Catholic Pictorial December 2016 issue

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Issue 147 DECEMBER 2016

ARCHDIOCESE OF LIVERPOOL

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Bethlehem Inside this issue: Ken Dodd: Christmas brings hope

St Albert’s Golden Jubilee

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contents Welcome Advent is a beautiful time of preparation for the great Feast of the Incarnation, yet a time which all too often can be lost in ‘other’ preparations for the ‘feast’ of Christmas. It is a time for quiet reflection. At Christmas our thoughts become focussed on Bethlehem and the nativity, sometimes we can become lost in the ‘Christmas story’ and lose sight of the reality of our celebration. Our main feature this month is written by Father Mark Madden who shares with us the reality of life in Bethlehem in 2016. As we prepare for Christmas we must remember those who live there today.

In our profile legend of comedy, Ken Dodd, shares his thoughts on religion, spirituality, show business and comedy. He offers an insight into his world as he prepares for his 25th ‘Merry Christmas Happiness Show’ at Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall on 28 and 29 December.

The Jubilee Year of Mercy called by Pope Francis has just reached its conclusion, in our January edition we will review many of the celebrations which have taken place and give thanks for all the blessings received.

May I wish you a peaceful Advent and a Happy Christmas.

Contents 4

Main Feature Think of the real Bethlehem this Christmas

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News From around the Archdiocese

From the Archbishop’s Desk During my recent trip to the Holy Land I met a Samaritan who is one of a community of less than a thousand people who still worship on Mount Gerizim, and who remain outcasts to this day.

He was one of four Samaritan children in a Catholic school in Nablus.

I was reminded how much we owe the Samaritans, for the parable of the Good Samaritan and the story of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s Well. Both are examples of the mercy of God cutting through barriers and crossing thresholds that we have made as human beings: the Good Samaritan because of his human compassion and the Samaritan woman because her conversation with Jesus changed her heart and mind.

Pope Francis’ constant refrain during the Year of Mercy was that no one is excluded from the mercy of God, who has shown his love for each person by sending his Son to us for the salvation of all. All can be forgiven, the Pope taught over and over again. And once a person experiences just how loving and merciful God has been, the obligation is to reach out to others with that same love and mercy.

As we prepare for the coming of our saviour this Christmas let us remember that this is God’s greatest act of mercy towards us.

Remember the words that the angel said to Joseph, ‘You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save people from their sins.’ (Matthew 1:21) Most Rev Malcolm McMahon OP Archbishop of Liverpool

Publisher CPMM 36 Henry Street, Liverpool L1 5BS

Editorial Catholic Pictorial Magazine Liverpool Archdiocesan Centre for Evangelisation, Croxteth Drive, Liverpool L17 1AA Tel: 0151 522 1007 Email: catholicpictorial@rcaol.co.uk

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15 Profile Ken Dodd Bringing happiness 16 What’s On Whats happening in the Archdiocese 19 Nugent News Christmas: a time for giving 21 Animate Youth Ministry What are you preparing for this Christmas?

25 Cathedral Record A season of joyful waiting 26 Pic Extras Mums the word News from the KSC 28 Summarised Annual Report of the Archdiocese of Liverpool

Editor Peter Heneghan

Pictures Cover and Main Feature © Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk Profile Peter Rogan

14 Sunday Reflections Liturgy and Life

CPMM Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced copied or transmitted in any form or by any means or stored in any information storage or retrieval system without the publishers written permission. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published, Catholic Pictorial Ltd. can accept no responsibility for the veracity of the claims made by advertisers.

32 Pic Life In at the deep end with Mary and Joseph 33 Join In Family Fun and More Mullarkey 34 Justice and Peace Christmas Cards for the Holy Land

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Think of the real Bethlehem this Christmas Life is harder than ever for the shrinking and suffering Christian community in the town of Jesus’s birth.

By Father Mark Madden Parish of English Martyrs and Our Lady, Queen of Peace, Litherland and Secretary to the Holy Land Coordination.

‘The Christmas story must be the most famous story ever told. The story of a very young girl – heavily pregnant, afraid, anxious – travelling a long distance to fulfil legal requirements and wondering what might happen next.

Considered unclean because she is pregnant, this teenage mother is forced to share a stable with the animals. After giving birth, her young family are then forced out of their country for fear of violence and become refugees in a foreign land. The birth of Jesus bears no resemblance to the romanticised picture of perfect cribs, Christmas card pictures and the carols we know so well.

Jesus was born into a political storm.

The Roman Empire occupied Palestine and the local people felt like refugees and foreigners in their own land. Some accepted the situation while others wanted an uprising to root the enemy out.

This scenario was played out over 2,000 years ago and sadly not much has changed. For the Christians living in Bethlehem today, life for them is just as fragile as it was when their most famous resident was born. Christians of the Holy Land are today living under occupation and have been since the 1940s.

In 1948, the population of Bethlehem was 85 per cent Christian and 13 per

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cent Muslim. Today the relationship is reversed: the Christian population represent less than a third of Bethlehem’s 31,500 inhabitants. The reason is the exodus of many Christians and the arrival of Palestinian Muslim refugees from wars with Israel. The sad fact is that in our lifetime we could see this town, cradle to our faith, having no Christians living there.

The situation is bleak and people see no signs of improvement. Cultural and religious suffocation in a majority Muslim city, persecution and the IsraeliPalestinian conflict are some of the reasons. Christians truly feel they are living in an open prison.

Surrounding Bethlehem is an 8m (26ft) concrete wall which envelops and separates the town from the outskirts of Jerusalem. To enter and leave Bethlehem everyone must pass through the wall. For pilgrims and tourists it is easy; for the locals it is long and tiresome. For pilgrims and tourists, passing through the wall has become part of the tourist attraction; for the locals it has become part of daily life.

The few Palestinians who work outside Bethlehem enter Jerusalem via ‘Checkpoint 300’. They arrive early in the morning, hours before the gate opens, with many not returning home to their families until after 10.00 pm. I have walked through this checkpoint and have witnessed the harsh reality of this daily routine. This is the daily life which many face to work and support their families.

They are the lucky ones as Bethlemites are not allowed through the wall without

Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem

a permit which can take many months to apply for and may be granted only for a specific reason.

The wall has divided families.

People can face humiliation and there is no guarantee that they will even be successful. The wall has now become an international symbol of Palestinian resistance against Israel and even Banksy has made his famous mark. Olive-wood crib sets are on sale depicting the wall; the abnormal becomes the normal.

If the wall had been built at the time of the nativity, Mary and Joseph would never have reached Bethlehem and Jesus would have been born on the road.

There are parts of the Bethlehem area which still look like a scene straight from the pages of scripture: olive trees, donkeys, ancient hills.

You can almost imagine shepherds watching their flocks by night, as shepherd boys lead their sheep to graze. Sadly this is quickly disappearing under waves of concrete as the wall is still under construction Surrounding Bethlehem are Israeli settlements, illegal under international law and built on Palestinian land. The Israeli settlement of Gilo is home to 40,000 people and Har Gilo which houses a further 20,000. Both settlements are built on Bethlehem land and a new settlement is planned, which will sit in the middle of the two existing ones. Israel considers these settlements to be legitimate suburbs of Jerusalem and the Israeli Government has announced further expansions.

The impact of these settlements on the Bethlehem people and especially on the Christian

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feature ‘Pray for the ‘peace of Jerusalem’

population is devastating.

Land belonging to Christian families which has been in their possession for centuries has been confiscated. Ancient olive trees, apricots and vines have been uprooted and destroyed. With the destruction of land comes the destruction of people’s lives.

Christians are leaving because there is no livelihood and no future.

Local Christians are also afraid of Islamic fundamentalists.

They are not afraid of living with Muslims but of outside influences: Daesh (the selfstyled Islamic State or ISIS), Al Nusra (the Sunni offshoot of al-Qaeda operating in Syria and Lebanon), and the fanatic fundamentalist groups. They are afraid that this influence may secure a place in the heart of the people.

We need our Christian brothers and sisters to stay in the town because they serve as an

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feature

Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem

important link to the origins of our faith. The Christians of the Holy Land have a vocation to walk in the footsteps of the Lord. Their presence in the land is vital.

When speaking of Arabs, we think almost always of Muslims; and when speaking of Israel, we think of the Jews. In the middle are the Christians who do not fall into this framework.

They are not a nationality but they belong to Jesus Christ. Their vocation is to be a bridge between the other two faiths and to mark the difference with the values which are at the heart of Christianity: fraternity, love, service.

‘We must treasure their presence and their witness’ 6

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The Holy Land Christian must become steeped in these biblical and universal values and transmit them to others as a beacon and an example to follow.

This vocation is hard because Christianity is the minority and there are times when they feel the world has forgotten them. We must treasure their presence and their witness, a witness that can be traced right back to that birth in Bethlehem. It is our duty to encourage and help them to fulfil this vocation.

How? We must raise awareness of the challenges the Christians experience every day. We must keep

in our daily prayer our brothers and sisters and give thanks to God for them and their vocation. ‘Pray for the ‘peace of Jerusalem’. Go on pilgrimage, meet the local people, visit Christian communities and celebrate the witness that they offer. Support our archdiocesan Christmas Card campaign which is organised by the Justice and Peace Commission and means that hundreds of Christmas cards are sent by our parishes to Catholic parishes in the Holy Land each year. Support financial projects, many of which help the Christians to invest in their future.

But when you look into the Christmas crib in your homes and churches over the coming weeks, when you sing those well-known carols and celebrate the birth of Jesus, remember the reality that people are facing today: the reality which many of the trappings of our Christmas do not show and yet which is clearly, and sadly, there.

Leyakon maakom salam el Maseeh ebn Beit Lahem fe had el eid el majeed May the peace of the Child of Bethlehem be with you this Christmas

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

Golden Jubilee celebrations at St Albert’s Archbishop Malcolm celebrated Mass with the parishioners of St Albert the Great in Stockbridge Village to mark the 50th anniversary of their parish.

Founded in 1966 Mass was at first celebrated in St Albert’s Chapel, now part of the Parish Centre, the new church building was consecrated by Archbishop Derek Worlock on 18 March 1977. The parish was served by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart until 2011 when Father Chris McCoy was appointed Parish Priest.

Current Parish Priest, Father David Potter said, ‘the Mass was a fitting culmination of our celebrations which have included a parish mission, a concert of sacred music and a pilgrimage to the shrines of the northern Saints’.

There was another cause for celebration as parishioner Sandra O’Boyle was awarded the ‘Bene Merenti’ by the Archbishop at the end of Mass.

Described by Father David as a ‘mainstay of the congregation’ Sandra,

who attends Mass daily, has worked tirelessly for the parish and the wider community of Stockbridge Village for many years.

Father David Potter, George Howarth MP, Sandra O’Boyle, with Archbishop Malcolm

Little Lia opens St Joseph’s Hospice shop There was an especially young guest of honour at the opening of the new St Joseph’s Hospice shop in Maghull – eight-year-old Lia Rawling from Southport.

The pupil from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School cut the ribbon at the opening of the new store on behalf of her mother Corrina Winning, who is a patient at the Thornton-based hospice.

“It’s nice that we can do something for the hospice as they have done so much for my mum and our family over the years,” said Lia, whose mother has received specialist nursing care for brain damage for over six years.

Lia’s aunt and guardian, Michelle Rawling, added: “Lia really has grown up with the hospice and the nurses and staff are a part of our extended family so it’s a real honour for Lia to be invited to open the new shop and we are all immensely proud

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of her.”

The Maghull shop has relocated from its previous home on Central Square to a more prominent site on Westway in the centre of town. It is the first to display the new St Joseph’s Hospice branding, unveiled earlier this year.

Jo Rigby-Clare, the retail manager for St

Joseph’s Hospice, formerly Jospice, said: “Patients like Corrina and their families are why our shops are here.” Together, its network of nine shops across Merseyside raise over £100,000 annually, which is a vital source of revenue for St Joseph’s Hospice, which needs £6,500 every day to keep its services running.

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news diary Obituary of Rev John Thompson Much loved Parish Priest and broadcaster, Father John Thompson, died on Sunday 30 October aged 81 and in the 57th year of his priesthood.

John Benedict Thompson was born on 10 June 1935, the son of William and Alice Thompson. He was educated at St Mary’s College, Crosby, and then at St Joseph’s College, Upholland. He was ordained priest by Archbishop John Carmel Heenan at St Peter and St Paul, Crosby, on 12 June 1960.

He served at St Joseph’s, Leigh, for four years as assistant priest, before being sent for further studies in the autumn of 1964. He lived at the Beda College in Rome whilst completing a licentiate in canon law at the Gregorian University.

Upon his return to the archdiocese he was appointed assistant priest at Sacred Heart, Liverpool, in September 1966 and also as a notary in the Metropolitan Tribunal. The following September he was appointed secretary to Bishop Augustine Harris, the then auxiliary bishop, and also chaplain to La Sagesse School, Grassendale.

In February 1972, following an invitation

from Father Agnellus Andrew, then Director of the Catholic Radio and Television Centre at Hatch End, he went to work at the BBC in Manchester in the Religious Broadcasting Department, which he did for the next four years. After a brief secondment at Hatch End, he returned to the archdiocese in June 1976 as chaplain to Liverpool Polytechnic and also to work at BBC Radio Merseyside. He was very much part of BBC Radio Merseyside during the early years of local radio, building up a following through his Sunday morning programme ‘All in Good Faith’, which ran until 1987. Even when his regular programme finished he continue to contribute to ‘Thought for the Day’. During his time as Religious Producer he broadcast many live discussion programmes during Lent and played a major part in the coverage of the visit of Pope John Paul II to Liverpool in 1982.

He will be remembered for his warmth and humour, which made him a friend to all through his many years of broadcasting.

He will be remembered too with great affection by his parishioners at St Leo’s, Whiston, where he was parish priest from

1982 to 1984 and especially at St Francis de Sales, Walton, where he was parish priest for the last 32 years. He also undertook missionary work with the charity SURVIVE-MIVA, playing an active part in delivering their vehicles overseas.

Father Thompson’s Funeral Mass was celebrated at St Francis de Sales’ Church, on Wednesday 9 November, followed by burial at St Peter and St Paul, Crosby.

Word of the Lord Day An Introduction to the Gospel according to Matthew Seventy people were welcomed by Father Matthew Nunes, Episcopal Vicar for Formation, to a day reflecting on the Gospel according to Matthew held at Holy Rosary Parish Centre in Aintree.

The newly re-furbished parish centre proved an excellent venue for such a diocesan gathering.

Led by Salesian scripture scholar Father Michael Winstanley, readers, catechists and interested parishioners were given an overview of the gospel and introduced to its distinctive structure. In the afternoon Father Michael focussed on key passages which the gospel’s author uses to show us a compassionate Servant King who fulfils the promises found in the Old Testament. People were very appreciative of his gentle yet scholarly style which opened up some of the riches of this gospel in a very accessible way. Indeed, there was something for everyone to take away with them.

The two keynote talks were supported by workshop opportunities: ‘Leading

Children’s Liturgy of the Word during the Year of Matthew’ which was led by Ann Welsh; ‘Praying with Matthew’ led by Sister Moira Meeghan with Steve Atherton offering ‘The First Shall be Last and the Last First: Justice and Peace in Matthew’ in the morning and ‘Seeing and Hearing Matthew’ led by Veronica Murphy in the afternoon.

The next ‘Word of the Lord Day’ will take place at LACE on Saturday 10 June 2017: it will be led by Dr Ian Boxall who is the Professor of New Testament Studies in the Catholic University of America.

To register your interest in this day please contact the Pastoral Formation Department, Tel: 0151 522 1040 or email formation@rcaol.co.uk

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news diary Obituary of Monsignor Canon James Commins Former Parish Priest of Sacred Heart, Wigan, Monsignor Canon James Commins, died on Sunday 6 November aged 97 and in the 73rd year of his priesthood.

James Bernard Commins was born on 20 May 1919, the son of James and Mary Commins. He was educated at Rockwell College, Corbel, Co Tipperary, and then at St Patrick’s College, Tipperary. He was ordained priest at the Cathedral of the Assumption, Thurles, on 11 June 1944.

He served as assistant priest in four parishes of the archdiocese: at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Liverpool in 1944; St James, Bootle in 1955; St Anthony, Liverpool in 1963 and St Gregory, Chorley in 1966. In September 1968 he was appointed parish priest at St Mary, Mother of God, Kirkby, a parish that had only been established ten years previously. His final, and most significant, parish appointment was as parish priest of Sacred Heart, Wigan, from May 1977 until his retirement in October 1997. To all of these appointments he brought his characteristic devotion and care, and was greatly respected by his fellow priests.

In 1974 he became a Canon of the Metropolitan Cathedral Chapter and the following year became secretary to the Chapter, an office he held until 2004. Gradually he began to play a more significant role in the financial administration of the archdiocese. Archbishop Derek Worlock established a vicariate for finance and development in 1977, and James Commins became a member of the first Finance Advisory Committee. In 1990 he was appointed as the first chairman of the Assessment Fund, a voluntary system set up in the archdiocese whereby poorer parishes could receive financial assistance. Following his retirement from parish ministry in 1997 he continued with his committee work, and also joined the committee of the George Andrew Fund, the fund set up in memory of Archbishop Beck to provide for the healthcare of priests and their provision in retirement. In 2004 he stepped down from the Finance Advisory Committee and the George Andrew Fund, but continued for a further two years chairing the Assessment Fund committee. He therefore contributed nearly thirty years’ service in the financial oversight of the archdiocese. For his outstanding services to the archdiocese he was named a Prelate of Honour by Pope John Paul II in 1984.

In retirement he lived successively at St Joseph’s, Wrightington, at St George’s Court, Maghull, and latterly at James Nugent Court, Liverpool.

His Funeral Mass was celebrated at St George’s Church, Maghull, on Friday 18 November followed by burial at St Joseph’s, Wrightington.

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Liverpool couples attend marriage conference Five couples from Liverpool Archdiocese took part in a recent weekend of reflection on married life, write Tony and Pat Banks.

More than 100 members of Teams, the British branch of the Equipes Notre Dame movement, gathered to explore the theme of ‘Living the Gospel with joy through changing times’.

Teams, is an organisation which supports Christian married couples in their pursuit of happiness in their marriage and their living out the Gospel. One of the two main speakers at the 2016 regional gathering was Father Chris Thomas as with the other main speaker, David Wells of Plymouth Diocese, Father Chris based his talk on our call to be witnesses to the Mercy of God, declaring that ‘Love is Mercy’s other name’.

The gathering featured presentations by couples from India, Trinidad and

South Africa, along with an explanation of the organisation’s work by the UK-based Piotr and Dzidzia Chodsko-Zajko, who serve the organisation in the capacity of Transatlantic Super Regional Couple.

Additionally, there were workshops titled ‘We Stand on Holy Ground’ – our response to ‘Laudato Si’ – and ‘Responding to Change in Marriage and Family Life’, a workshop based on ‘Amoris Laetitia’. We also reflected on how ‘God loves infinite variety’ and our efforts to pray daily as a couple or family.

For those couples who had brought their families, there was a separate children’s programme. Our closing Mass was celebrated by Abbot Martin Shipperlee of Ealing Abbey, who is the Super Regional counsellor for the Teams organisation in this country.

For more information about Teams, visit: www.teamsgb.org.uk

Thank you Father Strowbridge

Archbishop Malcolm celebrated Mass at Holy Cross, St Helens, to thank God for the Year of Mercy and the graces and blessings received at the Holy Door.

It was also a day when a much loved and zealous priest, Father J Hubert Strowbridge, returned to the town he served for many years at Sacred Heart parish, to celebrate 60 years of priesthood. Ordained on 4 November 1956 he told the story to the congregation that he was given permission to have an evening Mass on 5 November 1956 as his first Mass ‘as I lifted the sacred host, bang, boom and flash, as the world

remembered Guy Fawkes, the Lord remembered us and came among us as He always does at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass’ he recalled.

Archbishop Malcolm thanked Father Strowbridge for his sixty years of joyful service and a small gift was given on behalf of the parishioners of Holy Cross and the former community of Sacred Heart.

After Mass there was a huge parish party in the hall providing lunch for all who came. Father Strowbridge said, ‘I’m overwhelmed at the outpouring of good wishes and affection…I have always loved being a priest’.

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news diary A taste of Medicine for St John Rigby pupils St John Rigby College in Wigan has opened a window on life as a doctor for pupils thinking of studying medicine at university.

As host of the annual West Manchester Medical Day on 16 November, the college welcomed Year 10, 11 and 12 students from St John Fisher, St Bede’s, Our Lady Queen of Peace, and St Peter’s High Schools to the event, which included talks from medical students and doctors.

Dave Gent, assistant principal at St John Rigby College, said: ‘The pupils who attended had a fantastic opportunity not only to develop some clinical skills but also to gain information about the

application process and hear first-hand what life as a doctor would be like after qualifying. These opportunities demonstrate the commitment of the college to providing prospective students with the best possible insight into their future careers.’

The pupils present heard about the entry requirements for medical schools – with a breakdown of the academic expectations, interview processes and admissions tests.

They also had the opportunity to work together on practical activities led by university students, including CPR, medical ethics and a diagnostic activity.

As well as hearing from the medical

students about their courses and placements, they heard from practising medics who described their work and answered pupils’ questions.

St John Rigby College offers a programme of support for students considering a career in medicine and dentistry. This includes a guaranteed minimum of 30 hours of relevant work experience in a local hospital in addition to preparation for the UKCAT and BMAT examinations. Sixth formers this year will also be visiting Smelt Mill, the base station of the Bowland Mountain Rescue Team, as well as undertaking laboratory experience sessions at Newcastle University.

Huyton school celebrates golden jubilee Fifty purple balloons have been released into the air above a Huyton school to mark its 50th anniversary.

Staff at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School marked the golden milestone with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Malcolm McMahon and a party for governors, staff

and students.

The children enjoyed a party box meal, provided free by Knowsley School Meals Service, and a cup cake decorated in school colours. Speaking at the Mass in September, Archbishop Malcolm congratulated head teacher Mr Charlie

Newstead and his staff on their efforts in making St Joseph’s ‘truly a school based on Jesus’s teaching’. He then joined the children in releasing the 50 balloons.

St Joseph’s continued its celebrations in November by setting up a museum of artefacts and stories from the 1960s with an invitation to past pupils to visit and add their own memories. Colette Wilson, daughter of the current chair of governors John Mulcahey, was among the first children to start school at St Joseph’s and she recalled: “It was always a happy school. I remember wooden desks in rows, much bigger class sizes and the teachers including Mrs O’Keefe, Miss Beesley and the headmaster Mr Walsh.”

Today’s pupils have been studying the history of 1966 and singing songs from that year – including Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. They also buried a time capsule containing photographs of the school today, messages recorded on a pen stick, and ideas from pupils about what school might be like in another 50 years’ time.

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news diary

Catholic schools scoop awards at the Educate Awards 2016 The region’s Catholic schools scooped awards at last month’s prestigious Educate Awards ceremony.

Over 500 guests gathered for the event at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral, hosted by actor and comedian Neil Fitzmaurice. The awards, in partnership with Copyrite Systems and Ricoh, are now in their fifth year and are the biggest celebration of education in the North West.

On the night, 21 awards were handed out to schools in Lancashire, Merseyside and Cheshire. A great variety of projects and skills were represented, from entrepreneurial awareness, dazzling stage performances, creative literacy initiatives to inspiring community partnerships.

St Francis Xavier College won the Eco School Project of the Year Award thanks to its greenfingered pupils and staff, who undertook a planting project at their new school site.

Enterprise South Liverpool Academy won the Career Aspiration Award for its ‘Dare to Dream’ careers programme which sets aspirational targets for its pupils, and is already producing great results.

Holy Family Halewood Primary’s learning mentor, Diane Reeves, was runner up

in the highly competitive School Support Star of the Year category. She is described as a great community ambassador, the driving force between personal, social, emotional and health activities and has become a trusted figure for all of the school’s pupils.

Notre Dame Catholic College came runner up for the Career Aspiration Award, thanks to its aspirational approach to employability. Judges noted that the college is determined to show its students the huge range of employment opportunities available to them.

St Damian’s RC Science College, Lancashire, won the Most Inspirational Secondary School Award for its incredible transformation during the last few years. The judges commented that there are few better words to describe a school that has gone from being in special measures to becoming the top performing school in its area than inspirational. Thanks to a concerted effort from staff, students and parents, St Damian’s has lived up to its motto of ‘Believe to Achieve’.

Guests were treated to special performances by talented North West pupils, including BBC Young Musician finalist Andrew Woolcock, Formby

Career Aspiration Award winnners ESLA with sponsor James Glendenning, GMLPF

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High School’s Mundo Afrika Choir and Winstanley College’s three students, Jacob Maguire, Hannah Hill and Sarah Prescot.

Over 250 choristers and a 50 pupil orchestra from nine schools across Merseyside also brought their musical talents together to perform as the Educate Awards Super Choir on the night. Led by choirmaster Matthew O’Keeffe from The Belvedere Academy, performing schools included The Belvedere Academy, Bickerstaffe CE Primary School, Rainford CE Primary School, St Hilda’s CE High School, Liverpool College, Netherton Moss, Archbishop Blanch School, Whitefield Primary

school and the Academy of St Francis of Assisi.

Kim O’Brien, founder of the Educate Awards, says: ‘The number of entries we received is testament to the excellence and hard work seen in our schools and colleges across the North West. We are proud to host this event which champions the creativity, diversity and dedication of schools in Merseyside, Cheshire and Lancashire.

‘As one judge so eloquently put it: “It’s so reassuring to know the next generation of children are in such good hands”. Congratulations to all of tonight’s winners, runners up and shortlisted schools.’

Eco Project of the Year winner, SFX College with sponsor Kier Construction Northern

Most inspirational Secondary School winner, St Damian’s RC Science College, sponsored by Wray Bros.

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St Damian’s RC Science College In omnibus Fidelis - in all things faithful Lees Road, Ashton Under Lyne, Lancashire OL6 8BH Telephone: 0161 330 5974 • Fax: 0161 331 4744 Email: admin@stdamians.co.uk • Website: www.stdamians.co.uk Twitter: @StDamiansRCSC • You can also find us on Facebook

Mr Logue the Headteacher…

After a year which we deemed the most successful in our proud history, as demonstrated by achieving record pupil outcomes, St Damian’s RC Science College, is celebrating yet another external award.

In July 2016, we were delighted to win the ‘Secondary School of the Year’ Award at the annual Manchester Evening News ceremony. Since then we have gone from strength to strength and have recently won another prestigious award ‘Most Inspirational Secondary School of the Year’ at the annual Educate Awards 2016.

Schools ‘overcoming barriers’ was a key theme of the schools shortlisted in this category for 2016.

Well, here at St Damian’s, we have removed many barriers to learning through our exceptional pastoral care, our focused leadership and clear vision to become an outstanding Catholic school in all we do. Over recent years’ pupil outcomes have improved substantially and we are now heavily over-subscribed reflecting the high levels of confidence in the local community.

The Educate Awards are a celebration of the successes and achievements from schools across the North West; Merseyside, Cheshire and Lancashire. In this sense, the award is extra special and an acknowledgement of the hard work and dedication to our Community. Mrs E Jones, Chair of Governors, was ecstatic and said “This is a true recognition of what our school is all about. We aim to be inspirational for all our pupils and this is a just award for all connected to our school, including governors, staff, parents and of course our great pupils”. Mrs Jones was so proud that she attended the weekly staff briefing to ‘present’ the Award to the staff as she said that it was their Award and that it was “staff who go into the classrooms day in and day out to inspire our pupils”. Mrs Jones then followed this with the Year11 assembly.

Mr Logue, was equally proud stating “this is a culmination of a true community working together to ensure we fulfil our motto, ‘Believe to Achieve’. My staff are truly great and this is a tribute to their perseverance, commitment and dedication. Without them, this award would simply be impossible. I am privileged to work with such ‘inspirational’ staff”. At St Damian’s we will celebrate this fabulous achievement and use this as a springboard to re-energise our determination to our Mission, which is to ensure we provide an excellent all round education to our pupils.

We were also delighted to be shortlisted in the ‘Eco School Project of the Year’. This category was for schools that raised awareness of an environmental issues. Our ‘Sow, Grow, Eco’ project encouraged both KS3 and KS4 pupils to understand food provenance. Pupils planted and grown a range of fruits, vegetables and herbs to be used in Cooking and Nutrition lessons as well as using ‘left overs’ to make compost for further growing. We have also used the area to create a wild flower garden to bring wildlife such as bees and dragon flies into the school environment and this has led to the Geography and Science Faculties using the resource to enhance pupil’s learning. Mrs Brophy, Assistant Headteacher, said “It has been a privilege to work alongside our pupils and develop their wider understanding of the world around them! Pupils have loved the hands on approach to learning and eating what they have actually grown!”

Finally, our journey towards being inspirational has not always been easy, but collectively we feel that it has been unique and worthy of this recognition. We are very grateful for this opportunity which was presented in such a glorious venue with so many likeminded people wishing each other success. This has been a massive boost for everyone in school and is testament to everyone working together in a caring and safe environment. So, on behalf of St Damian’s, we would like to thank Educate Awards for this fitting and remarkable accolade. Special thanks go to our wonderfully supportive parents; with their trust and continued belief in us, the whole community of St Damian’s have achieved such a prestigious award.

‘Believe to Achieve’

St Damian’s RC Science College The Catholic College of Ashton Catholic Pictorial

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sunday reflections On a liturgical note The Holy Year of Mercy has come to its close and the season of Advent has begun, but what effect does either have on my life?

During the Holy Year, Pope Francis has asked us for prayer and reflection on the gifts of the mercy and love of God the Father in our individual lives – for example, how many times have we been forgiven by others for faults (‘what I have done and what I have failed to do’) and yet have I always been willing to have the same attitude of forgiveness and understanding towards others (‘as we forgive those who trespass against us’)?

Mercy as a concept is one thing, but mercy as a way of life is much more difficult to define. What is it to be merciful? How often must I be merciful? What does mercy ‘look like’?

The person of Jesus, the ‘one who is to come’ (in Latin, adventus) is the personification or incarnation – the ‘taking of flesh’ – of the mercy and goodwill and tenderness of God the Father. If you want to see what mercy ‘looks like’ then look at Him – not just in the manger of Bethlehem or teaching on the Mount of Beatitudes,

Sunday thoughts Whether I buy a house, a car, a sofa, a plane ticket, or even groceries I am ripped off. The cards seem stacked against the individual consumer. The phrase ‘terms and conditions’ is shorthand for extortion.

Extra charges are routinely revealed when I have completed a transaction.

I am obliged to take out car insurance but can’t afford to claim unless I pay an extra premium to further ‘insure’ the quoted insurance premium. I am encouraged to renew by direct debit but I am penalised for my loyalty – a new customer is quoted a cheaper rate. Banks rip me off for borrowing and rip me off for saving.

Buying goods and services online should allow me to avoid the rapacious middle man but price-fixing cartels have been exposed even on the internet. Worst of all, I am charged VAT, not just on the purchase

Canon Philip Gillespie

but also on the Way of the Cross and on Calvary, in the upper room after the Resurrection and on the road to Emmaus.

‘In all his words most wonderful, most sure in all his ways’ as Cardinal Newman put it.

Mercy as a way of life is a hard road – but it is the way of Jesus and, therefore, it is the way that leads us to fullness of life and love. Towards the end of Advent the Church will pray the great ‘O’ antiphons – ancient texts of prayer which seek to express the great longing and desire of the people of God for love and mercy to enter their lives in a concrete, real way. One of these prayers talks of being ‘gentle but strong’ in our living.

May that be the gift of the Holy Spirit to you this Advent – the gentleness and strength of Christ Jesus.

• Each year the Knights of Saint Columba (KSC) promote their ‘Keep Christ in Christmas’ campaign. If you haven’t done so already, seek out some cards and gifts which are reminders of the fact that Christ is at the heart of our celebration of Christmas.

Mgr John Devine OBE

price, but on postage and package. eBay, an informal market between private buyers and sellers, has been hijacked by wholesalers. Car boot sales have been similarly invaded. And reductions in legal aid limit my chances of access to the courts, giving the wealthy further advantage.

The market place is a minefield for the little person. Have you ever tried changing your mobile phone provider?

Scripture readings for Advent suggest that this is not a recent phenomenon.

The Old Testament is full of references to the exploitation of the powerless. But the promised one, the shoot that springs from the stock of Jesse, will judge the wretched with integrity. With equity he will give verdicts for the poor. In his days, justice shall flourish.

Weekly Reflections are on the Archdiocesan website at www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk/reflection 14

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Love come down Many years ago I went to lead a retreat somewhere on the south coast with a semi-enclosed group of sisters. I was told that there were 15 in the community and that all the sisters would be involved in the retreat. At the first session there were only 14 and then again at the second and third. I asked about the missing nun and was told that Sister Augusta never came out of her room.

Eventually I was asked to go and see her.

When I entered, she turned and faced me and it was clear she wasn’t well. In fact I discovered she was tortured, convinced that she didn’t pray enough, hadn’t been good enough during her life and that she was going to hell. She was terrified.

I felt so sad when I met her and even though I tried to talk to her about the good news of God's love, it was like speaking to a brick wall. I have said on many occasions that the good news of the Gospel is that God loves us as we really are with a radical overwhelming love that we can only ever glimpse. Often it is a long and hard journey that we have to undertake to discover that truth. That journeying is what Advent is all about. It is a chance to reflect on the God who is ever breaking into our lives to reveal the truth of love that is not dependent on us or anything we do or don’t do.

So this Advent challenge any image of God that you might have picked up during your life that would tell you that He is not wonderfully loving. Challenge any image of God that demands or expects you to be perfect before you can be loved. It doesn’t matter what you were taught as a child about God. Begin again and dare to believe in the overwhelming power of love which allows us to be fully who we are without condemnation. Realise the truth that in God’s eyes we are wholly and completely wonderful.

Let Advent be a time of renewal and refreshment so that when you come to celebrate Christmas, you celebrate the truth of that free gift of love made flesh for you and me.

Father Chris Thomas

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profile ou may not expect a sacred cantata describing the last days of Jesus to be a favourite of a legend of comedy, but Ken Dodd describes ‘Olivet to Calvary’ by John Henry Maunder as a ‘beautiful piece’. He sang it as a twelve-year-old during his years as a chorister at St John’s, Knotty Ash where he developed a love of religious music, a time which he says continued until ‘they found out where the noise was coming from’.

Y

Laughter is never far away as Ken recalls the days when his father and mother used to take him to the Shakespeare Theatre of Varieties where he saw comedians and decided that in spite of being ‘terrified’ he wanted to be in show business. He fell under the influence of Hilda Fallon, who arranged performances for him as his career developed. He puts Hilda in the same bracket as Bill Shankly as the greatest motivators of people he has ever met.

Ken Dodd

After leaving school he worked as a coalman and then a door-todoor salesman, which he recalls as ‘a wonderful way of learning Bringing happiness by Peter Heneghan communications skills’. believe there is a wonderful spiritual force sight and the gift of hearing. I don’t know Passionately fond of books and humour that guides us and helps us, one that we that we really say “thank you” often and a great supporter of libraries, he must appreciate, to try to be the kind of enough.’ once got himself a pass for the Bodleian person that God wants us to be. If we Library while touring in Oxford. He later are strong enough and the will is there, I This Christmas, for the 25th year, Ken decided to research laughter and what it believe we can do it.’

Dodd will be doing his ‘fun-filled variety is that makes us laugh and developed Christmas Show’ at Liverpool’s what he calls the rainbow of laughter. ‘At Fittingly for someone who had a hit with Philharmonic Hall and, for many reasons, the very top is white laughter,’ he a song called ‘Happiness’, Ken it is a special time of year for him. explains, ‘the laughter of pure joy that concludes: ‘If I can help to bring some ‘Christmas can be a nostalgic and even you hear when you pass a school happiness, then it’s all been worthwhile.’ sad time but seen through the eyes of playground where little children play and children it is a wonderful magical time,’ jump up and down with the sheer joy of • Ken Dodd’s ‘Merry Christmas he reflects. ‘The one word which I put being alive’.

Happiness Show’ is at Liverpool’s faith in at Christmas is hope. Going to Philharmonic Hall on Wednesday 28 church during Advent and at Christmas is As we go through the spectrum we hear and Thursday 29 December. For uplifting, it is a thoughtful festival. Yes, it of yellow laughter – traditionally the tickets, call 0151 709 3789 or visit is a time of year to look back but the laughter of clowns; and red and pink, the www.liverpoolphil.com “now” is important as are the people who laughter of love and romance. Finally, we are here with us, the people we love.’ come to the dark colours of sarcasm, irony and cynicism. ‘I don’t go there Religion plays a big part in Ken’s life. He because I’m an entertainer and my job is is a regular worshipper at Liverpool’s to make people feel good,’ he adds.

Anglican Cathedral and says: ‘I believe in God and that you are given direction in At a time when people are running round life, I know that I have been very, very buying gifts for Christmas Ken reflects on blessed and I say “thank you” every day.’ other, gifts. ‘We’ve all had wonderful gifts Spirituality is important too, he adds. ‘I from day one, for example, the gift of

‘The one word which I put faith in at Christmas is hope.’

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what’s on Saturday 3 December ‘Prepare the Way.’ An Advent Concert with Jo Boyce and Friends 7.00 pm at St Francis Xavier church, Salisbury Street, Liverpool, L3 8DR. Tickets £8 from St Francis Xavier church. Details, from Debbie Tel: 0151 298 1911. Email: d.reynolds@sfxchurchliverpool.com Sunday 4 December Liverpool Bach Collective Johann Sebastian Bach Cantata 30: ‘Efreue dich, erlöste Schar’ (‘Be joyful, O ransomed flock’) 6.30 pm at Our Lady’s Church, Cavendish Street, Birkenhead, CH41 8AQ. Singers and Players directed by Philip Duffy.

Reflections on the reality of God and who God is for us led by the Emmaus Prayer Community 7.00 pm at St Patrick’s church, Marshside Road, Southport, PR9 9TJ. Speaker: Father Chris Thomas. Details Tel: 01704 224286.

Monday 5 December Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 2.00 pm to 2.30 pm at St Marie's Catholic Church, Almond Brook Road, Standish, WN6 0TB. Monday 5 December to Wednesday 7 December ‘Prepare ye the Way of the Lord...’

A Triduum of prayer and Advent reflections led by Sister Annie Lunney SMG. St Joseph’s Prayer Centre, Blundell Avenue, Freshfield, Formby, L37 1PH. Details: Tel: 01704 875850 Tuesday 6 December Support Group for people living with dementia and their carers 2.00 pm at Our Lady Help of Christians, Portico Parish Hall, Prescot, L34 2QT. Details: Joan O’Hanlon Tel: 07984 735590.

Everyone welcome.

Advent Prayer Service 7.00 pm at Holy Rosary, Altway, Aintree, L10 2LG. Wednesday 7 December ‘Songs we Remember.’

A morning of singing and enjoyment for anyone who likes to sing but particularly geared towards those living with dementia and their carers (rehearsing for the Dementia Friendly Carol service in the Metropolitan Cathedral on Wednesday 14 December at 2.00 pm.) 11.00 am to 12.30 pm, followed by lunch, at St Thomas of Canterbury Parish Hall, Great Georges Road, Waterloo, L22 1RD. Details: The Irenaeus Project. Tel: 0151 949 1199. Website: www.irenaeus.co.uk Thursday 8 December ‘God cannot be tamed.’

Advent Prayer and Reflection with the Irenaeus Team. 10.30 am at Irenaeus 32 Great Georges Road L22 1RD. Details Tel: 0151 949 1199 or email jenny@irenaeus.co.uk Website: www.irenaeus.co.uk Agape Mass 8.00 pm at St Mary’s, Prescot Road, Aughton, L39 6TA. Details: Archie Cameron Tel: 01704 224286.

‘God cannot be tamed.’

Advent Prayer and Reflection with the Irenaeus Team. 7.00 pm at St Patrick’s church, Marshside Road, Southport, PR9 9TJ. Details Tel: 0151 949 1199 or email jenny@irenaeus.co.uk Website: www.irenaeus.co.uk Friday 9 December Pastoral Area Mass with Reconciliation 12.00 noon at St Alban’s, Bewsey Street, Warrington, WA2 7JQ. Advent Prayer Service 6.30 pm at St Mary’s, Church Road, Woolton, L25 5JF. Saturday 10 December ‘Festival of Light Mass’ for the Feast of Saint Lucy (Patron Saint for people who are blind or have eye problems) 12.00 noon at Saint Francis Xavier’s Church, Salisbury Street, Liverpool, L3 8DR followed by refreshments. A book for prayer intentions and testimonies will be available.

Sunday 11 December Advent Holy Hour 3.00 pm at St Albert the Great, Hollow Croft, Stockbridge Village, L28 4EA. Reflections on the reality of God and who God is for us led by the Emmaus Prayer Community 7.00 pm at St Patrick’s church, Marshside Road, Southport, PR9 9TJ. Speaker: Pauline McDougall. Details Tel: 01704 224286.

Monday 12 December Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 2.00 pm to 2.30 pm at St Marie’s Catholic Church, Almond Brook Road, Standish, WN6 0TB. ‘God cannot be tamed.’

Advent Prayer and Reflection with the Irenaeus Team. 7.00 pm at the Sisters of St Mary of Namur, 25 Newsham Drive, Liverpool, L6 7UG. (Light supper available from 6.00 pm.) Details Tel: 0151 949 1199 or email jenny@irenaeus.co.uk Website: www.irenaeus.co.uk Service of Reconciliation 7.30 pm at St Mary’s, Church Road, Woolton, L25 5JF. Tuesday 13 December Time Out on Tuesdays 10.00 am at the Cenacle, Tithebarn Grove, Lance Lane, Liverpool L15 6TW. Open to all who are involved in any form of ministry or service to others, giving time for silence and personal reflection. Offering £10 per person. For further details contact: Sister Winifred. Tel: 0151 722 2271, Email: winniecenacle@mail.com Advent Prayer Service 7.00 pm at Holy Rosary, Altway, Aintree, L10 2LG. Service of Reconciliation 7.30 pm at Our Lady of the Annunciation, Bishop Eton, Woolton Road, L16 8NQ. Wednesday 14 December Dementia Friendly Christmas Carol Service with Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP

website at liverpoolcatholic.org.uk/christmas2016 16

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2.00 pm at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. Featuring students from St Teresa of Lisieux, Norris Green, English Martyrs, Litherland and Great Crosby Primary Schools plus the ‘Songs We Remember’ Choir. Details: Pastoral Formation Department Tel: 0151 522 1046.

Email: m.knight@rcaol.co.uk Advent Penitential Service 7.30 pm at St Albert the Great, Hollow Croft, Stockbridge Village, L28 4EA. Thursday 15 December ‘God cannot be tamed.’

Advent Prayer and Reflection with the Irenaeus Team. 10.30 am at Irenaeus 32 Great Georges Road L22 1RD. Details Tel: 0151 949 1199 or email jenny@irenaeus.co.uk Website: www.irenaeus.co.uk Bethlehem Peace Light Service 6.30 pm at St Mary's Lowe House, St. Helens, WA10 2BE. An opportunity to light a peace lamp from the candle lit by the Scouts from the light in Bethlehem which is then transmitted around the world unbroken. All welcome to attend and take home your peace light. Refreshments available after the service. Details from Trish Tel: 07592 061699.

‘God cannot be tamed.’

Advent Prayer and Reflection with the Irenaeus Team. 7.00 pm at St Patrick’s church, Marshside Road, Southport, PR9 9TJ. . Details Tel: 0151 949 1199 or email jenny@irenaeus.co.uk Website: www.irenaeus.co.uk Cafod Carol Concert 7.30 pm at St Theresa’s Church, College Road, Upholland, WN8 0PY, followed by mince pies and wine. All welcome, proceeds to support Cafod’s work overseas.

Friday 16 December Carol Service 7.00 pm at St John Stone, Sandbrook Way, Woodvale, Southport, PR8 3RN. Sunday 18 December Service of Reconciliation 3.00 pm at St Austin, Heath Street, Thatto Heath, St Helens, WA9 5NN. Christingle Service 4.00 pm at St Mary’s, Church Road, Woolton, L25 5JF. Christmas Carol Service 4.00 pm at St Mary’s Shrine, Buttermarket Street, Warrington, WA1 2NS. Joint Carol Service for Our Lady’s and St Mary’s Parish Church, Prescot 6.30 pm in St Mary’s Parish Church, Church Street, Prescot, L34 3LA. Carol Service 6.30 pm at Sacred Heart, Liverpool Road, Ainsdale, PR8 3BP. Prayer Meeting led by Emmaus Prayer Community 7.30 pm at St Patrick’s church, Marshside Road, Southport, PR9 9TJ. Details: Archie Cameron Tel: 01704 224286.

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december Monday 19 December Stockbridge Village Community Carol Service 1.30 pm at St Albert the Great, Hollow Croft, Stockbridge Village, L28 4EA. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 2.00 pm to 2.30 pm at St Marie's Catholic Church, Almond Brook Road, Standish, WN6 0TB. Pastoral Area Mass with Reconciliation 7.00 pm at St Joseph’s, Meeting Lane, Penketh, WA5 2BB. ‘God cannot be tamed.’

Advent Prayer and Reflection with the Irenaeus Team. 7.00 pm at the Sisters of St Mary of Namur, 25 Newsham Drive, Liverpool, L6 7UG. (Light supper available from 6.00 pm.) Details Tel: 0151 949 1199 or email jenny@irenaeus.co.uk Website: www.irenaeus.co.uk Tuesday 20 December Service of Reconciliation 7.00 pm at Holy Rosary, Altway, Aintree, L10 2LG. Cursillo Christmas Ultreya 7.00 pm in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King.

Celebrant: Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP Carol Service 7.30 pm at St Richard’s, Liverpool Road, Skelmersdale, WN8 8BX. Thursday 22 December Children’s Crib Service 6.30 pm at Holy Rosary, Altway, Aintree, L10 2LG. Service of Reconciliation 7.00 pm at St Richard’s, Liverpool Road, Skelmersdale, WN8 8BX. ‘God cannot be tamed.’

Advent Prayer and Reflection with the Irenaeus Team. 7.00 pm at St Patrick’s church, Marshside Road, Southport, PR9 9TJ. Details Tel: 0151 949 1199 or email jenny@irenaeus.co.uk www.irenaeus.co.uk Monday 26 December to Friday 30 December Residential Youth Retreat led by Sehion UK Youth Ministry CHET, Back Lane, Little Crosby, Liverpool, L23 4UA. Age 16+. Registration Fee £150 at www.sehionuk.org Details Justin Tel: 07990 623054 E: justine125@hotmail.co.uk Avarin Tel: 07912 347538 E: avarinmathew20@yahoo.co.uk Tuesday 27 December 32nd Cafod Fun Run 12.00 noon registration. 1.00 pm start at Wavertree Park (The Mystery), Wellington Road, Liverpool, L15. Fancy dress prizes, jazz band.

All proceeds to support Cafod’s Ethiopia Food Crisis Appeal. Registration on the day: £6 (individuals), £12 (families) £60 (teams of 10+) Details: Cafod Liverpool Office Tel: 0151 228 4028.

Advent and Christmas at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King Saturday 3 December 7.30pm Concert Society Christmas Celebration Concert Traditional Carols for choirs and audience. Taking part are the Cathedral Cantata Choir, Carleton House School Choir and the Cathedral Orchestra. A concert of festive seasonal music and old favourites. Tickets £10.00 available from the Cathedral Gift Shop 0151 707 3525.

Sunday 4 December 3.00 pm Choral Evening Prayer with Bach Cantata 140 'Wachet auf' 3.00 pm Cancer Research Carol Concert. (Crypt) Wednesday 7 December 2.00 pm Schools Advent Service with Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP Thursday 8 December 2.00 pm Schools Advent Service with Bishop Tom Williams Thursday 8 December 7.30 pm Samm Service (Support after Murder and Manslaughter) Friday 9 December 7.30 pm BBC Radio Merseyside Christmas Carol Service Tickets from the BBC Radio Merseyside, Hanover Street, Liverpool. The Carol Service will be recorded for broadcast on Christmas Eve. Saturday 10 December 7.30 pm Two Cathedrals’ Messiah (Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral) The Choirs of Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral and Liverpool Cathedral join together to sing Handel’s ‘Messiah’. Director: James Luxton. Tickets £10.00 from www.lpoolmetmusic.ticketsource.co.uk or the Cathedral Gift Shop Tel:0151 707 3525.

Sunday 11 December 3.00 pm Choral Evening Prayer with Britten’s ‘Ceremony of Carols’ Tuesday 13 December 7.00 pm NSPCC Carol Concert Wednesday 14 December 2.00 pm Dementia Friendly Christmas Carol Service with Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP (Details: Pastoral Formation Department Tel 0151 522 1046 Email m.knight@rcaol.co.uk) Friday 16 December 12.30pm Nugent Care ‘Light up a Life Service’ with Bishop Tom Williams Dedicate a light on the ‘Tree of Light’ to celebrate the life of a loved one, past or present.

Details Tel: 0151 261 2043.

Saturday 17 December 7.00 pm A Dickensian Christmas Carol Concert presented by BBC Radio Merseyside’s Roger Phillips An evening of readings, familiar carols and seasonal music. Tickets are £5 or £10 for a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children). Tickets from www.lpoolmetmusic.ticketsource.co.uk or the Cathedral Gift Shop Tel: 0151 707 3525.

Sunday 18 December 5.00 pm Festival Carol Service A mix of seasonal music and readings and congregational carols. Refreshments will be served after the Service.

Monday 19 December 1.30 pm Belvidere Academy Christmas Carol Service Christmas Eve: Saturday 24 December 3.00 pm First Vespers of Christmas and Blessing of the Crib Christmas Day: Sunday 25 December Midnight Midnight Mass of Christmas Celebrant: Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP 8.30 am Mass (Blessed Sacrament Chapel) 10.00 am Family Mass (Crypt) 11.00 am Solemn Mass (Cathedral) NB There will be no 7.00 pm Mass in the Crypt on Christmas Day. St Stephen’s Day: Monday 26 December 9.45 am Morning Prayer (Blessed Sacrament Chapel) 10.00 am Mass (Blessed sacrament Chapel) Tuesday 27 December to Friday 30 December 12.15 pm Mass (Blessed Sacrament Chapel) Saturday 31 December 8.45 am Morning Prayer (Blessed Sacrament Chapel) 9.00 am Mass (Blessed Sacrament Chapel) 6.30 pm First Mass of Sunday (Crypt) Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God: Sunday 1 January 2017 Masses at 8.30 am (Blessed sacrament Chapel), 10.00 am (Family Mass – Crypt), 11.00 am (Solemn), 7.00 pm (Crypt).

Monday 2 January 2017 12.15 pm Mass (Blessed Sacrament Chapel)

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nugent news Christmas: a time for giving Nugent’s Christmas Appeal Children and young people achieving against the odds

Christmas is a time for family, a time for reflection and for looking forward.

A time of celebration. But for many vulnerable people Christmas can be a time of struggle and hardship. At Nugent we support people living in poverty with our annual Christmas appeal.

Last Christmas one of those people was Christine, who would have been living on the streets without the support Nugent was able to provide.

Christine is in her mid-50’s, she has been working in low paid, part time jobs since she was 16. In the past she has overcome some debt problems. She is a grandmother who supports her daughter to bring up two girls aged 6 and 13. Her daughter was in a very violent and volatile relationship, and both were both victims of the violence. The violence towards Christine escalated leading her to flee from her home. She ended up sofa surfing in friends’ houses.

New accommodation was found for Christine but she could not afford the rent and therefore this put her in more debt putting her at a very low point in her life, relying on food banks to eat.

About a week before Christmas affordable accommodation was found for Christine but unfortunately there wasn’t a cooker. Through our Christmas Appeal we were able to provide Christine with a cooker, ensure that it was fitted before

Christmas so that she could cook for her family, and provide food, bedding and duvets and toys for the Grandchildren.

Through our Christmas appeal Christine and her family could be together over the festive period and enjoy a proper Christmas.

Christine said, ‘I would have been on the streets without Nugent, can you believe that at my age I was sofa surfing? You have saved my life and my sanity, I was going under with the stress of everything, you even gave me new pyjamas for my granddaughters for Christmas Eve, thank you. I am now getting back on my feet because of your help.’

Christine is now volunteering with a local community centre and working towards her level 3 in play work and her family are safe and secure and looking forward to another Christmas together.

You can help more people like Christine and her family enjoy Christmas by making a donation to Nugent’s Christmas Appeal.

To donate: Go to www.localgiving.org/nugentcare Phone the fundraising team on 0151 261 2000 to donate over the phone.

Post a donation to: Nugent, 99 Edge Lane, Liverpool, L7 2PE. (please make cheques payable to Nugent Care)

Children and young people are of great importance to us, and through our Children’s Services we help to unlock their potential in specialist environments specially designed to support them to flourish and shine.

Our special schools, Children’s homes and therapeutic sessions help some of the most vulnerable children and young people in the North West of England and beyond to face a range of social and emotional challenges.

In a time of topical global political change we are extremely pleased to share the good news story that one of our pupils has become New Young Lord Mayor of Liverpool. Leah is a Year 10 Pupil at Clarence High School in Formby, a school that caters for young people with complex needs including attachment issues, ADHD, autism and oppositional defiant disorder. Leah had been to five secondary schools, before joining Nugent’s Clarence High School and is a keen advocate on how schools can be more effective in supporting young people like her.

Leah said: ‘One of my responsibilities as mayor will be to find things that DO work for young people with additional needs. I will also look into possibilities of providing girls with more opportunities to experience activities thought to be mainly for boys.’

Tony Saleh, principal at Clarence said: ‘I am extremely proud of Leah. She has made great strides during her time here at Clarence High School and her appointment as Young Lord Mayor of Liverpool is a fitting tribute to her amazing progress. Well done Leah.’

The inauguration ceremony took place in the prestigious Council Chamber of Liverpool Town Hall on Wednesday 2 November, with Councillor Roz Gladden, Lord Mayor of Liverpool.

Leah is a very inspiring young person, who despite the challenges she has faced, is determined to make a positive impact.

Ayo Bakare Head of Strategic Relationships: Nugent

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youth ministry

What are you preparing for this Christmas?

By Tom, Animate Youth Ministries team co-ordinator As you read this, I’m sure there are thoughts of presents to buy, food to prepare, and cards to write … or perhaps you’re more prepared than I am! Either way, there is no doubting that Christmas is a hectic time of year. Before we know it, it’ll have been and gone, and it’ll be 2017.

It’s very easy to get carried away by the ‘glitz and glamour’ of Christmas.

The famous song says ‘Jingle all the way’ but do we focus so much on the Jingle that we forget the Jesus?

I know that I can often get carried away and risk going through the motions. As an active member of the Salvation Army, my December is often filled with rushing around, trying to get from one concert to the next, playing carols on the high street and preparing for the community carol night.

Then, of course, I’ve got to get my shopping done, wrap my presents and visit family members and friends all between zoning out at rehearsals and freezing my toes off on the high street.

I must say I’m often guilty of getting caught up in all the Jingle myself. When I am actually at Christmas events for the Salvation Army – such as toy services or nativity plays – I find my attention

slipping because there’s so much going on; it is like trying to walk through an arcade to get to that one special machine on the other side (that one where you always win, the one that gives out the best prizes) without being distracted by all the flashing lights and wanting to play everything else on the way past.

Now don’t get me wrong – I’m not saying we shouldn’t enjoy the modern festivities and that we shouldn’t get involved in some of the Jingle. However, I would stress the

need to make sure we find that room for Jesus too, and the only person who can do that is you.

Of course, though, it is easier with others to help you on your way. Here at Animate we lead up to Christmas by doing many things as a community. In our daily prayers we use a Jesse tree and look at the history in the Bible leading up to the birth and life of Jesus.

We put in extra time for evening prayers and services together. We join together to do other things in faith too, like decorating the house, yet always making sure to get the Jesus in as well as the Jingle. We go to the Christmas markets and on other festive trips, but at the centre of everything is our faith.

You see there’s nothing wrong with a little bit of Jingle, or even a lot of Jingle, if you’ve got Jesus all the way too.

Because that’s what Christmas really is: it’s spending time with your friends and family, it’s sharing stories and making memories, but most importantly it’s the celebration of the birth of our Saviour Jesus.

What better occasion is there to celebrate?

Dates for the diary • Youth Alive – 11 December at St Anne’s Church, Ormskirk at 6.30pm. All are welcome.

• Life and Soul+ – 18 January 2017 at St Charles, Aigburth at 7pm. Join us for an evening of adoration and praise.

• Lourdes 2017 – If you are aged between 15 and 25, download your application form for the Lourdes Youth Pilgrimage from www.animateyouth.org.

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Enterprise South Liverpool Academy 51 Horrocks Avenue, Liverpool, L19 5NY T: 0151 230 2570 E: enquiries@esla.org.uk

WHEN ASPIRATION MEETS OPPORTUNITY GREAT THINGS HAPPEN Enterprise South Liverpool Academy wins the ‘Career Aspiration Award’ Sponsored by Greater Merseyside Learning Providers Federation at the Educate Awards.

Shortlisted for four awards, the Academy came away with an overall winner and two runner-up awards in this prestigious red carpet event.

The joint Catholic and Church of England academy were proud winners of the Career Aspiration award nominated for its innovative Dare to Dream programme. The project launched in January aims to provide all students with a gateway to a brighter future. The Dare to Dream programme is dedicated to inspiring and challenging students to be the best they can be with links to over 60 external professionals. The impact can be seen in a dramatic increase in the percentage of students who at sixteen find themselves on the right path for sixth form, apprenticeships or college.

Recently, the academy welcomed the BBC for an inspiring ‘Get in’ event, introducing its students to the world of broadcasting and media opportunities. Hosted by Radio 1 Extra DJ Yasmin Evans, the event highlighted the fantastic opportunities available at the BBC Academy. The BBC Academy offers plenty of opportunities for the next generation of talent such as journalism, production and engineering apprenticeships, as well as training programmes. Simon Broad from the BBC commented that ESLA has “a brilliant vibe” and the “atmosphere is dynamic”. Students had the opportunity to engage with BBC professionals and identify skills and qualities needed for apprenticeships within the broadcasting and media industries.

Executive Headteacher Mrs Pontifex said: “This is a fantastic endorsement of the work being carried out at ESLA.” One of the judges also commented: ”It’s so reassuring to know the next generation of children are in such good hands.”

ESLA NEWS Proud runner up of the ‘Communications Award’ sponsored by The Foundry Agency ESLA was proud runner up for its creative and dynamic newsletter. ESLA News has helped to transform the way the academy shares good news. The action-packed newsletter goes out to an audience over 800 recipients including parents, primary partners, local churches, local councillors, businesses, employers, education providers, School Improvement Liverpool and many of our visitors to the Academy.

Colette O’Brien, Director of Children and young peoples’ Services at Liverpool City Council said: “Never underestimate the wow factor of ESLA news.”

Support Star Tony Purcell In addition, the fantastic Tony Purcell was runner-up in the award for ‘Support Star of the Year’ Mr Purcell is an academy hero admired by students and staff. He is a dedicated member of the maths team and was nominated because he makes such a difference to the outcomes and life chances of the students he supports. One student said “He turns a bad day into an amazing day. I just couldn’t do without him.”

Linda Foley, the new head at the academy, said: “I am so proud of all the staff who work together to make a difference.

These awards recognise the sky-high expectations that we have for all our students, but also the amazing support that we have received from all our business and educational partners this year. Dream work makes the team work.”

Please contact Andrea St John: Assistant Head of School for any further information: a.st-john@esla.org.uk

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cathedral A season of joyful waiting

by Dr Christopher McElroy Director of Music, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral

Some years ago there was an advert for the RSPCA with the slogan ‘A dog is not just for Christmas.’ December reminds me that equally ‘A Cathedral Choir is not just for Christmas.’ Each year we receive very many requests for the choir to sing carols at events and liturgies both inside and outside of the Cathedral. Unfortunately our schedule is already a full one and I am reluctant to add to it in the run up to Christmas in order that we avoid tiring everyone’s voice out.

Liturgically of course, we have a whole season of anticipation before Christmas actually arrives. The season of Advent, of a joyful waiting, is one of the most beautiful seasons in the Church's year.

Here in the Cathedral we began on the first Sunday of Advent with our Advent Sequence. This service is a highlight of the liturgical year, the choir and congregation gathering in word and song to begin the Advent journey.

A new addition to our advent offerings this year will be the singing of J S Bach’s Cantata 140, ‘Wachet auf’, at Choral Evening Prayer on Sunday 4 December. In the time when Philip Duffy was Master of the Music (19651995) Bach cantatas were a regular feature of worship here at the Cathedral: it is hoped that this will once again be the case. Bach wrote these cantatas to reflect on the gospel of the liturgical day, a musical sermon if you will.

Saturday 10 December sees the annual Two Cathedral’s Messiah, held this year here in the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Directed by our own James Luxton (Assistant Director of Music) the combined choirs of Liverpool Cathedral and Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral will join together with the Cathedral Sinfonietta and soloists to present the best loved of all Handel’s oratorios. The following day, in a somewhat quieter and more intimate setting of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, the boy choristers and harp will present their annual offering of the Benjamin Britten’s ‘Ceremony of Carols’, a beautiful

Cathedral Record Canon Anthony O’Brien – Cathedral Dean I am always reluctant to write the December column for the Pictorial because it means leafing through the Cathedral Diary and starting to panic with regard to how we will cope with all that is due to take place.

sequence of medieval poems honoring the Christ child.

It doesn’t quieten down on the weekend of the 17/18 December either. Saturday 17 December sees our annual Dickensian Christmas Concert, a concert for all the family hosted by Roger Phillips from BBC Radio Merseyside. Each year the attendance at this concert grows, and judging by tickets sales so far this year we are set for a record attendance.

On Sunday 18 we celebrate the Festival Carol service. Christmas readings and poetry are combined with Christmas music sung by the choir and favorite carols sung by all.

The term comes to an end shortly after midday on Christmas day itself, the choir having completed the singing of First Vespers (Christmas Eve, 3.00 pm) Midnight Mass (at midnight) and Solemn Mass (Christmas Day, 11.00 am) in the previous 20 hours.

Tickets for the Two Cathedral’s Messiah and the Dickensian Concert are available from: www.ticketsource.co.uk/lpoolmetmusic , or from the Cathedral Gift Shop Tel: 0151 707 3525.

May I take this opportunity to wish you and all your family a holy and peaceful Christmas.

Full details of Advent and Christmas at the Metropolitan Cathedral are on our What’s On pages.

If you like carols and want a true flavour of Christmas there is no better place than the Cathedral and despite the busy frenzy it is a wonderful time of the year here with many thousands of people of all ages attending the many events. I have highlighted below some of the main Cathedral Services during the season.

Our School Children will be coming in large numbers for the two Children’s Advent Services led by Archbishop Malcolm on 7th and Bishop Tom on 8th December. Nugent collect gifts brought in by the children for those in need. All the choirs of the two Cathedrals will be performing Handel’s Messiah here at the Metropolitan Cathedral on Saturday 10th December.

Our choirs will also be involved in the Dickensian Carol Concert on 17th December and our free Festival Carol Service at 5.00 pm on the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

We begin our Christmas Celebrations on Christmas Eve with a First Vespers of Christmas at 3.00 pm incorporating the Blessing of the Crib. Archbishop Malcolm will preside at Midnight Mass.

Our Christmas morning Masses are the same times as on a normal Sunday with the Sung Solemn Mass at 11.00 am being the final Mass in the Cathedral for Christmas Day. I wish you all a Blessed Advent and a Joyful Celebration of Christ’s Birth.

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Pic extras Mums the Word I was touched by the generosity and kindness of a man by the name of Francesco Tuccio, a carpenter from the small Italian island of Lampedusa.

When hundreds of refugees were forced out of Eritrea and Somalia by war, poverty or persecution, many were drowned off the Italian coast. Only a small number survived.

Francesco was so moved that he collected driftwood from the wrecked boats and turned this wood into rough crosses which he offered to the survivors as a powerful symbol of their rescue, and a sign of hope.

Some of the refugees fleeing were Eritrean Christians. In 2013 Pope Francis visited Lampedusa on his first pastoral visit outside of Rome. On the island he met some of the refugees and was presented with one of the crosses made by Francesco.

• St Albert the Great parish in Stockbridge Village marked their Golden Jubilee on 11 November with a prayerful Mass celebrated

by Archbishop Malcolm McMahon with Father David Potter and Monsignor John Butchard, together with priests from the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart among the concelebrants. At the end of Mass, the Archbishop presented a Benemerenti medal to Sandra O’Boyle, a past member of St Albert's UCM and vice-president of the Diocesan committee.

• Thank you for your donations in our appeal for Christmas hampers. It is no exaggeration to say your generosity has left our Nugent colleagues overwhelmed. The closing date is 9 December, so there is still time for last-minute contributions.

• Dates for the diary: 8 December: The feast of the Immaculate Conception is a general Communion day where all members are asked to pray for UCM intentions.

11 January: The first of our bi-monthly masses takes place on this day at All Saint's parish, who are celebrating their Golden Jubilee in 2017.

May I thank you for your support, and wish you all a very happy and holy Christmas, and a peaceful and healthy New Year.

Looking forward to whatever 2017 holds for the UCM … God bless.

Maria Bruns, Archdiocesan President 26

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News from the Liverpool Province of the Knights of St Columba

Southport council raises nearly £5,000 for local charities Southport council highlighted its impressive fundraising efforts in 2016 by donating almost £5,000 to a trio of local charities at its annual dinner. This year the beneficiaries were the Marian-Care Centre for the Homeless, the Southport Soup Kitchen, and St Joseph’s Hospice, Thornton.

Each organisation received £1,800 and our photo (below) shows Barbara Deus from Jospice, Justin Dempster from Southport Soup Kitchen and Patrick Kennedy from the Marian-Care Centre holding their cheques in the presence of provincial grand knight Pat Foley and Tom Sammin, the grand knight for Southport council. The night was a fitting culmination to a year of fundraising mainly by means of a sponsored walk and bike ride.

• The KSC’s provincial annual chaplains’ dinner was held on 7 November at Liverpool Cricket Club.

Members of the archdiocesan clergy were invited as guests of the Order to attend an evening which provided an opportunity for us to convey our appreciation for the support and cooperation the KSC receives in furtherance of its aims and objectives. Provincial grand knight Pat Foley marked the occasion by presenting the Right Reverend John

Rawsthorne – the Emeritus Bishop of Hallam and former Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool – with a certificate of honorary membership (see photo above).

• Members and their families from across the province came together for the Annual Memorial Mass for deceased members of the Order at St Gregory’s, Lydiate on Sunday 13 November. We are grateful to Father Tom Wood, our provincial chaplain and parish priest of St Gregory’s, for arranging and saying the Mass. At the same Mass, seven new members were raised to full knighthood and more details of the ceremony will be given in next month’s Pic. Websites: www.ksc.org.uk www.kscprov02.weebly.com www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk Email: dpokeane@aol.com

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PIC Life In at the deep end with Mary and Joseph

By Moira Billinge When a newly born baby is held in the arms of its parents, not only do they experience a profound and unconditional love for the infant, but also an overwhelmingly strong sense of responsibility for this tiny new life which is so utterly dependent on them.

I often think that, though an undoubtedly pleasing image, the romanticised depiction of Our Lady and St Joseph kneeling in blissful adoration at the side of the manger containing the infant Jesus is the complete opposite of how it actually was.

To give birth in a stable in Bethlehem would have been onerous enough, but the best imagination in the world would not be able to appreciate fully the enormity of holding the child which the Angel Gabriel had revealed would be no less than the Son of God. Neither would St Joseph have been in the calmest frame of mind having been inadvertently landed with the responsibility of caring for them both. The situation in which he found himself, as the foster father of Jesus, was not one that he would have previously envisaged when he was a young and carefree carpenter. Nothing, except their trust in God, could have even remotely prepared Joseph and Mary for the enormity of the task which they had accepted, in faith. The birth of Jesus in a stable must have been one of their biggest clues that there were no perks to be had in this new role.

Our Lady would have been totally exhausted by the time she gave birth, and as deeply concerned for her baby’s welfare as any mother. The Christmas Carol which states “the little Lord Jesus, no crying he made” was probably very 32

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Quote from Pope Francis Custody of creation is precisely custody of Gods gift and it is saying to God “thankyou, I am the guardian of creation so as to make it progress never to destory your gift.

Worth a visit

far from the truth; he would have cried as much as any other new-born. Although she was sinless, this did not protect Our Lady from sleeplessness and a frazzled patience put to the test as she faced all the usual trials of motherhood.

Her limited experience of childcare conferred no special insights on the mother of God as to what to do next for her child when he would not settle.

Knowing her luck, if cattle surrounded the Holy Family in the stable, the chances are that as soon Mary got Jesus off to sleep, one of the animals would have woken him up. Nothing was ever destined to be easy for her and even the visit of the Magi must have been awkward and inconvenient. Picture the scene: three monarchs, and possibly their entourage, paying homage to a squawking child that needed feeding and changing while a confused, bemused, tired Mary and Joseph probably tried to be polite and look interested in the gold, frankincense and myrrh. If they appreciated the symbolism, they would perhaps have preferred to be left in peace to catch up on some sleep … and maybe even secretly hoped for some cloud cover over the star that the three kings had followed to prevent any more unexpected guests!

Our Lady, by agreeing to become the Mother of God, would later confront the ultimate anguish of watching her innocent son suffer so grievously on our behalf – and I firmly believe that her painful memories of his torment would have stayed with her to the very end of her earthly tenure. Just as she would forever remember his birth, so too would she remember his death and all that led up to it. On Christmas Day, and every day, we can truly say: ‘Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.’

This December, enjoy a festive visit to Edinburgh, writes Lucy Oliver. Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the Queen in Scotland, throws open its doors for evening tours from December until January. It was here that Pope Benedict XVI stayed during his official visit in 2010, but its history dates back to King David I’s vision of the cross and the resulting Augustinian abbey founded in the 12th century. Highlights include the chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots and, of course, Holyrood Abbey where you’ll be guided by wardens dressed in Stewart tartan. For a different view of the city’s Christmas markets, climb the 287 steps of the gothic Scott Monument and marvel at the rich history and culture of this fascinating city.

Audio copy of the Pic out now An audio version of the ‘Catholic Pictorial’ is available free of charge, compiled by students, technicians and Chaplain, Dan Antonio, at All Hallows RC High School, Penwortham.

Anyone interested in receiving the audio copy should contact Dan Antonio on 01772 746121

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join in Eating Out

Children’s word search Christmas is a truly wonderful time – when we celebrate and welcome Jesus into our lives. The words in our clues will help you understand how special this time of year is.

SAVIOUR

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SON HOPE PEACE

MARY JOSEPH

More Mullarkey From Johnny Kennedy

It is no surprise that Father Mullarkey, hailing from the Emerald Isle, enjoys watching horse racing on TV, especially over the jumps.

One day he was watching the racing from Kempton Park with the young curate.

‘The jumps seem so high,’ said the YC, ‘it amazes me how they get over them.’

‘These jumps are nothing compared to the jumps at Aintree,’ said Father Mullarkey.

‘Have you ever been to the Grand National?’ asked the YC. ‘Yes, quite a few times,’ the auld fella replied. ‘I was there when Grittar won and I saw Red Rum win his third Grand National.’

‘That must have been good,’ said the YC. ‘Was that the best Grand National you saw?’

‘No,’ said Father Mullarkey. ‘The best one was when the jockey fell off at the first fence and got back on, then fell into the water jump and got back on again, and then he caught up with all the other jockeys and went on to win it.’

‘That’s amazing,’ said the young curate. ‘Which jockey was that?’

‘George Formby in “Come on George!”.’

The World of Atherton

He couldn’t hang his stocking up ‘cos he only had swaddling clothes

Take a break from your Christmas shoppiing and relax over a meal at one of our listed eateries.

The Quarter Faulkner Street, Liverpool, L8 0151 707 1965 The Refinery Myrtle Street, Liverpool, L7 0151 294 3024 Maray Bold Street, Liverpool, L1 0151 709 5820 Sapporo Teppanyaki Duke Street, Liverpool, L1 0151 705 3005 Salt House Tapas Hanover Street, Livepool, L1 0151 706 0092 Bistro Franc Hanover Street, Livepool, L1 0151 708 9993

Christmas Cards from Carmel

There are still some Christmas Cards available at the Maryton Monastery but do make your selection as soon as possible.

Visit the Monastery at: Maryton Grange, Allerton Road, L18 3NU. Telephone the card office on 0151 724 7102 or Email the Sisters at marytoncards@outlook.com Cards for all occasions are also available in the Monastery shop try to visit if you can.

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justice & peace Postcard from Valladolid A visit from Archbishop Emeritus Patrick Kelly features in Joseph Champion-Williams’s latest account of seminary life in Spain.

‘Allora, andiamo avanti’ This was the cry of Pope Benedict XVI on the night of his election to the papacy – in other words: 'Now, let us move on.’ Much like the Pope Emeritus, our beloved Archbishop Emeritus, Patrick Kelly, had the same cry in his student days in Rome and this shaped his entire ministry and continues to do so today. This past month, in Valladolid, we have been graced with many blessings, not least the celebration of our College Martyrs.

For over 425 years San Albano has served England and Wales in the formation of priests. Many of these great men on leaving the college knew that they were being sent to their very deaths through their radical love of preaching Christ and the truth of the Gospel.

This past month we celebrated the lives of these holy and courageous saints, many of them serving in Lancashire, such as St John Plessington.

During Martyrs’ week, we were blessed to be joined by many of the ‘Old Boys’ from the college, including priests of our Archdiocese. Archbishop Kelly was the main celebrant for our great feast and in his homily he preached the following: ‘Our Mystery of faith, the wonderful event wherein we encounter an event, a person who gives life a new horizon and so decisive direction. This is always threefold: we proclaim your death, past; profess your resurrection, and that means not he was raised, but is risen, present.

In the word of Blessed John Henry Newman: “It is to know that He is close by. On this day and in this place, we know just where we come from. We come from a side, pierced, while His mother took her stand right up against His cross to become for us the Vulnerata, with space in her heart for us all.”’

Until celebrating the lives of our Martyrs, I took for granted that I was walking the same hallways that they had walked, and praying in the same chapel where they had prayed before setting out to their certain deaths. The Martyrs, through their fidelity to truth, preached Christ at all times and this is what we are called to do.

Evangelising means that the Church must come out of herself. Pope Francis explains: ‘Sacred Scripture refers to His knocking from the outside in order to enter but I think about the times in which Jesus knocks from within so that we will let Him come out. When the Church is self-referential, inadvertently, she believes she has her own light; she ceases to be the mysterious lunae, reflecting the light of Christ the way the moon reflects the light of the sun.’

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Christmas: A time for giving Steve Atherton, Justice and Peace fieldworker, invites Catholics across the Archdiocese to follow the example of the J&P Commission and send out Christmas cards to the abandoned and neglected – not least in the Holy Land.

Every year, at the start of Advent, the Justice and Peace Commission organises the sending of Christmas cards to people who need to know that someone cares enough to write to them. Christmas cards can make a big difference to the many people in the world who feel forgotten and abandoned. Sending a card is an easy way to bring hope to the hearts of those who feel this way.

The J&P Commission has addresses for three different groups of people: • Churches in the Holy Land • Victims of torture • Groups who work to support the marginalised We have been sending cards to prisoners of conscience for many years, to the Holy Land for the last six, and to support groups for several years. Any of these forgotten groups would be delighted to get a greeting card from you and from others in your parish.

If you post cards directly to parishes in the Holy Land there is a chance that they will be sent back by the authorities. We recommend the system that we have used for the last six years, whereby we send small parcels of cards to Father Imad Twal who will pass them on to the parishes.

His address is: Fr Imad Twal, General Administrator Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem Jaffa Gate – Old City, P.O.B. 141452 9114101 Jerusalem.

He emphasises three points: • The cards are very much appreciated.

• You should include an extra card to the parish priest to explain who the

cards are from and why they have been sent.

• You should also put your contact details on the card so that people reading the cards know where they have come from.

This year’s address lists make it easy to tell which parishes are in the state of Israel and which are in the Palestinian Authority. These lists are available on the front page of the diocesan website (www.liverpoolcatholic.org).

Hundreds of copies of the addresses have been posted out already to people across the diocese, but if you would like your own printed copy, contact the J&P office on 0151 522 1080/1081 or email s.atherton@rcaol.co.uk.

If you only send cards to one place, we recommend the parish of Our Lady, Woman of Valour in Tel Aviv, Israel. This parish is home to over 1,000 migrant workers and provides schooling for hundreds of children.

Father David Neuhaus, the parish priest, calls the Christmas cards ‘a beautiful act of solidarity’. Let us all show that solidarity this Christmas.

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