November 2023 - Diocese of Nottingham E-Magazine

PILGRIMS OF HOPE Restoring Pugin: Meet the Team

The latest updates on the Restoring Pugin project at St Barnabas Cathedral, Nottingham

YOUTH SUNDAY 2023

Photograph: Stained Glass of Saint Hugh at Chester Cathedral, taken by Naomi Roberts

November 2023 - Vol.7

An opening message from Bishop Patrick McKinney

Bishop of Nottingham

A warm welcome to this issue of our diocesan E-News. As we look forward to celebrating the Solemnity of Christ the King, which is also World Youth Sunday, I would like to speak about a few initiatives for young people and young adults, one of my diocesan priorities. On this Solemnity I am looking forward to celebrating the contribution of young adults to our diocese at the 6pm Mass in St Barnabas Cathedral. We will also hear one or two brief reflections from young adults who travelled out with me and three priests as part of the diocesan group who travelled to Lisbon in August to participate in the World Youth Days. My hope is that throughout our diocese many parishes will invite young people to participate in a special Mass on World Youth Sunday to celebrate both the Solemnity of Christ the King and the vital place of young people in our parishes and diocese.

Resources are available at: https://worldyouthsunday.org/wyd2023 World Youth Day and Young Adult Hubs As many as a million and half young people, from all over the world, gathered in Lisbon to be with Pope Francis and to receive catechesis and encouragement in the living out of their faith as joyful, committed, missionary disciples. I was impressed by and proud of the group of twenty one young adults from our diocese which included one seminarian. They certainly felt encouraged in their faith by the experience of being among so many other committed young Catholics. Please do go to our diocesan website to listen to some of their reflections. I am told it is some time since we last had a diocesan group travel to participate in a World Youth Day Gathering. What made it possible this year were the growing number of Young Adult Hub groups we now have in the diocese: in Nottingham, Derby, Scunthorpe and, more recently, a new group beginning in Leicester. The intention is to encourage other such groups from across our geographically large and scattered diocese. These groups meet for prayer, often a period of Adoration, for some catechesis, and to encourage friendship and mutual support.

The evening usually ends with some social time together in a local pub. I am most grateful to those priests and to Joe Hopkins for the guidance and support they give these groups.

For the mailing list please go to: dioceseofnottingham.uk/departments/formation-for-mission or scan the adjacent QR code.

Diocesan Youth Service We have a fairly new Director of Diocesan Youth Service, Erin Doughty, who brings a wealth of experience to her role. Erin is currently travelling around the diocese to meet the clergy to see how she can support them, and to build good relationships with our schools where the spiritual themes of Encounter, Discipleship and Missionary Discipleship are being steadily well developed. She wants to ensure that the experience of the Retreats at The Briars can build upon these diocesan themes, and that the format of the Retreat can help to support the schools’ RE curriculum for any given Year group.

One of my diocesan priorities is that every young person, from reception class to year 12, may grow year by year in their understanding of God’s personal love for each of them. It is so encouraging to see this contimuing to develop.

The Briars Retreat Centre The Briars has a long history of forming and supporting the development of the young adult mission team who serve at the heart of the residential, day, and outreach programmes, so that they feel confident in sharing the Gospel peer-to-peer in a way only they can. This year's team of Ben, Katie and Bethany stand on the shoulders of the many others who have gone before them and who now continue, through their various careers, to serve young people in our schools, parishes and local communities. The team have had an intensive programme of training and formation to equip them for their work with the thousands of young people the Briars works with. As a new initiative this year, they are joined by Annie and Elise, both former volunteers. They have been appointed as apprentice youth workers, supporting the programmes and developing their professional skills on the job. Recruitment for next year’s team has already begun with Open Days for aspiring volunteers at The Briars taking place on the 11th of November and 10th of December. For more details follow this link www.ndcys.com/team-gap-year School and Parish Retreats at The Briars School and parish groups on retreat at The Briars this year have been enjoying new programmes with development underway for a distinct theme, sessions, and activities for each year group. Year 6 have been training as agents of love as they explore growing in the virtues, Year 7 are discovering their identity in Christ, and upcoming 6th Form groups can expect to receive practical tools and encouragement to support their mental health in the context of our Catholic faith. The hope behind this fresh development is that the young people of our diocese can be accompanied year after year as they return to The Briars with a programme that is appropriate to their social, emotional and spiritual development, and that speaks to the real issues they face. Feedback so far has been excellent, and it has given Erin the encouragement to continue to work with her team on the development of new programmes and materials.

Parish groups are also invited to make use of The Briars Retreat Centre by booking a Confirmation Retreat there as part of the preparation for the Sacrament. There are some dates available for exclusive use, or to join with other groups from around the diocese. It is also an excellent location for a parish planning away-day. Visit ndcys.com to make contact.

Please join me in keeping these new initiatives for young people and young adults in your prayers.

+Patrick

FROM THE CURIA

THIS MONTH’S DEPARTMENT: ONGOING CLERGY FORMATION

“The journey of faith is personal, but it is not done alone.”

On Sunday 15th October, Canon Paul Newman (Episcopal Vicar for Clergy), along with Deacon Warren Peachey, departed from Manchester Airport heading for Rome Ciampino, to participate in the Conference of Ongoing Formation Directors of Clergy.

Arriving an hour and a half later than expected, due to another delayed Ryanair flight, we dropped off our suitcases at our accommodation, Casa La Salle, and headed out for a meal at, Trattoria Soro Pia. The conference began on Monday, with the usual introductions of the ‘formators’ from across England & Wales, who each gave an update on what support is being offered to Clergy, through OGF in their own Diocese.

In the afternoon, we met Fr. Dominic Robinson SJ (Parish Priest, Farm Street, London), from the Catholic Association of Preachers, which encourages and equips priests, deacons, chaplains, and catechists, in the ministry of preaching, from Mark 16:15 “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation."

We were gently reminded that, given the importance of the Word of God, the quality of homilies needs to be improved. The homily is ‘part of the liturgical action,’ and is meant to foster a deeper understanding of the Word of God, so that it can bear fruit in the lives of the faithful (Sacramentum Caritatis #46). We know that the faithful attach great importance to the Homily, and that both they and their ordained ministers suffer because of homilies: the laity from having to listen to them, and the clergy from having to preach them! (Evangelii Gaudium #135). Firstly, we need to be sure that we understand the meaning of the words we read (EG147). The Sunday readings will resonate, in all their brilliance, in the hearts of the faithful, if they have first done so, in the heart of their pastor (EG149). There is one way of listening to what the Lord wishes to tell us in His Word, and of letting ourselves be transformed by the Spirit. It is what we call lectio divina. It consists of reading God’s Word, in a moment of prayer, and allowing it to enlighten, and renew us (EG152). The preacher also needs to keep his ear to the people, and to discover what it is, that the faithful need to hear … He needs to be able to link the message of a biblical text, to a human situation, to an experience which cries out for the light of God’s Word (EG154). Another feature of a good homily is that it is positive. It is not so much concerned with pointing out what shouldn’t be done, but with suggesting what we can do better … Positive preaching always offers hope, points to the future, does not leave us trapped in negativity (EG159).

Later, after being joined for dinner by Archbishop John Wilson (Southwark), he shared in conversation, his encounter of the Synod, saying time was made for silence, for mutual listening [#ListeningChurch], and they had humbly shared from the riches and hardships of communities from every continent, which required further careful discernment, but it is love and service, that must always remain the heart of the Church.

Tuesday, after breakfast, we took the Metro to the iconic Trevi Fountain, from where we meandered towards Basilica of Saint Mary of Minerva, which houses the tomb of Saint Catherine of Siena (Doctor of the Church), and the statue of Christ the Redeemer by Michelangelo. Passing by the Pantheon, Fr. Paul suggested a visit to Gelateria Fiocco Di Neve, for a taste of their affogato di caffe allo zabaione.

On towards the beautiful Piazza Navona, onto the triple-arched Roman bridge over River Tiber, passing by St. Peter’s Square, and along the Borgo Pio, for a quick clerical shopping trip, at the ‘Religious Goods Shops’. The sightseeing day concluded with a quiet afternoon back at Casa La Salle, some taking the opportunity to ‘rest in Sacred Silence with the Desert Father’s’, before Evening Prayer, Mass, and dinner.

Wednesday morning, started with a visit to the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, where we were welcomed by His Excellency, Monsignor Vittorio Viola, O.F.M. (Secretary). Rev. Fr. Enda Murphy, then spoke on the new Lectionary, which includes the scripture readings for Mass and the sacraments, and which comes into use from Advent 2024. The use of the English Standard Version – Catholic Edition, along with the Abbey Psalms, will help to ensure, that the Word of the Lord reaches God’s holy people, with fresh ears.

We were each given a copy of Apostolic Letter of the Holy Father Francis, Desiderio Desideravi, on the Liturgical Formation of the people of God, as a desire to offer some prompts of cues for reflections that can aid in the contemplation of the beauty and truth of Christian celebration (DD#1). The world still does not know it, but everyone is invited to the supper of the wedding of the Lamb (Rev 19.9).

We must not allow ourselves even a moment of rest, knowing that still not everyone has received an invitation to this Supper, or knowing that others have forgotten it or have got lost along the way in the twists and turns of human living (DD5). The salvific power of the sacrifice of Jesus, His every word, His every gesture, glance, and feeling, reaches us through the celebration of the Sacraments (DD11). The Liturgy does not leave us alone to search out an individual supposed knowledge of the mystery of God. Rather, it takes us by the hand, together, as an assembly, to lead us deep within the mystery that the Word and the sacramental signs reveal to us (DD19). With this letter, [Francis] simply wants to invite the whole Church to rediscover, to safeguard, and to live the truth and power of the Christian celebration (DD16).

FROM THE CURIA

THIS MONTH’S DEPARTMENT: ONGOING CLERGY FORMATION

After this, was a visit to the Dicastery for Clergy, where we met with H. E., Archbishop Andrés Moreira (Secretary), and Rev. Fr. Eamonn McLoughlin (Undersecretary).

The Congregation for the Clergy receives, suggests, and promotes, initiatives for the sanctity, and the intellectual and pastoral updating, of the Diocesan Priests and Deacons, and for their permanent formation.

They published the Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis, a document that establishes the general guidelines for the formation of priests. It includes a whole process, which begins with vocational accompaniment, intensifies during the seminary years, and continues throughout the priestly life. First, it is the formation of the heart of a disciple of Jesus, who configures Himself to Christ, the Servant, Shepherd, Spouse, and Head, in the concrete form of pastoral charity. Moved by this love for the people of God, the candidate, and then the seminarian, and the priest, remain attentive to various aspects of his life, that help them to render a better evangelizing service: the human aspect, the spiritual aspect, the intellectual aspect, and the pastoral aspect. Each of these dimensions has its place in formation. The most important thing is that the priest, & deacons, are always in formation, and that this formation is integral, in its many facets.

On Thursday morning, after breakfast and morning prayer, we spent some more time, reflecting on, and making comments, suggestions and amendments, to the draft of Ratio Nationalis, on behalf of CBCEW.

KAREN CORTES FOONG

This contribution to RN, embodies the collective efforts of National Conference of Ongoing Formation Directors for Clergy: each entrusted with the vital responsibility of overseeing the provision of ongoing formation for priests and deacons, within their respective diocese. These directors bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a shared commitment, to fostering the continued growth and development, of clergy in their vocation. Together, they form both, a dynamic and supportive network of directors, who listen, collaborate, and inspire one another in their mission, to ensure the holistic well-being of those in their care. Their offering to the RN, reflects the Synodal process, where the willingness of all God’s People to listen to ‘what the Spirit is saying to the Church’, speaks of the lived experiences of one another.

In the afternoon, Mass was celebrated at Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, and then a short walk over to the Pontifical Bede College, for introductions & tour with the Rector, Canon Philip Gillespie (Liverpool), and canapés & prosecco with the seminarians.

The Scots College, who are currently also sharing the building, invited us to join them in Evening Prayer, after which we made our way out for dinner, at the nearby Ristorante Pizzeria Bisteccheria “Al Peperoncino”.

Friday morning was spent in the in the sala verde (green room), for morning prayer and the plenary session, before we all headed off in different directions, back to our homes, our parishes, our families.

What lessons were learned from this conference: The journey of faith is personal, but it is not done alone. We all need the help of brothers and sisters, who listen to us, who sometimes correct us, and help us discern the will of God. Personal accompaniment has different characteristics in vocation ministry, in initial formation, and in ongoing formation, but it is always necessary. The regularity, and depth, of accompaniment provided by formators, spiritual directors, and confessors, determine, to a great extent, the quality of formation.

DEACON WARREN PEACHY

CANON PAUL NEWMAN

Looking for an event, retreat or course? dioceseofnottingham.uk/events

Young Adults’ Evening Thursday 16th November St Joseph’s Church, Derby Organiser: Adult Formation Talk III: Reflections on the Great Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council Monday 20th November Eastwood / Online Organiser: Nottingham Deanery Young Adults’ Evening Thursday 23rd November Sacred Heart, Leicester Organiser: Adult Formation Youth Sunday 6PM Mass Sunday 26th November Nottingham Cathedral Organiser: Adult Formation Talk IV: Reflections on the Great Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council Thursday 30th November The Meadows / Online Organiser: Nottingham Deanery Christmas Carol Services Presented by the Diocese of Nottingham Schools’ Singing Programme Various dates and locations (see poster) Carols by Candlelight Sunday 10th December Nottingham Cathedral Organiser: Music Department Handel’s Messiah

by Candlelight Saturday 16th December Church of the Good Shepherd Organiser: Music Department

PILGRIMS of hope

NOVEMBER 2023 - PART II

In preparation for the Jubilee 2025 the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has invited the Church around the world to undertake two years of preparation. The first of these has been a bit of a slow-burn – we began in Advent last year with a Year of Preparation dedicated to revisiting the work of the Second Vatican Council, and in particular, the four great constitutions which were one of the major fruits of that gathering. Don’t worry if you’ve not heard anything about this though: the Pope’s invitation caught the Church by surprise, and with all the activity for the Synod not much has happened. But to recap ….

The Second Vatican Council was called by Pope (now Saint) John XXIII in 1959, in order to allow all the bishops of the world to gather and discuss the state of the Church. The Bishops met four times, each autumn between 11th October 1962 and 8th December 1965. During these sessions there were debates which have changed radically the way in which the Church operates. The Church didn’t change what she believes, but a lot of development in the way in which we are called to live out this belief did occur. This was especially so in the case of the four main documents, called Constitutions, which were written by the Bishops in the Council: • Sacrosanctum Concilium (the titles are taken from the initial words, in Latin) The Holy Council, looked at the Church’s liturgy, and encouraged more and active participation by the faithful and not just the clergy. One way was by allowing Mass to be celebrated in the local languages, not only in Latin; another way by reducing the fast before Holy Communion to one house, instead of three hours (or even from midnight).

• Dei Verbum The Word of God considered the place of Divine Revelation in the Church, and the way that this comes to believers both from the Bible and from the Church’s Tradition. God reveals Godself to all the baptised (indeed, to all the world) throughout history, and the Constitution encouraged Catholics to become more familiar with this Revelation, especially by reading the Bible and becoming more familiar with Sacred Scripture.

• Lumen Gentium A light to the People reflected on the Church’s understanding of herself, and her ordering as a Divinely instituted community. The Church is manifested here on earth within those who are baptised, but includes also those holy souls in purgatory, and the Church Triumphant in heaven: the saints.

The final chapter of the Constitution considers Mary’s place in the Church and her intercession for each of us on earth.

• Gaudium et Spes Joy and Hope was a pastoral Constitution, whereas the others were all dogmatic Constitutions, and was completely newly written, without any prepared texts circulated to Bishops before the Council. It speaks of the Church’s mission in the world to bring the joy and hope of our faith to all peoples, and to break down whatever divisions might hamper the spread of the Good News.

Over the past few weeks some talks have bene organised in Nottingham Deanery to explore in more details these four Constitutions. If you want to watch back the two which have been presented, or consider coming to the two yet to be held, visit: www.youtube.com/@NottsDiocese

Father Simon Gillespie Father Simon Gillespie Diocesan Jubilee Co-Ordinator

LIVE TALKS REFLECTIONS ON THE GREAT CONSTITUTIONS OF THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL IN PREPARATION FOR THE JUBILEE YEAR 2025

3

MONDAY 20TH NOVEMBER 2023

DOCTOR MARY MCCAUGHEY

DIRECTOR OF STUDIES, OSCOTT COLLEGE

OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL, EASTWOOD

GAUDIUM ET SPES

NOTTINGHAM DEANERY 1. MONDAY 2ND OCTOBER 2023 2. WEDNESDAY 18TH OCTOBER 2023 3. MONDAY 20TH NOVEMBER 2023 4. THURSDAY 30TH NOVEMBER 2023

7.00PM - 8.30PM INCLUDING TIME FOR QUESTIONS AND REFRESHMENTS

CLICK HERE TO REWATCH OR JOIN ONLINE OR VISIT DIOCESEOFNOTTINGHAM.UK/NEWS

“JOY AND HOPE”

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THURSDAY 30TH NOVEMBER 2023

RT REV PATRICK MCKINNEY BISHOP OF NOTTINGHAM

OUR LADY AND SAINT PATRICK IN THE MEADOWS PARISH HALL, THE MEADOWS

LUMEN GENTIUM “LIGHT FOR THE NATIONS”

Restoring Pugin: Meet the Team

The latest updates on the Restoring Pugin project at St Barnabas Cathedral, Nottingham

Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, work is finally underway on the Restoring Pugin Project at Nottingham Cathedral.

By Nottingham Cathedral team

As our Restoring Pugin project gets underway, you will see many new faces around the Cathedral leading on different aspects of this project. The team will be crucial in delivering the aims of our Development Phase which includes putting together a proposed schema of restoration by combining paint conservation work and historical research, engaging new audiences in the story of AWN Pugin and the life of the Cathedral and working to build skills in the heritage sector through apprenticeships, paid and voluntary roles. You can read more about this phase here. The work of this team will be essential to pulling together a strong application to the Heritage Fund, this will hopefully help us secure the ‘Delivery’ part of the work, which is where we will see the decorative paint schemes restored. Here are some of the key members of our project team:

Project Manager: Jane Hellings I'm Jane Hellings, Project Manager for Restoring Pugin. I have been a cultural sector consultant for over 25 years; for the last 10 focussing on Catholic churches.

In summer 2021 I advised Nottingham Cathedral on how best to move forward after Discovering Pugin. I was responsible for submitting the bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund which awarded 60% of the funding for Restoring Pugin Development Phase. Now I am responsible for making sure the project is delivered to timetable and budget and meets all the objectives we set ourselves, so that we are in strong position to win the final funding for the Delivery Phase.

I am working closely with and co-ordinating all members of the project team – architect, paint conservator, conservation management planner, engagement manager and evaluation consultant as well as the Dean, the Friends of the Cathedral and senior staff at the diocese. I am also responsible for maintaining relationships with our two partners – Culture Syndicates and Nottingham Trent University Department of Digital Architecture.

I am particularly excited about delivering our goal to encourage young people from different backgrounds to consider a career in heritage management. We have included four trainee posts in the project – 2 paint conservators and 2 heritage assistants to help with events and public consultation.

During this development phase (to September 2024) we really want to learn about how the Cathedral community and wider audiences want to engage with the story of Pugin, paint and the Catholic Church.

So I hope to meet many of you over coming months.

Lead Architect: Mark Pearce I, Mark Pearce, am an Architect Accredited in Building Conservation who has been appointed to be the Architect to lead the Design Team for the Restoring Pugin Project. Throughout my career of over twenty years in practice, I have been fortunate to have worked with historic buildings of many different types however, the vast majority of which have been church buildings. I am fortunate to be supported by a committed team of colleagues, with extensive experience of working with churches and cathedrals, at our practice Kepczyk Pearce Sanderson.

My work started as recently as July 2023 but already within that time our team has undertaken assessments of the mechanical and electrical installations within Nottingham Cathedral and advised on the appointment of conservators and architectural historian for the further investigation works and research needed as part of the Development Phase grant that has been gifted by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. My key task going forward is to ensure that the investigation work undertaken clearly identifies the extent of the existing scheme(s) that survives, and the works required to restore Pugin’s scheme, both technically and aesthetically.

I consider my appointment for this project to Nottingham Cathedral to be a great honour and privilege. It is rare to have an opportunity to analyse and restore original decorative schemes, not least one within a cathedral built to designs by Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin. It will no doubt have technical and budgetary challenges to address but in overcoming these challenges, as part of the Restoring Pugin Project, we will have been able to restore a significant element of Pugin’s original design intent.

Engagement Manager: Helen Martinez I’m Helen, the Engagement Manager for the Restoring Pugin project.

The main focus of my role is to lead the development of the Activity Plan for the project, which will form a key focus of the final bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund next year. The Activity Plan will set out everything we will do in the delivery phase to engage with our audiences.

In order to do this my work will focus on carrying our consultation with a wide range of stakeholders and working on strategies to engage new audiences. I will also be working with the Friends to lead on a series of pilot audience engagement events at the Cathedral, starting with Heritage Open Days.

My background is museum and heritage site management, and my passion is breaking down barriers to access and engaging communities, so this role most definitely aligns with my ethos and values.

See www.nottinghamcathedral.org.uk or #RestoringPugin on social media for more updates on the Restoring Pugin project and to find out how you can get involved or support this exciting restoration work.

This work has been made possible thanks to generous funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Around the Diocese Short stories of good news from across the Diocese of Nottingham

Do you have a story that could feature here? Get in touch! naomi.roberts@dioceseofnottingham.uk

Holy Family Parish in East Nottingham is on the map because it has recently fitted an AED (defibrillator) at each of its three churches. At Our Lady & St Edward’s, the parish and primary school worked together to fund and install the Defib; at Sacred Heart Church, funding was provided by a grant from local Councillors, money from the local Italian community and parishioners; and at St Augustine’s, parishioners funded the installation.

All three Defibs are in prominent positions and can be accessed by any parishioner or member of the public in an emergency. They are all registered with the emergency services and join an increasing network of Defibs in key locations. The chance of surviving a cardiac arrest outside of hospital is only about 10%, so any help that can be provided before emergency services arrive is essential.

The Holy Family Parish recently arranged for 15 parishioners to receive basic First Aid awareness training, including on how to use a Defib. The three-hour session was superbly led by Helen McElhone who provides such training for schools and other groups. It covered basic resuscitation, initial casualty care and how to remain calm if someone is in distress.

Fr Joe, the Parish Priest, said ‘Thanks to the initiative of our Community Coordinator, Diane Williams, and the efforts and generosity of parishioners, we are able to provide these vital pieces of equipment for the benefit of the whole community. It’s great that our churches reach out in this way and show our support for the local area, as well as providing members of the parish with the basic First Aid skills that could save a life in the future’.

To see where Defibs are situated in your area, go to https://www.defibfinder.uk/ In an emergency, dial 999 and they will tell you where to find your nearest and how to access it.

St Thomas More, Leicester is one of the growing number of ‘Pioneer Parishes’ in the diocese mapping out a journey to net-zero and making a home for nature. Here parishioner Andrew Doubt reports on a contribution to their efforts from the parish’s Scout Group.

On 12th September, over 70 young people aged 6 to 14 years old from the 63rd Leicester St Thomas More Scout Group spent the evening together for an allsection event as part of the St Thomas More Pioneer Parish initiative. The evening was focussed around engaging in ways that our community can play its part in looking after the natural world – for now and the future, particularly focusing on decarbonisation and rewilding.

We built a new Bug Hotel in the field, and small bug hotels to take home. We learnt about four inspirational environmentalists: David Attenborough, Jane Goodall, Greta Thunberg and Pope Francis. We made our own climate change campaign placards and reflected on the impact that collective action can have. Finally, with help from Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust, each young person created a design for a re-wilded area at the back edge of the church carpark: we hope to be back in the spring to bring these designs to reality!

With extreme weather events at home and abroad, and the UN saying we have entered the age of ‘global boiling’, the need for intervention to halt the progress of climate change has never been more urgent. As part of the parish and wider local community, we hope our Scout group will play an important role.

For support in your parish’s eco-activities contact Paul Bodenham, diocesan environmental lead For more details of the Pioneer Parish scheme https://journeyto2030.org/pioneer-parishes/

Our big annual MacMillan Coffee morning took place on Saturday 7 October. The doors opened at 11am, with many arriving early before the time to settle in and enjoy the atmosphere and the great tombola tables laden with interesting prize. Each ticket was £1 and every ticket was allocated a prize, some better than others! The freshly baked cakes disappeared swiftly and by 1PM all was done and dusted, having raised a wonderful total of £528.37! We thank all who helped in any way to make this a wonderful success and look forward to sharing once again a cuppa, next year.

Submitted on behalf of the Good Shepherd Church, Arnold.

Across the Diocese of Nottingham are people working to put the Gospel into action. In Caritas we’d like to showcase your initiatives and share the inspiration that they offer. Please get in touch if you are involved in faith-based social action, so that we can help a wider audience learn from it and perhaps offer support.

One such project is REACH, a small charity based in Marple, in the north-west corner of Nottingham Diocese. REACH helps to educate children and support families who live in poverty in East Africa through friendship and collaboration in a variety of practical projects.

From charity to friendship: women in Nottingham Diocese and Uganda supporting each other An evening with Denise and Lydia from Marple-based charity REACH Thursday 1 February 2024 at 7.00 p.m. on Zoom REACH brings women in Uganda together with women in the UK, enabling both to share life stories, build friendships and learn directly from each other about their different cultures, lifestyles, problems and experience. In Marple they work with the local Women’s Institute on projects ranging from food security and the impact of climate change to the challenges facing women.

Denise Ead MBE, a parishioner at St Mary’s Marple Bridge, and Lydia Demetriou, chair of REACH, invite you to join them on Thursday 1 February at 7.00 p.m. on Zoom to share a little of their work. Technology permitting they also hope to be joined by women from Lira, Uganda including Sr Evangelista who works with them.

REACH also helps families access food and education, and is supporting a doctor to train as a gynaecologist to repair birth injuries to women who have no access to surgery. Denise and Lydia will share how some of their own journey into their work, and the part their faith has played.

In another project, REACH trains and equips women of the Kosovo slum in Kampala to make soap. In a neighbourhood which lacks adequate sanitation and infrastructure, the soap-making project promotes health and dignity and helps the women develop skills, independence and self-esteem. REACH would like to give the opportunity to the women in the Diocese of Nottingham to join with the women of the Kosovo slum to form friendships, perhaps helping to extend the soap-making skills project.

The most effective outreach is not just charity but friendship. That’s what Pope Francis means by ‘the gospel of encounter’. Join two inspiring women from a project which has close links with a parish in our diocese, and explore what the gospel of encounter can look like in action.

Book your place for 1 February at bit.ly/uganda-nottingham | Read more about REACH at reach-childrenuganda.org.uk

Feast Day celebrations for Our Lady’s Birthday at Sacred Heart & St Margaret Mary and Our Lady of Good Counsel, Leicester Preparations for the special birthday event started at 10am on Friday 8th September with Seby Fernandez, Veronica Cardoso, Alvita, Ronald and 4year-old Alroy Cardoz helping Deshapriya and Ruwani Fernando, to clean the parish hall, set up chairs and tables, and polish up a statue of Our Lady, which was going to be mounted onto a decorated carrier platform.

Veronica used her sewing skills to make four long satin socks to cover up the shoulder carry bars, whilst Ruwani made a skirting flare for the base.

Then Alvita and Seby rushed off to the local florist to order a beautiful wreath of baby blue and white coloured flowers. This final addition gave the platform a majestic, regal look, fit for our Queen of Heaven, the mother of Jesus.

At 4pm, Teresa Taylor and Catherine Cardoza met at Costco to do a ‘big shop’ of plates, cutlery, cups, cakes, soft drinks, and a variety of nibbles.

Then it was a speedy dash back to the parish hall to meet with Deshapriya, Candida, Edith, Olga and two young parishioners, Vera, and Iszac, to decorate and set up the dining hall.

At 6pm parishioners from across the city started arriving for the 7pm Mass, many were bringing food to share at the party. Soon, Our Lady’s Church was jam packed, there was not a single space left to sit on any of the benches and we had three rows of people standing outside the Church.

A ‘hush’ then descended when Fr David, Fr Joseph and Deacon Seamus followed by a myriad of angelic altar servers were ready to start mass. It was an impressive sight. During mass, Jozefa Knight played the organ, and an ensemble was organised by Thofic Colaco. After mass, parishioners carried the statute of Our Lady in a procession around the Church and sang hymns dedicated to her.

Then the party started!! We had an amazing variety of pastries, pizzas, sandwiches, cakes, biscuits, chocolates, samosas, spring rolls, pastas, salads, even huge pots of biriyani, which was delicious. Wow, the parishioners had been so generous with their donations!

After eating lots, we had entertainment. Three young people from the Sri Lankan community, Buddhika Uswetakeiyawa, Serena and Chiara Fernando wearing exquisite costumes, performed dances to cultural songs, along with a traditional Sri Lankan drum played by Ashela Rangadewa. The performances were superb and what was amazing, was that the dances were only choreographed and practiced by the girls only a few days before the party.

On behalf of the Our Lady’s Parish Committee, may I thank our incredible team of volunteers who worked so hard to make the event successful, thanks also to our talented musicians and performers, to our wonderful parish priests and Deacon, our fabulous altar servers and to all the parishioners who attended the mass and brought party food and drink. We had a brilliant event, the first time we have celebrated Our Lady’s birthday in our Parish. We look forward to welcoming you all again, same date, same time, next year!

Catherine Cardoza, 1.11.2023

Journey of Change: A New Way of being Parish.

by Diane Williams, Community Coordinator, Holy Family Parish, East Nottingham ccen@dioceseofnottingham.uk

You may have noticed that due to a reduced number of active priests serving the Nottingham Diocese, more parishes are working together or merging under the guidance of one parish priest. This places an extra burden of work and responsibility on the priest and is extra work for any staff and volunteers, so how has The Holy Family Parish in Nottingham managed this change so far?

Our new Parish of the Holy Family was formally created in 2022, merging the former parishes and churches of St Augustine’s, Our Lady & St Edward’s (both in St Ann’s) and Sacred Heart in Carlton; three communities forming a diverse and large geographical area, with three partner Catholic Primary schools. All three churches had already been working together in different ways for several years, so a formal merger was a natural progression. A Pastoral Leadership Team had already been formed, bringing together parish clergy, religious and staff with representatives of all three communities, and a joint PPC had already been meeting for several months. After the formal merger, the most recent change was in April 2023, when we went down to one Parish Priest serving the parish, along with other clergy as part of the Pastoral Leadership Team. We then faced another challenge – to reduce Masses to an achievable schedule for the Parish Priest. The decision was made by our Pastoral Team and PPC to close the Mass centre in Sneinton, a very difficult decision as there had been a Catholic presence and Mass celebrated in the area for over 80 years. Then we needed to reduce our Masses by another two, so, in April 2023 we went from six Sunday Masses to three. We were worried about the potential loss of congregation, loss of sense of community and also a loss in income. Yes, the process was hard but our initial findings, after 6 months, have been a revelation. The October 2023 Mass count showed that the average attendance over the four weeks was the same as 2022 and our income over the first 6 months… was the same as last year! Some of our congregation have found a Saturday Mass elsewhere but they are still part of our community and support us in other ways, as we do them, and some attend a weekday Mass and continue on rotas. The churches, with one Sunday Mass in each (no Saturday evening Mass), are even more vibrant communities, all working together, people moving around churches, sharing resources, joining in events, and notably readers and musicians ministering at more than one church. It’s great to see full churches – God is definitely present amongst us. Parishioners are making new friends, reviving old acquaintances and there are many more opportunities for people to come together. IT’S WORKING!!!

How did this happen? Our Pastoral Team meets fortnightly, overseeing the parishes areas of liturgy and prayer, catechesis and faith formation, pastoral care and outreach. They deal with the day to day running of the parish and try to resolve any problems. We make mistakes as a team, and so resolve them as a team. The Parish Pastoral Council works more strategically, authorising major expenditure and projects, dealing with buildings, social life and inclusivity. On merger, the finances of the parish were brought together and the Finance Committee keep a close eye on these. Crucial to all of this was the decision taken a few years ago to employ a part-time Adult Formation Coordinator and more recently a full time Community Coordinator. Bringing in professional expertise makes a huge difference to the smooth running of the parish and our ability to creatively engage with the community. Our Parish Priest’s vision; “that the communities that make up the parish work together to support each other in the daily life of the parish and in having a positive impact on the local area; our churches should be seen as essential places for the local community and part of the wider family of the Church that welcomes people. Alongside our essential Catholic primary and secondary school provision, we have the ability to reach out to and support hundreds of people, so that they become more aware of God’s presence in their lives and how belonging to a Church community can make a difference to one’s life. A healthy and thriving parish is one in which clergy and lay people work together, so that there is joint responsibility for the running of the parish.”

Why have a Community Coordinator? The role involves all the usual day-to-day running of the parish and church admin, with added interest in working in the community, meeting representatives from organisations and seeing how we can work together. Practically, the Parish Priest and Community Coordinator share the same office which is open most days for people to pop in, so we work in unison. Tasks and meetings are dealt with and attended by whoever is available or by both. No two days are ever the same; meetings, discussions, questions, roof leaks in three of our ten buildings, one building with no heating or water but hey-ho, we wouldn’t change a thing!! Well, perhaps find a pot of money to fund the extensive essential building and mission work that we have planned. We never stand still.

Yes, it’s a busy parish but communication and transparency are key, along with a strong vision and impetus to journey together.

So, a message to those who are about to go through the process or going through the process of merger; trust in the Holy Spirit, embrace the change and find ways to make things work - your community, too, will thrive.

To submit an article contact Naomi Archer-Roberts in the Communications Department at naomi.roberts@dioceseofnottingham..uk

Holy Family Parish: St Augustine’s Church, Woodborough Road – Grade II listed building – a gem in the City of Nottingham, embracing the changing face of the Church.

New Parishes in the Diocese of Nottingham!

On the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Bishop Patrick Decreed the erection (through the extinctive union of the former parishes, listed) of the following new parishes: Parish of Our Lady of the Angels, Mercia

taking the entire territory, and patrimony, and care of souls of the former parishes of Saint Joseph the Worker, Burton-on-Trent; and Saints Peter and Paul, Swadlincote. Father Neil Peoples has been appointed Parish Priest of this new parish, in succession to his previous appointments of Parish Priest of the two parishes extinctively unionised.

Parish of All Saints, West Nottingham

taking the entire territory, and patrimony, and care of souls of the former parishes of Saint Teresa of Lisieux, Aspley; Saint Hugh of Lincoln, Bilborough; and Saint Thomas More, Wollaton. Canon Stanley Ofoegbu has been appointed Parish Priest of this new parish, in succession to his previous appointments of Parish Priest of the three parishes extinctively unionised.

On the liturgical memorial of Saint Paulinus and the AngloSaxon Saints of our Diocese Bishop Patrick Decreed the erection (through the extinctive union of the former parishes, listed) of the following new parish: Parish of Saint Ralph Sherwin, Derby

taking the entire territory, and patrimony, and care of souls of the former parishes of Christ the King, Mackworth; Holy Family, Allestree; and Saint Mary, Derby. Father Gregory Tobin has been appointed Parish Priest of this new parish, in succession to his previous appointments of Parish Priest of the three parishes extinctively unionised.

Bishop Patrick also decreed the transfer of the Parish of Divine Infant of Prague, Syston, from the Loughborough Deanery into the Leicester Deanery.

FR LIMNYUY GAMSI • ORDAINED DECEMBER 2020

WHEN A PERSON IS

CONQUERED BY THE

FIRE OF HIS GAZE

NO SACRIFICE SEEMS TOO GREAT TO FOLLOW HIM

Diocese of Nottingham Vocations Vocations Director Assistant Director Fr Neil Peoples Fr Liam Carpenter For more information contact vocations@dioceseofnottingham.uk www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/vocations

Thousands of people have been killed across Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory as the region witnesses the deadliest days in recent history.

CAFOD unequivocally condemns this shocking killing and kidnapping of civilians.

But we know more violence is never the answer.

The scale of the Israeli government’s violent retaliation is causing more civilian deaths and injuries. The decision to withhold food, water and fuel from reaching the two million inhabitants of Gaza – half of whom are children – will inevitably lead to a humanitarian catastrophe.

Will you email the Foreign Secretary to urge the UK to play its part in upholding international law, ensuring humanitarian aid can reach people in need, and works with other world leaders to secure a lasting peace for the region? Visit cafod.org.uk to support the appeal and email the Foreign Secretary.

Over 70,000 Catholics call for World Bank to protect farmers’ seed rights 70,000 parishioners from one third of all Catholic parishes in England and Wales have signed a letter from Salina, a small-scale farmer from Bangladesh, to the World Bank.

“It was a very cordial meeting and we explained how much support our campaign has received across the country from ordinary parishioners,” said Father Rob Esdaile, who handed the letter to World Bank staff. His own parish, St Dunstan's in Woking, was one of the 762 parishes who supported the campaign.

Salina wrote a letter to the World Bank calling for the protection of the fundamental rights of small farmers like herself to use their own varieties of seeds – a right that increasingly under threat as big seed companies have come to dominate the global seed market. “Seeds are at the heart of everything that farmers like myself do,” the letter says. “Without control over our seeds, our work as a farmer is not possible.”

CAFOD’s Campaigns Engagement Manager, Andrea Speranza, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who signed Salina’s letter. Her message to the World Bank has been heard loud and clear: unfair rules putting pressure on small farmers to buy commercial seeds aren’t acceptable. This is just the beginning of a long campaign but it is a very good start.”

CAFOD's Fix the Food System campaign is urging the UK government and the World Bank to protect the right of farmers around the world to save, use, exchange and sell their own seeds. In some countries, new seed laws have been insisted on by the World Bank in exchange for financial support, yet these laws have harmed those most in need.

In the Nottingham Diocese Bishop Patrick was the first to sign Salina’s letter, followed by almost 2000 parishioners and clergy from every corner of the region. From Lutterworth to Louth to Glossop to Grimsby, 34 Parishes joined together to ask The World Bank to protect the rights of small farmers. It was one of the most successful CAFOD campaigns in our Diocese ever, all driven by wonderful volunteers and clergy who called their communities to action.

Thank you to all who signed, and especially those who organised signings. If you would like to share CAFOD Campaigns with your local community, become a CAFOD Parish Volunteer! To find out more email nottingham@cafod.org.uk

762 parishes in England and Wales signed the letter with CAFOD in support of Salina this summer, with 18 diocesan bishops signing too.

Upon hearing this news, Salina said, “I am very happy to know about 70,000 signatures along with mine.”

The letter was delivered to World Bank staff in London and at the annual World Bank meetings in Marrakech, Morocco on the same day. In Morocco, Farida Akhter, who works with Salina’s community in Bangladesh, presented the letter to the Bank’s Global Director for Agriculture and Food. In London 40 CAFOD campaigners took the letters to the World Bank UK offices, and a small group met with a senior Bank representative inside the building.

If you would like to find out about how you can get involved in CAFOD’s work in your local community, contact:

Will Cruddace Community Participation Co-ordinator – CAFOD Nottingham

CAFOD Volunteer Centre | McGuinness Centre | Brooklyn Road | Bulwell | Nottingham | NG6 9ES Mobile and WhatsApp: 07710 094 455 | CAFOD.org.uk | Facebook | X | Instagram | Threads

Guiding Parishes Towards Flourishing Futures It is a great joy to announce the completion of a truly remarkable journey - the Catholic Community Facilitators’ Skills Program! In this E-News, we share with you the inspiring and inviting world of these exceptional individuals who are now ready to assist parishes in their growth, development, and mission – even during challenging times.

This extraordinary cohort of six outstandingly capable and professional women from our diocese, possess an incredible skill set in listening and guiding both groups and individuals towards their very best thinking. Their unique blend of special charisms, expertise and knowledge of our diocese—enabling them to draw out the absolute best from every individual or group they encounter—is what sets them apart from ‘secular or corporate’ external facilitators. Their training, designed and delivered specifically for the context of Catholic communities and parishes in our diocese was designed by Karen Foong, Director of Ongoing Formation for Clergy who reports: The expertise of these facilitators, lies on not imposing their own ideas, rather, they endeavour to draw out the unique gifts and potential within each person or community. With their newly acquired skills in active listening and guidance, they create a safe and supportive environment for parishes to explore their own strengths, and possibilities from within.

Last month, these facilitators were presented with certificates by Bishop Patrick. The occasion was symbolic of their readiness to serve when they are called. In his address to them, Bishop Patrick emphasised the importance of their role in fostering unity, promoting dialogue, and guiding parishes towards their full potential. He expressed his confidence in their abilities and encouraged them to continue their work with passion, dedication and prayer. To commemorate their achievements, a joyous celebratory lunch was held at Brown’s, filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a shared sense of accomplishment.

Debunking the myth, therefore, of so called “experts coming in to tell parishes what to do” their role is not to dictate or impose their ideas upon priests or parishes, but rather to help them realistically make the best of their situation and available resources.

Stay tuned for upcoming blogs, where we'll dive deeper into the invaluable contributions these facilitators are making in our communities and parishes. Meanwhile, let us embrace this new chapter of growth, mission, and the promise of a positive and more united future.

Karen will continue supporting and equipping these facilitators through pastoral care and peer supervision for the foreseeable future.

To invite a Catholic Community Facilitator to your parish or group, or simply discuss the need of maybe needing one, please contact: helen.bozicevic@dioceseofnottingham.uk

2000+ Photos • 20+ Albums COUNTLESS MEMORIES flickr.com/photos/dioceseofnottingham/albums

PRO-LIFE ACTIVITIES IN THE DIOCESE OF NOTTINGHAM

MARCH FOR LIFE 2023

Every month, there is a pro-life activity of some kind in Nottingham. SPUC meetings take place on the second Tuesday of every other month, at 7.30pm.

In the early morning of Saturday 2nd September, a coachload of blearyeyed but excited pro-lifers left Nottingham and set off for London. It was a warm and sunny day, ideal for marching. Having assembled in a conference centre in Westminster, where we could listen to presentations and speak to representatives of prolife groups, we then marched peacefully and joyfully through the streets to Parliament Square. There, against the iconic backdrop of the Palace of Westminster, we listened to inspirational speeches and testimonies from a range of pro-lifers encouraging us to stand up for the rights of the unborn child.

Then, on the second Wednesday of the other month, there is a meeting of the team supporting St Colette’s Pregnancy Support Centre (at 7pm). The next SCPSC meeting will be in DECEMBER. If you are interested in supporting one of these groups, but aren’t sure whether you can commit to regular meetings, you would be welcome to come to a meeting and see for yourself. If you would like pro-lifers from these groups to come to your church, or a group organised by you, just say.

It can easily be arranged.

Abortion is the number one cause of death in the world today. The World Health Organisation estimates that there are now an astonishing 76 million abortions every year around the world. The latest NHS abortion statistics suggest that there were more than 250,000 abortions in the UK in 2022. The ‘Pills by Post’ scheme is disastrous for women, as well as babies. Around 4 out of 5 UK abortions involve limited or no checks or medical supervision. This leaves women vulnerable to coercion, and unsupported medically.

It also means that the law on legal limits is open to abuse.

Faced with such an appalling situation, what can we do?

Firstly, we can pray for an end to this terrible injustice.

Secondly, we can do something practical – no matter how small - to help change this situation. As you can see from the activities above, there are different ways to get involved, some focussed on campaigning, some on helping women after an abortion, others more on helping women to resist the pressure to have an abortion in the first place.

If you would like to get involved, or to receive monthly updates on pro-life activities in our diocese, please email pro-life@dioceseofnottingham.uk.

According to the organisers, there were over 7,000 participants – in spite of many train strikes on the same day. A notable feature was the large number of young people and families who took part in the event.

As usual, the march was scarcely acknowledged in the mainstream media. Nevertheless for those of us who took part, it was a pro-life shot in the arm, charged with energy, encouragement, and inspiration. (you can read far more about the event at www.marchforlife.co.uk).

Next year will be the 10th anniversary of march for life in the UK – an event which began in Birmingham, supported and encouraged by a strongly pro-life parish priest called Fr Patrick McKinney. The organisers are hoping to reach 10,000 marchers for the 10th anniversary. Nottingham, shall we help them? As soon as we have a definite date, I will let you know so that you can put it in your diaries. Let’s make next year the biggest march for life yet!

If you would like to help the centre in any way – by making a donation of good quality used baby clothes – please ring Carol.

To make a financial donation, the details of our bank account are as follows: St Colette's PSC, Natwest Beeston, 51-70-06 83740716 On behalf of women in difficult circumstances, and their babies, thank you for your support.

St Colette’s Pregnancy Support Centre

SUPPORTING WOMEN IN UNEXPECTED PREGNANCIES Based in St Paul’s, Lenton, Nottingham the centre offers support for women across the Diocese of Nottingham, which covers most of the East Midlands.

Help available includes: pregnancy testing kits baby supplies nappies toiletries clothes cots pushchairs baby baths help with finances emotional support The centre also offers help to new or single mums who may be struggling financially.

If you know someone who is unexpectedly pregnant and in need of support, please contact:

07547 795315 scpscuk@gmail.com

07547 795315 scpscuk@gmail.com

07547 795315 scpscuk@gmail.com

07547 795315 scpscuk@gmail.com

07547 795315 scpscuk@gmail.com

07547 795315 scpscuk@gmail.com

07547 795315 scpscuk@gmail.com

07547 795315 scpscuk@gmail.com

07547 795315 scpscuk@gmail.com

07547 795315 scpscuk@gmail.com

07547 795315 scpscuk@gmail.com

07547 795315 scpscuk@gmail.com

07547 795315 scpscuk@gmail.com

07547 795315 scpscuk@gmail.com

07547 795315 scpscuk@gmail.com

07547 795315 scpscuk@gmail.com

07547 795315 scpscuk@gmail.com

07547 795315 scpscuk@gmail.com

Carol, the centre coordinator 07547 795315 or scpscuk@gmail.com

N O T T I N G H A M

D I O C E S A N

C A T H O L I C

YOUTH SERVICE NOVEMBER 2023

NDCYS.COM

‘GIFTED’ CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME Here at The Briars we’ve been busy creating and writing some brand new programmes for 2023.

Our most recently updated programme is our confirmation retreat ‘Gifted’. The ‘Gifted’ programme aims to enable our young people to explore the gifts of the Spirit bestowed on them in confirmation as well as exploring the lives of the Saints who use the gifts for God’s glory. The programme explores the different gifts of the Spirit by following the stories and experiences of many of the Saints, using their lives as an inspiration for how we can allow the Holy Spirit to guide us throughout our lives. We’ve led our gifted programme once so far with a group from Leicestershire, and it was a fruitful weekend of formation and catechesis. Fr David Cain, the parish priest at the Holy Family Parish Cluster brought his parish community up to The Briars as a part of their confirmation programme for the first time.

We also have a new opportunity for this year - our open confirmation retreat! Our open confirmation retreat is running from the 15th-17th March 2024 and is an opportunity for young people from different parishes to come together to share in their confirmation journey together.

All of our confirmation retreats are priced at £95 per young person, which is a subsidised rate for parishes to support access to this vital opportunity for young people across the diocese.

Whether you are looking to book a group of young people onto our open confirmation retreat or make an exclusive booking for your confirmation candidates, our bookings team will be more than happy to help you so please do get in touch!

"This was the first time our two parishes had been on a Confirmation Retreat to launch our 2023-24 programme but I'd seen the fruits of this in previous parishes and thought I'd give it a go. The 'Gifted' Confirmation Retreat, led by Sophie, Annie and of course the Holy Spirit, was spot on! It genuinely enlivened, nourished and formed the candidates, catechists and myself in terms of the opportunities that the Holy Spirit offers. We loved it! “

If your parish is interested in booking a confirmation retreat with us, you can contact bookings@ndcys.com for more information about available dates.

“When we arrived back in the parish on the Sunday, a parent came over to me to say that they were very sceptical about the Retreat but after the raft of joyful messages from their child over the course of the weekend they were over the moon and so grateful for this fabulous opportunity. We'll definitely be back!"

4 2 / 3 2 m a e T e m o lc e W

e team brand new Team 23/24! Th r ou to u yo e uc rod int d lcome, an a wonderful We are also pleased to we ministry and it has been of ar ye ir the of m ter lft ha ee months from have just finished their firs g people in the last thr un yo 0 90 er ov h wit d rke one! The team have wo nd. ross our diocese and beyo ac schools and parishes all

Meet Team 23/24

Ben Bethany Katie Annie Elise Ben

I'm from Leicestershire. During my first half term at The Briars my faith has developed more than I could imagine. I'm always learning new and interesting things about my relationship with God, especially from our priest father Paul. I think a gap year at The Briars is extremely rewarding for a Christian seeking to further their faith.

Bethany

I'm originally from Nottingham. I've loved my first half term here on team at the Briars. I've made so many memories already! Some of my favourite ones are when I’ve been able to spend time with all the new people I’ve met and formed really strong friendships with already. We’ve done loads of different things together, including having loads of fun at a trampoline park! I've developed so many skills already including leadership, teamwork/team building, learning how to lead prayer for groups of young people, working with a mixture of age groups, confidence, facilitating both small and large group activities. I've also learnt lots about my faith and lots of interesting facts shared by our fun chaplain Fr Paul.

Katie

I’m also from Nottingham. My favourite thing about being on The Briars team has to be working with small groups, getting to know new young people 1:1 every week, I love having fun with them and seeing them leave knowing they felt welcomed and comfortable. During my first term on the Briars team I’ve had lots of fun working with so many young people and this has developed my confidence so much! I’ve been speaking in front of big groups of young people, leading sessions and prayers, leading team building and outdoor activities and doing things I never thought I would have the confidence to do. It has made me think about my future and what I want to do next year. I know I want to go to university but it’s given me so much more confidence in the skills I have to help me with that big move.

Annie & Elise

Hi, we’re Annie and Elise and we’re both from Scunthorpe. We’re the new Youth Work Apprentices here at The Briars and we’re so excited to be starting our new position.

We’ve both been on Team at The Briars in previous years and its been lovely to be back but learning so many new things along the way! We’ll soon be starting our studies with St Mary’s Twickenham in Children, Young People and Families Practitioner Apprenticeship.

Calling Team 24/25

Our applications for team 24/25 are also now open! If a year of community, faith building and youth ministry is something you or someone you know might be interested in we have a number of opportunities for you to discover whether this is the right path for you. First off, we have our open days. Book a slot, come down and visit the Briars and get a feel for what the place is like! Meet our team, our staff and have a look round our site. We are even offering lifts from Ambergate train station if travel is a barrier for you. Our open days are taking place on the 11th November from 12pm-3pm and the 7th December from 2pm-8pm so book a slot for you or your family and friends and see what it's all about. If you know someone who you think would thrive in a year of ministry on the Briars Team, please do consider bringing them along with you for a visit. ndcys.com/gap-year-open-evening

Mission through welcome

Paul Bodenham of Caritas outlines support available for parishes to offer hospitality this winter.

Pope Francis calls the parish ‘a sanctuary where the thirsty can drink’. In a growing number of our parishes that is not just an attractive idea, it is literally true!

When the cost-of-living crisis began to bite last winter, around 25 parishes opened their doors to the neighbourhood on a regular basis to offer warmth, welcome and simple hospitality. Some of them had already been operating community cafes and drop-ins.

Many are still going strong, some took a break for the summer and are thinking of reopening, and a few met with practical difficulties along the way.

Parish hospitality takes many forms, from St Joseph’s Table in Leicester, whose hot meals get a 5-star restaurant on Tripadvisor, to a weekly ‘open house’ after Mass. In between are regular lunch clubs, such as at St Theresa’s Warsop, weekly community cafes including one at Sacred Heart, Nottingham, and drop-ins designed to break down isolation, such as at Our Lady of Lincoln, Holy Cross in Hucknall or Our Lady’s in Bulwell.

What these ‘sanctuaries’ offer might look simple, but there’s a lot more going on than meets the eye. Local people who might never have entered a church cross the threshold; they find a welcome and a place to belong.

People make those vital connections that protect and nourish mental health. And often the organisers coordinate with other local churches so that local residents have somewhere to turn every day of the week.

This is evangelisation by encounter. Deacon Martyn Swaby, a mental health chaplain who has helped parishes in the Nottingham area establish drop-ins, has seen several regulars come to faith. But he is keen to stress that the work is important for its own sake, for the well-being of visitors and volunteers alike, and that any journey into faith will be at the visitor’s initiative.

Hospitality is a journey for the parish too.

Historically Catholic communities have primarily served their own. That inward focus has deep roots in the collective psyche – the assumptions and motives we bring to an initiative. But hospitality makes the parish permeable. Traditional distinctions dissolve and new relationships become possible. Opening the doors can feel risky – and it comes with its own requirements for safeguarding and good practice. But ultimately it is the kind of evangelisation Pope Francis and Bishop Patrick are inviting us: it’s missionary discipleship.

Caritas, the diocese’s office for social action, is developing a range of support for dropins, community cafes and ‘warm spaces’.

We provide regular online drop-ins for anyone who runs parish hospitality or would like to get something going. They’re an opportunity not only to get help from diocesan staff, but to gather ideas and inspiration from other parish volunteers.

Our next workshop takes place on Monday 4 December at 7.00 p.m. Book your place at bit.ly/warmerwelcome.

Warm spaces – ‘drop-in’ hospitality open to the public offering simple social and pastoral support. Many are continuing but we are encountering limits to the appetite, confidence and capacity of parishes to keep going and draw in non-Catholic neighbours.

This initiative proposes a linked package of measures to foster potential where it exists, sustain and develop existing projects, stimulate the opening of new ones, and identify and address barriers to the development and survival of initiatives.

D I O C E S A N Education Service Thursday 12th October was a very special day for the Diocesan Education Service. It was the day when the new chapel at the Diocesan Centre in Mackworth was blessed and dedicated during a Mass celebrated by Bishop Patrick McKinney and Father Simon Gillespie. The 12th October is the Memorial of Blessed Carlo Acutis to whom the chapel, and the Diocesan Education Service, have now been dedicated. This inspirational and deeply pious young man offers an excellent example to all of us, particularly our young people.

The Mass was attended by members of the NRCDES staff team and the NRCDES Board of Directors. A new setting of the Mass in honour of Blessed Carlo Acutis, composed by our diocesan Director of Music, Gregory Treloar was sung. This will soon be made available to our school communities.

The chapel occupies a space in the centre which used to be a bookshop but which was closed following the Covid pandemic. There is seating for 12 people in addition to a pleasant narthex and sacristy. It is a huge blessing to have Reservation of the Blessed Sacrament. The chapel will be open during all training events and meetings held at the Diocesan Centre. We also hope to begin periods of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the near future

Pope Francis to visit Dubai for COP28 in early December

By Deborah Castellano Lubov, Vatican News Pope Francis will travel to Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, for the COP28 climate summit on 1-3 December, just two months after the publication of his Apostolic Exhortation 'Laudate Deum' on the climate crisis.

Pope Francis will visit Dubai for COP28, according to Matteo Bruni, the Director of the Holy See Press Office.

"Accepting the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates," Mr. Bruni announced in a statement on Friday, "His Holiness Pope Francis will make the previously announced trip to Dubai from 1 to 3 December 2023, on the occasion of the upcoming Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28)."

In a recent interview with an Italian television programme, the Holy Father said he would be traveling to the UAE for the occasion.

This marks the first time a Pope has attended the UN climate summit.

Second visit to the UAE The early December visit will mark Pope Francis' second visit to the United Arab Emirates, after his first Apostolic Journey to the Muslim-majority nation's capital of Abu Dhabi in February 2019.

Pope Francis had been the first Pope to ever visit the Arabian Peninsula, and the first to celebrate Mass for the Gulf nation's very small Catholic community, composed primarily of expat workers.

During that visit, the Holy Father signed the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together at an interfaith summit, along with the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Ahmed Al Tayyeb, which would inspire the foundations for the Pope's subsequent encyclical on human fraternity, Fratelli Tutti, in 2020.

Appealing to protect Creation Pope Francis, who chose his name after St. Francis of Assisi, has drawn attention to the need to protect our Common Home.

This dedication led him to write his 2015 landmark encyclical on the environment, Laudato si, and his subsequent Apostolic Exhortation which built on the encyclical, Laudate Deum, which was published recently, on 4 October 2023, the Feast Day of St. Francis.

In the recent Exhortation, addressed to all people of good will on the climate crisis, the Pope warns that we are at "a breaking point," and that action must be taken before it is too late, to protect future generations.

Prayer for the COP28 climate summit God of blessings, the universe sings of your glory.

Deepen our gratitude for all you have made and awaken in us a renewed commitment to care for the earth and each other.

Inspire world leaders at COP28, with openness to listen to those most affected by climate change and with courage to act urgently and wisely, so that our common home may be healed and restored and all people, and generations to come, may delight in it.

Amen.

NOTTINGHAM Diocesan News