Catholic Pic March 2023

Father Denis honoured by Liverpool Hope

- Pope Francis

Welcome

Today is the Second Sunday of Lent and the Gospel reading is the account of the Transfiguration of Jesus. In his message for Lent this year Pope Francis says that as with the chosen disciples, Peter, James and John, during the season of Lent Jesus ‘takes us with him to a place apart’. He goes on to say, ‘Lenten penance is a commitment, sustained by grace, to overcoming our lack of faith and our resistance to following Jesus on the way of the cross’. So now we have begun our Lenten pilgrimage let us pray that the Lord will be with us on our journey that we may prepare well for the commemoration of his passion and death in Holy Week and for the celebration of his glorious resurrection on Easter morning. This month we look at the place where Jesus lived and walked and where he was baptised – Jordan – as Canon Mark Madden describes this year’s Holy Land co-ordination meeting.

Just over a week ago it was the first anniversary of the beginning of the war in Ukraine, we look back on a tragic year for that country and its people and at ways in which we have been able to provide aid for them.

Let us pray for peace during Lent.

From the Bishop’s Desk

Ash Wednesday is the day when we receive the ashes which are a sign that we want to repent of our sins. We hear the call of Jesus in the gospel to prayer, fasting and almsgiving. These three things are the medicine we need to rid ourselves of the tendency to put ourselves first at the expense of others, especially the poor and the needy.

Prayer creates space for God.

Fasting creates space for someone else to have more.

Almsgiving creates space for us to share what we have been given with those who have much less.

The ashes we receive are a reminder of our mortality and that life is a God given gift. They are also a sign of the new life that we are promised because of the sacrifice that Jesus made of his life to his Father on the Cross.

A few weeks ago, I celebrated Mass in one of the churches where I had been parish priest. One of the parishioners said to me, ‘It has been a hard winter.’ He spoke of the challenges that ageing brings. We are also aware of many challenges that we and others face because of rising prices, the suffering caused by war and the recent earthquake that straddles the border between Syria and Turkey.

As I write these words, I am looking out of the office window into the garden at the many signs of new life around me. The daylight hours are increasing. The sun is shining across a dew-covered lawn. Early spring flowers are beginning to appear. Birds are foraging in the grass and there is the sound of their cheerful chirping.

May our Lenten journey prepare us to receive the joy of the Risen Lord, on Easter Sunday.

Right Reverend Thomas Neylon Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool

Editor Peter Heneghan

Editorial

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Contents

4 Main Feature Jordan – a land of welcome

7 Sunday Reflections Liturgy and Life

8 From the archives

The Privilege of Priesthood

10 News News from around the Archdiocese

15 Cathedral Record

Lent at the Cathedral

16 What’s On Whats happening in the Archdiocese

27 Animate Youth Ministry

Why Confirmation matters

28 Pic Extras Mums the word News from the KSC

29 Nugent News

Good Shepherd Appeal

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30 Dialogue and Unity Street Pastors responding ecumenically to pastoral needs

31 Profile

Michael Smith

PDC World Darts Champion

Jordan –a land of welcome

by Canon Mark Madden KCHS

Secretary of the Holy Land Coordination and Parish Priest of Our Lady and the English Martyrs, Litherland

Bishops from across Europe and North America met in Jordan in January for the annual meeting of the Coordination of Episcopal Conferences in Support of the Church of the Holy Land. Canon Mark Madden reflects on the pilgrimage.

Jordan is a unique land chosen by God to speak to his people, a land blessed because it carries a spiritual legacy in the history of salvation. It is the land of Old Testament figures, John the Baptist and St Paul. It is the place of conflict between Jacob and the angel, it’s where the prophet Job suffered and the prophet Elijah was born and ascended to heaven in a chariot of fire. In this land, Moses carried the Tablets of God’s Commandments and looked at the Promised Land on Mount Nebo. It’s the place where Jesus preached and walked. He was baptised in the River Jordan and the Holy Spirit descended on Him. He performed many miracles, called his first disciples and sent them to spread the good news of the Kingdom. Jordan is indeed the Holy Land.

One of the holiest places in Jordan is the Baptism site of Jesus it is the third holiest pilgrimage site in

Christendom. At this place God the Father announced Jesus to be his beloved Son and John pointed to Jesus, saying: ‘Behold, the Lamb of God’. From the early Christian Church, countless numbers of pilgrims identified the site, were baptised and built churches to preserve this sacred spot. The Jordanian Government donated different pieces of land to the various Christian communities to build churches to commemorate the baptism of Jesus. This place was visited by Pope St John Paul II in 2000, Pope Benedict XVI in 2009 and Pope Francis in 2014. In 2015 the place was designated a World Heritage Site.

Each year the local Catholic Church arranges an annual pilgrimage to the Baptism site to take place near the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus every January with just over 8,000 pilgrims taking part. It was impressive to see their strong and active faith.

The country contains one of the oldest Christian communities in the world with their presence dating back as early as the 1st century. In a homily given by Bishop Jamal Daibes, the Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan, he made it clear that the Christian community ‘belongs to this land, the land of

‘I saw the tireless and vital efforts of people inspired by the Gospel to uphold human dignity and defend human rights’

Mass at the Church of the Baptism of the Lord

Jesus, the land of our Fathers in faith. Rooted in this land that witnessed the first Christian community. Christians who fled from Jerusalem after the 1st century persecution formed a community in Jordan before departing for Antioch. Our Church has always been present in this land for the last 2000 years’. This is a small but very resilient community, just 1.5% of Jordan’s population. Compared to Christians living in other Middle Eastern countries, Jordanian Christians live a safe and stable life but still with some issues.

I had the privilege of celebrating Sunday Mass in the small parish of St Paul the Apostle in the northern town of Ajloun. Located about 50 miles north of Amman the parish is small, just 180 families, with an ageing congregation and a few active young people. The parish priest and young people shared their challenges

and difficulties that they face and how they see the future for themselves and their community. Young people are leaving the town because there are few job opportunities and are either moving to Amman or abroad. They very much see themselves as a minority within the town as they experience difficulties with unemployment, emigration, abuse and isolation, all challenges for this little parish but I saw amazing strength, resilience and a deep committed faith.

The Catholic Church in Jordan is at the forefront in providing care to the millions of refugees from Iraq and Syria. It was very clear that those who have arrived in Jordan are treated as ‘guests’ and not as refugees. The Jordanian concept of ‘guest’ is crucial because guests are treated as VIPs in Jordanian culture where the host wants only the best for their

‘Jordanians have a real gift to welcome everyone, a welcome not to strangers but always to guests; it is indeed a land of welcome’

guest and will do everything they can to ensure that their guest is treated in the best possible way. Iraqi refugees are not officially recognised by the Jordanian Government and as a result most live in the country illegally and can theoretically be deported at any time. They cannot lawfully work, access education and have little or no source of sustainable income and struggle to support themselves and their families. It’s the concept of ‘guest’ which the Church is using to ensure that those from Iraq are treated fairly and treated with dignity.

An example of this is Rafedin which aims to help Christian Iraqi women and

their families who have fled ISIS and who have sought refuge in Jordan. This Church project provides professional training thanks to some fashion designers from Italy who taught the girls how to design clothing and the project is giving the opportunity to many girls to acquire excellent skills that will be necessary for their future to improve their quality of life. A similar project with Iraqi men was formed in 2017 when a group went to Italy to acquire skills in Italian cooking. They returned to Jordan and with church premises have opened an Italian pizzeria. All food is fresh and they are now making their own cheeses, wine and ice cream. Two ways in which the Church is providing

people with skills that can be useful for their future and to give back to them human dignity and pride.

I saw the tireless and vital efforts of people inspired by the Gospel to uphold human dignity and defend human rights. Jordan hosts more displaced people than almost any other country. Those we met from Iraq have little desire to return home, due to continued insecurity and lack of opportunity and the Church encourages the dignified treatment of all those seeking a home in Jordan. The bishops in their final statement urged countries around the world to ‘play their part in relieving the pressure on the people of Jordan, both by increasing humanitarian assistance on the ground and extending a wider welcome to refugees themselves’.

Across the Latin Patriarchate youth ministry is very important and JEC is the body responsible for coordinating all youth activities and events in Jordan. Through its mission, its core values and all activities, JEC Jordan aims to spiritually and culturally guide the Christian young people in their faith to become good members of Jordanian Society. JEC Jordan warmly welcomed us with song, food, conversation, games, dance and prayer. It was very clear in talking to the young people that, despite facing significant social and economic challenges they remain resolutely committed to enriching both Church and society. The Jordanian young people are certainly a gift to the local Church as they are determined to do all they can to keep their faith and to make their country a better place.

I love Jordan. I love its land, its history, its culture and its people. Every time I return home I am deeply impressed by the quality of the people and the welcome they show because Jordanians have a real gift to welcome everyone, a welcome not to strangers but always to guests; it is indeed a land of welcome. This is sadly in contrast with the lack of dignity that we’ve seen with the upsurge of violence in Palestine in recent months with the growth of illegal settlements.

We must commit ourselves to continued prayer and advocacy for our sisters and brothers across Jordan, Palestine, Israel, and the wider region, trusting in God’s promise for all who dwell in this Holy Land.

Mount Nebo

HE Michael Byrne KC*HS, Lieutenant of England and Wales of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and a parishioner of St Bartholomew’s, Rainhill

On a liturgical note

On the first and second Sundays of Lent, we have had the two gospels taken from Matthew’s account of the Temptation of Jesus and the Transfiguration of Jesus.

These are the themes of Lent’s first two Sundays every year of the three-year cycle: Jesus is tempted to make his ministry serve Him for his own comfort (‘Tell the stones to turn into loaves of bread’) on the first Sunday, and then is glimpsed by the Apostles Peter, James and John as the fulfillment and perfection of the Law and Prophets of the old covenant – as represented by Moses and Elijah talking to him on the mountain about His ‘passing’, His death and resurrection which was to take place at Jerusalem. Sacramentally and ritually, we commemorate and celebrate this ‘passing’ in the annual Triduum of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the great Vigil and First Mass of Easter on Holy Saturday.

This year we have the Gospel of Saint John to accompany us through the latter Sundays of Lent. They will speak to us of living water (third Sunday); restoration of true sight (fourth); and then the restoration of life for Lazarus (fifth). These are beautiful texts which accompany those who are preparing for Baptism

Sunday thoughts

Last week I had to have my dog Lottie put to sleep. She was 14, an old lady in dog years. She was a rescue dog, a Staffie cross. Lottie had a great temperament. She never barked. She was placid around strangers – both strange people and strange dogs. And she never pulled on her lead. She was my personal trainer, getting me up early each morning to take her for a walk. Lottie had aged. She was deaf, diagnosed with pancreatitis and dementia, and she didn’t want to walk anymore. Over Christmas and the New Year she deteriorated rapidly. It was time for her to go.

I got a dog as soon as I could when I was ordained. My first was Bran, a rescue terrier cross. I shared him with Father Paddy O’Sullivan, my parish priest at St Richard’s, Skelmersdale. I returned from Mass in a neighbouring church one Sunday morning to find Mary Dagnall, the housekeeper, in tears. Bran had got out on the road chasing another dog. He was killed. Paddy had buried him in the garden before I arrived home.

I had a number of dogs in South America. I inherited Chico, a beautiful German Shepherd from Fr Charlie Stanley when he returned to his home diocese of Boston. When visiting our many mountain churches on horseback, Chico would

Canon Philip Gillespie

at Easter – they speak of Jesus who relieves and fulfills our deepest yearnings, who enables us to see and recognise the actions of God in His world each and every day, and who gives us the renewal and perfection of life. For those of us already baptised – be it recently or some years ago – we are invited to walk alongside those preparing for their Baptism. We all need to be constantly renewed in the areas of our life highlighted in these Gospel passages, coming to Jesus who will quench our thirst and our longing for those things which are true and eternal, being able to perceive and gain insight into the actions of God in our daily living, and cherishing a life which is not mere existence but a full and loving response to the gifts we have received from God’s loving providence.

Therefore, these Sunday Gospels are shared with us as we gather for Mass so that we can reflect on them and then put them into practice, nourished by the ‘food for the journey’ which is Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. What is it to keep a good and true Lent? To grow and deepen in our knowledge, love and service.

Mgr John Devine OBE

follow me as far as the first river and then stand on the bank and howl as I splashed my way across. (My horse was called Volvo – but that’s another story.)

One year I returned from a break in England to hear that someone had poisoned Chico. He had been harassing their pigs. Chico was followed by a puppy, also called Chico. On leaving the mountains of Peru I passed him on to Fr Ed Gornall from Lancaster Diocese. On my arrival in Lima, another German Shepherd came with the job. By pure coincidence, his name was Bran. He had also a lovely temperament. Unfortunately, he got on to the road one night and was killed.

Returning from South America I was assigned to St Joseph’s, Upholland. The college was set in acres of grounds –perfect for my two German Shepherds, Bessie and Chico. Bessie was a one-man dog. She never let me out of her sight. She eventually became ill and had to be put to sleep. When the college closed one of the staff asked if they could take Chico home with them. I let him go.

People ask if dogs go to heaven. Saint Francis of Assisi would agree. He saw all animals as God’s creatures. I’d like to think all my dogs are in a happy place.

Open your eyes to see

I have been very blessed to meet Jimmy McGovern, the playwright, on several occasions.

He is a very humble, self-effacing man who sees that he is called to highlight very difficult situations. It was my encounter with him that led me to help write a Lenten series around his TV drama ‘Broken’.

In Lent 2019 we ran this series in a middleclass area. There were some people who got it immediately but there were others who felt that the scenes that Jimmy and his scriptwriters had written did not really show modern Britain. They were shocked when I told them that the stories were all based on factual incidents. They could not believe that in Britain today, those scenarios were a reality.

The whole series was a real challenge to open our eyes and see and, in many senses, this captures what Lent is all about. We are invited to open our half-shut eyes and see the presence of the risen Lord everywhere, even in difficult places and messy situations. That has to mean that we work on ourselves, taking times of silence where we face the attitudes within that stop us from seeing.

These periods of silence are an invitation to the spirit of God to transform us. Our times of fasting and abstinence are not just times when we observe our Lenten duty. They are experiences where we heighten our awareness of ourselves and the things within that we need to let go.

One of the main calls of the GospeI is to serve and I guess that, in order to serve, we have to open our eyes and really see. Two things have to happen. First, we have to face ourselves and let go of all that we hide behind that stops us seeing. Second, we have to put down our rose-tinted spectacles and see the world and its people as it is, and not as we want it to be. Anything else is a betrayal of the calling we are given – to live in our glorious, messy world as servants of the Good News.

Lent is a time the Church gives us each year to face ourselves, to journey, to deny, in order to see. Let’s pray for the courage this Lent to do what we have to do in order to open our eyes and see the presence of Christ everywhere and to serve Him, maybe even in the poorest of the poor.

Father Chris Thomas

from the archives

The Privilege of Priesthood

by Neil Sayer, Archdiocesan Archivist

Father James Hopkins hurried to make an addition to the baptism register. As Parish Priest of St John’s, Kirkdale, in 1953, he was aware of the local pride in having produced more priests than any other parish in the country.

At this time there were 28 living priests from the parish, including a bishop. Now, under the entry ‘William Godfrey, baptised 6th October 1889’, he added the note ‘Archbishop of Liverpool’. Archbishop William Godfrey was the first Liverpool-born Archbishop of his own city. This year marks 70 years since his appointment, and 60 years since his death.

Archbishop Godfrey’s father George, a haulage contractor, died shortly before his son’s birth. William Godfrey was born, baptised and confirmed in St John’s parish, served there as an altar boy and went to the parish school. He was educated for the priesthood at Ushaw College, Durham, and the Venerable English College, Rome, and was ordained in Rome in 1916. He spent two years as a curate at St Michael’s in Liverpool before returning to Ushaw to teach in 1919. As a young professor he wrote a handbook for the guidance of new priests called ‘The Young Apostle’. In 1930 his scholarly abilities were recognised when he was called to Rome to become Rector of the English College and Domestic Chaplain to Pope Pius XI. He was appointed Apostolic Delegate to Great Britain, Malta and Gibraltar in 1938, becoming the first Papal Delegate to live in this country since the sixteenth century. This post meant he was the spiritual liaison officer between our bishops and the Pope. Then, at the age of 64, he was surprised to learn that Pope Pius XII had appointed him as Archbishop of Liverpool, following the death of Archbishop Downey. The late Archbishop’s

Secretary, Monsignor Cyril Taylor, welcomed his appointment, noting that he was ‘well known both to the priests and the people in Liverpool and throughout the Archdiocese.’ A proud Lancastrian, with a red rose forming part of his episcopal coat of arms, he had attended three Preston Guilds, and was an official representative at the ceremony of the laying of the foundation stone for the Lutyens Cathedral in 1933 and for Archbishop Downey’s funeral. He frequently visited his mother after she moved to Great Crosby, celebrating the silver jubilee of his priesthood at St Peter and St Paul’s church there. His brother still lived in the family home and was on hand to greet the new Archbishop when he arrived at Lime Street station to take over his new role. The Archbishop’s niece went on to teach at Bellerive Convent School in Princes Park, Liverpool.

In some ways he seemed an odd choice as Archbishop, though that might only be in contrast to his forceful, media-savvy predecessor. Parishioners of St Michael’s, the only parish where he served as priest, remembered him as a ‘quiet, retiring curate’. ‘Saintly’ was one description of him, and ‘gentle and kind to all’ was another’s recollection. One newspaper profile of him noted his ‘homely and benign Lancashire air’. A former student at Rome, Monsignor Thomas McKenna, later became the new Archbishop’s Secretary. He remembered him as Rector at the English College, ‘A certain shyness and reserve hid from us as students a wit and lightness of spirit which was an essential part of his character.’ Perhaps it was that wit, deployed in amusing anecdotes displaying a talent for mimicry, combined with a paternal concern for people and an extraordinary memory for names and faces, that enabled him to be so successful in his various roles.

‘My life has come full circle’, he said at his enthronement as Archbishop. Yet he had still further to go. He administered England’s biggest diocese – more than 660 priests, 263 churches and 430,000 laity – for only 3 years. During that time he decided to abandon the original plan for the Cathedral, and asked Adrian Gilbert Scott to prepare a ‘reduced version’ of the Lutyens design, which was intended to be cheaper and quicker to build. In 1956 he was translated upwards (some would say) to Westminster. Around 25,000 people lined the streets of Liverpool to say farewell as he was driven to Lime Street station. As head of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, he was made a Cardinal in 1958, thus becoming the first (but certainly not the last) Liverpool-born Cardinal. Father Edward Neary, another of his students in Rome, thought that ‘One could never imagine him in any other walk of life but the priesthood. For some it may seem to be a sacrifice – for the Cardinal it was always evidently a privilege.’ He died on 22 January 1963 and is buried in Westminster Cathedral.

Archbishop Godfrey lays a brick to mark the resumption of building work on the Metropolitan Cathedral, May 1956

News diary

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Father Denis receives an Honorary Senior Fellowship at Hope

Father Denis Blackledge SJ, Parish Priest of St Francis Xavier church in Everton, received an Honorary Senior Fellowship of Liverpool Hope University at the University’s Foundation Day Service on Wednesday 25 January.

Liverpool Hope University’s Creative Campus adjoins SFX church and during his seven years as Parish Priest Father Denis has worked closely with staff and students. He has also supported the Whitechapel homeless charity and Faith Church of England and Catholic Primary School in the parish.

The 79 year old, who also works closely with the University’s chaplains, has been a valued friend, neighbour and supporter of Hope, whilst also establishing himself as a key pillar in the Everton community with his commitment to ecumenism, working closely with Rev Henry Corbett who until his recent retirement served as Vicar of St Peter’s, Everton.

Father Denis said, ‘I was flabbergasted because I never expected to have a Senior Fellowship from Hope. I have been at SFX for seven years and I have been thrilled to be parish priest there. It has been absolutely wonderful because of all the ecumenical work. These last seven years have been perfect because they have been some of the best years of my pastoral life and some of the best years of my ecumenical life.’

Father Denis is pictured receiving his Senior Fellowship from interim Vice Chancellor of Hope, Dr Penny Haughan and

Chancellor Professor Monica Grady. He was well supported at the ceremony and is pictured with (l-r) Andrew Thompson (school friend), Father Peter McGrail (Professor Liverpool Hope), Julia Coulston (SFX), Father Denis, Debbie Reynolds (Pastoral Assistant SFX), Sarah Williams (Headteacher Faith Primary School) and his brother, Bill Blackledge.

Ian honoured with the Bene Merenti

Congratulations to Ian Robinson on receiving the papal honour ‘Bene Merenti’ for his long and exceptional service to the Catholic Church.

For many years, Ian has been the honorary Grounds Maintenance Manager at Our Lady and All Saints Church in Parbold, West Lancashire and would be the first to say that the honour should be shared with his team of nine volunteers, but for many years, Ian has been the guide, leader and inspiration for all the extensive and varied work that needs to be carried out.

He has organised tree maintenance and felling, civil engineering work to repair and rebuild the flood damaged river retaining walls, Japanese Knotweed eradication, as well as the day to day upkeep of the church grounds and cemetery.

The grounds provide a wonderful and peaceful place for quiet prayer and reflection and are highly valued not only by the parishioners of Our Lady and All saints, but also by the wider community of Parbold and beyond.

Ian’s devoted and diligent work over twenty years has been outstanding, and his Papal Award from Pope Francis is richly deserved.

The medal was awarded to Ian during Sunday Mass on 22 January, by Bishop Tom Neylon, who was conducting his visitation to the parish, and was joined by parish priest, Father Leo Daley, and Ian’s family and close friends who were in the congregation for Mass.

Bishop Tom Neylon presents Ian with the Bene Merenti award

Woodland retreat revives Father Tom’s mission

by Simon Hart

Father Tom Cullinan was a singular figure. A Benedictine from Ampleforth Abbey, he built by hand his own mini-monastery in woodland at Ince Benet, north of Liverpool. With the support of the Augustinian Sisters at nearby Ince Blundell Hall he created a place at the service of the community, growing food, welcoming guests and maintaining the monastic rhythms of prayer, work and study.

Fr Tom, who celebrated Mass every Sunday evening for 40 years at St Helen’s, Crosby, died in 2019 but his legacy is strong. The redevelopment of Ince Benet as a centre for retreat and reflection is a fitting tribute to the place he once built out of reclaimed material in the quest for a simple, sustainable life.

Martin Bennett, an old friend of Fr Tom’s, remembered Ince Benet as it was when he told the Pic: ‘It was work, prayer, study and hospitality and it was always open to people of all faiths and none.

‘We are hoping this will be an evolution of his life and his ministry, that it is hospitable and it becomes a place of prayer and a place of welcome to people who are of various different faiths.

‘The fact it’s in the woods means that while it is so accessible, you feel like you’re in such a different place.’

Faithful renovation

The renovation of Ince Benet has been overseen by the Augustinian Sisters, with the redesign of the main building carried out by Harrison Architects Studio. There is a chapel, a dining area and eleven bedrooms – nine of them double rooms, the other two single rooms. Crucially, it remains faithful to Fr Tom’s principles: inside, it features the original wooden beams while the outside wood is responsibly sourced and ground source heating is used.

‘We’ve had groups of priests who thought this is such a great resource for the diocese,’ added Martin, citing the use of the centre by clergy for prayer and reflection and by other groups, such as local teachers, for planning days. ‘We have been pleased to welcome a number of Anglican visitors too as we hope there will be a strong ecumenical dimension to the centre.’

This month brings a Lenten programme at Ince Benet which is being run by Martin with the help of his wife Maria and Canon Rod Gardner. It features a combination of ‘quiet days’ and guided days of reflection, with a day visit costing £10 and an overnight stay £60. Those unable to visit in Lent could take advantage of an open day on Saturday 27 May (11am-4pm).

Fr Tom’s mission

The repurposing of Ince Benet will ensure that the mission of Fr Tom lives on. Ordained a priest at Ampleforth Abbey, he was a teacher at Ampleforth College for many years and became a prolific writer and speaker on theological and social justice issues. He arrived in north Liverpool in 1977 when he and two other monks were offered the use of a converted coach house by the WhitlockBlundells at Little Crosby. In 1980 he received permission from his superiors to begin work on his mini-monastery in the woods at Ince Blundell. A quarter of a century later, he was incardinated into the presbyterate of the Archdiocese of Liverpool on 9 December 2005. Martin Bennett added of Fr Tom: ‘Even in conversations with people who may not have had any identifiable faith, they always felt something was going on there and that was down to Tom’s personality.

‘He would challenge you. He would always listen and he had a wonderful way of getting to the heart of what you were talking about. He would take you deeper into what you were looking for. Hopefully, we can take that into the evolution of Ince Benet – if people come searching for something, they will have the space and the time to follow that.’

Lenten programme for March

• Quiet days: Wednesday 1, Monday 6, Friday 24, Monday 27 Individuals or small groups can spend a day or half a day organising their own prayer/reading or make use of suggested scripture passages suitable for Lent/Holy Week, and walk in the woods.

• Lent as a season of growth: Monday 13, Wednesday 22

Guided day of reflection and sharing on how the disciplines of prayer and fasting were an integral part of Jesus’ life, helping us to see Lent as a period of growth.

• Eden to Gethsemane via the desert: Wednesday 15, Thursday 23

Guided day of reflection and sharing on temptation in the two gardens: the nature of temptation and ways of responding to it in the light of Jesus’ 40 days in the desert.

For more information, visit: https://incebenet.co.uk/

The renovated Ince Benet retreat centre continues the ethos of prayer, reflection and hospitality laid down by Father Tom Cullinan.

Anniversary vigil held for Ukraine Reflection on 12 months of solidarity and support

by Simon Hart

A vigil service at Liverpool’s two cathedrals on 24 February was a moment to reflect on 12 months of solidarity and support since Russia invaded Ukraine.

‘This vigil is an expression of our solidarity with the Ukrainian people, who are defending not only their own territorial integrity and statehood but also the fundamental values of our civilisation such as freedom and human dignity against the attacks of a ruthless authoritarian regime.’

In a reflection on the past 12 months he says that one positive thing has been ‘the help of local people and international communities, which is very important for Ukrainians’. On an international level this has meant crucial military support; on a local level here in Liverpool, it has found different forms of expression.

Fr Taras, who says a weekly Ukrainian-Catholic Mass at St Sebastian’s, Fairfield, cites the support of the Big Help Project, a Kensington-based charity which has made its premises available for weekly meetings of Ukrainian refugees. ‘Ukrainians can eat, they can socialise safely there,’ he explains. ‘There are items distributed. If anything is needed, they never say no.’

A Ukrainian children’s choir meets there too though, thanks to the help of benefactors, there are plans to set up a community centre in a building nearby. This will include a children’s playgroup, set up with a grant from the British Red Cross Refugee Fund (and accessed with help from the Community Foundations for Lancashire and Merseyside).

Archdiocese plays it part

These were the words of Rev Dr Taras Khomych, a priest in the Ukrainian-Catholic Church, as he reflected on the vigil held in Liverpool on Friday 24 February to mark the first anniversary since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The vigil began at 4.30 pm at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral Plaza and featured speakers from a range of faiths. It continued at Liverpool Cathedral at 5.30 pm with readings, prayers and Evensong sung by Liverpool Cathedral Choir. In addition, a Ukrainian Choir led a liturgy of the commemoration of the dead, whose number includes at least 8,000 civilians.

The vigil service was organised by Liverpool Cathedral and Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral in co-operation with Fr Taras’s Ukrainian-Catholic parish in Liverpool and the Liverpudlian branch of the Association of Ukrainians of Great Britain which he helped to establish last June.

Fr Taras added: ‘As Christians, as people of faith, we believe in the power of prayer and we trust that these prayers will support Ukraine and this wonderful expression of sympathy and solidarity with Ukraine will eventually lead to Ukraine’s victory.’

Fr Taras, resident in Liverpool since 2012 is a lecturer at Liverpool Hope University – in Early Christian Literature and Byzantine Theology – while also serving as chaplain at St Edward’s College. His parents, both in their 70s, remain in Lviv in western Ukraine.

He recalls his incredulity when the news broke that his home country had been invaded by Russian forces on 24 February last year. ‘Even on the 23 February I did not imagine that this would happen,’ he says. Equally, he ‘could not imagine that Ukraine would be able to withstand the attacks of Russia and not only withstand the attack but push back.’

The Archdiocese of Liverpool has played an active role too. Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP launched an urgent and major appeal to support Ukraine and in the last year the #Liverpool4Ukraine appeal has raised over £155,500 and volunteers have driven 12 trucks of aid to the Polish-Ukrainian border over four separate journeys. This aid has been collected by Bishop Gregory Komar, from the Ukrainian diocese of SambirDrohobych, and taken for distribution in the Lviv region.

The archdiocese is grateful for the co-operation provided by Greenmount Projects and the Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust which have provided building tools and medical aid respectively.

For the Ukrainian community in Liverpool, the connection with their adopted city will be further enhanced by the upcoming staging of the Eurovision Song Contest on 13 May. Liverpool is hosting the contest because Ukraine, victorious in last year’s event, is unable to because of security concerns.

Father Taras Khomych

Fr Taras explains that he is sitting on two committees focused on cultural and educational programmes taking place around the contest.

He says: ‘There will be workshops in schools for painting Easter eggs, which is a Ukrainian tradition. There will be huge Easter eggs painted by Ukrainian children and some other children and these will be exhibited during Eurovision in central parts of Liverpool.’

In addition, 15 Ukrainian children have been invited to join a choir of 100 schoolchildren who will learn a selection of European songs – including two from Ukraine – and perform them in the lead-up to Eurovision.

Fr Taras also cites the plan for a Ukraine-themed artwork in the Anglican Cathedral. ‘It is a simulation of a train which moves from the Eastern part of Ukraine to the west and it shows different scenes as if you were watching from the window of the train.’

Back at the other end of Hope Street, the vigil that began at the Metropolitan Cathedral on 24 February was a moment to ponder the solidarity which has grown over these past 12 months, as well as to pray for those who have lost their lives and for an outcome which brings peace and stability to Ukraine.

Canon Anthony O’Brien, Dean of the Metropolitan Cathedral, said, ‘As a Cathedral and diocese we have close links with the Ukrainian community here on Merseyside and strong links with a Catholic Diocese in Ukraine.

‘As we mark the first anniversary of the invasion of their sovereign territory, we stand with our Ukrainian brothers and sisters to pray for an end to the conflict, for peace and for a just settlement. We remember also the many innocent people who have lost their lives as a result of this war over the last 12 months.’

It is a war, Fr Taras remarks, which has cast his country into darkness. And yet light remains. ‘For me personally all of this just sharpens the difference,’ he concludes. ‘On the one hand, the war shows atrocity and this dark side of humanity. On the other hand, it shows God’s faith is in so many who selflessly sacrifice themselves either on the front line or in helping others.’

The third consignment of aid from the archdiocese is delivered to Bishop Gregory

Scenes of devastation in Ukraine

Father Taras with members of the Big Help Project

Obituary of Rev David Melly

Father Dave Melly, parish priest of Our Lady, Help of Christians, Portico, died on the morning of Monday 23 January aged 76 and in the 48th year of his priesthood. Father Dave was a much loved parish priest and a popular figure throughout the archdiocese and in the world of Catholic education having served for forty years in the Christian Education Department of the archdiocese.

David John Melly, the son of John and Mary Melly (née O’Callaghan), was born in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, on 20 February 1946. He attended Rochestown College, Cork, before going on to study Classics at University College, Cork. He entered the novitiate of the Capuchins at Cork and became Brother Thaddeus. After his initial formation, he came to the then Christ’s College, Liverpool, for teacher training, and afterwards briefly held a teaching post at St George’s Primary School, Maghull. Very early in his teaching career, he applied to the archdiocese to continue his studies for the priesthood, and he completed his formation at St Joseph’s College, Upholland. He was ordained priest at Christ’s College, Liverpool, on 8 February 1975.

Following ordination, he served as assistant priest at Holy Name, Fazakerley, from April 1975 until October 1978. It was then decided that more use should be made of his educational background, and he

Archbishop

embarked on a course at the Catechetical Centre in Dundalk until the summer of 1979. That September, he was appointed to the Christian Education Centre of the archdiocese, becoming involved in catechesis and in the oversight of religious education in the Catholic schools of the archdiocese. For the next twelve years this was his principal work, though he did assist in the various parishes in which he was resident: Christ the King, Liverpool from 1979 to 1980; St Mary’s, Lowe House, St Helens 1980 to 1981; St Agnes, Huyton 1981 to 1986 and St Peter and St Paul, Crosby 1986 to 1991. He was renowned for his wonderful creativity, and his cheerful and positive disposition, both in his work for the Christian Education Department and in the parishes he served.

In January 1991, he was asked by Archbishop Worlock to take up the office of parish priest at St Leo, Whiston, in addition to his duties within the Christian Education Department. He returned, in January 1996, to St Agnes, Huyton, now as parish priest. After nearly four years, he moved on to Our Lady, Help of Christians, Portico in November 1999. He remained at Portico as parish priest for the remainder of his life, dearly loved by his parishioners and where he felt very much at home.

In his spare time, he loved to walk in the countryside, especially the Lake District and

Gugerotti

The former Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain, Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, has visited Syria and Turkey following the devastating earthquake which struck in early February. Archbishop Gugerotti served in London from 2020 to 2022 and was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches at the Vatican in November 2022.

A statement from the Dicastery said, ‘Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, brought the Holy Father’s “closeness” to the people of Syria and Turkey in the wake of the recent disastrous earthquake’, and described the visit as a ‘gesture of closeness and proximity to the suffering people combined with the desire to encourage all those who are working to deal with the emergency, and at the same time the need to establish a better coordination of initiatives and project preparation for all the works that will be needed in the months to come.’

In Syria he visited relief centres for earthquake victims in Aleppo and met some of the charitable organisations working in the area. He also took part in the celebration of a Mass at the local Latinrite parish in the city before a meeting with the city’s Catholic and Orthodox bishops, together with some Muslim leaders. In Damascus he met with with the Patriarchs and Bishops resident in the capital.

In Turkey he visited Istanbul and held a meeting with the Bishops of Turkey and the directors of the Caritas offices involved in assisting earthquake victims.

the Peak District. The last few years of his life were a great trial to him as his mobility was severely restricted and he was reduced to walking very slowly around a local park. Sadly, he had also to relinquish his duties in the Education Department, but he remained enormously proud of his forty years’ service to Catholic education.

His body was received into Our Lady, Help of Christians, Portico, on the evening of Sunday 19 February when Archbishop Malcolm celebrated Mass. His Funeral Mass was celebrated by Bishop John Rawsthorne on Monday 20 February in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, prior to burial at St Lewis, Croft.

visits Syria and Turkey

DEC Appeal

In this country the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal has raised over £88 million in eight days.

Christine Allen, Director of Cafod says, ‘the people of Syria have been tormented by war for over a decade. Families had already lost so much, many had lost their homes, their livelihoods and their loved ones. To then suffer an earthquake, after already facing so much is heart-breaking.

‘It is vital that we remember in our prayers all the victims of this devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria, and I pray that the people of Syria can rebuild their lives and finally find peace and safety. We pray also for our local partners, Syrian people, who are giving so much of their time and dedication during these difficult times.’

Cafod’s local experts in Syria have acted quickly to provide shelter, food, water and emergency medical assistance as well as blankets and fuel to help people cope with the freezing temperatures.

Monsignor John Furnival from St Peter and St Paul in Crosby said that his parish held a collection for the Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal and have raised £1,445 and are still hoping for more donations. One parishioner said, ‘I felt very helpless when I saw the scale of the disaster and was delighted that Cafod was able to set up the appeal so quickly and to help us to pray in solidarity as a church’.

Lent at the Cathedral

by Dr Christopher McElroy Director of Music, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral

For the season of Lent this year we are offering musical reflections on various aspects of the passion narrative on Sunday afternoons at 3.00 pm in place of Choral Evening Prayer.

On the Second Sunday of Lent (5th March) the Cathedral Choir will sing movements from the Lenten portion of Handel’s Messiah. The text of Handel’s most famous oratorio was written by Charles Jennens and is an extended reflection in three parts on Jesus’ life, spanning his birth, death and resurrection. The movements contained in the second part focus on the passion and death of the Messiah and include some of the famous choruses such as ‘All we like sheep’ and ‘Behold the Lamb of God.’

On the Third Sunday of Lent (12th March) our boy choristers and Lay Clerks will sing The Seven Last Words of Christ on the Cross by César Franck. The composer César Franck is best known in Catholic parishes today for his Panis Angelicus. The Seven last words is a devotional work written in 1859, but never performed until the work was discovered in 1977. Franck was not the only composer to set the seven last words of Jesus (actually, sentences not words) but Franck was unusual in that he sought to expand on the brief text by supplementing other biblical and liturgical texts reflecting the fact that Franck was a parish church organist steeped in the Catholic liturgical tradition. Of interest to Franck was not so much the suffering of Christ on the Cross, but what lay beneath and what the crucifixion symbolised.

On the Fourth Sunday of Lent (19th March) the focus shifts to Mary, appropriately so

as we celebrate Mothering Sunday. As is traditional at the Cathedral, our girl choristers will sing Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater Dolorosa. The text of the Stabat Mater is a 13th century hymn reflecting on Mary’s suffering during the crucifixion of her son. The powerful words have inspired many composers to set the text to music, including the 18th century Italian composer Giovanni Battista Pergolesi. Pergolesi’s musical setting alternates movements sung by the full choir, and sections sung by soloists. The singing will be accompanied by two violins and chamber organ.

On the Fifth Sunday of Lent (26th April) our Lay Clerks will sing a setting of the Lamentations of Jeremiah by Thomas Tallis. The biblical text (drawn from the first five verses of the book of Lamentations) was originally set for the Holy Week office of Tenebrae. Tallis’ composition is extraordinarily impassioned music written during the turbulent Tudor period, capturing the longing of the text alongside the hope inspired by its concluding statement: ‘Jerusalem, Jerusalem, return unto the Lord your God.’

Our Lenten series finishes on Palm Sunday (2nd April) with the sung office of Tenebrae at 7.30 pm with the responsories sung to a musical setting by Tomás Luis de Victoria, and Psalm 50, Miserere Mei, being sung to the famous setting by Gregorio Allegri.

All of these Lenten offerings take place at 3.00 pm on Sunday afternoons (with the exception of Palm Sunday) in Lent and are free to attend.

Cathedral Record

Canon Anthony O’Brien –Cathedral Dean

Throughout the month of March, we journey through the Season of Lent leading to the celebrations of Palm Sunday and Holy Week occurring in the first week of April.

One of the joyful and symbolic moments in Lent is when priests and parishioners from right across the archdiocese gather in the Cathedral for the Mass of Chrism in Holy Week. It was an essential element throughout the development of the celebrations and traditions of Lent that there was this experience of coming together on pilgrimage to celebrate these important moments of the liturgy.

There are many other opportunities during this month to come along on pilgrimage to the Cathedral during the earlier periods of the season of Lent. As well as the regular celebrations of the Eucharist there are special Choral Reflections every Sunday afternoon at 3.00 pm - these range from Messiah excerpts to Lamentations and Stabat Mater. The 5.00 pm evening Mass throughout the week is a sung Mass everyday apart from Tuesday

At the start of Holy Week Archbishop Malcolm will lead the procession of Palms into the Cathedral and preside at Solemn Mass on Palm Sunday and there will be sung Tenebrae at 7.00 pm on that evening. There are two public services of the Stations of the Cross on Tuesday Evening at 6.00 pm and Good Friday morning at 11.00 am. Also, as well as the main Holy Week services we have the daily sung celebration of the Office of Readings and Morning Prayer on the three days of the Triduum: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday.

May our journey through Lent be a time of blessing and renewal as we journey as an archdiocesan Church to the joyful celebration of our salvation in Christ.

what’s on

Wednesday 1 March

Feast of St David – Patron of Wales

Space for Prayer.

2.00 pm-3.30pm at The Cenacle, Tithebarn Grove, Lance Lane, Liverpool, L15 6TW. Tel: 0151 722 2271.

Thursday 2 March

‘You are loved by God. He has chosen you.’

Discover the Letter to the Thessalonians.

10.30 am to 12.00 noon at The Irenaeus Centre, 32 Great Georges Road, L22 1 RD. Bookings: email: jenny@irenaeus. co.uk Tel: 0151 949 1199.

Agape Mass.

7.00 pm at the Irenaeus Centre, 32 Great Georges Road, Waterloo, Liverpool, L22 1RD.

Lenten Talk – Lectio Divina by Deacon Peter Mawtus.

7.00 pm at St Anne’s Pastoral Centre, Prescot Road, Ormskirk, L39 4TG

Friday 3 March

Cafod Family Fast Day

Women’s World Day of Prayer

Space for Prayer.

10.00 am-11.30 am at The Cenacle, Tithebarn Grove, Lance Lane, Liverpool, L15 6TW. Tel: 0151 722 2271.

Tuesday 7 March

‘Walking in Hope – A journey through Lent.’

7.00 pm at the Irenaeus Centre, 32 Great Georges Road, Waterloo, Liverpool, L22 1RD. Bookings - email: jenny@irenaeus. co.uk Tel: 0151 949 1199.

Wednesday 8 March

‘Songs we remember’ sing along. 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm at the Irenaeus Centre, 32 Great Georges Road, Waterloo, Liverpool, L22 1RD. (Dementia friendly.)

Thursday 9 March

‘You are loved by God. He has chosen you.’ Discover the Letter to the Thessalonians. 10.30 am to 12.00 noon at The Irenaeus Centre, 32 Great Georges Road, L22 1 RD. Bookings: email: jenny@ irenaeus.co.uk Tel: 0151 949 1199.

Lenten Talk – Art and Spirituality by Father Leo Daley. 7.00 pm at St Anne’s Pastoral Centre, Prescot Road, Ormskirk, L39 4TG

Wednesday 15 March

Space for Prayer. 2.00 pm-3.30pm at The Cenacle, Tithebarn Grove, Lance Lane, Liverpool, L15 6TW. Tel: 0151 722 2271.

Thursday 16 March

‘You are loved by God. He has chosen you.’

Discover the Letter to the Thessalonians.

10.30 am to 12.00 noon at The Irenaeus Centre, 32 Great Georges Road, L22 1 RD. Bookings: email: jenny@irenaeus. co.uk Tel: 0151 949 1199.

Lenten Talk – How the Second Vatican Council affects us today by Rev Dr Peter Philips.

7.00 pm at St Anne’s Pastoral Centre, Prescot Road, Ormskirk, L39 4TG

North Merseyside Newman Circle Talk‘The Building of the Cathedral.’

Dr Philip Harrison will give a fascinating and informal first hand account of the detailed design of the Metropolitan Cathedral. From 1964 to 1968, he was the resident site architect during the construction of the Cathedral. There is no charge and ample free parking. Tea and coffee will be available before the talk, which begins at 7.30 pm in St Helen’s Parish Centre, Crosby, L23 7TQ Details: helen.flynn8@googlemail.com

Friday 17 March

Feast of St Patrick – Patron of Ireland

Monday 20 March

Feast of St Joseph

Tuesday 21 March

Saturday 4 March to Sunday 12 March

Novena of Grace in honour of St Francis Xavier at St Francis Xavier church, Salisbury Street, L3 8DR. Mass each day at 12.00 noon (10.15 am on Sundays).

Saturday 4 March

‘Come and See’ Day.

10.00 am to 4.00 pm at the Irenaeus Centre, 32 Great Georges Road, Waterloo, Liverpool, L22 1RD. ‘Called to be an involved Church.’

Speaker Lord David Alton. Bring a packed lunch – tea and coffee provided. Suggested donation £10. Details - email: jenny@ irenaeus.co.uk Tel: 0151 949 1199.

Monday 13 March

10th anniversary of the election of Pope Francis

Tuesday 14 March

‘Walking in Hope – A journey through Lent.’

7.00 pm at the Irenaeus Centre, 32 Great Georges Road, Waterloo, Liverpool, L22 1RD. Bookings - email: jenny@irenaeus. co.uk Tel: 0151 949 1199.

‘Walking in Hope – A journey through Lent.’

7.00 pm at the Irenaeus Centre, 32 Great Georges Road, Waterloo, Liverpool, L22 1RD. Bookings - email: jenny@irenaeus. co.uk Tel: 0151 949 1199.

Wednesday 22 March

‘Songs we remember’ sing along. 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm at the Irenaeus Centre, 32 Great Georges Road, Waterloo, Liverpool, L22 1RD. (Dementia friendly.)

Thursday 23 March

‘You are loved by God. He has chosen you.’

March

Discover the Letter to the Thessalonians.

10.30 am to 12.00 noon at The Irenaeus Centre, 32 Great Georges Road, L22 1 RD. Bookings: email: jenny@irenaeus. co.uk Tel: 0151 949 1199.

Lenten Talk – Benedictine Spirituality by Father Godric Timney OSB.

7.00 pm at St Anne’s Pastoral Centre, Prescot Road, Ormskirk, L39 4TG

Saturday 25 March

Feast of the Annunciation

Liverpool Bach Collective.

Johann Sebastian Bach ‘St Matthew Passion.’ 7.00 pm at the Church of Our Lady and St Nicholas (Liverpool Parish Church), Old Churchyard, Liverpool L2 8TZ. Singers and Players directed by Philip Duffy. Admission will be by ticket only (for which there is no charge). Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.co.uk (Search for ‘St Matthew Passion’ or by date on the home page.) Any unallocated tickets will be available at the door.

Tuesday 28 March

Annual Romero Mass.

7.00 pm at St Edmund of Canterbury church, 62 Oxford Road, Waterloo, L22 8QF. Refreshments afterwards and talk from the Romero Trust.

‘Walking in Hope – A journey through Lent.’

7.00 pm at the Irenaeus Centre, 32 Great Georges Road, Waterloo, Liverpool, L22

1RD. Bookings - email: jenny@irenaeus. co.uk Tel: 0151 949 1199.

Thursday 30 March

‘The Letter’ a Cafod film with Ged Edwards.

7.00 pm at St Anne’s Pastoral Centre, Prescot Road, Ormskirk, L39 4TG

Looking ahead:

Monday 10 April Easter Monday 5K Bunny Run. Start: 11.00 am at St Gregory’s, Lydiate, L31 2NA walking and running to Our Lady’s, Lydiate and back. Entry fee: £7 per person or £20 pre family (up to 5 members). Money raised will go towards the 2023 Archdiocesan Centenary Lourdes Pilgrimage. Entry fee includes bunny ears, a bottle of water and an Easter egg.

Holy Week and Easter at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord 2 April

9.00 am Mass (Cathedral)

10.00 am Family Mass (Crypt)

11.00 am Procession of Palms and Solemn Mass

Celebrant: Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP

7.00 pm Mass (Crypt)

7.30 pm Tenebrae (Cathedral)

Monday of Holy Week 3 April

7.45 am Morning Prayer (Blessed Sacrament Chapel)

8.00 am Mass (Blessed Sacrament Chapel)

12.15 pm Mass (Crypt)

5.00 pm Mass (Blessed Sacrament Chapel)

Tuesday of Holy Week 4 April

7.45 am Morning Prayer (Blessed Sacrament Chapel)

8.00 am Mass (Blessed Sacrament Chapel)

12.15 pm Mass (Crypt)

5.00 pm Mass (Blessed Sacrament Chapel)

Wednesday of Holy Week 5 April

7.45 am Morning Prayer (Blessed Sacrament Chapel)

8.00 am Mass (Blessed Sacrament Chapel)

12.15 pm Mass (Crypt)

7.30 pm Mass of Chrism

Celebrant: Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP

THE EASTER TRIDUUM

Maundy Thursday of the Lord’s Supper 6 April

10.00 am Sung Office of Readings and Morning Prayer

7.30 pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper

Celebrant: Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP followed by Watching concluding with Night Prayer at 10.00 pm

Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion 7 April

10.00 am Sung Office of Readings and Morning Prayer

11.30 am Stations of the Cross (Cathedral) Led by Bishop Tom Williams

3.00 pm Celebration of the Lord’s Passion Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP presides

Holy Saturday 8 April

10.00 am Sung Office of Readings and Morning Prayer

9.00 pm The Easter Vigil and First Mass of Easter

Celebrant: Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP

Easter Sunday of the Lord’s Resurrection 9 April

9.30 am Mass (Cathedral)

10.00 am Family Mass (Crypt)

11.00 am Solemn Mass of Easter Day

3.00 pm Choral Evening Prayer (Cathedral)

7.00 pm Mass (Crypt)

by Hugh Donleavy

Pastoral ponderings Passing on the baton

One of the funny things I’ve found is that you never really know what you’re going to be doing day to day, and recently I’ve had the opportunity to attend several events which were not part of the usual routine. It has been nice to meet some new people, and bump into a few who I’d not seen for a while.

Firstly, I had the pleasure of being able to join members of the Union of Catholic Mothers from all over the diocese for Mass at St Gregory’s in Lydiate, at the end of which the UCM made a generous donation to the Priests’ Training Fund. I was able to accept the donation, as a delegate from the vocations office. Of course, as a seminarian myself, I was personally grateful, since it’s thanks to donations like this that I can continue my training.

Another event which I was able to attend was Canon Christopher Cunningham’s eightieth birthday celebration in Warrington. Canon Christopher is the parish priest of my home parish of Sacred Heart and St Alban’s. I was glad to be able to go, since Father Christopher was my parish priest when I was little, and helped to encourage me in my vocation, and it was nice to see so many in attendance.

I also happen to have been invited to a priestly ordination in Leeds, which was a very enjoyable experience. There’s a lot of preparation involved in an ordination, not to mention the years of training, so it’s always a good feeling when everything has gone well.

Of course, now we’ve entered into Lent, so there’s a lot of preparation to be done for Easter - both practical and spiritual. I’ve never particularly looked forward to Lent, unlike some people I know. It always seems like a bit of a dark tunnel you have to go through to arrive at Easter, which I suppose, in some ways, it is. But at the same time, nothing worth doing is easy, and, by the time we finally get to Easter, it’s always good to notice even a slight positive change in my spiritual life. So, as always, I’ll try to make the most of Lent, even if it’s not quite as enjoyable as what comes after.

Wishing you all the best in your preparation for Easter.

M.C. Benitan - Director of Pastoral Development

On the First Sunday of Lent, we had a special celebration at the Cathedral called the Rite of Election.

This rite is held specifically for those people who are going to be received into our midst at Easter. They came in two groups. The first group were the catechumens with their godparents. Catechumens are those who journey on the path of initiation but have not yet received the sacrament of baptism. They are now called the elect because their names were called, and they responded by signing the Book of the Elect. In many ways, this rite reaches back in time towards the early centuries of Christianity where signing your name on a dotted line could have meant death if the record was found during periodic persecutions. Therefore, even publicly expressing one’s desire to be a Christian was an incredibly daring act.

The second group were the candidates with their sponsors. They also expressed their desire to become Roman Catholics and were greeted and blessed by Archbishop Malcolm. Candidates are already members of a Christian denomination that baptises in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. We therefore honour

their baptism because it already makes us brothers and sisters in Christ. Candidates seek reception into the Roman Catholic Church after a period of discernment, and this reception will include confirmation and first holy communion, but not baptism. Often candidates bring an amazing wealth of experience in their following of Christ, which enriches our lives and our communities.

Both the elect and the candidates are now firmly plunged with us into the Lenten period of purification. As we all focus on the Word of God, prayer, fasting, and charitable works, we can all help with our prayer, support, and witness of our lives. For, as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to foster a new Catholic. And Lent is the time when we all try to renew our discipleship, walking the same desert path for 40 days before we reach the oasis of Easter together. After all, it was the example of early Christians that spoke more eloquently than words to those who eventually converted and kept the light of faith burning. It is now our turn to pass on the baton by the way we are with one another, and by the way we pray.

Ms

Sister Linda, St John Bosco Arts College

Sister Linda has been part of the St John Bosco Arts College community for six years and supports students of all ages with their mental health and wellbeing. Having started as a support worker, Sr. Linda’s role has evolved to encompass additional responsibilities, especially after COVID-19.

Sr. Linda said: “I initially trained to be a play and creative arts therapist and I’m now training to be a creative arts counsellor which involves a bit more talk therapy within the creative arts. As I work with students from Year 7 right through to Year 11, I discovered that the older they are the more they like to talk about things.”

Based in the Laura Vicuna Centre, Sr. Linda meets the needs of individual students who need time away from their normal teaching programme. The support is based on the student’s needs and circumstances.

Sr. Linda explained: “At first, I delivered more low intervention therapeutic activities, working one-to-one or with groups, focusing on areas such as bereavement, identity and friendship issues. However, over the years it has become more of a place for therapy and since COVID-19, I’m now working with students who are higher risk.

“In addition to these sessions, I open the centre at break and lunch times for students who are more vulnerable in school or have anxiety or ASD (autism spectrum disorder) and they come and use it as a safe space.”

This vital provision does not work in isolation. Sr. Linda works closely with the pastoral team and the head of years - or pupil progress coordinators as they call them – as well as the senior leadership team and SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator).

Salesian Sisters around the world celebrated their 150th anniversary last year. Reflecting on how the Salesian Charism is embedded throughout all aspects of St John Bosco Arts College, Sr. Linda commented: “Our Salesian spirituality is deeply rooted in the Catholic faith and the gospel values, and if you look at our new school mission statement, it’s got that right at the beginning, it’s about the faith, hope and love. For us, that is really the foundation of everything.

“Don Bosco’s way of working with young people and our Salesian approach and method of working with young people taps into the way I support students in my role. The preventive system is based on reason, religion and loving kindness - it is all about building those good relationships with students first and foremost.

Sr. Linda concluded: “His great quotation which we always say ‘It is not enough to love the young; they must know that they are loved’ comes through in a relationship and when you win that relationship, then they will do anything for you.

“That is the same for everyone, we all need that affirmation. We also need to find meaning and a purpose in life and that’s about the faith journey of our young people in our Catholic school today.”

Archbishop Malcolm visits Twelve Apostles RC Primary School

Archbishop Malcolm visited Twelve Apostles Catholic Primary School in Leigh in February. The school was delighted that His Grace had accepted their invitation. Archbishop Malcolm joined the school community for prayer and liturgy led by headteacher of Twelve Apostles, Mrs Newton. The parish priest, Father Kieran O’Grady, and some of the school governors were also present for this special occasion. The school council had the opportunity to share some of the fundraising events for CAFOD, including planning an afternoon tea for parents/carers and collecting food for local food banks.

As part of Mental Health Week, the children had been exploring how to connect with the local community and walked to send cards to residents of a local elderly people’s home and immediate neighbours. They talked about future plans to take part in the CAFOD Lenten walk.

The children were enthusiastic when talking about prayer and liturgy and how parents were invited to stay and pray with different classes. They particularly enjoyed taking part in prayer and liturgy in the outdoors. They also shared work in their RE books.

Archbishop Malcolm then spent time in each class talking to the children, answering their questions and telling his own anecdotal stories. Children then had the opportunity to hold the archbishop’s crozier and wear his mitre. Each class had prepared a welcome and thank you card for His Grace with some individual messages.

Mrs Newton said that Archbishop Malcom had an excellent rapport with the children and was so personable. He took time to speak to the staff and had a genuine interest. She said: “This was such a joyous and momentous occasion and one that will be etched into our memories for a long time to come.”

Liverpool students shine in Eurovision’s live semi-final draw

Three students from The Academy of St Francis of Assisi were specially selected to represent the city as part of BBC Two’s Eurovision Song Contest handover and draw.

The live show was broadcast from St George’s Hall on Tuesday 31 January and presented by Rylan Clark and AJ Odudu.

Mayor of 2022 host city Turin, Stefano Lo Russo, handed over the official keys of the Eurovision Song Contest, known as the Insignia, to the Mayor of Liverpool, Joanne Anderson.

Students from The Academy of St Francis of Assisi, Niota, Billal and Chenelle played an important role in the programme and announced the countries who have made it to the semi-finals in May, before the grand final. The students revealed the results live on stage, alongside the well-known presenters.

Before Niota revealed the successful country, AJ asked her how she felt, as a local student, about Eurovision coming to Liverpool. Niota spoke eloquently, saying: “It is a delight to show off Liverpool’s diversity and an honour to present and host Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine.” The Year 11 student was met with rapturous applause and proceeded to open the envelope and announce that Germany was through to the first semi-final.

Billal followed suit and announced that Ukraine was through to the second semi-final, with Chenelle revealing that Spain was also through to the second semi-final.

Earlier in the day, the students also featured on BBC Breakfast and interviewed for ITV Granada Reports and BBC Radio Merseyside. The One Show also went live to the BBC Two broadcast. This unique opportunity was brought to the Kensington-based academy, which is proudly part of All Saints Multi Academy Trust, by Culture Liverpool. Culture Liverpool recognises that The Academy of St Francis of Assisi is a ‘School of Sanctuary’ and plays a key role in the local community. The academy is committed to inclusivity and providing a safe space for those seeking sanctuary. Students are educated on the experiences of asylum seekers and are encouraged to build their intercultural awareness.

Head of performing arts at The Academy of St Francis of Assisi, Mrs Abi Huthwaite, supported the students on the day. She said: “This was a real once in a lifetime opportunity for our brilliant students. “They carried themselves impeccably throughout the day, even though it was an early start as they were on BBC Breakfast from 7am and the Eurovision show didn’t finish until 7:30pm – but they didn’t let that affect them and they proved to be naturals in front of the cameras.”

Ms Jo Leech, headteacher of the academy, added: “To see our students live on television throughout the day filled me with so much pride. They represented The Academy of St Francis of Assisi on a regional, national and international scale and they did it effortlessly. Well done to Niota, Billal and Chenelle!”

Match of the Day at Our Lady’s

Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School in Prescot featured on BBC’s Match of the Day on Sunday 19 February. Over the last two years the school has been part of the ‘Game On’ programme run by the LFC Foundation and Nike to provide all children across Merseyside with free sport opportunities, including sports such as netball, tennis, athletics and many more.

The feature covered a visit to the school by Liverpool players Fabio Carvalho and Rylee Foster who spoke with the pupils and took part in training in a number of sports. Fabio said of the pupils, ‘I just hope that they have fun and that they cherish this moment. I hope that they learn something so that they come to school each day and

enjoy taking part in football, basketball and different activities to improve both mentally and physically’.

Rylee Foster enjoyed the visit and said, ‘It’s really amazing to me just to be able to do something that I never really had growing up. I like how I can come in and talk about different things and excite them all a bit –that is what means the most to me.’

Head teacher, Haydn Boyle, praised the benefits of the scheme saying, ‘all children really want to be something and do something with their lives. Coming out of the years of the pandemic, mental health has really been affected for children in schools and now they’ve got a chance to be inspired by someone coming in and working with them showing what they can do and what they can be’.

Previous visitors to the school under the ‘Game On’ programme include World and Commonwealth games heptathlon champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson.

The holy season of Lent is here with us again and it seems to have arrived in quick succession to Christmas. For many, Lent conjures up memories of giving up something, trying to pray more and thinking of others. I recall the numerous times over the years when I made extravagant promises of sacrifice only to fail miserably with weeks and in some cases days after Ash Wednesday.

We are asked to do three things during Lent. The Church gives us a slogan—Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving—as the three things we need to work on during the season.

In our schools and colleges our young people will be doing many different activities concerning Lent. Their lessons, prayers, activities, and collective worships will have Lent as its central focus. They will see the visible signs of the season in the classroom displays and dedicated prayer areas. Our young people will take part in reconciliation services and support the CAFOD Fast Day.

CAFOD has asked our schools and colleges to take part in the Big Lent Walk Challenge this year. They are asked to walk 200km in 40 days raising money for those in need. Recent events such as the war in Ukraine and the earthquakes in Turkey/Syria region have highlighted the outstanding work of our aid agencies.

This Lent I am doing this challenge to allow myself the opportunity to raise funds to help my brothers and sisters in need. I am also walking to ensure that I spend time in the open air appreciating the environment - God’s gift to creation. By walking I will give myself time to pray to God and give thanks for Lent and the opportunity to start again.

Please consider supporting those schools/colleges taking part in the Big Lent Walk and I would welcome any donations as well. https://cafod.enthuse.com/pf/joan-mccarthy/post/2670763

May you all have a blessed and reflective Lent.

Joan McCarthy Director of Education Archdiocese of Liverpool

Maricourt Catholic High School welcomes new headteacher

Maricourt Catholic High School in Maghull recently appointed a new headteacher to lead the school in its new chapter.

Mrs Hatton, the new headteacher, said she has served a school similar to Maricourt in North Manchester.

She said: “I am delighted to have been appointed the headteacher of Maricourt; a school founded and remaining under the trusteeship of the Sisters of Mercy.

“The school is at an exciting time in its development as we push to build on the ‘Good’ rating given to the school by Ofsted in summer 2022.

“Maricourt is a school where the Catholic faith is taught, lived and celebrated in all aspects of school life.

“We are immensely proud of our ‘caring community’, ‘friendly and polite pupils’ and the ‘positive attitudes to learning’ acknowledged and quoted in the inspection report.”

Mrs Hatton went on to talk about Maricourt’s ‘outstanding’ pastoral care system, which she said is supported by a team of highly dedicated and specialised staff including learning mentors, a school counsellor and Chaplain.

She said this allows staff to provide outstanding emotional and spiritual support to all.

Mrs Hatton said: “Through strong partnerships with parents and carers, and building on the work of our partner primary schools and parishes, we aim to enable all our students to grow into young adults who are ready to take their place in the world; full of confidence, kindness, empathy, integrity and courtesy.

“We are a school where the individual is cherished, and I feel privileged to continue the work of the Sisters of Mercy in my leadership.”

‘And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

(Micah 6:8)

Feast day of fun at St John Bosco Arts College

On the feast day of St John Bosco, St John Bosco Arts College in Liverpool celebrated the day with a fun-filled schedule of activities for pupils on 31 January.

St John Bosco is the Patron Saint of young people, especially those living in poverty. In some instances, he is also referred to as the Patron Saint of school children.

St John Bosco founded the Salesian Order which worked in educating boys and young men of the working class.

With St Mary Mazzarello, he founded the ‘Daughters of Our Lady Help of Christians’ in 1872, a congregation of nuns dedicated to similar work among girls.

This is a very special event in the school’s calendar. All normal classes were stopped, giving students and teachers a rest from work.

Early in the day, the whole school took part in a mass to celebrate the feast of its Patron Saint.

After mass, a number of events had been arranged for students in all year groups to take part in throughout the day. The theme for the day was ‘Salesian Superheroes’. Pupils participated in a number of exciting activities, including making their own superhero masks and creating dream catchers. Sportier activities included sumo wrestling, gladiators and basketball. Darren Gidman, headteacher of St John Bosco Arts College, said: “St John Bosco Arts College is a school for Salesian superheroes in the making.

“Getting everybody celebrating our Feast Day together, for the first time since the pandemic, was a true testament to our mission of providing a vibrant and ambitious Catholic education.

“I am proud to lead such a dedicated and passionate community, we are already looking forward to next year’s Feast Day celebration, with even more superheroic hijinks!”

St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust embarks on trust-wide trauma training

St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust (MAT) said that it recognises the need to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for all of its students, including those who have experienced childhood trauma.

The trust has embarked on a trust wide trauma-informed approach through a partnership with Trauma Informed Schools UK (TISUK). TISUK training programmes were born out of a response to major public health studies showing that, without proper support, children who have suffered several painful life experiences have a very high chance of going on to suffer severe mental and physical ill health. The training supports schools, communities and other organisations in providing relationships for these children that heal minds, brains and bodies.

Key staff at St Joseph Catholic MAT will be undertaking the TISUK diploma, which provides a comprehensive understanding of trauma and how it affects the brain and body. By understanding the science behind trauma, staff members can better support students in a way that is sensitive and appropriate.

Ann Connor OBE, chair of the trust board, commented: “I am delighted that the St Joseph family has begun to train all staff through TISUK so that children will feel safe, valued and listened to during their time in our academies, enabling them to grow and enjoy healthy, happy lives.”

Engaging with TISUK training has been a positive step towards creating a more supportive and inclusive learning environment throughout St Joseph Catholic MAT.

The trust said that the benefits for students, staff, and the wider community are clear, and it is committed to providing the best possible education for its students.

School governors come together for Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust’s conference

Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust (HFCMAT) recently hosted its first Governance Conference, a day consisting of networking, Catholic Social Teaching, workshops, and much more.

Held at the Holiday Inn in Ellesmere Port, the conference was attended by over 40 governors and middle leaders from within the Trust, and other local primary and secondary schools, to come together to take part in a range of discussions and workshops. CEO of HFCMAT, Andy Moor, and Klare Rufo, director for development and improvement for the Trust, led most of the day.

The day began with an inspiring talk from Raymond Friel OBE about Catholic education in MATs. Raymond shared his expertise of both the education sector and Catholicism to highlight the Church’s mission in education and Catholic Social Teaching.

Following this, Andy and Klare discussed the importance of HFCMAT’s vision, mission, and values, as well as looking at how these inform strategic priorities.

Assistant headteacher of St Bernard’s RC Primary School, Emily Reid, spoke to the room about creativity, leadership and learning at the Trust. She shared the impactful work of CChange, the North West Creativity Collaborative which is a network of schools who are conducting research around creativity and creative practice.

St Bernard’s RC Primary School, part of HFCMAT serves as the programme’s lead school in the North West.

Child-centred governance was explained by HFCMAT’s Governance Professional (and the CEO of Shaping Governance), Su Turner, who shared her own approach and knowledge in the area. She expressed that “every decision we make should take account of the voice of the child” and focussed on the significance of empowering student voice.

In the afternoon, attendees also had the opportunity to participate in a workshop of their choice, including that of Michelle O’Dell’s which focused on ‘understanding attendance’. Michelle works as a DfE advisor on attendance and an attendance intervention manager within a MAT, and shared some beneficial insight into her approaches for schools that need to increase attendance levels.

Andy Moor’s workshop looked at preparing for Ofsted, whilst Su Turner’s workshop explored how local governing bodies could grow their own governors, with a focus on middle leaders.

Carol Lawrence, chair of the Trust Board, alongside the governance team, presented the brand-new governance handbook. The handbook, designed for current and new governors, brings all the key information together into one place, demonstrating what governance looks like at HFCMAT. It will be available online as a continually updated and interactive live document, comprising useful links.

At the end of the day, a reflective Q&A session was held for guests to gather their thoughts and inquire further about the Trust and content from throughout the day.

The conference proved to be a resounding success; governors and middle leaders enjoyed their time networking with one another

during the event and left with a wide breadth of knowledge about everything from strategic plans and values to the role of Catholic faith in education.

One attendee said: “The conference was inspirational and informative. As well as practical information and good practice, the sessions also provided a clear picture of the multi academy trust as a whole and the vision we are all part of.”

Another commented: “The Creativity Collaborative is very exciting, and I agree, it will change the system. I am new to governance, so this was really useful. It was good to see education through the eyes of a governor and not a teacher. Thank you so much!”

Andy Moor said: “We would like to thank those who attended and supported our Governor’s Conference. It was a delight to connect with governors and middle leaders from HFCMAT and others from the local area.

“We work every day to achieve our mission of developing individual excellence, embracing opportunities and building strong communities with Gospel values at the heart, and the conference allowed us to discuss and reflect on this as a group and from a governance standpoint.

He added: “Following the success of this year’s conference, we have already been planning next year’s one and are excited to turn this into an annual event.”

A ‘Shrektacular’ performance at the Floral Pavilion by St Mary’s Catholic College students

Students at St Mary’s Catholic College, Wallasey, recently held a performance of Shrek the Musical at the Floral Pavilion on two sold-out nights.

Over 100 students ranging from Year 7 to Year 13 took to the stage to perform the comedic fairy tale about grumpy and lonesome ogre, Shrek, who embarks on a journey that sees him fall in love with Princess Fiona and ultimately changes his ways. The production was full of song and dance as performers put on an entertaining, professional, and unforgettable show for over 1,500 audience members.

Title character, Shrek, was played by Matthew Butterworth and Fiona was portrayed by Keira Massey. Tom Jones took on the role of the infamous Lord Farquaad whilst Joseph Thurlow played the humorous Donkey. Pinocchio was portrayed by Nikolah Griffiths and the dragon by Rachel Blair.

In addition to the St Mary’s Catholic College students taking part, the school also reached out to primary schools within its Trust, Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust, and other local primary schools to involve younger children in the play.

Children from six different primary schools participated in workshops over a three week period which were hosted by Mrs Hickey who is head of dance at St Mary’s. The pupils learnt a choreographed piece and went on to perform it on stage during the production.

On the night, staff and other students played their own part and worked front of house, selling raffle tickets and programmes in support of the production. Many seats in the sold-out theatre were occupied by current and past students, with previous cast members of last year’s performance, Legally Blonde, visiting from university to watch and assist backstage.

Mr John McDonald, headteacher of St Alban’s Catholic Primary School, said: “From the start of rehearsals to the final show, the children of St Alban’s benefitted from the great experiences provided for them from St Mary’s, leading to one or two with sights fixed on the West End. The professionalism of the students and staff at St Mary’s and the joy on the night leaves such lasting and happy memories.”

Miss Ally Keen, head of performing arts at the college, commented: “St Mary’s Catholic College has the highest ambition for all its students. Relationships are at the heart of everything at St Mary’s and this year really epitomised this with former students showing up to give support to their former schoolmates. It is wonderful to see our supportive and kind community continue to grow.”

Headteacher of St Mary’s Catholic College, Mr Kevin Maddocks, added: “As one more in a long line of successful performances, I think it’s safe to say that the performing arts department and the wonderful students of St Mary’s Catholic College really do know how to put on a show!”

Education Matters by Satis Education

Safeguarding – the most important aspect of our work in schools

As educators, school staff and governors understand the importance of safeguarding their students, and almost all are committed to doing everything they can to create a safe and secure learning environment. However, with the constantly evolving landscape of safeguarding legislation and guidance, it can be challenging to ensure we are implementing the latest measures appropriately.

That’s why commissioning a comprehensive review of safeguarding policies, procedures, and practices is so essential. An objective and thorough review of a school’s practices, conducted by an external expert, provides a fresh perspective, and identifies any areas that require improvement.

A review is particularly important because it is easy for any organisation to become complacent in safeguarding practices, even with the best of intentions. External specialists can identify gaps that school staff and governors might miss and suggest new practices which might not have been considered.

In addition to this, a comprehensive review also helps demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding, both to your community and to external stakeholders. It sends a message that you are proactive and committed to safeguarding, and are always striving to improve practices to ensure the safety and well-being of the students you serve.

For parents and guardians, a comprehensive review of safeguarding practices provides reassurance that schools are taking their children’s safety seriously. It is an opportunity to show a commitment to meeting the latest safeguarding standards and that students are in safe hands.

If you would like to discover more about independent reviews, please do not hesitate to contact the Satis Education team at admin@satiseducation.co.uk We would be more than happy to provide you with further information and answer any questions you may have.

St John CatholicPlessington College hosts Oracy Conference Day

As part of their personal development curriculum, over 270 Year 7 students at St John Plessington Catholic College, Bebington, took part in an important Oracy Conference Day themed around ‘human rights for all’.

The day consisted of many activities including a variety of workshops and an inspiring visit from MP for Wirral South, Alison McGovern. Throughout the workshops, students learnt about the importance of human rights and the array of work that St John Plessington Catholic College does as a UNICEF Rights Respecting School, an award that it received in 2022.

The Rights Respecting School Award is given to schools that create safe and inspiring places to learn where children are respected, nurtured and thrive through four key areas of impact: wellbeing, participation, relationships and self-esteem.

St John Plessington Catholic College embeds these values in daily school life and is actively working towards achieving the gold UNICEF accreditation, particularly through its well-thought-out personal development curriculum.

Students explored the key topic of ‘human rights for all’ to an even further extent by openly discussing the matter and maturely debating, learning from one another and developing their oracy skills.

The school welcomed its local MP, Alison McGovern, to speak to the year group about her work as a Member of Parliament and the significance of oracy, highlighting how it has played a key role in her political career.

Alison discussed her career with the students and held a Q&A session where they were able to ask thought-provoking questions. Students enjoyed asking about everything from politics and the economy to even which celebrities she may have met.

Year 7 thoroughly enjoyed the day and were thrilled with the opportunity to develop new skills, boost their confidence in public speaking and inspired by their engagement with Alison McGovern. Oracy lead at the school, Matthew Jones, commented: “The day was very successful, and our pupils got a lot out of participating in the event and Alison’s visit to St John Plessington. We work really hard to ensure that children’s rights are promoted and respected here at the college and encourage pupils to engage in conversation and debate about a range of human rights issues around the world. “The personal development of our pupils is vital to the work that goes on here in school and we were privileged to have Alison work with us and support our pupils in the development of their oracy skills.”

Mr Peadar McLoughlin, the acting head of school at St John Plessington Catholic College said: “We are delighted that our Year 7 students benefitted from the recent Oracy Conference Day. It’s a great opportunity for students to develop their speaking skills and put this into practice in discussions about hugely important topics such as their rights as humans and what it means to be part of a Rights Respecting School.

“At St John Plessington, care and concern for others is placed at the centre of our work. We strive to help every pupil achieve their full potential and equip them the best we can for adult life, academically and personally.”

St John Plessington Catholic College is proud to be part of Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust. The Trust places language and communication at the centre of its work and is currently developing a wide offer around this for all its schools.

Why Confirmation matters

Father Simon Gore from Animate Youth Ministries explains why the early preparations for Confirmation brighten up his least favourite time of year.

I am the type of person that makes lists. In fact, I have lists for everything. Of course, I have the standard to-do list. But then, I also have a list of favourite holidays I have been on and another of favourite cities I have visited – and if you think the two will be the same, they will not as I can like a city but not enjoy the holiday and vice versa!

Though not written down in ‘Notes’ on my phone like these others, I also have a list in my head of favourite times of the year and school terms. And I have got to say that the half-term in which I am writing this column is my least favourite.

The first term and build-up to Christmas is always my favourite. Then I like the summer term with the lighter nights and better weather. But this middle term and especially the first half of it, when you don’t even have Easter to look forward to … well, I just find it a bit grim if I’m being perfectly honest. Cold weather, dark nights, and even my birthday –reminding me I am getting older – is less of a high point than it once was!

All that said, it is an important halfterm for the work we do here at Animate. True, we may get the fewest bookings in the period up to the February half-term break but for the last few years we have made this our ‘Confirmation’ term. For Year 8 pupils, the registration website for the sacrament of Confirmation opened in early January and will close in March. In that time we visit our Catholic high schools to run a session on why we think Confirmation is important and why they should register for sacramental preparation.

The session changes each year but it is always designed to be fairly light: not going into depth on the theology and nature of the sacrament, but offering an enticing invitation to be confirmed.

This year, as an icebreaker, we have had a bit of friendly competition across the schools we have visited with a game of ‘Higher or lower’ based on the number of monthly searches of certain words on Google. For example, is ‘CCTV’ searched for more or less than ‘karate’? We see which school can get the longest streak of correct guesses and at time of writing St Julie’s is in first place (another example of my love of lists!).

We also have a game of ‘Who wants to be a millionaire?’ with a potential prize of £10. Fortunately, at the time of writing only one pupil at one school – hello, All Saints, Kirkby! – has managed to earn the £10 prize, but we have had a few winners of 50p and £1. Each player plays as normal but we give them one lifeline to ask the host and we explain afterwards that – just as the game gets harder and we struggle to know the answers – so the lifeline can help us move to next stage. We draw a parallel with the sacrament of Confirmation in that life can get harder as we get older and we are often faced with questions for which we may not know the best response. Yet this sacrament offers a lifeline: God is someone we can turn to for help to move us forward. The lifeline, the sacrament, can be incredibly valuable.

Of course, we offer more personal testimonies of how Confirmation has helped us in our lives and the whole session is supposed to highlight to Year 8 pupils that the sacrament is important for this moment in their lives, this moment of maturing into young adults. Whereas with a First Communion or Marriage you may get physical gifts as a mark of the sacrament, with Confirmation you get gifts of another kind. For where these young people are in life, it is important to be equipped for the next stage with all they need to be happy and fulfilled and that is what this sacrament can offer.

So, yes, this term still remains my least favourite but it has been a good way to spend the weeks so far: driving around and visiting our diocesan schools and trying to encourage young people to take that step in their faith that Confirmation offers them. Dark nights and cold mornings still – but the light of hope for the future through these encounters makes these days a lot easier to endure!

To register for Confirmation, visit: liverpoolcalled.co.uk.

Mums the Word

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

of St Columba

Asylum Link Merseyside feels gains of sponsored walk

This new year began on a bright note for the UCM with our bi-monthly Mass at Saint Gregory the Great, Lydiate.

It was a wonderful Mass which was celebrated by our chaplain, Father David Potter, along with Monsignor John Butchard, Mgr Des Seddon and parish priest Fr Grant Maddock.

During the Mass we enrolled a new member, Mary Campbell, into St Gregory’s foundation and afterwards we presented a cheque to the priests’ training fund which was received by seminarian Hugh Donleavy. There was also a cheque presented to the Whitechapel Centre for the Homeless, which was received by fundraiser Toni-Marie Murphy Roberts.

That donation came from our charity fund which members have contributed to throughout the year. The UCM are always looking for ways to raise money so that we can help others who are less fortunate.

We will stage our first business meeting of 2023 on 18 February at the Metropolitan Cathedral. Please make every effort to attend as there will be important information to discuss, and also remember that your booking forms for the pilgrimage to Knock will need to be handed in.

Our next bi-monthly Mass will be hosted by the Foundation from Our Lady of Compassion, Formby, but will be celebrated at St Jerome’s. I look forward to seeing you all there.

Maria Pimblett Media Officer

Following last month’s report on the fundraising achievements of council 51 in Wirral, this month our focus turns to council 9 in South Liverpool and the fruits of its annual sponsored walk.

This walk has raised money for a good number of charities across the years – the type of activity the Order engages in not just locally but nationwide – and the latest beneficiary is the long-established Asylum Link Merseyside.

Together those taking part in the 2022 walk raised £4,200 which, factoring in Gift Aid, raised the total to approximately £4,500.

Asylum Link Merseyside is based at St Anne’s Centre, Overbury Street, and the presentation of the fundraisers’ cheque was made at a council 9 social evening at Liverpool Cricket Club in Aigburth on 20 January to representatives of Asylum Link.

Our photo shows Brother Kevin Jones, grand knight of council 9, making the presentation to charity representative Jeanette Connor together with her friend Barbara Holloway and Notre Dame Sisters Kathleen Ashurst and Ruth Miller.

We again thank all who contributed to making this donation possible and to those parish priests in South Liverpool who gave permission to distribute sponsorship envelopes in their churches.

Websites: www.ksc.org.uk www.kscprov02.weebly.com

Email: dpokeane@aol.com

Left to right: seminarian Hugh Donleavy, Maureen Finnegan, Father David Potter, Mary Campbell, Toni-Marie Murphy Roberts.

Normandie Wragg Chief Executive Nugent

Jo Henney Interim Chief Executive Nugent

Good Shepherd Appeal

Sadly, some children living in our communities simply don’t have the basics that we just take for granted, there is no food in the house, they have no clean clothes and no toys. Whether it’s a family living hand to mouth, struggling to pay the rent, a homeless mother and child fleeing domestic abuse, or a young person struggling with life. We offer the possibility of sanctuary and a safe place to everyone in their time of need.

Over the last 141 years, Nugent has been at the forefront of supporting and campaigning for children and young people living in poverty, in crisis or just struggling with life, restoring their sense of dignity and purpose.

One of the oldest charity appeals in the UK

Traditionally based in schools, our Good Shepherd appeal is one of the oldest charity appeals in the UK. With its origins with our founder Father James Nugent and built around children helping children, the appeal has helped support families struggling to support themselves in difficult times for over 121 years.

The Good Shepherd appeal was an initiative of Bishop Thomas Whiteside who was Bishop of Liverpool and then the first Archbishop of Liverpool until his death on 28 January 1921. Across 121 years, generations of schoolchildren from all over the archdiocese have continued to support Nugent through Good Shepherd, raising millions of pounds and helping thousands of children and young people by taking part.

This amazing support helps us to continue to provide support and care where local government funding and austerity is impacting most and creating hardship. The Good Shepherd appeal has more relevance than ever in helping children and young people in our local communities, right where it’s needed most.

Our 2023 Appeal

Many people we support knock on our door in times of need, sometimes feeling lost and with no one else to turn to. We’ve chosen this year’s Good Shepherd Appeal theme as ‘The Good Samaritan: love thy neighbour’ as we look to extend the message that it is important to love one another as God has taught us to and show care and compassion for others through acts of kindness.

Schools across the archdiocese are invited to take part and raise money for Nugent. Pupils taking part really use their imagination and come up with some amazing ideas that their friends and staff can take part in. The schools then come together in our Good Shepherd Masses to present their fundraising cheques to Nugent as well as take part through singing, reading and helping with communion.

This year our appeal runs from Ash Wednesday, 22 February to Easter Sunday, 9 April.

Good Shepherd Masses:

Wednesday 14 June 2023, 10:30am at St Mary’s Church, Leyland.

Wednesday 28 June 2023, 11.00 am, at the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. Celebrant: Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP.

To find out more about our Good Shepherd Appeal, visit: wearenugent.org/fundraising. Or you can contact the Fundraising team at fundraising@wearenugent.org

A lot to say ‘thank you’ for

As we prepare to say good luck and farewell to our Chief Executive Officer, Normandie Wragg, I have been reflecting on the journey Nugent has been on in the 10 years that Normandie has been at the helm – there is a lot to say thank you for. Nugent is proud of its values, values that are woven like a golden thread through all that the charity does. These values were devised by Normandie back in 2017, and are more important today than ever before, and are celebrated each year at our iACCORD Awards, recognising the work of our colleagues across all services. This desire to be an advocate for colleagues being recognised has seen individuals receive national awards and numerous nominations. Supporting Nugent’s aspiration to be an outstanding organisation, Normandie set about implementing a culture of excellence to monitor and support our homes, delivering transparency and oversight. This was an inspired decision and enabled Nugent to provide improved homes, school, community, and social work services. Today, thanks to this vision, Nugent can be proud that all its services are rated at least Good by its regulators – even achieving the highest rating of Outstanding in 2021 for the only secure children’s home in the country, owned and operated by a charity.

Normandie’s passion for equality, diversity, and inclusivity (EDI) lit a spark within the charity resulting in the creation of our EDI Assembly and staff forums, focused on making Nugent a better place to live and work and benefiting the people in our care and our hardworking and dedicated colleagues. Normandie’s desire to improve conditions for our colleagues saw Nugent sign up to the Dying to Work Charter, providing enhanced protection for terminally ill colleagues.

I am delighted and honoured to have been asked to act as Chief Executive Officer (interim) by our trustees and build upon the foundations Normandie leaves behind. On behalf of all the people in our care, colleagues, volunteers, and trustees, we wish Normandie our best wishes for the future; and for the legacy you leave behind – thank you.

Dialogue and Unity Street Pastors responding ecumenically to pastoral needs

Ultan Russell, Archdiocesan Ecumenical Officer

associated evils of gun and knife crimes. As it spread activities widened to include substance abuse, anti-social behaviour and most significantly often being a friendly face and a resource for practical advice.

a Street Pastor and are leading a Christian lifestyle. It is very professional and well planned as twelve training sessions spread over a year, must be completed topics include managing conflict, counselling and basic first aid.

One of the fastest growing interchurch initiatives in the UK is a network of Christian charities called Street Pastors. They are individuals who devote time and energy to assist those who they feel are in need of help, and to share their faith through their service.

Individual street pastors are Christians who walk around the streets of their towns and cities attempting to help and care for people in practical ways often at night in urban centres where clubs, pubs and entertainment venues are concentrated. Street pastors wear a blue uniform, with the term ‘Street Pastor’ visible in white. They are not police, ambulance, or official emergency services in any way. They do not have any powers of law enforcement, arrest or to compel any member of the public to follow any requests given.

The movement began here in Brixton North London in 2003. It is based on a model effectively developed in Jamaica. When it started in London activities focused on challenging gang culture and the

By 2008 there were Street Pastors groups in 70 locations, today there are over 270 active branches. In the archdiocese there are branches in Chorley, Liverpool City Centre, Ormskirk, St Helens, Southport, Warrington, Widnes, Wigan and one just over the water on the Wirral. Now it has spread outside of the United Kingdom to Jersey, Gibraltar, Cork, Dublin, Nigeria, USA, Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago.

In 2011 a sister organisation, School Pastors was launched nationally after several trial projects. School Pastors aim to reduce bullying, anti-social behaviour, and drug use, and to remove barriers to learning. They mentor young people within a school setting and walk around outside to break patterns of negative behaviour at the end of the school day. The idea mushroomed so in 2014 Rail Pastors was launched. Their Volunteers receive training from the Samaritans and British Transport Police and aim to prevent suicide attempts and fatalities on the railway.

Street Pastors has an invaluable support network called ‘Prayer Pastors’, they provide support and affirmation by praying for the volunteers and keeping in contact by phone to encourage them in their roles.

Individual street pastors are Christians, over the age of 18, who pass an enhanced CRB check and who have a positive reference from their parish priest or minister supporting them in their wish to become

St Helens Street Pastors is a magnificent example of the work undertaken. They have a growing team of trained volunteers from local churches. Three new volunteers were recently commissioned so there are now ten volunteers. The first team undertook their first patrol on 23 December 2016 and now six years on there are three teams and with the vision to expand even further to reach more people in a vulnerable position. Their mission is to provide a calming presence, a listening ear and practical help to vulnerable people in the nighttime economy of St Helens, showing God’s love to anyone and everyone they meet. The teams have patrolled the town centre streets from 10.30 pm to 3.30 am on the first Saturday and second Friday night of each month for the last couple of years, and they are preparing to launch a third patrol on the fourth Friday of each month. As they recruit and train more volunteers they will be able to increase this to a patrol team going out every weekend.

The volunteers often find themselves being listening ears for someone who in that moment really needs it; or just providing some practical help by giving out water, flip flops and space blankets to help keep people safe. They are often able to sign post people to services that can really help them; and other times they are just making sure that people get home safely. So, being a Street Pastor can look like so many things, but ultimately it is a tool that we use to be the hands and feet of Jesus; to show kindness and compassion and the love of God to those around us. Pictured is Deacon Paul Rooney who is a Street Pastor and a team leader in St Helens as is his wife Jane.

More information can be found at: https://www.streetpastors.org

Michael Smith

PDC World Darts Champion

by Lizzie Williams

Earlier this year Michael Smith from St Helens, hit the headlines after winning the PDC World Darts Championship title at London’s Alexandra Palace, a title he clinched thanks to his daily training at one of the Archdiocese of Liverpool’s parish centres - St Anne and Blessed Dominic in Sutton.

Michael’s mum Sandra Woods has been the manager of the centre since 2011, and when he is not away competing, Michael can be found training there.

He said: ‘I come here when the club is closed to practice, I do the school run and then train for about four hours a day before picking my two boys up on the way home. I don’t have a dart board at home as I want to keep work and home separate, so the club is where I do all of my training.’

Since the win, proud mum Sandra has been displaying the trophy in the club, allowing local people and sports fans to see it. She said, ‘it’s such a great opportunity for local people to come and see the trophy, we have had lots of interest and it’s lovely to see so many people, including children coming through the doors to see it.

‘I am so proud of Michael, but I’m proud of all of my children and it’s not just the darts that makes me proud of him. During Covid he donated thousands of pounds worth of food to nurses at St Helens and Whiston Hospitals and I’m incredibly proud of that.’

Due to her work commitments at the Centre, Sandra doesn’t go to watch Michael play live, but watches the matches on TV at St Anne and Blessed Dominic’s. She added: ‘When Michael won the world championship, the club was packed with family, friends and regular customers - it was a great atmosphere.

However, it cost me £150 as I bought everyone a drink when he won!’

It is no surprise that the club has two darts teams who meet weekly. Sandra said: ‘We have lots of activities on including darts, dominoes teams, chess club, snooker teams, pensioner bingo and baby sensory classes. The Police hold a drop in clinic for local people to help them feel safe in their community. We host functions from funerals and weddings to birthdays, christenings and children’s parties.

‘The centre is a warm and cosy hub every Tuesday between 1.00 pm and 3.30 pm welcoming anyone who wishes to spend time there to keep warm and make new friends in a safe space.

‘We are proud to be a hub of the community and I love seeing people benefit from the centre. There is a young boy from Ukraine who comes along to our chess club and it is so lovely to see him settling into a new community and getting involved in something he loves doing.’

Family is at the heart of St Anne and Blessed Dominic’s, Sandra who has worked for the archdiocese for 25 years, started work at Our Lady’s club in St Helens before it closed as her two brothers were the manager and assistant manager and her sister managed St Joseph’s club. Sandra started as a cleaner then worked behind the bar before working her way to management. Sandra’s partner Ian is the assistant manager at St Anne and Blessed Dominic, daughter Claire is bar staff and Michael has made a few rare appearances behind the bar to help his mum out.

St John Bosco

Our vision

We want everyone within the St John Bosco family to go cheerfully into the world, sharing love, knowledge and kindness.

Our values

At St John Bosco, everything we do is underpinned by our shared values. Each represent and reflect us as individuals, as a Catholic Salesian college, and a strong pillar of our local community.

‘Together we inspire each other to flourish in faith, hope and love.’