Diocese of Nottingham E-News - Advent/Christmas 2022

Bishop Patrick McKinney

I wish all readers of our diocesan E-news a very peaceful, joyful and reflective Christmas! I really do! The relentless commercial build up to Christmas in the shops and online, against the harsh financial challenges facing everyone this year, began many months ago. I feel sure that, by the time Christmas Day arrives this year, there will be many people who will be left feeling exhausted and facing debts. I pray that will not be true of you in these very challenging times.

The truth is that we all need a little time over Christmas, time to reflect quietly and gratefully upon this wonderful Feast, before we’re all expected to leave Christmas behind and move on with our lives Christmas is an invitation to reflect with Christ Jesus upon the past year, our joys and sorrows, our blessings and challenges It’s a grace-filled time to seek the guidance of, and to listen carefully to, the Holy Spirit of God at work within our hearts God speaks to us at all times, but with particular power during the Season of Christmas when we celebrate and thank God for His gift to us of His son, Jesus, the Word of God made flesh: ‘This is my Son, the beloved, in whom I am well pleased Listen to him ’ (Matthew 17:5) To listen, to be open and responsive to Jesus, requires a little effort on our part It calls for attentiveness and some silence; not just external silence but the more important inner silence I would encourage you to look upon Christmas 2022 as an invitation to create a small zone of silence within yourself where the voice of God, a ‘still small voice’ (I Kings19:13) can be heard.

The celebration of the birth of Jesus, Our Lord and Master, the One whom we try to serve in our daily lives and who is the Saviour of the world, cannot be

disposed of in a single day! This is why the Church gives us Christmastide, a time which continues up to the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the Sunday following the Feast of the Epiphany It’s why people used to speak of the ’twelve days of Christmas’ up to the Epiphany, and used to celebrate them as such This Christmas is a good time to do so again and to explore the variety and richness of these days For example, the Feasts of St Stephen and the Holy Innocents introduce the notion of martyrdom into our Christmas celebrations We’re not allowed to linger too long at the crib before we are reminded that we are called to follow Christ in our daily lives, which so often includes misunderstanding, opposition, and even persecution and martyrdom for some Christians in parts of our world The Feast of St John the beloved disciple, in the middle of these Feasts, reminds us also of the heart-to- heart relationshipthat Christ is always inviting us into; to share with Him what’s on our hearts and to draw ever closer to the abundant love He has in His heart for each of us It is that intimate relationship that will enable us to put our faith into action this Christmastide by sharing God’s love with those around us, particularly those who may be struggling most, in practical actions of love, kindness and care I am deeply heartened by the many parish and school initiatives of ‘warm spaces’ foodbanks, clothing recycling, etc , in response to the cost of living crisis We know we cannot truly love God, made flesh in Jesus, if we are not showing love for our neighbour

I wish you and your loved ones a peaceful, joyful and reflective Christmas Season,

"I wish you and your loved ones a peaceful, joyful and reflective Christmas Season"

2022 in Photos

Visit Flickr.com/dioceseofnottingham to view more than 2000 photographs from 2022!

5 New Year’s Resolutions Worth Keeping

I think I have only managed once to get beyond January with my New Year’s resolutions still intact and that one was to start baking my own bread. All the others seem to fade long before Ash Wednesday If you’re anything like me, I need a real goal that means something if I am to be convinced that the effort of a resolution is worth it New Year’s are always a great opportunity for a new beginning This idea of fresh starts is also central to our faith, with a goal of living a life of holiness that ultimately leads us to heaven Is there any greater motivation than a life lived with the Lord and filled with his joy, peace and love? This is exactly what we have been created for! So, with that in mind, here are five New Year’s Resolutions to help us grow in faith and holiness in 2023

Pray

It seems obvious, but it is by far the most important thing, regular prayer helps us know the heart of God more Commit to a time of prayer each day, in whatever way that works for you It could be the rosary, going to an extra Mass in the week, using the Pray-As-You-Go resource, going to adoration, arriving earlier or staying later after Mass Praying with and for others is a wonderful way to develop your prayer life It could be as simple as texting a friend to see how you can pray for them or partnering with someone in your parish to meet regularly to pray together

Serve

Our parishes wouldn’t function without the amazing volunteers who do so much, often we have a few people who do multiple roles too How could you help your parish? We will beginning a new catechist training programme beginning in January which could equip you do this Caritas in our diocese have a number of ways that you can serve the church and local community

Learn

There are endless ways to discover and explore the beauty of our Catholic faith We have a number of resources on the diocesan website to help you grow in faith Ascension Presents has two fantastic podcasts to help you cover the Catechism or Bible in a year in manageable daily chunks CaFE, Sycamore, Formed, and the Dominican Sisters of St Joseph, based in the New Forest all offer lots of excellent programmes and courses you can explore on your own or with a group

Connect

It is important to take time out of our busy lives to reconnect with God and our brothers and sisters in Christ. Retreat like these can break through mental or spiritual walls we may not even realise are there. We will be running a number of day retreats in Lent (Young Adults Retreat 11th March, Men’s Retreat 18th March, Women’s Retreat 25th March) you could also have a personal residential retreat at the Portiuncula in Clay Cross There are also lots of pilgrimages you can join in or out of the diocese, such as Beauvale (Nottinghamshire), Rodsley (Derbyshire) Melwood (Lincolnshire), Walsingham (Norfolk), The Rosary Rally (Leicestershire), and Lourdes (France) For more information please email me: joe hopkins@dioceseofnottingham uk

After the success of the World Meeting of Families celebration, there will be another family gathering on Saturday 24th June at Sacred Heart Parish, Leicester, along with monthly meetings for Young Adults aged 18-35 in Nottingham (1st Thursday of the Month) and Derby (3rd Thursday of the Month) Why not also consider starting up your own local group for fraternal support – St Peter’s in Hinckley have a regular lunch for single people, Our Lady of Lourdes Mickleover have a bereavement group and many parishes have events for the retired

Reconcile

The idea of reconciliation might seem more Lenten than festive, but at the heart of repentance is restoration, a restoration of peace, joy and love- the very gifts Christ gives us at Christmas Regular confession is balm for the soul, it removes all barriers between our heart and God’s, it gives us a fresh start regardless of our ability to keep our New Year’s resolutions or not

Whatever you choose to do in 2023, make a small commitment to opening your heart a little more to God’s love and His will for your life He wants to speak to you in prayer, he wants to give you the courage and energy to serve, he wants you to know and understand your faith more and he wants to pour out his love for you in the Sacraments Be gentle with yourself, keep your focus on the Lord and if you falter, then begin again God loves a trier!

Joe Hopkins Director of Adult Formation for Mission

Many of the articles in this publication are also available to read individually at dioceseofnottingham.uk/news

Admirabile Signum

"An admirable sign"

On the Meaning and Importance of the Nativity Scene

In December 2019, Pope Francis released a short letter on the meaning of the Nativity scene. He highlighted that ‘the Christmas crib is part of the precious yet demanding process of passing on the faith. Beginning in childhood, and at every stage of our lives, it teaches us to contemplate Jesus, to experience God’s love for us, to feel and believe that God is with is and that we are with him…’ This article highlights a few of the Pope’s reflections on key elements of the Nativity scene.

‘The angels and the guiding star are a sign that we too are called to set out for the cave and to worship the Lord ’

‘The shepherds respond to God who comes to meet us in the Infant Jesus by setting out to meet him with love, gratitude and awe…. Unlike so many other people, busy about many things, the shepherds become the first to see the most essential thing of all: the gift of salvation. It is the humble and poor who greet the event of the Incarnation.’

‘Mary is a mother who contemplates her child and shows him to every visitor. The figure of Mary makes us reflect on the great mystery that surrounded this young woman when God knocked on the door of her immaculate here…. [She] shows all of us how to abandon ourselves in faith to God’s will.’

‘At Mary’s side, shown protecting the Child and His Mother, stands Saint Joseph. He is usually depicted with staff in hand, or holding up a lamp… He is the guardian who tirelessly protects his family…Joseph treasured in his heart the great mystery surrounding Jesus and Mary his spouse; as a just man, he entrusted himself always to God’s will, and put it into practice.’

‘When,atChristmas,weplacethestatueoftheInfantJesusinthemanger,the nativityscenesuddenlycomesalive.Godappeaseasachild,forustotakeintoour armsBeneathweaknessandfrailty,heconcealshispowerthatcreatesand transformsallthings.Itseemsimpossible,yetitistrue:inJesus,Godwasachild, andinthiswayhewishedtorevealthegreatnessofhislove:bysmilingandopening hisarmstoall.Thebirthofachildawakensjoyandwonder;itsetsbeforeusthe greatmysteryoflife.Seeingthebrighteyesofayoungcouplegazingattheirnewbornchild,wecanunderstandthefeelingsofMaryandJosephwho,astheylooked attheInfantJesus,sensedGod’spresenceintheirlives.’ ‘AstheFeastoftheEpiphanyapproaches,weplacethestatuesoftheThreeKings intheChristmascrèche…TheMagiteachusthatpeoplecancometoChristbya verylongroute…GreatjoyovercomestheminthepresenceoftheInfantKing.They arenotscandalisedbythepoorsurroundings,butimmediatelyfalltotheirkneesto worshiphim…upontheirreturnhome,theywouldcertainlyhavetoldothersofthis amazingencounterwiththeMessiah,thusinitiatingthespreadoftheGospelamong thenations.'

‘It does not matter how the nativity scene is arranged; it can always be the same or it can change from year to year. What matters is that it speaks to our lives.

Wherever it is, and whatever form us takes, the Christmas crèche speaks to us of the love of God, the God who became a child in order to make us know how close he is to every man, woman and child, regardless of their condition….it teaches us to contemplate Jesus, to experience God’s love for us, to feel and believe that God is with us and that we are with him, his children, brothers and sisters all, thanks to that Child who is the Son of God and the Son of the Virgin Mary. And to realise that in that knowledge we find true happiness.’

The Holy Father concludes his beautiful letter with these words of encouragement as we stand before our own Christmas Nativity Scene in our homes, parishes or chaplaincies:

Around the Diocese

80 Miles to Bethlehem on a Donkey

Throughout Advent Mary, Joseph and the donkey moved around four churches of the Mansfield Pastoral Area (St Philip Neri, Mansfield; St Parick's , Forest Town; St Joseph's Shirebrook; and St Teresa's Market Warsop). They travelled a journey symbolic of the 80 miles to Bethlehem from Nazareth, with the parish community walking with them, praying and pondering along the way...

Each Sunday, as a community, we reflected on aspects of what that journey would have been like for Mary and Joseph; the terrain, the practicalities of carrying what was needful, the dangers from animals and robbers, where they stay when they arrived...

Using these questions and reflections as stimulus, we were able to then think about our own lives and how we can, at times, make the journey through life more difficult for ourselves and for others.

Lighting our Advent candles week by week reminded us of our spiritual journey through Advent, allowing us to ponder on the goodness of God, and on the Light that shines to show us the way, often through others we meet along our way.

To add to our Advent Journey, on Gaudete Sunday anyone who had brought their "Bambinelli" or "Bambino" (baby) from their nativity set was invited to come forward and have it blessed, using the prayer of Benedict XVI, the Pope Emeritus (see this prayer on page 13)

Sr Susan Richert PBVM, St Joseph’s, Shirebrook

The blessing of the “Bambinelli” [Baby Jesus figurines] as they are called in Rome, reminds us that the crib is a school of life where we can learn the secret of true joy This does not consist in having many things but in feeling loved by the Lord, in giving oneself as a gift for others and in loving one another Let us look at the crib Our Lady and St Joseph do not seem to be a very fortunate family; their first child was born in the midst of great hardship; yet they are full of deep joy, because they love each other, they help each other and, especially, they are certain that God, who made himself present in the little Jesus, is at work in their story And the shepherds? What did they have to rejoice about? That Newborn Infant was not to change their condition of poverty and marginalization But faith helped them recognize the “babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger” as a “sign” of the fulfilment of God’s promises for all human beings, “with whom he is pleased” (Lk 2: 12, 14)

Pope Benedict XVI, 2009

Derby Friends of Life Afternoon Tea

On Sunday, 4 December, the Friends of Derby Life hosted a Christmas Afternoon Tea at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Centre, Mickleover, Derby to raise funds for the Life Charity Over 130 people enjoyed home made sandwiches, scones, mince pies and a wide variety of cakes A fantastic amount of just over £1,700 was raised from ticket sales, donations and a raffle Many thanks go to all who made the event such a success

Life is a national charity that is creating a world where no-one faces pregnancy or pregnancy loss alone More than 200 mums and babies are housed in their network of 23 houses. Life also has two charity shops in Derby City Centre (as well as others in Breaston, Leicester and Nuneaton) Funds raised enable Life to reach out to the 200 people every day asking for listening support and counselling, free pregnancy tests and emotional and practical help.

Over the Advent and Christmas periods the Parish of Our Lady of Lourdes, Mickleover, is raising money for two charities, the "Ukrainian Children in Crisis Appeal", being run by "Family for Every Child", and, "Mary's Meals".

"As some of you will know I stopped cutting my beard when the Ukraine War started, as something of a protest and a prayer. I'm now going to do a sponsored shave off, clean shaven for Christmas day, to raise money for these two great charities our parish voted to support this Christmas." says Fr Jonathan

He adds, "If you'd like to see what your priest looks like without a beard, please make a donation!" justgiving com/crowdfunding/frjonathansbeard

Barbara Gadsby on behalf of Derby Friends of Life | Read Online

Fr Jonathan Whitby-Smith

90 Years Young

Frances Goodman of St Margaret's, Keyworth, was recently joined by Fr Liam Carpenter and her fellow parishioners in celebration of her 90th birthday! Frances has contributed so much to her parish and community over the years; as National Vice President of the UCM (Union of Catholic Mothers), Chair of many Churches Together Keyworth meetings, and continuing as a very active of the parish SVP Group!

Not only that, but Frances - alongside husband Chris - have fostered many babies, ensuring a loving, secure start to life before being placed for adoption Congratulations, Frances!

Mission, Vision, and Virtues

Adapted from: srscmat co uk

Almost 1000 members of staff from the 25 schools and Central Team of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust (covering much of Derbyshire) gathered for their Trust Feast Day celebrations, where CEO, Kevin Gritton, launched their new Mission, Vision and Virtues Those gathered heard from inspirational keynote speaker Sister Judith Russi and celebrated Mass with Father Simon Gillespie. The CMAT’s new Mission was created at their Trust Pupil Parliament, with input from staff and students from all 25 schools in the Trust

The Mission: ‘Growing in faith, serving with love, transforming our world; together in Christ’ Their Vision is that they will:

Ensure the best possible education for every child. Provide Catholic formation which inspires all of us to live a life of service modelled on the Gospels Continue to build sustainable and caring communities in which the most vulnerable can flourish Recognise that every member of our community has a vital role to play.

The Virtues were created with input from Headteachers and the Central Team. They are Trust, Togetherness and Kindness

Sister Judith Russi Photo Credit: SRS CMAT

Fr Neil Peoples and Fr Simon Gillespie

Photo Credit: SRS CMAT

Frances and Fr Liam

God, our Father you so loved humankind that you sent us your only Son Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary, to save us and lead us back to you.

We pray that with your Blessing these images of Jesus, who is about to come among us, may be a sign of your presence and love in our homes.

Good Father, give your Blessing to us too, to our parents, to our families and to our friends.

Open our hearts, so that we may be able to receive Jesus in joy, always do what he asks and see him in all those who are in need of our love.

We ask you this in the name of Jesus, your beloved Son, who comes to give the world peace. He lives and reigns forever and ever.

Amen.

Aged 18-35? Travel to World Youth Day 23 with the Diocese of Nottingham!

August 2023 • Lisbon, Portugal

Limited places available. Find out more at: dioceseofnottingham

Blessed wreaths, tiny sheep, and shining stars!

On Monday 28th November, with Advent h i begun, the children of St. Augustine's CVA their week with a beautiful service in ou Church of St Mary & St Augustine's, in which Peter Vellacott blessed the Advent wreath by each class.

As the weeks continued, this very special se followed by the joyous performance of our C production, with our whole school came tog put on our Christmas play, The Magical C Jigsaw!

This was our first Christmas production sin Covid, so it was lovely to see the hall full of and to see all of the children sing and dan hearts out for us We are so proud of the almost every child in school was up on stag the performance, from our adorable Earl sheep right through to comedy turns from ou pupils in our Year 6 class, and heavenly sing g our whole school; it was certainly a great and festive way to carry on our countdown to Christmas

Many of our school virtues were on display du performance, both within the script and fr children themselves - Love and Respect, Fr and Kindness, Honesty and Forgiveness, Ho Confidence, Love of Neighbour and Self Con Love of Learning and Determination

A standing ovation from our audience at the the evening performance was just wonderful the children and staff to see, and brought u much joy

As we approached the 3rd Sunday of Advent ready to light the pink candle, reminding o that Jesus will soon be here This symbol of truly reinforced by our pupils and celebrating the true meaning of Christmas a community, in this most wonderful way, these gatherings

St Norbert’s Church Crowle

150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OPENING OF THE CHURCH (1872 – 2022)

H I S T O R Y

The mid-19th century saw significant immigration of both Italian and Irish labourers arriving to work on the construction of the new canal system and laterally other heavy industries such as coal and steel. In the area surrounding the market town of Crowle there was no church where this largely Catholic workforce could attend and celebrate the Mass.

An Italian man, who had anglicised his name from Girolamo Vaccari to James Walker, and who worked at the local gasworks, approached a benefactor to seek support for the establishment of a mission and the building of a church. Thomas Young, who lived in Market Rasen came from a Catholic family and was known to support the building of churches in North Lincolnshire. Due to difficulties such as remoteness and a scattered population the Diocese could not support the location, so Thomas Young invited the Canons Regular of Premontre (Premonstratensians or Norbertines) from Antwerp to establish and manage a community in Crowle, the first to be established in England. The foundation stone was laid in July 1871 and on 15 October 1872 the first Mass was said by the Abbot of Mount St Bernard Abbey. To mark this association, the church was dedicated to St Norbert. The building was small, made up of the nave only with the Sacristy and Sanctuary being added in 1874.

Over the years, the church has gone through a number of alterations with the most recent being in 2019/20 which saw the removal of wood panelling which had been added in the late Victorian era, the

to decide on what could be included on and around the day Planning and fundraising were going well until March 2020 when all was disrupted by the impact of covid related restrictions Whilst this meant a necessary change to some of the more creative ideas it nonetheless focussed minds on what could be possible in the remaining limited time available With military precision, the format of the day was agreed, rotas created for cleaning, flowers, catering, car parking and a multitude of other things, fulfilled by a group of hardworking but willing volunteers

T H E D A Y O F C E L E B R A T I O N

On 15th October 2022, with the church spruced and filled with beautiful flowers, Mass was celebrated again to mark the 150th Anniversary of events in 1872 Presided over by Rt Rev Patrick McKinney, Bishop of Nottingham, a number of clergy who had served the Parish over the years were welcomed in concelebrating with Bishop Patrick in this happiest of occasions, including the Rt Rev Hugh Allan, O Praem, Abbot of the current Norbertine Order Many parishioners attended, including members of families who had grown up in Crowle but moved away over time.

Following what was a beautiful Mass, everyone decamped to the school hall to enjoy a delicious lunch provided by a local hostelry. This gave the opportunity for friends old and new to meet and chat, exchanging stories of days past, including memories of attending the school and comments on how it had changed since their time and for many, their children’s and even grandchildren’s attendance.

The day was deemed a success and a fitting commemoration to what the efforts of James Walker and Thomas Young had provided to the Catholic community of Crowle and surrounding villages. Thanks were extended to all involved in the preparation and execution of the day, by both Bishop Patrick and our current Parish Priest, Father Matthew Jakes.

Pact Prepares

‘It is not true that we must accept inhumanity and discrimination, hunger and poverty, death and destruction This is true: I have come that they may have life and that abundantly’ These words from the Advent Credo by Allan Boesak, were read at Pact’s Advent Carol services

Farm Street Church in London was full for Pact’s annual Advent Carol Service Sacred Heart Church in Carlton, Nottingham was also full for our first Carol Service in the Nottingham diocese Among the congregation at each event were people with lived experience of the criminal justice system, prison chaplains, Pact staff, trustees, volunteers, parish reps and supporters, as well as family and friends

Bishop Richard Moth in London, and Bishop Patrick McKinney in Nottingham, welcomed everyone and spoke of compassion and new beginnings as Christian values that guide our work

Pact is the national Catholic charity that supports prisoners, people with convictions, and their children and families We provide caring and life-changing services at every stage of the criminal justice process: in court, in prison, on release, and in the community The testimony of lived experience was a key part of each Service For Pact, everything we do is informed by the voices of those who know what it is to be in prison, to feel isolated and excluded by the stigma of having a family member in prison, or to be desperately worried about a loved one inside who has a mental illness The men who spoke at each event had some things in common Faith had given them the hope and grace, finally, to turn their lives around.

At Farm Street, Lewis read from Psalm 24, a text that had given him courage, ‘Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good’.

for Christmas: Calling Catholic communities to respond to the needs of prisoners and their families

Among other advent carols, the congregation sang together the words of the Magnificat, ‘He looks on me, he lifts me up and gladness fills my days.’ We used the Anne Carter version with the tune of Amazing Grace since that is the hymn so many prisoners turn to for strength and hope in what Lewis described as ‘the sometimes volatile environment of prison’.

Echoing Boesak’s Advent Credo, Pact CEO Andy Keen-Downs reported that this winter ‘will be bleak for a lot of people in prison and in our society.’ Against a context of continuing restrictions in prison regimes due to the serious staffing crisis and increasing numbers of people held in prison, Andy affirmed that, ‘At the heart of our work is a desire to uphold people’s dignity – to support women and men to cope with prison, to stay safe, and to use their time inside as well as possible, so that when they are released, they are focused on living good lives, and have the support they need to do so ’ Bishop Moth urged Catholic people to consider how we are being called to respond to the needs of prisoners and their families He encouraged Catholic communities to become more involved with the work of Pact

It was valuable to gather after the Services and talk about actions we can take We invite you to consider your response to Jesus’ challenge, ‘I was in prison and you visited me’ Pact is ready to welcome you: apply to volunteer with us; become a Parish Rep; make a donation or consider leaving us a legacy gift

Pact walks alongside all those working to make a better world In London, refreshments were prepared by the Clink who provide catering beyond the prison walls, giving prisoners the opportunity to gain experience and qualifications In Nottingham, a feast was prepared by the wonderful Sacred Heart Community Café team Please use this bidding prayer during Christmas liturgies where you are:

Lord God, You sent your Son Jesus to bring light into the darkness This Christmas we bring before you all those in prison, and their families We pray that the light of Christ will fill their hearts with hope and that your love will sustain them through bleak and difficult times Contact Theresa Alessandro and Marie Norbury parish action@prisonadvice org uk

Our Carol Services are kindly supported by CCLA Investment Management so that all funds raised at the events can be directed to supporting our frontline work www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/news/pact-prepares-for-christmas

Stella Maris at Christmas

“When we go on board a ship with Christmas gifts, it makes such a difference to seafarers. Last year, one seafarer said to me, ‘Thank you for not forgetting us,’” says Peter Barrigan, Stella Maris regional port chaplain to Tees, Hartlepool and Seaham.

As Christmas approaches, many of us will be with our loved ones at this special time for families. Most seafarers will not. At best they may be in port with access to internet and mobile connections. At worst they will be at sea with no opportunity to contact their families.

Typically, seafarers spend between nine months to a year at sea, with, given the fast turnaround time of vessels, little chance to meet others during their brief stays in port. The seafarers might be invisible, but many of the items you see in your local shops have arrived in the UK by sea, as has the fuel at the petrol station and your mobile phone or computer.

Stella Maris port chaplains like Peter, and his team of volunteer ship visitors, are often a lifeline to seafarers, providing, amongst other things, transport to local shops, mobile WiFi devices, warm clothing, and arranging medical appointments

At Christmas, said Peter, one of the most important things is to enable seafarers to contact their families “We make sure that they have SIM cards and mobile phone top-up vouchers. We are aware of the sadness that being away from families can bring at this time of year and so we try and spend more time on ships.”

When Peter takes Christmas gifts on board, he dresses up as Santa Claus Seafarers will often take photos of him to send back to their families Last year, he and his team distributed around 800 shoe boxes or bags wrapped in Christmas paper These were provided by local parishes and schools and contained items such as toiletries, socks, woolly hats, and chocolate

“There’s often a card inside with a simple message written by a child, saying something like 'Thank you for all you do for us.” On one ship last year, an officer went to his cabin and returned with the card he’d received the previous year, telling me that it had meant so much to him that he had kept it by his bed.

“We tend to have an impromptu sing along when we take the gifts on board. As we gather in the mess rooms, we start singing Christmas songs to which the guys join in. It’s just a few verses, but it brings smiles to their faces.”

“Last Christmas, many seafarers were not able or unwilling to go ashore or have guests aboard ship because of Covid concerns,” says Gregory Hogan, Stella Maris regional port chaplain in Southampton. “Our outreach was limited to dropping Christmas packages at the gangway. This year, most ships have returned to normal operations and crew can go ashore when there is time. We can see that crew feel a lot happier this year. On each ship I visit, I say a brief prayer for the crew and their families, asking God to bless and protect them. A lot of seafarers are Christian or of other faiths, and they appreciate this.”

Whether in port or at sea, seafarers always try to celebrate Christmas on board ship, explains John Pinhay, Stella Maris chaplain to the ports of Falmouth and Fowey in Cornwall “The Filipino crews will normally eat pork, instead of our traditional turkey. I recall the Filipino crew on one vessel explaining that, as they eat their Christmas lunch, they watch a biblical film, like Jesus of Nazareth.

Most ships put up decorations and a tree When we take the Christmas parcels on board, we encourage the crew not to open them until Christmas Day itself and to put them under the tree ”

Unlike Stella Maris port chaplains, we are unlikely to meet any seafarers over Christmas Yet it’s only because of the tough job that they do that we can buy many of those things that help make Christmas such a special time To find out more about Stella Maris' work or to make a donation go to www stellamaris org uk

A New Chapter for St Barnabas Cathedral!

Saint Barnabas Cathedral is the seat of the bishop’s throne, the “cathedra” for which the building is named, and from which the bishop leads the diocese The cathedra is the focal point of our unity under the Bishop

On 2nd July, shortly after the Cathedral was so-designated, and at the behest of Joseph Hendren OSF, first Bishop of Nottingham, the Chapter of the Cathedral was constituted, consisting of a Provost and ten canons Its functions, then as now, are to be a college of priests of the diocese who participate in the more solemn liturgical actions in the Cathedral, and to act as an advisory body to the bishop in the exercise of his pastoral ministry

In the past 170 years many priests have held the office of Canon within the diocese, and others have been associated to their number through being created as ‘honorary canons’, recognising their outstanding contribution to the life of the diocese and the service of the faithful Tonight the Chapter is augmented to its full complement of eleven through the installation of Canons-elect Andrew Cole (parish priest of Grimsby, Cleethorpes and Immingham), Matthew Jakes (parish priest of Scunthorpe, Crowle and Gainsborough), John Kyne (parish priest of Mansfield, Shirebrook and Forest Town), and Peter Vellacott (parish priest of Stamford, and diocesan Vicar Judicial). They are joined by two Honorary Canons elect, Stephen Dye (parish priest of Oakham) and Stanley Ofoegbu (parish priest of Aspley, Wollaton and Bilborough, and Chairman of the Council of Priests).

"Tonight we place ourselves under the patronage of the Immaculate Conception, under which title Our Blessed Lady is the patron of our diocese. Gathered around the Virgin Mother of Jesus, we seek to give glory to God and grow in love our neighbour. May tonight be a time of rejoicing for each one of us. "

There’s a ‘U’ in Church…

The church relies on people getting involved When they do, they bring their passion, hopes, joys, skills and talents in service of the community and everyone is enriched by this, not least the person giving their time Our church, our world needs you Could your New Year’s resolution be getting more involved in the life of our church? There are many ways of getting involved in the church and we’d encourage you to spend a moment thinking what causes move you, what you are passionate about and then see if there are any ways to get involved in this part of the church’s mission

At CAFOD, we are looking for people to share their time and join us in our part of the mission Could you help us by visiting local schools and inspiring the children to get involved in our mission? Could you help in your parish, bringing people together to help build a better world Could you help us support and inspire our volunteers or share your office skills to help us keep our costs low? Could you raise a voice and help us campaign for justice or speak on our behalf throughout the diocese?

Or could you take on The Big Lent Walk? Walk when and where you choose over 40 days, alone or with friends, have fun or take time to pray and reflect Raise money to help people as they overcome poverty If you are part of a school or parish community, encourage them to take on the Community Big Lent walking challenge and walk together on one day supporting families around the world

Whatever your interest and skills, we can provide training and support to help so that you can flourish in the role

Jesus called people He asked them to follow him, to join him in giving time and efforts for the Kingdom of God He still does St Francis was called by God to ‘Rebuild my Church’ The apostles were called by Jesus to be ‘fishers of men’ Could God be calling you to a greater involvement in the church and a deeper response to our mission?

A Warmer Welcome : Discovering the power of hospitality

Parishes in Nottingham Diocese are opening ‘Warm Hubs’, as Paul Bodenham from Caritas Diocese of Nottingham writes:

With households expected to be paying 30% of their income on energy in January 2023, these are hard times for almost everyone So it’s heartwarming that parishes around Nottingham diocese are opening up this Winter, offering a ‘warm space’ for those who are struggling to make ends meet

At least 20 of our parishes are now providing a warm, hospitable space with refreshments and companionship at least once a week, or planning to open one soon. If you’re volunteering your time in this way, Caritas is here to support you.

This Winter Caritas are hosting a regular online get-together on Zoom for anyone offering parish-based hospitality and outreach in the cost-of-living crisis, The next is on 10 January at 4.00 p.m. You can find more details in the poster below.

We’ve also published a Caritas ‘Outreach Toolkit’, which serves as a one-stop-shop for advice and inspiration to help you and your parish develop outreach activities, safely and effectively. Email caritas@dioceseofnottingham.uk for your copy.

www dioceseofnottingham uk/news/a-warmer-welcome

Bring your loaves and fishes

Paul Bodenham of Caritas Diocese of Nottingham reports on the Caritas annual assembly on 5 November 2022

It took a child to share his packed lunch. With them Jesus fed five thousand families. It's a story that can inspire us as we seek to share what can seem to be limited resources with those in need At the Caritas Annual Assembly, on Saturday 5 November at St Joseph's in Leicester, we began to see what it might look like to take that Scripture to heart

"Time, talent and possessions" - in his homily at the opening Mass, Bishop Patrick McKinney highlighted these three assets which are ours to share He encouraged us to recognise in them the 'loaves and fishes' the people around us need in these lean times Nourished by the Eucharist, our parishes can be the places where the multiplication happens

Three keynote talks and eight workshops later, the point was echoed in the assembly’s closing plenary One person commented that the Gospel gives us the tools to enable people to be 'artisans of their own destiny', a phrase which entered Catholic social teaching in Populorum progressio (1967) That requires that we 'do with' people instead of merely 'doing for' them - or even, as the Passionist Austin Smith once said, a commitment to simply 'exist with' them

On the way we were enriched by three very different keynote speakers (pictured below) Sean Ryan from Together for the Common Good recounted a vivid take on Pentecost, and urged us to let the Holy Spirit take us by surprise He gave moving testimony to the importance in his own life of following inklings that can't be rationally justified, but if trusted enable God's purposes to take over

Amy Daughton drew on a writer whom Pope Francis says inspired his latest encyclical Fratelli Tutti: Paul Ricoeur They, and the Gospel itself, invite us to step beyond merely functional relationships, even in the Church, so that we discover ourselves relating to each other as 'neighbour' Amy left us with three of Fratelli Tutti's most searching questions: "What is tenderness? What mark did I leave on the life of society? What real bonds did I create?"

The third speaker, Louise Cooke, added the grit of frontline experience from her work as CEO of the Nottingham-based Sharewear Clothing Scheme Louise explained why clothing poverty has become as much a crisis of human dignity as hunger Having been fieldworker for the diocesan Justice and Peace Commission a few years ago, she shared the fascinating story of her journey into Sharewear. Like Sean, it required her to take a risk that was apparently incomprehensible at the time - but she now heads a unique and rapidly growing charity with an outstanding reputation.

Over lunchtime and into the afternoon Sean and Louise went further in conversation with some, while other participants explored other workshop topics, including:

the practicalities of opening a cafe reducing energy bills in church and at home CAFOD's Fix the Food System campaign doing a parish skills audit and volunteering campaign

All the while Amy listened in, and she shared three reflections at the end of the day She observed how often fear had been mentioned - fear of taking risks, fear of leadership, as well as our own genuine fears of scarcity 'But,' she asked, 'how sustainable is a stability based on fear?' Creativity can be disruptive, but also unlock new possibilities in our relationships with each other, our Church and the wider world

Quoting Pope Francis' intriguing phrase 'Time is greater than space ' , Amy highlighted the need to take a long view of time The difficult choices Sean and Louise had described, and some of the ministries showcased in the workshops, took years to bear fruit. Let's make a commitment to the long term, even if only the short-term is in sight.

Finally she quoted the theologian Nicola Slee who has explored the multiple ‘overwhelmings’ many now face, not least financially. It's important in these times not to cling to the illusion that we can cope, but to trust God, Who is the ultimate Overwhelming - and the one in whom all are safe.

It was a profound and tantalising note on which to end the day, as we returned to our parishes, ready to let the Overwhelming in!

Keynote speakers at the Caritas Annual Assembly:

Sean Ryan (Together for the Common Good) Dr Amy Daughton (University of Birmingham)

Louise Cooke (Sharewear Clothing Scheme)

Grub Club to Warm Hub

How did it all begin?

It started off as a Catholic initiative Half a dozen of us sitting around the table debating the meaning of ‘action’ in Catholic social action How could we make a difference within our local community?

On hearing from one parishioner about challenges some families have in feeding and entertaining young children during holidays, we started Grub Club in 2018 After deciding to open the doors to all families of primary school aged children experiencing hardship, we contacted 10 primary headteachers to tell them about our holiday scheme and invite families to take part After a few weeks’ planning we opened during the summer holidays, using parish and school halls

Right from the start we engaged the support of parishioners and the parish priest, using the usual parish communications: newsletter, pulpit, social media Conscious of people’s time (and attention spans) we held an open meeting: refreshments, no slides, tight agenda, forms provided People came,

Catherine Brady, Loughborough

How did you get back up-and-running in Summer 2022?

Keen to resume but losing our venue, most volunteers and key members of our core team, we had to re-establish our presence quickly, with six weeks’ lead-time As members of the Charnwood Food Poverty Action Group, we were part of a larger network of charitable projects This helped our messaging and mission as it’s important to be aware that what you offer is complementary to, rather than duplicating, what other organisations provide I attended a Churches Together Ministers’ breakfast and asked ministers to spread the word to families We leafleted the libraries and contacted the university

Volunteers came from parishes, people of other faiths and no faith, neighbours, colleagues, friends and family. It was always our intention to go beyond the Catholic boundaries but we operate with Christian values linked with the common good. This year we opened for summer and half-term and we’ll open for a Christmas event. In addition, we are offering two warm hubs and collecting coats again. The Spirit is driving us and that’s ok, we’re all fired up for what comes next.

What would your 10 top tips be? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Establish a core team of ‘do-ers’ and a back-up team of ‘pray-ers’

Appoint someone on the team to seek out sources of money and write bids Do your research to establish need and identify other groups you can work with Go beyond the Catholic community to identify need and to find families and volunteers Consider asking one of the people who benefit from your service to sit on your core team Go out to secondary schools, churches (all faiths), local charities, food banks, surgeries, other community groups Take risks but cover all compliance bases Don’t wait for volunteers to come forward, ask them directly Match volunteers to tasks according to age, availability, vocation, skill, interest Train your volunteers and ensure they know your values

It could be you!

Could a news story about you, your parish, school or organisation feature here? E-Mail naomi.roberts@dioceseofnottingham.uk to begin the conversation.

Christmas Cheer as 'Schools Singing Programme' Expands!

Over 1000 children from across Nottingham performed in this year’s Schools Carol Services, hosted over four evenings at St Barnabas Cathedral, Nottingham and St Philip Neri Church, Mansfield The services were the idea of Peter Giorgio, Diocesan Director of Education, who wanted to create an event at the Cathedral which brought students together from our schools, giving them an experience of singing in Church, and of being part of the diocese They have quickly become a highlight of the diocesan calendar! The children are part of the 'National Schools Singing Programme', generously funded by the Hamish Ogston Foundation. Now its second year in our diocese, the programme has doubled in size and, under the leadership of Gregory Treloar and Chris Davies, it operates across fourteen schools in Nottingham and Mansfield. We caught up with Greg to find out more about the development of the programme and to hear about this recent Carol Services.

Greg, tell us about the role of music in becoming a more missionary diocese?

For me, music is a really essential element in growing the mission of the Church. It is a fantastic tool for creating engagement with a diversity of children and people, and the programme is something like a ‘shop window’; an attractive invitation to come and see and maybe even encounter Jesus Christ. A hope I have is that the programme continues to funnel children into our choirs at the Cathedral outside of school. We currently have 60 children meeting weekly at the Cathedral and I would love to see that grow to 100 then 200 over the next ten years. I’d love the children to feel that the Church is their place, a home for them and a key part of their identity and life. Music provides a gateway to a relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church.

What benefits have you seen from the Carol Services this year?

The services are about helping children grow in their musical ability and confidence. They are also an amazing bridge into the life of the Cathedral and diocese for themselves and many of their families. The programme has really come into its own this last term, the children are picking things up really quickly, are singing confidently and have raised them game in terms of being able to grasp and deliver more complex pieces of music Performing in the Cathedral really elevates this At one of the services, we had a child who had really struggled engaging with the programme over the last term but in the Cathedral they were singing confidently in a way I hadn’t seen all term It was like that moment in the Cathedral unlocked something in them, igniting a confidence to perform; it is such a joy to see!

What do you think schools value about this programme?

Schools really value the ‘cultural capital’ gained through the programme, as children get the opportunity to learn music for Mass and for the Carol Service, the opportunity to experience the Cathedral for the first time and the possibility of even meting Bishop Patrick! It’s great for children to

To find out more about the various choirs, visit: nottinghamcathedralmusic com www dioceseofnottingham uk/news/christmas-cheer-as-schools-singing-programme-expands

f i n d u s o n l i n e f i n d u s o n l i n e

'Lift up your eyes and see '

On the First Monday of Advent, some of our priest and deacons gathered together with Bishop Patric at Rosmini Centre, for a Day of Recollection Th day was led by Canon John Udris, with the them taken from Isaiah 40:26 ‘Lift up your eyes and see’

Canon John encouraged us to see Advent, as time to hear the invitation to look up, above an beyond our present circumstances, no matter ho unpromising they may seem, and see the bigge picture Advent is about locking our gaze on Go and on His promises, and keeing our eyes fixe firmly on what God is offering us.

Canon John suggested that Abraham, our Father i faith, is one can teach us how to lift our eyes, an see what God is wanting to bestow. Abraham the one who shows us how believing, is a kind o beholding

Speaking particularly of Eucharistic Adoration, o waiting before the Lord in prayer, Canon Joh made use of a phrase often used in art, ‘the longe you look, the more you see’

In his second talk, Canon John focussed on Jesu as the one who lifts His eyes on us, and whose gaz always conveys grace

Quoting from Blessed Carlo Acutis: ‘If we get i front of the sun, we get sun tans but when we ge in front of Jesus in the Eucharist, we becom saints '

Canon John made several references to 'The God-seeing Life' of Blessed John Ruysbroeck: who said "What we are, that we behold; and what we behold, that we are: for our thought, our life and our being are uplifted to simplicity and made one with the Truth which is God. And therefore, in this simple staring we are one life and one spirit with God; and this I call a contemplative life "

Bishop Patrick commented “It was a very helpful day, with time before the Lord in prayer, and an opportunity for Confession”

Rev Deacon Warren Peachey

Upcoming Events

Sunday 18th December 6PM

Handel’s Messiah at Our Lady of Lourdes Micklover

Thursday 29th December at 6PM

Young Adults Group (18-35) St Bernadette’s Parish Centre, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16, 2RS. Email Fr Lim Gamsi for more details on limnyuy.gamsi@dioceseofnottingham.uk

Thursday 5th January at 6.15PM

Young Adults Evening (18-35) at St Barnabas Cathedral, Nottingham.

Monday 9th January at 7PM

Spanish Mass at St Peter’s, Leicester, celebrated by Fr Lim Gamsi

Tuesday 10th January 4PM on Zoom

Warmer Welcome Drop-In with Caritas Nottingham To sign up visit bit.ly/WarmerWelcome, email caritas@dioceseofnottingham.uk or call Paul on 0115 648 1509

Thursday 12th January

Talking Philosophy: a Carmelite Perspective –

Thursday Afternoon Reading & Discussion Zoom Group – Open to All”, begins, in the New Year Email: james hunter200@btinternet com

Thursday 12th

January

January 7PM at Cathedral Hall

Film Night - 'Unplanned'

16th January – 6th February

Encountering

Catechesis: Get the foundations right - sharing the Gospel, Safeguarding, using resources Four sessions Email adult formation@dioceseofnottingham uk or call 0115 9539806

Thursday 19th January at 6.15PM

Young Adults Evening (18-35) at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Derby

Wednesday 25th January 7PM

Cathedral Hall - Pro-Life Apologetics: What to say and when Have you ever been in conversation with friends, family, or colleagues, and felt uncomfortable with the subject of abortion? The church teaches that abortion is a grave sin. As Catholics, we must share that truth. But we must do so in a way which is compassionate and nonjudgmental During this practical session, we will discuss how to achieve this balance. Participants will be offered tools and materials to enable them to speak on the subject of abortion with sensitivity and confidence - whatever the context

Wednesday 1st February (Philosophy)

Talking Philosophy & Theology: a Carmelite Perspective – Wednesday Evening Reading & Discussion Zoom Group - Open to All - 1st & 3rd Wednesday evenings Email: james.hunter200@btinternet.com

Thursday 2nd February at 6.15PM

Young Adults Evening (18-35) at St Barnabas Cathedral, Nottingham

Monday 6th – Friday 10th February

Based on the true story of Abby Johnson Abby was manager of a Planned Parenthood abortion clinic in the USA and advocate for abortion until, having witnessed an abortion taking place, she had a dramatic change of heart. Today she is a leading pro-life campaigner The film is rated cert 15 and is not suitable for younger children No charge for entry, but donations appreciated to cover costs Got an event you'd like to list? E-Mail naomi.roberts@dioceseofnottingham.uk to begin the conversation.

Retreat for Priests, Buckfast Abbey - organised by Pilgrimage People To reserve your place contact us on 0800 612 3423 or email info@pilgrimagepeople.org

Saturday 11th February - All Day

Sharing the Church’s Story, a one-day conference with Bishop Robert Baron, London sharingthechurchsstory com

Monday 13th February at 7PM on Zoom

Warmer Welcome Drop-In with Caritas Nottingham To sign up visit bit ly/WarmerWelcome email caritas@dioceseofnottingham uk or call Paul on 0115 648 1509

Wednesday 15th February (Theology)

Talking Philosophy & Theology: a Carmelite Perspective – Wednesday Evening Reading & Discussion Zoom Group - Open to All - 1st & 3rd Wednesday evenings, thereafter. Email: james.hunter200@btinternet.com

Thursday 16th February at 6.15PM

Young Adults Evening (18-35) at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Derby

Saturday 4th March - All Day

Flame 2023 – the UK’s largest Catholic Youth Conference. Contact Beth Ryder at NDCYS for more info on how to travel and book with Nottingham Diocese – beth@ndcys.com

Saturday 11th March

Young Adults Retreat - More information to follow

Tuesday 14th March 7PM on Zoom

Warmer Welcome Drop-In with Caritas Nottingham To sign up visit bit ly/WarmerWelcome email caritas@dioceseofnottingham.uk or call Paul on 0115 648 1509

Saturday 18th March

Men's Retreat - More info to follow

20th February – 20th March

Discipleship Catechesis: Explore core Catholic teachings – Jesus, the Trinity, the Bible, Liturgy, Prayer Catholic Social and Moral Teaching. Six sessions Email adult formation@dioceseofnottingham uk or call 0115 9539806

Friday 24th - Sunday 26th March

The Stonyhurst Christian Heritage Centre is offering a weekend residential marriage preparation course For further details and to book: christianheritagecentre.com/events or contact: events@christianheritagecenre.com

Saturday 25th March

Women's Retreat - More info to follow

Thursday 6th – Sunday 9th April

The Briars, Crich (nr Matlock) - Search for the Light – a Holy Week retreat for Young People in Years 10-13. To book or enquire email bookings@ndcys.com or call 01773 852044

Sunday 9th – Friday 14th April

Held at Worth Abbey, Joel’s Bar is an Easter Retreat for those aged 16-28. Book at joelsbar.co.uk

Aged 18-35? Travel to World Youth Day 23 with the Diocese of Nottingham!

August 2023 • Lisbon, Portugal

Limited places available. Find out more at: dioceseofnottingham uk/events/wyd23

Got an event you'd like to list? E-Mail naomi.roberts@dioceseofnottingham.uk to begin the conversation.

About The Fund -

With thanks to the Sisters of St Joseph of Peace, the St Francis of Assisi Fund is a £5000 grant awarded to The Briars to help young people across the Nottingham Diocese who may not otherwise be able to access a retreat at The Briars due to financial difficulties

As an organisation, we are keen to support those young people who are unable to access other streams of funding or support Therefore, the fund subsidises the cost of a retreat at The Briars by 50% for up to 1 young person nominated by your school

In order to nominate a young person from your school, a member of staff must fill in an application found on our website with a small statement about the young person's experience to be considered. As The St. Francis of Assisi Fund is a limited fund of £5000 not all applications are guaranteed to be funded.

NOTTINGHAM DiocesanNews