listing all the disasters related to human-induced climate change, but that would be depressing.

Unfortunately, the picture for biodiversity is equally gloomy. The UK State of Nature report published this year highlighted a significant loss of plants, animals, and fungi. The UK is now one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.

Pollinating and pest control insects have decreased significantly; declines in sea fish have been recorded; the abundance of 13 species of seabird has fallen by a quarter since 1986; and the number of species potentially at risk of extinction in the UK has increased. While some of these are due to human-induced climate change, agriculture and land management, unsustainable fishing, and development are key factors in species loss.

Understandably, a growing sense of eco-anxiety has been recorded among 16–24-year-olds, due in part to their sense of powerlessness and frustration. This can induce hopelessness and lethargy - but there is good news. Progress is being made. Young naturalists, including 8-yearold Aneeshwar Kunchala, work tirelessly to publicise the need to protect our wildlife.

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Liverpool school celebrates its diverse community with culture day Over 60 different languages are spoken within the school and staff ensure each and every student has the chance to have their voice heard.

The day was jam-packed full of activities which gave students from different cultural backgrounds a unique opportunity to celebrate and share an insight into their own heritage, while also learning about others.

Students set up stalls showcasing their countries and brought in artefacts and food from their homelands.

Peatlands, which absorb carbon from the atmosphere, are important in combatting climate change, and peatland restoration is a government priority. Earlier this month, the Lancashire Wildlife Trust was awarded £1.5 million to restore irreplaceable peatlands across Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside. More farmers are adopting regenerative agriculture methods which improve soil health.

Renewable energy now provides a greater contribution to our domestic and industrial energy. Additionally, across Merseyside, schools and parishes are working towards CAFOD’s Live Simply award, aiming to live simply, sustainably, and in solidarity with people living in poverty.

Despite these positive signs, it is easy to feel completely impotent. How can I make a difference to these global problems?

Surely I am too small and insignificant?

The journalist and environmental campaigner Mary Colwell wrote, “Know that no one can save the natural world on their own; all that can be expected of any individual is that they do what they can do very well”. Similarly, in his recent Apostolic Exhortation Laudate Deum, Pope Francis encourages us that “every little bit helps”. He advises that we must be careful not to be seen to be papering over cracks while urgent deterioration is occurring. He invites us all to “accompany this pilgrimage of reconciliation with the world that is our home and to help make it more beautiful”. What steps then can we as individuals take to do very well and make our home more beautiful?

Pope Francis reminds us that “there are no cultural changes without personal

changes”. What personal efforts can we make? Firstly, we can look at our energy usage. Turning down heating when we can not only results in fewer emissions of damaging greenhouse gases, it also reduces energy bills. Turning off lighting, computers, and televisions reduces carbon emissions. We can walk, use public transport, or car-share when possible to go to work, school or church.

It is likely that 2024 will be the year of a General Election. Our politicians will be eager for our votes. We can and should make our voices heard, expressing our concerns for the state of the environment.

We can explore how committed they are to reversing the climate and biodiversity crises. People can engage with charities working to reduce climate-related impacts and biodiversity loss. Those including CAFOD, the RSPB, The Wildlife Trusts, Woodland Trust and many more, provide opportunities to volunteer or to donate to their projects. We can put aside a small area of our gardens for ‘no mow’ to help pollinator insects and encourage other creatures.

We can take time to reflect on the Pope’s message and his frustration at the slow rate of progress to reverse climate change and its impacts. Let’s make 2024 the year when we rebuild our bond with the natural world for the benefit of future generations who want a planet that is rich, diverse, and healthy.

CAFOD’S Live Simply prayer reminds us: God of peace and justice, You give us the capacity to change, to bring about a world that mirrors Your wisdom.

The school was a hub of activity all day with music and dancing taking place throughout. Inside the classrooms, each subject covered work about different cultures during lesson time.

The event was a resounding success, reinforcing the academy’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and globally-minded community. One student said: “Culture Day was amazing! I loved showing my friends all different aspects of my culture. I really enjoyed tasting different foods.”

Headteacher of the academy, Ms Jo Leech, commented: “The Culture Day was a brilliant day for the school community

and there was a real sense of unity as students gathered to explore, understand, and respect various cultures.

“This event will most definitely become an annual occasion and we look forward to what next year will bring.”

ASFA’s Culture Day was part of a series of initiatives, created by the academy, centred around the themes of respect, kindness and culture, providing students with a deeper learning experience beyond the classroom.

The Academy of St Francis of Assisi is a proud member of All Saints Multi Academy Trust.

A new year with big plans for St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust After a fabulous 2023, St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust is looking forward to another successful year filled with academy investments and the welcoming of new schools. The trust continues to provide world-class education for all of its children and young people so that they can harness their God-given talents, using them to achieve academically and reach their full potential.

During the last academic year, the trust has made significant impacts, including increasing the number of children who can read, improving outcomes and improving attendance. With seven academies and over 2,000 pupils, the trust is growing from strength to strength. Early this year, it will welcome two new education settings into its family – Notre Dame Catholic College and Sixth Form and St Francis Xavier’s College.

staff and students selected him to become the beacon of the future for the community of Runcorn.

As 2024 begins, the trust has an exciting focus on defining a Model of Excellence in all areas of its operations and supporting its academies to implement it through excellent training and in-school support. The plans are to continue the investments following on from last year’s £115,000 investment in high impact CPD as well as the £500,000 investment in transformative professional development and a high-quality trust curriculum over the next three years.

The new year also welcomes a new chapter for one academy within the SJCMAT family. St Chad’s Catholic & Church of England Academy has rebranded and changed its name to Blessed Carlo Acutis Catholic and C of E Academy. Blessed Carlo Acutis died young, at the age of 15, of leukaemia.

He was born in London and came from a modern family with roots all over the globe. This, along with the fact that he was passionate about computing and gaming, was the reason the

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education news

education news

St John Rigby College celebrates its 50th year The year following the 50th anniversary celebrations of St John Rigby (SJR) College has been quite exceptional.

Originally a Christian Brothers boy’s grammar school, in 1972 St John Rigby College became the very first Catholic sixth form college in the country. In November 2022, staff and students were joined by invited guests, former staff and former students to celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving.

The principal celebrant was Archbishop Malcolm with other priests connected to the college concelebrating, including former students Canon Mark Madden and Father John Causey, former Governor, Father John Hindley, Father Giorgio Miles and Deacon Paul Mannings.

Peter, who has been principal of the college for 14 years, was awarded a CBE in January 2023 for his services to further education.

St John Rigby College was also visited by the Catholic Schools Inspectorate, resulting in an ‘outstanding’ judgement across each of the three elements of Catholic life and mission, religious education and collective worship.

St John Rigby College feel that the report is a celebration of the values and the qualities of students and staff and provides a sense of how special the college is due to its strong sense of community.

At the start of Mass, Archbishop Malcolm shared a message received from Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who had been the chaplain at St John Rigby College when it first opened: “I remember my years as chaplain at St John Rigby Sixth Form College with great joy and I am glad to know that the college continues to grow from strength to strength.”

Faith Primary deputy head invited to share best practice at National Inclusion Conference Deputy headteacher of Faith Primary Academy in Everton was invited to host a workshop at the National IQM (Inclusion Quality Mark) Inclusion Conference in Birmingham.

Danielle Fox has worked at the school for five-and-a-half years. During this time, she has worked tirelessly with staff to ensure pupils feel safe, loved and secure, and they are supported to gain confidence, resilience, emotional literacy and have the skills to contribute positively to society in the long run.

Faith Primary Academy, which is part of All Saints Multi Academy Trust, offers a sanctuary of calm and nurturing for children.

The Mass was an uplifting celebration of the mission and values of the college and of all its achievements. Principal, Peter McGhee, commented: “We have a proud tradition of recognising the dignity and uniqueness of every individual within our community and holding the needs of students at the centre of all that we do.

In 2021, it was honoured with flagship school status for the IQM Inclusive School Award and is a beacon in the region for its all-encompassing inclusive ethos. IQM has been recognising and celebrating the work of schools invested in inclusion since 2004.

“Thanks are due for the part that each and every person has played in the life of St John Rigby College, in our service to the community that we serve and in making this such a truly outstanding college.”

Danielle presented two workshops to over 60 people from all around the UK, including a mixture of primary, secondary and special schools.

is fully inclusive, and this means supporting our children with managing their emotions.”

Danielle shared how Faith Primary Academy ensure consistency and the ongoing success of this approach, detailing how there is high-quality training for staff and pupils, and how the language of self-regulation is woven into curriculum delivery alongside its teaching model.

As a result, the school has had no suspensions in the last two-and-a-half years and no permanent exclusions in the last five years. It also has one of the best attendance figures in the city.

During the workshops, Danielle provided attendees with a range of tools and strategies to use within their own schools.

Danielle Fox said: “As a school, we have worked hard to create an environment and curriculum which

Spreading goodwill to the community with Maricourt The last few weeks of term were an extra special time to celebrate Catholic life at Maricourt Catholic High School.

Maricourt celebrated Youth Sunday, the Feast of Christ the King, with taking a leading role in the 11.30am Mass at St George’s.

A mixture of Year 7 and 8 pupils enjoyed a retreat to Savio House. Liverpool Youth for Christ then organised an in-house retreat with pupils from Year 7 to 11 in the chapel. Students reflected on the real reason for celebrations, the birth of Jesus.

Deputy headteacher, Eddie Vary, organised the service which was attended by many staff past and present. He said: “We will always hold the sisters in our prayer and will ensure that through our celebration and promotion of Mercy values, we will keep the charism of mercy embedded in all we strive to do”.

Sister Bernadette handed the Mercy Cross to the youngest pupil at Maricourt, as a sign of continuity and hope for the future.

The school’s choir finished the term by singing carols at Damfield Care home and the residents were delighted.

This care and compassion extended further in the community; Wellbeing Champions led on the collection for 86 pairs of socks that were donated to the homeless at the Whitechapel Centre.

They continued to collect hampers to donate to the South Sefton Food Bank for the Trussel Trust which supports local families.

The final highlight was the special service led by Rt. Rev Tom Williams, thanking God for the trusteeship of the Sisters of Mercy with a special Mass.

This year marks a significant period in the history of the school.

The Sisters of Mercy, founders of the school in 1957, will be signing over the trusteeship of the school early in the new year.

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Catholic Pictorial

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education news

education news

HFCMAT hosts special Advent service at iconic Metropolitan Cathedral

St John Bosco Arts College first UK school to partner with Deliveroo

Schools across the Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust (HFCMAT) community came together for a memorable Advent service.

The evening also featured performances from St Alban’s Catholic Primary School who sang ‘Somewhere Only We Know’ and Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School who performed ‘Real Love’.

St John Bosco Arts College became the first UK school to partner with Deliveroo, extending its canteen offerings to the public.

CEO of HFCMAT, Andy Moor, commented: “It was incredible to be here in the Metropolitan Cathedral with so many children and parents from across our family of schools.”

Spearheading the initiative is Ann Roan, catering manager at St John Bosco. Backed by her incredible team of 12 local staff, Ann’s natural flare for innovation and entrepreneurial spirit made her the perfect person to lead the project.

The trust-wide service ‘From Darkness to Light’ was held at the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral and hosted over 1500 attendees from across the trust’s primary and secondary schools and the wider community.

Canon Phil Moor from Holy Apostles and Martyrs parish led the festive service. Wirral Schools Concert Band also took part in the event.

The first performance of the evening came from students at St Mary’s Catholic College, who performed ‘When He Comes Home’, before pupils from St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School and Nursery delivered a heart-warming performance of ‘Make Way’ by Matthew West.

Director of music at HFCMAT, Laurie Smith, organised the service. She said: “Music is a huge part of our schools, and the event allowed us to showcase the talents of our young people and their hard work in such an iconic location.”

St John Plessington then sang ‘Hope for Resolution’ and ‘Gloria Festiva’, followed by St Bernard’s RC Primary and Nursery School who sang ‘O Come O Come Emmanuel’ and finally ‘Magnificat’ with the St Mary’s Catholic College Choir.

Miss Katie Bell, head of technology at the Garston-based school, put the school forward to take part in this unique opportunity.

The comprehensive programme, devised by Jamie and his team, is made up of 10 core practical lessons plus supporting materials - such as topics around nutrition and food waste videos and delicious and nutritious Jamie Oliver recipes that will give every child in Year 7 cooking skills that will equip them for life. Lessons can be integrated into the KS3 schemes of work where food technology is already being delivered.

The first wave of the pilot programme launched at the start of the new academic year and qualitative feedback has been overwhelmingly positive with children enjoying and engaging in lessons. The entire programme will be independently evaluated by the University of Leeds.

Miss Bell commented: “The Academy of St Nicholas is thrilled to be one of 44 schools taking part in this pilot programme.

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Ann said: “It has caused a lot of excitement with the pupils, and we are so proud to be the first UK school on Deliveroo.

This venture goes beyond meal service - it’s an example of the Bosco spirit of hospitality, honouring our roots and the Salesian Sisters’ legacy of care and community. We’re not just filling plates; we’re fulfilling our mission.”

Customers can choose from a hearty sausage and bacon sandwich, served on a signature crispy bagel, the full works breakfast, cheese on toast, Belgian waffles and more.

ASN selected for Jamie Oliver’s Ministry of Food school programme The pilot by Jamie Oliver’s Ministry of Food aims to prove that it is as important to teach children how to cook as it is to teach English, maths or PE.

Beloved school cook and supporter of the initiative, Lynn Moyes, shared that the partnership made her reflect on her time in school and feel a sense of nostalgia.

The Bosco Brunch menu features a selection of delicious and nutritionally balanced options, including some breakfast royalty items.

Pupils from Our Lady of Pity Catholic Primary School then sang ‘Like a Candle Flame’ and ‘Breath of Heaven’ with the penultimate performance coming from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School. Pupils delivered a beautiful performance of ‘Share the Light’ and ‘I See the Light’.

The Academy of St Nicholas has been selected for a cooking programme as part of a pilot rolled out by celebrity chef and restaurateur, Jamie Oliver.

The canteen to community initiative honours the school’s commitment to community service, continuing the legacy of the Salesian Sisters of St John Bosco, who have been a cornerstone of the Croxteth community since the 1950s.

Headteacher at St John Bosco Arts College, Darren Gidman, discussed how the initiative has a broader impact in the current climate. He said: “Our collaboration with Deliveroo is about more than just serving meals; it’s a strategic response to the current economic challenges, creating a self-sustaining model where the generated profits will support the expansion of our free school meals and breakfast programmes.”

Already, I can see the positive impact it has had in lessons and our students are really enjoying the practical lessons.”

Headteacher, Mr Gary Lloyd, said: “We are passionate about equipping our students with valuable life skills here at St Nicholas. Cooking is one of those much-needed skills and we are keen to teach our young people all about healthy lifestyles so that they can lead a long and happy life.”

The Academy of St Nicholas is a proud member of All Saints Multi Academy Trust.

St Mary’s College labelled ‘outstanding’ in Catholic Schools Inspectorate St Mary’s College in Crosby has been hailed as an ‘outstanding’ school by the Catholic Schools Inspectorate.

Inspectors gave St Mary’s an ‘outstanding’ rating in all three categories they assess.

According to the report, as well as fostering high levels of academic achievement, the school is committed to the education of the whole person, encouraging the spiritual and moral development of its students and the serving of others.

However, many other features of life at St Mary’s are singled out for praise by the inspectors in the report which has a particular focus on the quality of religious education.

As a result, attainment levels in examinations are ‘consistently strong’ with students making good progress by ‘knowing more, remembering more and doing more’.

Elsewhere in the report, St Mary’s College is praised for its charity, advocacy and outreach work, and for the excellent links it has developed with the local community.

Commenting on the report, St Mary’s principal, Mike Kennedy, said: “Everyone at the school is delighted that we have received this ‘outstanding’ rating from the Archdiocesan inspectors, as our preparatory school also did following an inspection earlier this year.”

They say that the school provides ‘a strong, tangible sense of family and community.

Similarly, the report highlights how ‘students clearly articulate their understanding of how they are valued, and speak confidently about how they feel happy, safe and loved’.

Students also believe they are encouraged to develop their talents and to make the right choices in life by their teachers, who they clearly regard as role models.

Meanwhile, inspectors praise students for their ‘exceptional behaviour’ which they say shows ‘deep respect for their own and others’ personal dignity and beliefs’.

They are also ‘actively engaged in their learning’, and ‘approach their lessons with great interest, passion and enthusiasm’.

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education news “Therefore, if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation: the old has passed away, behold, the new has come.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 During the season of Advent, life, our schools, and colleges are busy with many different types of activities, as well as concentrating on the business of teaching and learning.

Happy New Year to you all. A New Year brings us the possibilities of a new start, an opportunity to begin again and change our ways.

There are constant reminders in the media of the need to change, eat healthily, lose weight etc. It is only natural that after the excesses of the Christmas period we feel obliged to go along with this way of thinking. However, I must confess that by the time I get to the end of the long month of January, many of my resolutions will have faded away.

A few years ago, an article was published highlighting a series of New Year’s resolutions that were based on the teachings of Pope Francis. This went viral and was soon published as the following.

1. Don’t gossip.

2. Finish your meals.

3. Make time for others.

4. Choose the ‘humbler’ purchase.

5. Meet the poor ‘in the flesh’.

6. Stop judging others.

7. Befriend those who disagree.

8. Make commitments, such as marriage.

9. Make it a habit to ‘ask the Lord’.

10. Be happy.

These ‘resolutions’ are offered as something we can do as Christians to live out the Gospel. It calls on us to put others before ourselves, take care of the environment, and learn to listen to others.

There are a few in that list I need to work on and will attempt to do so in 2024. I will leave it to others to guess which ones I need to work on!

The point is that we will fail at some of our resolutions and do well in others in 2024. Thankfully, as Christians, we always have a chance to begin again. Our failures will be forgiven, and we can start again every day, every week, every month of the year. Let us not beat ourselves up this January for our failures and our struggles.

In our schools and colleges, this message will be heard in the assemblies, acts of worship, and class prayers throughout the year.

Our young people will hear that “the old has passed away… the new has come”.

I wish you a Happy and Holy 2024. This prayer is one that I used in schools, and I hope you like it.

Joan McCarthy Director of Education Archdiocese of Liverpool

Wirral school awarded £2,500 from eco-friendly grant

Liverpool students shine on ITV as part of New Year’s Eve celebration The star-studded celebration, hosted by comedian Jason Manford and singer and presenter Alesha Dixon, featured performances from Take That, Busted, Becky Hill and many more.

St John Plessington Catholic College in Bebington has been awarded £2,500 from the Bupa Foundation Green Community Grant.

St John Bosco Arts College students performed as part of the 100 Voices Choir, which featured Ukrainian and Liverpudlian children, brought together earlier this year for the UK’s hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest.

St John Plessington (SJP) facilitates several extracurricular activities, such as its Eco-Club and the SJP Urban Farm Club, giving students the opportunity to learn more about sustainability and horticulture.

#100VoiceUnited is a collaborative youth choir made up of children from 24 schools from across the city region, along with the Ukrainian Children’s Choir led by Resonate Liverpool’s Music Hub.

The £2,500 grant is part of a larger scheme through ecofriendly company Groundworks and charity the Bupa Foundation, who have partnered to award over £500,000 to green projects at over 240 schools, not-for-profits and charities.

The scheme, part of the Bupa Healthy Cities campaign, supports practical projects to help the health of people and the planet through grants of up to £2,500.

The programme was developed to meet Groundwork’s strategic priority of supporting those who need to connect with nature most and to meet Bupa’s global ambition of supporting one million people to improve their health each year by 2025 through restoring and regenerating nature.

As part of the application, St John Plessington outlined its plans to develop the school’s polytunnel and create an onsite forest school area to enhance the curriculum and improve holistic development.

The school is keen to use the funds to expand its current growing area, enabling the newly developed polytunnel to support the growth of more plants and produce.

The school also has ambitions to plant high-yield fruit trees to supply fresh fruit and vegetables to the canteen and to include in food parcels for families.

From St John Bosco Arts College, 20 students featured in the choir with one lucky student, Alissa McCarthy, even getting the opportunity to sing a solo line in the song.

St John Bosco Arts College students got a once-in-alifetime opportunity to perform as part of The National Lottery’s New Year’s Eve Big Bash, which aired on ITV on New Year’s Eve.

St John Bosco Arts College students got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform as part of The National Lottery’s New Year’s Eve Big Bash, which aired on ITV on New Year’s Eve.

The show celebrated the biggest moments of 2023, including the 75th anniversary of Windrush and even included surprise contributions from actor Idris Elba and star of Netflix’s The Crown, Olivia Coleman.

Headteacher at St John Bosco Arts College, Mr Darren Gidman, said: “Our students conducted themselves faultlessly, demonstrating our values and showing professionalism and respect throughout the event.”

Rugby league player celebrates St Cuthbert’s sports achievements

Mr McLoughlin, headteacher at SJP, said: “Outdoor education has several benefits for young people and offers them an opportunity to reconnect with nature and gain new skills. Access to nature is proven to boost mental health and wellbeing – something we take very seriously at St John Plessington.”

uring the event, students were presented with a host of D awards. From those who are committed to giving their very best in every lesson, who dedicate themselves to helping others through leadership and compassion, to up-andcoming sports superstars, there was plenty to celebrate.

Staff and students voted for their ‘St Cuthbert’s Sports Person of the Year’, which recognises not only the award winner’s attitude to PE within school, but also the winner’s exceptional achievements within grassroots, community and national sport.

The school is committed to fostering a greener and healthier environment for students to learn and flourish.

St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School welcomed Rugby League player for England and St Helens, Faye Gaskin, to present its annual sports awards evening.

Although St Cuthbert’s strives for excellence on the playing field, it understands that achievement can be measured in many different ways in physical education (PE). The school’s holistic approach to teaching and learning in PE empowers students to use the subject as a vehicle to develop life skills like confidence, respect, integrity, leadership and good communication.

Other awards presented include: - PE Recognition - PE Achievement - PE Ambassador - KS4 Role Model - Year Group PE Superstar - Special Contribution to PE - Team of the Year

A spokesperson from St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School said: “A very special group of students - courageous athletes and compassionate young people, who are committed to making our school community a better place through sport, activity and physical education.”

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youth ministry

education news

The Academy of St Nicholas to host ‘Giving Back to Garston’ event In February, students from The Academy of St Nicholas alongside five other primary schools will decide which community groups receive a share of £25,000 seized from criminals.

Community groups operating in Garston, or intending to use funding within this area, were able to apply for grants of up to £5,000 to deliver a project focused on youth engagement and intervention.

With the focus on projects which aim to reduce and prevent crime and antisocial behaviour through youth engagement and interventions, bidding groups will have to pitch their ideas to a group of schoolchildren from local schools - The Academy of St Nicholas, St Austin’s, Garston CE, Banks Road, Gilmour Juniors and Holy Trinity.

the young people of our community a voice in shaping the direction of the community projects.

“We are looking forward to hearing the proposals and providing students with an opportunity to exercise their democratic vote in deciding the winners.”

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “The money we seize from those who seek to harm our communities, will instead now be used for good.”

“We are giving young people a voice as to where they want the funding to be spent to directly impact them and the area they live in.”

The £25,000 funding was made available using the Proceeds of Crime Act.

St Matthew’s achieves Outstanding result in Catholic Schools Inspection

One of the key strengths noted in the inspection report is the exemplary pastoral support provided by the school. St Matthew’s has consistently demonstrated a commitment to nurturing the well-being and personal development of each child. The pastoral care at the school ensures that every student feels valued, supported, and understood, contributing to a positive and inclusive learning environment.

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Father Simon Gore from Animate Youth Ministries explains the process of applying for the 2024 Confirmation programme.

New Year – New Me.

I wonder how many people woke up on 1 January and said something similar. There is always something enticing about the start of a new year. A chance to put aside all those things that we want to change and to turn over a new leaf.

For our young people in the diocese, those in Year 8, it is a chance to think about the Sacrament of Confirmation. The start of 2024 is an opportunity for Year 8 pupils to think if they would like to receive the sacrament this year.

Mr Gary Lloyd, headteacher at The Academy of St Nicholas, said: “As an academy, we are delighted to be both hosting and participating in this exciting initiative which brings together many different elements of the Garston community to give

The inspection report highlights St Matthew’s Catholic Primary School’s outstanding and inspirational leadership, led by Mrs Claire Sime, whose visionary guidance has played a pivotal role in creating an environment of excellence. The report commends the leadership team’s dedication to fostering an ethos rooted in Catholic values and mission.

By Father Simon Gore, Animate Youth Ministries

Even in a spiritual sense, it is another chance after Advent and before Lent to try something new.

Maybe the resolution is to get up earlier for those morning prayers we miss in the hectic rush of the school run? Or the decision to take time at night before bed to reflect on where God has been in the day?

Inspector Nicola Hamilton, from the local policing team said: “The Giving Back to Garston event will give the young people living in the area the opportunity to vote for the projects they want to see happen.

St Matthew’s Catholic Primary School was rated “Outstanding” in its most recent Catholic Schools Inspection (CSI). This remarkable achievement reflects the school’s commitment to providing an exceptional Catholic education that goes beyond academics.

Liverpool Called awaits Confirmation candidates

The learning environment at St Matthew’s is described as a “rich tapestry of the children’s interpretation of their Catholic life and mission.” The school encourages creativity, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of Catholic teachings.

A notable strength highlighted in the inspection report is the strong sense of community and belonging that permeates St Matthew’s Catholic Primary School. Relationships are identified as a cornerstone of the school’s success, enriching a warm and welcoming Catholic environment at all levels.

Deacon R Burke, chair of governors, expressed gratitude for the hard work and dedication of the entire school community, saying: “This Outstanding rating is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our staff, students, and parents.

“It reflects our commitment to providing a nurturing and academically rigorous Catholic education. We are incredibly proud of our school family and the positive impact we are making in the lives of our students.”

Anyone of that age wishing to register for the Confirmation programme should go to www. liverpoolcalled.co.uk and fill in the simple form there. If they have trouble with this, their school will be able to help. The online form will be open from 15 January until 15 March.

As Animate, we will tour our diocesan schools to try to explain why the sacrament is important at this stage in the life and development of a young person.

School staff will follow this up with classes on the subject developed by the diocesan education department.

On 15 March the names that have been registered with the website will be sent to the deaneries, who will then contact young people for local preparation meetings.

As we will be near Easter by that time, it might be that parishes contact young people after Easter, so do not worry if you do not get an email immediately on 15 March.

Each parish/deanery will start and end their preparation at different times, so if you are unsure, ask your own parish priest what the plans might be. It may be that a classmate from a different parish is starting their preparation sooner as not all young people in each school will necessarily be on the same timeline.

If you are reading this and you/your child does not attend a Catholic school, or the school is outside the diocese, then we have a livestreamed session that we offer that tries to cover some of the essential points that would be covered in the school-based sessions. When anyone registers, this will be flagged up on the confirmation screen and the date for the livestream is 25 March from 4pm - 5.30pm.

Although never as good as an in-person gathering, the livestreams have proven quite popular as they mean parents can join children for the session and they also do not need to worry about travel or childcare. We try to make the session as interactive as we can and when we ask questions of the group, the comments can be entertaining.

Also, to help any parish or deanery that might struggle with putting on a series of meetings for preparation, or might want extra input for their young people, we will offer two additional livestreams.

These will be on 22 and 29 April from 4pm – 5.30pm. These are not specifically for those in a non-Catholic school or in a school outside the diocese, but are just put on for anyone wanting a little extra input. It could end up with us speaking to no one (!), but that would be fine as it would mean there was more contact time in the local areas and this type of remote preparation was not needed.

Please do put those dates in your diary now – especially the dates when the website is open for registration. And for those young people who do go on to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation this year, brace yourselves: it really could be a case of New Year – New Me!

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Pic extras Mums the Word Happy New Year everyone.

As 2023 came to an end, it gave cause to reflect on a very busy year for Liverpool UCM. Our members organised a range of activities and events over the year, including:

A century of service News from the Liverpool Province of the Knights of St Columba

Knights welcome five new members

• Bring and buys • Macmillan coffee mornings • Raffles • Days out In the case of the UCM at Saint Margaret Mary’s Church in Knotty Ash, they recently held a cake sale for the music group and raised £250.

Members from St George’s Church in Maghull, meanwhile, provided the refreshments after Father Hugh Donleavy had said his first Mass there as a priest on Friday 8 December.

They also treated themselves and some of the attendees to a fish-andchip lunch.

In addition, I would like to remind everyone that we are holding our next bi-monthly Mass on Wednesday 17 January at St Margaret Mary’s Church (Pilch Lane, L14 0JG), starting at 7.30pm. At this Mass, we will be presenting cheques to our three nominated charities: the Priests’ Training Fund, Claire House, and Creating Adventures.

I hope to see you all then.

Wishing you all good health for the year ahead, Maria Pimblett, media officer

Catholic Pictorial

As we face another challenging year of escalating living costs, Nugent’s services within our local communities have never been more important. Our commitment to leaving no one behind drives us to stand alongside families and individuals facing hardships, ensuring they receive the support they deserve.

As we continue our work to tackle all forms of poverty and strengthen our communities, we are asking for our supporters who are part of a parish, school, business or community group, to help by becoming a donation drop point and collecting donations on behalf of Nugent for our three key areas:

isolation, shame, and anxiety for many.

A startling statistic from ActionAid revealed that the number of UK women and people who menstruate struggling to afford period products rose from 12% to 21% in just one year, with 13% of them missing school, university, or college. Our Hygiene Hub aims to combat this issue by providing a central location in the community where individuals can easily access hygiene products.

Food Pantry

Charity Shop Saint Mary’s, Little Crosby, was the venue for a joyful celebration when five new members were installed during the 11.15am Mass at this beautiful and historic church on Sunday 3 December.

The Mass was arranged and celebrated by Father Dunstan Harrington, parish priest and chaplain to Liverpool province, and the installation coincided with our quarterly meeting in the parish hall.

We thank Fr Dunstan for his support and his participation in the installation of the five new brothers, whom we warmly welcome to the Order.

They are seen here on the front row of a group photo from the Mass, along with Fr Dunstan: (from left to right) Paul Duff (council 146) Anthony Bux (C493) Christopher Condliff (C584) David Brockway (C493) and David Evans (C146). We trust that they will find both spiritual and social fulfilment by participating actively in the work of the Order in their local communities. They were presented with their purple collarettes by Bro Harry Welsh, the KSC’s supreme knight, who appears behind Fr Dunstan in the photo.

Fr Dunstan also kindly celebrated our annual memorial Mass for deceased members at his other church in the area – St William of York – on Wednesday 29 November at 7.30pm. This was preceded by a Rosary, with refreshments provided afterwards – and for those we thank Fr Dunstan too.

We also thank Deacon Paul Whitehead, chaplain to council 9, who was in Lourdes from 4 - 9 December and promised to remember all brothers, their families, and all associated with the Order, and also took with him our intentions – both written and in spirit – to the Grotto.

It is with great sadness that we record the loss of another longstanding and devoted member of the Order, Brian Mangan, who passed to his eternal reward on 2 December after 42 years of loving and loyal service. We extend our deepest sympathy to Brian’s family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Websites: www.ksc.org.uk www.kscprov02.weebly.com Email: dpokeane@aol.com 28

Become a Donation Drop Point for Nugent and Tackle Poverty in Your Community

Our Nugent Allerton Road Charity Shop is open Monday to Saturday and serves as a platform for giving back to the community.

Why set up a Donation Drop Point for our charity shop?

Many individuals and families have faced hardship due to the cost-of-living crisis.

As a result, the demand for assistance from charitable organisations has significantly increased. By establishing a donation drop point, you can be an active part of the solution and make a positive impact on your community.

Hygiene Hub

Our Hygiene Hub is located within our weekly Pantry, which is open every Tuesday in St Anne’s Church on Overbury Street, Liverpool. It’s a place where individuals can receive the support they need and pick up items to help them when they are struggling.

Why set up a donation point for the Hygiene Hub?

In 2022, an estimated 3,150,000 adults (6% of the population) were affected by hygiene poverty, leading to social

The Pantry is open every Tuesday, 1pm to 3pm, at St Anne’s Church for a weekly shop to support those who may need a helping hand. The shoppers have access to a full shop, including fresh fruit, vegetables, and cupboard favourites, with a weekly cost of £3.50.

The value of the shop often totals £1520 or more, making it a cost-effective way to meet grocery needs.

Why set up a donation point for the Pantry?

Food prices in the UK have soared by a staggering 15.7% in April, putting immense strain on families and individuals struggling to afford basic groceries. Food insecurity leaves many people reliant on food banks and pantries just to make ends meet. For some children living in food poverty, a free school meal could be the only guaranteed hot meal they eat in a day.

By setting up a drop point, you directly contribute to the fight against food poverty in your community.

Help Nugent to alleviate poverty and make a difference today

Your contribution matters, and setting up a donation drop point is an impactful way to create change. Our dedicated volunteers will arrange collections so they are convenient and enable everyone to feel like they are making a difference.

For more information or to set up a donation drop point, please contact us at fundraising@wearenugent.org or call 0151 261 2000.

You can also find out more by visiting our website: www.wearenugent.org/ fundraising/donation-drop-points

Jo HenneyWragg Normandie ChiefExecutive Executive Officer Chief Nugent Nugent Happy New Year to all of our friends and supporters.

At the start of 2024, we look back at a year of great challenges caused by rising energy costs, the costs of inflation and the economic worry that comes with this. As we move into the new year, we anticipate that these challenges will persist, and the repercussions of the cost of living crisis will likely echo for a long time to come.

Despite the daunting circumstances, Nugent stands resilient and committed to our community initiatives that are more critical now than ever. Our initiatives include the Nugent Pantry, Hygiene Hub, and Our Future Now; Nugent’s latest project helping those from disadvantaged backgrounds, based on improving and providing employability, memorable experiences, accommodation, and poverty alleviation. With many people struggling to afford the basics to live and relying on charities and food banks to survive, the work we carry out at Nugent could not be more important to those who need our help across the archdiocese.

In this period of great apprehension, Nugent’s colleagues and volunteers have continued to deliver indispensable support to those most in need of our help. The support and dedication of each member of the Nugent family have been a testament to our collective strength.

At Nugent, we strive to love one another as God has taught us to and show care and compassion for others. This is a quality that we are proud to uphold, and at a time of hardship, showing compassion and acts of kindness are crucial to help families in crisis survive another difficult year ahead.

The Good Shepherd Appeal, one of our oldest appeals, has been running for over 121 years and helps to provide these vital acts of kindness.

This year’s Good Shepherd Appeal begins on Ash Wednesday, 14th February, and runs to Thursday 28th March 2024.

We collaborate with schools and parishes and actively engage young people to work together to help us continue the essential work started in our archdiocese by Father Nugent.

As we navigate the uncertainty that lies ahead, Nugent will continue to care for, educate, protect, and inspire those in need.

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Dialogue and Unity

Walking the journey

By Sr Moira Meeghan SSMN and who would like to develop their ability and mature in their understanding of this ministry.

The intention is to enable participants to grow in inner awareness and insight and to develop their other gifts and strengths appropriate to the ministry of listening to others, both in the broad sense and more specifically in the context of spiritual accompaniment.

I followed this training course in 2016. It enabled me to practise using my skills of listening and reflecting. We also explored the many different ways of praying, such as Lectio Divina from the Benedictine tradition, imaginative contemplation from the Ignatian tradition, and creative ways of praying through art (even ‘doodling’ as prayer).

The leaders of the course offered by the Anglican Diocese are from a variety of Christian traditions. They welcome people of many different backgrounds who want to develop their accompaniment skills. As a team, we are striving to work ever closer with Christians of all denominations, and indeed different faith backgrounds, recognising God working through all of us.

Walking the journey of life with people is the privilege of those whose ministry is spiritual direction, more often referred to these days as spiritual accompaniment.

Accompaniment in its many forms is a familiar term that was highlighted during our diocesan Synod, though the role of the spiritual director or accompanier is not new. We read in scripture of Moses giving guidance to the Israelites, Eli helping Samuel, and Paul acting as spiritual guide to the first Christian communities.

The early Christian ascetics, known as the Desert Mothers and Fathers, offered guidance to those who sought it. Over time, as the first monastic communities emerged, people would approach the monks and nuns for help in seeking God in their lives. We also hear of saints down the ages having spiritual guides. In the early Celtic tradition, Brigid of Ireland, Patrick and other Irish saints stressed the need for an ‘Anam Cara’, a soul friend.

In an article on her spirituality website, Anne Solomon writes: “Your Anam Cara was the truest mirror to reflect the contours of your soul to you, a creative and critical friendship rooted in love that was prepared to negotiate the world of your inner contradictions and woundedness to bring you closer to God.” For me, this is a great way to explain the role of spiritual companion.

I have been privileged over the past few years to work with the Anglican Diocese of Liverpool in offering spiritual accompaniment to those who request it. At present, they have 74 directors on their list. The diocese offers a course based on the Sheffield Spiritual Direction Programme. This course is open to anyone (lay or ordained) who finds that God is leading them to walk alongside others on the spiritual journey 30

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Over the years, I have realised how important it is for me to be able to share my own journey of faith and life, to have someone who will listen to the questions arising within me and enable me either to find answers or to live through the questions.

As the poet Rainer Maria Rilke put it so well: “Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books that are now written in a very foreign tongue. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live along some distant day into the answer.”

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