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Issue 134 NOVEMBER 2015

Inside this issue: Annual review of the Archdiocese Lisbon College commemorated

ARCHDIOCESE OF LIVERPOOL

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contents Welcome November, a time for remembrance when we celebrate with the Saints and remember all those who have gone before us ‘with the sign of faith’ and as the Eucharistic Prayer for Reconciliation says, ‘Saints among the Saints in the halls of heaven’. It is right that we remember with gratitude and love those who have played a part in our lives; right too that we should remember those who lost their lives in war and violence that we may live in freedom. Let us remember them in prayer before the Lord.

As we journey through the month we celebrate the Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Universal King, the titular Feast of our Metropolitan Cathedral and a time when we remember our mother church and those who work and worship there. It is a happy coincidence that the Church celebrates Youth Sunday on that day and on the eve of the feast this year Embrace 2015 will be held in the Cathedral. It is an opportunity for young people from across the country to gather together for praise and worship and a chance for everyone to give thanks for our young people who are the future of our Church and of our world.

Contents

From the Archbishop’s Desk

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November is the month of the year when Catholics remember their dead friends and relatives, and also those holy souls who have no one to pray from them. We pray that they are in a place of peace and light enjoying an eternity in the presence of God, our Father.

10 Sunday Reflections Liturgy and Life

Not all Christians support this devotion but those who do believe in continuity between life and death. We believe that the loving relationships we have on earth extend into eternity and that it is quite legitimate, therefore, to pray for the dead that they may have the courage to step into the light. We dare them to make that final move into the realm of eternal love. There are many things that may hold them back: strong bonds of affection that are not directed towards God, past sins that have not been fully dealt with, and possibly even a weakness of belief.

12 What’s On Whats happening in the Archdiocese

In life we often need the support of friends who will give us a friendly nudge in the right direction, and so it is after death too. The devotion to the holy souls reminds us that many people do not have any support here on earth let alone once they have died. Like so many things in our catholic faith it is by remembering the past that the future becomes present to us.

22 Profile Rachel Buckley Talking the talk and walking the walk for persecuted Christians

When we remember and pray for the dead, it is good for them we believe, but it also good for us as it reminds us of how we often fail in love, and can then change our ways in the future.

Most Rev Malcolm McMahon OP Archbishop of Liverpool

News From around the Archdiocese

11 Nugent News Christmas Appeal 2015

15 Archdiocese of Liverpool Summarised Annual report 2014 21 Animate Youth Ministry Animate team already in their stride

25 Cathedral Record November at the Cathedral 26 Pic Extras Mums the word News from the KSC 28 Pic Life Why the homeless deserve our kindness, not judgement

Editor Peter Heneghan Editorial Catholic Pictorial Magazine Liverpool Archdiocesan Centre for Evangelisation, Croxteth Drive, Liverpool L17 1AA Tel: 0151 522 1007 Email: catholicpictorial@rcaol.co.uk Advertising Andrew Rogers 0151 709 7567 Publisher 36 Henry Street, Liverpool L1 5BS

Copy deadline December issue 13 November 2015 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.

29 Join In Family Fun More Mullarkey 30 Justice and Peace Response to refugee crisis taking shape

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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

Start Now in Liverpool with Gen Verde Students from Liverpool Hope University and St Julie’s Catholic High School, will be performing a concert alongside international touring band Gen Verde on Friday 20 November at 7.30 pm in the Woolton school.

The ‘Start Now’ project is staging

concerts the length of Britain, from Edinburgh to Plymouth, to promote values of cooperation, forgiveness and peace. In Liverpool there will be workshops at St Julie’s School and at Liverpool Hope University, from Tuesday 17 November to prepare performances in

The ‘Start Now’ concert at Motherwell Concert Hall on Friday 9 October.

English College Lisbon commemorated Bishop Tom Williams unveiled a commemorative plaque on the site of the English College in the Portugese capital, Lisbon. Bishop Tom is President of the College where he studied Philosophy and Theology from September 1966 until 1971.

In 1622 Pope Gregory XV gave permission for a Pontifical College to be established in Lisbon for the training of priests. The Pontifical English College of St Peter and St Paul stood on the same site for almost 350 years before its closure in 1971.

The plaque, in both Portuguese and English reads, ‘This building was the home of the English Seminary of St Peter and St Paul (Colegio dos Inglesinhos) 1622-1971. This plaque is erected to the greater glory of God and in gratitude to the people of Portugal and the citizens of Lisbon.’

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dance, drama, percussion and song.

‘Start Now’ performing arts workshops give local students the chance to discover new talents and develop existing ones in a unique creative atmosphere generated by the presence of Gen Verde band members from thirteen different countries including El Salvador, Brazil, Northern Ireland, South Korea and USA. ‘I think that music is fundamental in the art of forming people because it can develop and even change our way of thinking and acting in society,’ said Glasgow-born composer Marie Thérèse Henderson one of the original lineup of Gen Verde and the band's musical director for many years. ‘It helps us interconnect with others. One of the places this can happen is in musical workshops with students’.

‘It’s not only that Gen Verde are talented musicians with an entertaining show,’ said Lorraine Reade, one of the coordinators of the Liverpool ‘Start Now’ project. ‘It’s also the strong message of hope for today’s world that they bring to their songs.’

From pop-rock to Latin fusion to a surprise appearance of K-Pop, the songs contain an underlying challenge: ‘Change the world Change yourself - Start here - Start now.’

People are struck by the international nature of the band asking how the members came together from so many different countries.

Each one has had a personal encounter with the gospel-based spirituality of unity inspired by Chiara Lubich, a spirituality which unites the band members in a shared commitment to give expression to gospel values through their music.

For more details of the workshops and concert, contact Lorraine Reade. Tel: 0151 722 9899. Email: lorraine.reade@btinternet.com

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news diary

De La Salle Celebration Bishop Tom Williams celebrated Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral when the community of schools feeding De La Salle, St Helens, joined together to celebrate their shared faith.

Local Parish Priests Canon Tom Neylon, Father Phil Swanson and Father Martin Kershaw concelebrated the Mass. In the congregation were Year 7 pupils from De La Salle with Year 6 pupils from Corpus Christi, Our Lady`s, St Austin’s, St Bartholomew`s, St John Vianney, St Julie`s, St Teresa`s and St Thomas Of Canterbury together with representatives of the governing bodies of all the schools as well as a number of parents.

Pupils from the schools signed parts of the Mass.

The theme of the Mass was ‘Growing in Faith together’ and in the weeks leading

to the Mass every pupil had written their hopes and dreams on a paper leaf. As part of the offertory procession pupils from each school brought forward a sample of their school leaves and placed them on the altar This theme was highlighted by Bishop Tom in his homily as he stressed the need to grow in faith together as a Catholic community; this was further emphasised by the new Headmaster of De La Salle Mr John Toal speaking at the end of Mass.

Before the final blessing Bishop Tom presented each school with a small tree and a packet of seeds as a living witness to the growth of faith. Each pupil was also presented with a commemorative bookmark to serve as a reminder of the celebration.

The Call, the Mission and the Journey On the Feast of the Holy Family 2014, the Bishops of England and Wales invited parishes to reflect, with true spiritual discernment as requested by Pope Francis, on the themes emerging from the Extraordinary Synod on the Family writes Maureen O’Brien.

‘The Call, the Mission and the Journey aimed to help people celebrate marriage and family life, whilst recognising the difficulties that families often encounter’.

The document offered material for reflecting on scripture and on the teaching of the Church on marriage and family life, as well as six questions to facilitate parish and family conversations.

Feedback was received from sixteen dioceses: Birmingham, Cardiff, Clifton, East Anglia, Hallam, Hexham and Newcastle, Leeds, Liverpool, Menevia, Middlesbrough, Northampton, Salford, Shrewsbury, Southwark, Westminster, and Wrexham.

The full report can be viewed at: www.catholicew.org.uk/Home/News/Family-SurveyResponses

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news diary Join the Cathedral Car Boot Sale Following our plea for good quality second hand furniture a few months ago we were inundated with people ringing up donating their unwanted chairs, sofas, tables, bookcases, TV’s and washing machines for the Cathedral Car Boot Sale writes Claire Hanlon. It was really successful and your unwanted furniture went to good homes, and at the same time made plenty of money for the Cathedral.

However, we do need more to sell, so please have a good look through your spare bedrooms, garages and under the bed, and if you have redundant items that you don’t want it is most likely that we can sell them. If you can’t get to the Cathedral with your delivery we can arrange for collection. The only items that we don’t take are books and clothes, but furniture is what we are looking for so please help is if you can.

If you are ever at a loose end on the second Saturday of the month then why not come along to our popular Car Boot Sales which are held in the Cathedral Car Park. They are always on the second Saturday (except August and January when we have a break and do a stock-take.)

If you would like to have a pitch and sell your own valuables you need to book in advance and pay £10 on arrival from 7.00 am.

If you fancy browsing around you are most welcome from 8.00 am, and why not stop at the Dean’s Cafe for one his famous bacon butties and a cup of tea.

For further information and collection request please contact Claire Hanlon in Cathedral House on 0151 709 9222, extension 201 or c.hanlon@metcatherdal.org.uk

‘Jesus: life giving water to all’

The annual Mass for people with disabilities was celebrated by Archbishop Malcolm at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King writes Karen Court from Nugent Care.

To prepare for the Mass groups had been asked, ‘who are the people who love them’ and ‘who gives them life giving water’ and had made pictures to represent their feelings; who is special to them and what is important to them.

Father Mark Beattie developed the theme ‘Jesus Life Giving Water to All’ capturing the imagination of all those present and a drama expressed our need for forgiveness. Marnie a blind girl from St Vincent’s sang: ‘Oh let all who thirst let them come to the water’. The theme was chosen to include the giftedness of each one coming from all walks of life, with different faiths and beliefs.

After the gospel each person was invited to come up to add their cup of water to a water feature as a symbol of their contribution to the community. Pupils from St Edward’s and St Julie’s distributed bottles of water each with a caption: ‘where there is no love pour in love and you will draw love out’ (St John of the Cross).

The Mass powerfully communicated the message that everyone is valued for who they are and when we pool our resources we give life to each other.

Bishop John leads St Helens rosary procession The autumn sunshine smiled on the hundreds of people, young and old, who took part in the 55th annual family rosary procession in St Helens.

The procession took place on Sunday 4 October, and was led by Bishop John Rawsthorne, who was joined by the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of St Helens, Cllrs David and Jeanette Banks, together with local clergy.

The procession wound its way up Church Street and along to the Town Hall Square before going down Corporation Street on its way to its final destination at St Mary’s, Lowe House.

During the procession, decades of the Holy Rosary were recited for a number of intentions - local, national and international.

These included the family, youth, sanctity of

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life from conception to natural death, relief from unemployment, relief from disease and famine, and the progression of the sainthood causes of Blessed Dominic Picture: David Hurst Barberi and Mother Elizabeth Prout, both of whom are buried at Sutton.

A particular intention this year was for peace in the Middle East - especially Syria, Iraq and the Holy Land – and for help for the refugees from these conflicts.

The procession concluded with the traditional sung Benediction service, celebrated by Bishop John. During his short homily, he highlighted the need for prayer,

especially as the Bishops were about to meet in Synod in Rome in which a lot of family issues would be discussed.

The organisers would like thank participants for their continuing presence and express their gratitude to St John Ambulance and St Helens Police for their support in making this annual tradition possible. Next year’s procession will take place on Sunday 2 October, ending at Holy Cross Church.

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A tale of Fr Grumpy Finn Burke is the collie curate at St Werburgh and St Laurence’s Parish in Birkenhead. He was born in Donegal but was snatched at birth by the parish priest, Fr Grumpy, to come and work on the English Mission. Hi early duties involved watering the plants in the parish graveyard, looking after security as a guard dog in the presbytery and car park attendant.

However, Fr Grumpy soon saw that Finn had a lot more to offer and soon appointed him as the Parish Newsletter Editor as well as dealing with the many complaints written about the Parish Priest.

Finn is much loved by the parishioners and the schoolchildren - which is more than can be said about Fr Grumpy! His Grumpiness was recently awarded a prize by the Bishop’s Conference as the “thickest, rudest and most pastorally inert priest” in the country!

Meanwhile, Finn started writing his diary of parish activities and disasters culminating in the best-selling novel “A Stray in a Manger” which was published to great acclaim last Christmas. Finn’s sequel is now with his publisher and will be available soon. The new novel is called “Pawprints in the Sand” and was recently previewed by JK Growling who declared: “Pawprints is a magical read - Grumpy Towers sounds better than Hogwarts!” while Bradley Walsh was simply quoted as saying: “For Fr Grumpy - the Chase is over!”

To order a copy of Finn’s new novel, click on to the parish website stwerburghandstlaurence.co.uk or write to St Werburgh’s, Birkenhead, CH41 2XZ. (Tel: 0151 647 9124).

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news diary Mass for Father Ignatius Spencer Canon Tom Neylon celebrated Mass for the Cause of Father Ignatius Spencer at the Church of St Anne and Blessed Dominic, Sutton. Concelebrating were Passionist Provincial Father John Kearns CP, Father Nick Postlethwaite CP, and Father Liam Collister.

Father Ignatius, an ancestor of Diana, Princess of Wales, is buried at the Sutton Shrine with Blessed Dominic Barberi and Sister Elizabeth Prout. He was the youngest son of the second Earl of Spencer, who became first an Anglican clergyman, then a Catholic and a priest in Birmingham Diocese, and eventually a Passionist, being professed by Blessed Dominic at the first Passionist Monastery in England at Aston Hall near Stone in Staffordshire.

Ignatius had played a big part in bringing the Passionists to England and had known Blessed Dominic for many years in Italy.

After Dominic’s death he succeeded him as the Superior of the Order in this country and died in 1864 while Rector of Sutton Monastery.

In the footsteps of St Wilfrid On Saturday 26th September, the recently formed parish of St Wilfrid in Widnes, went on a pilgrimage to Ripon to visit the Cathedral where St Wilfrid was bishop in the 7th Century writes Father Joe Bibby.

The pilgrimage was led by Archbishop Malcolm McMahon who celebrated Mass with the pilgrims before departing for Ripon where we arrived in time for lunch. We had a guided tour of the Cathedral which was very informative, after which the Archbishop

spoke to us about the concept of ‘pilgrimage’ in our Christian life.

We then joined the community of Ripon Cathedral for Evensong before making our way back home.

The pilgrimage was a chance for us to meet up with old friends, make new ones, and come together as a parish community in prayer at the shrine of our Patron Saint. Everyone had such a great time that we are already beginning to plan our next pilgrimage, the only question is ‘Where?’

Community celebration in Wigan A great time was had by all from the parishes of St John's and St Mary's in Standishgate, Wigan when they held a Summer Community Event.

Everyone got together and it turned out to be a very memorable occasion. There was delicious Indian and BBQ food, beautiful homemade cakes and fabulous entertainment from singer Daniel Hayes and the Anvil Street Drummers. The event concluded with a sing along with the Proms. The day was a wonderful success much to the delight of Parish Priest Father John Johnson.

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sunday reflections On a liturgical note The month of November is linked in traditional devotion with particular prayer for the Faithful Departed – those, in the lovely words of Cardinal Newman ‘whom I have loved and lost awhile’.

Of course although lost in the sense of not having that physical presence to us, they are never lost to God: they are, we pray, held very firmly and lovingly in the embrace of the Father, having that sight of the glory of the Trinity which fulfils our search for a place of light, happiness and peace.

It is the liturgy itself which gives this flavour of remembrance to the month of November – although as even nature around us becomes darker and perhaps even a little hostile and threatening, it can chime in well with our natural feelings as the year draws to its close.

We begin by giving thanks for the light of Christ which shines brightly in and through all the saints our of tradition, many of whom are

Sunday thoughts My favourite holiday pastime is people-watching. As a stranger it is relaxing to sit in a cafe or on a park bench and watch the world go by.

Jesus enjoyed people-watching. His stories draw on a lifetime of observation. The Gospel for Sunday 8 November tells us exactly this.

Jesus not only watches, he notices things that important people are too busy to observe. The Scribes in this passage from Mark’s Gospel are not even aware of the presence of the poor widow. She is below their radar. Jesus is fascinated and moved by the day-to-day detail of little people’s lives. He looks on the woman with love.

I suspect that many of the parables are autobiographical. My favourite is the advice Jesus gives on not occupying the place of honour at a table. Was a gauche and overeager Jesus ever slapped down when he occupied a seat reserved for a local worthy? The marriage

Canon Philip Gillespie

canonised and recognised by the Church but there are doubtless many others who have enlightened and nurtured our lives, and individuals whose names we add to this great litany of the saints.

The second day, All Souls’ Day, was dedicated to those whose journey into the fullness of light may not yet be completed, those for whom our hope is that ‘Masses on the earth and prayers in heaven, shall aid thee at the Throne of the most Highest.’(John Henry Cardinal Newman, ‘The Dream of Gerontius’.)

In our parishes, churches and indeed the seminary, the Pious List will be a very tangible reminder of the debt of gratitude and prayer we owe to those ‘who have gone before us marked with the Sign of Faith’ – and a reassurance of the unity which is ours as the Church at prayer.

Mgr John Devine OBE

feast at Cana demonstrates that his Mother Mary was accustomed to keeping him in check. Did she add her own criticism to that dished out by the host at the banquet? Perhaps she saved it for later and gave the chastened Jesus a dressing down when they got home. Did Jesus ever attempt to put new wine into old wine skins?

Did Jesus the carpenter and jobbing builder (a white van man of his day) ever build a house on sand only to find it collapsing when the floods came? Was he ever beaten up and left for dead on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho? God became man in Jesus, like us in all things but sin. Does that allow for mistakes? How many more of the parables draw their wisdom and insight from lessons learned the hard way?

Weekly Reflections are on the Archdiocesan website at www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk/reflection 10

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Surrender I am sure most people reading this will remember the Red Rose restaurant in Lewis’s. It was on the top floor and had waitresses and white table cloths. We never had very much money but I remember as a child being taken there for lunch around my birthday which was certainly very grand to me.

One day Mum and I were there. When I had finished eating, I looked at Mum and noticed she didn’t have her ring on. I asked where it was and she said, ‘Oh, I must have left it at home’. It was years later when I was an adult that she told me that every time we went to the Red Rose she had to pawn Nana’s ring in order to pay for it. I remember the tears filled my eyes and I told her she didn’t have to do that for me, and she looked at me and smiled and said, ‘But I love you’.

When I think back to my childhood, I am very much aware that I was brought up by someone who had surrendered herself to God because, while she liked nice things, Mum was never controlled by them and would give anything away for the sake of my brother and myself. We saw that surrender in the pawning of a ring for the sake of a birthday treat or in the care for her mother before she died. I saw it in the countless deeds of selflessness that made up Mum’s life and also as she worshipped and prayed and read the Scriptures and then in turn loved others.

How many of us are really living surrendered lives? We might be saying our prayers and going to church. We might even be very involved in the life of our parish community but is that real surrender? Surrender demands that we face the false gods in our lives – worry, fear, anxiety and pain, money, possessions, our good name, our place in society.

One of the major themes in Luke’s Gospel is that of faith and belief. Luke calls us constantly to a radical, life-changing belief in God, a faith that invites us to let go of our false gods. Luke calls us to surrender to God and to know that without God we are nothing. I think this is what conversion is all about. It has little to do with moving from one set of cerebral beliefs to another.

Conversion is that deep movement within, the letting go of that which is deceptive – and yet so alluring because it makes us feel so good – to a place of surrender to God. It is something we are all called to every day, and it leads us to holiness where we know God is enough.

Fr Chris Thomas

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nugent news

Christmas Appeal 2015 As winter approaches and colder weather £5 provides toiletries £10 provides a food pack begins to draw in, our thoughts and £15 provides a kettle and toaster prayers turn to those who are living in £35 provides a microwave poverty. Whilst a lot of people might be £80 buys buy a new bed making plans for Christmas with their How to support this year’s appeal? friends and family, for many, their main Cheques can be sent to Nugent Care, 99 concern is how they will cope looking Edge Lane Liverpool L7 2PE after themselves and their loved ones.

Donations can be made on line via This anxious time means that difficult www.local giving.com/nugentcare decisions have to be made, whether to Buy tickets to the Nugent Care Carol put the heating on or to buy essential Concerts, the concerts take place on Friday food items.

4 December at St Peter and St Paul Church, From the donations last Christmas Nugent Crosby, L23 5TE at 7.30 pm or on Saturday Care was able to reach out to those in need 12 December at Our Lady of the throughout the Archdiocese. Your donations Annunciation, Bishop Eton, Woolton Road, enabled us to buy a cooker for a young Liverpool, L16 8NQ, again at 7.30 pm. mum who is studying nursing at university; Contact 0151 261 2000 for tickets. she has two children one of whom has For more details Tel: 0151 261 2000 or significant challenging behaviour due to Email: marie.reynolds@nugentcare.org autism.

You purchased a single bed for a 12 year old girl who has Autism; mum was struggling financially and was refused funding from other sources. In addition, you provided emergency funds for food, gas and electricity to lots of families and single people.

Every donation we receive makes such a difference and goes directly to the people Chair of Nugent Care, Father Michael Fitzsimons who need it most.

Nugent Care Patron, Phil Thompson with Director of Finance and Business Support, Mark Roche

The autumn is my favourite time of year.

The leaves on the trees are spectacular.

The autumnal sun is comforting when the air is crisp. This time of year makes me think of warm fires and great conversations with friends and family. This year, the autumn also marks my new role as Chief Executive Officer at Nugent Care, an organisation, who in a few months will have experienced 135 autumns.

Our previous Chief Executive, Kathleen Pitt, also begins her retirement. Kathy has spent a large part of her career with Nugent Care and has worked tirelessly to ensure we continue to have deep roots to continue to provide dignified and high quality health and social care services across the Archdiocese of Liverpool. Kathy is a very kind, humble person and likely the fairest person I have ever worked with.

During the months of my induction, Kathy shared with me a document that that collectively illustrated the images and stories of the previous administrators of Nugent Care. Administrators who have led our charity during times of world war, local conflict, changing politics and recessions.

She led Nugent Care through the most difficult financial times in the area since the 1980’s.

Kathy’s legacy to Nugent Care will be positively remembered along with those who served within Nugent Care, all the way back to the founding Father of Nugent Care, Father James Nugent. I wish to thank her sincerely on behalf of Nugent Care.

I look forward to many autumns to come and look forward to meeting new friends and connections and continuing the vital work of Nugent Care.

Normandie Wragg Chief Executive – Nugent Care

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what’s on Sunday 1 November Solemnity of All saints LAMP Sunday Solemn Mass for the Feast of All Saints.

11.00 am in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. Cathedral Choir: music by Louis Vierne, Philip Stopford, Benjamin Britten and Herbert Howells Monday 2 November Commemoration of all the faithful departed (All Souls Day) Mass of All Souls Day 5.15 pm in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel of the Metropolitan cathedral of Christ the King.

Cathedral Choir: Fauré’s Requiem.

Tuesday 3 November ‘Before the ending of the day: The Letters of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.’

A series of conducted meditations led by Canon Rod Garner, Canon Theologian, Diocese of Liverpool. 7.30 pm at Sandymount Retreat Centre, 16 Burbo Bank Road, Blundellsands, Liverpool, L23 6TH. Details at www.sandymountretreats.org.uk Tel: 0151 924 4850 Email: info@sandymountretreats.org.uk Wednesday 4 November UCM Bi-monthly Mass 7.30 pm at Our Lady of Walsingham, Stand Park Avenue, Netherton, L30 3SA. Thursday 5 November ‘His banner over me is Love’ Reflections on the Song of Songs. Scripture Morning led by Father Chris Thomas. 10.30 am at Irenaeus, 32 Great Georges Road, Waterloo, L22 1RD. Details: Tel 0151 949 1199 or email: jenny@irenaeus.co.uk Life and Soul 7.00 pm at Animate Youth Ministries, Lowe House, St Helens, WA10 2BE. An evening of prayer, praise, worship and sharing with each other for young adults.

Friday 6 November Mass for the Faithful departed of St Helens (by candlelight).

Fauré Requiem: sung by the Youth Choir of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. Joe Watson (Organist). James Luxton (Conductor).

7.00 pm at Holy Cross and St Helen, Corporation Street, St Helens, WA10 1EF. Saturday 7 November ‘Responding to the Call.’

A Day of Recollection to support those exploring vocations to the Priesthood. Discover more about diocesan priesthood; talk with and hear from priests of the archdiocese and spend time in prayer and discussion. 10.00 am at St Charles’ Presbytery, 224 Aigburth Road, Liverpool, L17 9PG. Further information from Father James Preston Tel: 0151 727 2493 or email: frjamespreston@gmail.com. Also on Facebook at /liverpoolvocations and on Twitter @LVocations Liturgy with children during Advent Children's Liturgy Catechists are invited to an afternoon with Catherine Darby SND. 2.00 pm4.00 pm at LACE, Croxteth Drive, Liverpool, L17 1AA. £10 per person or £80 for a group of 10.

Bookings: Pastoral Formation Department Tel: 0151 522 1040 Nightfever with Animate Youth Ministries 5.40 pm Mass at the Blessed Sacrament Shrine, Dawson Street, Liverpool, L1 1LE. 7.00 pm Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Open to all for a time of prayer and reflection.

Sunday 8 November Remembrance Sunday Evening Prayer and Merchant Navy Service 3.00 pm in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King.

Liverpool Bach Collective Johann Sebastian Bach Cantata 33: ‘Allein zu dir, Herr Jesus Christ.’ (‘Alone in thee, O Jesus Christ.’) 6.30 pm at St Margaret of Antioch, Princes Road Liverpool, L8 1TG. Singers and Players directed by Philip Duffy.

World of Atherton

Monday 9 November Lourdes 2016 forms will be available to download from www.animateyouth.org from 9.00am.

Tuesday 10 November Ministry Day 10.00 am at the Cenacle, Tithebarn Grove, Lance Lane, Liverpool L15 6TW. A day for anyone involved in ministry or the service of others, with time for silence and personal reflection. Offering £10 per person. For further details contact: Sister Winnie Morley. Tel: 0151 722 2271, Email: winniecenacle@mail.com ‘Before the ending of the day: The Mysticism of St Paul.’

A series of conducted meditations led by Canon Rod Garner, Canon Theologian, Diocese of Liverpool. 7.30 pm at Sandymount Retreat Centre, 16 Burbo Bank Road, Blundellsands, Liverpool, L23 6TH. Details at www.sandymountretreats.org.uk Tel: 0151 924 4850 Email: info@sandymountretreats.org.uk Thursday 12 November to Sunday 15 November Cursillo Catholic three day course in Christianity At St Joseph's Prayer Centre, Formby, L37 1PH. For further details visit www.liverpoolcursillo.co.uk or Tel: 07542 642327.

Thursday 12 November ‘His banner over me is Love’ Reflections on the Song of Songs. Scripture Morning led by Father Chris Thomas. 10.30 am at Irenaeus, 32 Great Georges Road, Waterloo, L22 1RD. Details: Tel 0151 949 1199 or email: jenny@irenaeus.co.uk Saturday 14 November to Sunday 15 November 'Vatican II and the Church Today’ A conference featuring internationally renowned speakers exploring the continuing impact of the teaching of the Second Vatican Council in the life and mission of both the local and global Church at the Liverpool Archdiocesan Centre for Evangelisation. Speakers include; Dr Massimo Faggioli, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor and Father Timothy Radcliffe OP. Places must be booked in advance, on a first come first served basis. Details: http://liverpoolvaticanii.org/ Saturday 14 November Car Boot Sale 8.00 am onwards in the Cathedral Car Park.

Pitches £10. Details from Claire Hanlon 0151 709 9222, Ext. 201 or c.hanlon@metcatherdal.org.uk ‘Schubert and Brahms’ Concert With the Cathedral Orchestra, Conductor: Stephen Pratt and the Cathedral Cantata Choir, Director: Richard Lea. 7.30 pm in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King.

Tickets and details Tel: 0151 707 3525 or www.cathedralconcerts.org.uk Monday 16 November Deadline for World Youth Day Krakow 2016 forms Animate Youth Ministries, Lowe House, St Helens, WA10 2BE. www.animateyouth.org

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november Tuesday 17 November Training Course for Lay Funeral Ministers 10.00 am at the Liverpool Archdiocesan Centre for Evangelisation, Croxteth Drive, Liverpool, L17 1AA. Cost: £100 per participant. Details: Maureen Knight Tel: 0151 522 1046 Email: m.knight@rcaol.co.uk Wednesday 18 November Training Course for Lay Funeral Ministers 10.00 am at the Liverpool Archdiocesan Centre for Evangelisation, Croxteth Drive, Liverpool, L17 1AA. Cost: £100 per participant. Details: Maureen Knight Tel: 0151 522 1046 Email: m.knight@rcaol.co.uk

Michael Haydn Requiem in C, and ‘Chiemsee’ Mass. 7.30 pm at St Mary’s, Buttermarket Street, Warrington, WA12NS. Details: www.warrchoral.com Tuesday 24 November Cursillo Ultreya 7.30 pm at St Michael and All Angels church, Sidney Powell Avenue, Kirkby, L32 0TP.

Monday 9 November

Thursday 19 November ‘His banner over me is Love’ Reflections on the Song of Songs. Scripture Morning led by Father Chris Thomas. 10.30 am at Irenaeus, 32 Great Georges Road, Waterloo, L22 1RD. Details: Tel 0151 949 1199 or email: jenny@irenaeus.co.uk

of Christ the King. Speakers will include David Wells, Father Frankie Mulgrew and Frank CottrellBoyce. 4.00 pm Mass Celebrant: Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP. Booking and details Tel: 07944 287690. Email: info@embraceliverpool.org.uk www.embrace-liverpool.org.uk

Day of Reflection in preparation for the Jubilee Year of Mercy Led by Sr Annie Lunney SMG. 10.30 am - 3.30 pm at St Joseph’s Prayer Centre, Blundell Avenue, Freshfield, formby, L37 1PH. Suggested donation: £12.

Solemn High Mass of Thanksgiving and Inauguration of the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter In the presence of Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP and Abbot Cuthbert Madden OSB of Ampleforth Abbey. 12.00 noon at St Mary’s, Buttermarket Street, Warrington, WA12NS.

North Merseyside Newman Circle Reflection ‘On Another Mersey Wall: Stories from an Urban Ministry.’ Speaker: Rev Ellen Loudon. 7.30 pm at St Helen's Parish Centre, Crosby, Liverpool, L23 7TQ. (7.00 pm Mass in St Helen's Church.)

‘Before the ending of the day: The Gifts of Silence.’

A series of conducted meditations led by Canon Rod Garner, Canon Theologian, Diocese of Liverpool. 7.30 pm at Sandymount Retreat Centre, 16 Burbo Bank Road, Blundellsands, Liverpool, L23 6TH. Details at www.sandymountretreats.org.uk Tel: 0151 924 4850 Email: info@sandymountretreats.org.uk Saturday 21 November Embrace 2015 ‘Build my Kingdom’ Catholic Youth Conference 9.30 am-6.00 pm in the Metropolitan Cathedral

‘There is Another Way’ led by Philip McParland Discover a new source of meaning and fulfilment in your life. A day of reflection and prayer. 10.00 am at Sandymount Retreat Centre, 16 Burbo Bank Road, Blundellsands, Liverpool, L23 6TH. Details at www.sandymountretreats.org.uk Tel: 0151 924 4850 Email: info@sandymountretreats.org.uk Sunday 22 November Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Universal King.

Solemn Mass for the Feast of Christ the King 11.00 am in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. Celebrant: Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP. Warrington Choral Society and Orchestra Concert

Thursday 26 November ‘Confident Discipleship.’

A day of retreat on St Mark's Gospel led by Bishop John Arnold. 10.0 am-3.30 pm at St Joseph’s Prayer Centre, Blundell Avenue, Freshfield, formby, L37 1PH. £20 including lunch.

Details Tel: 01704 875850 Friday 27 November to Sunday 29 November ‘The Servant King’ Discovering the Gospel of Luke. Scripture Weekend led by Father Chris Thomas at Irenaeus, 32 Great Georges Road, Waterloo, L22 1RD. Details: Tel 0151 949 1199 or email: jenny@irenaeus.co.uk Saturday 28 November Quiet Day 10.00 am at the Cenacle, Tithebarn Grove, Lance Lane, Liverpool L15 6TW. Time to be quiet, reflect and pray. Offering £10 per person. For further details contact: Sister Winnie Morley. Tel: 0151 722 2271, Email: winniecenacle@mail.com Sunday 29 November First Sunday of Advent.

Advent Sequence 5.00 pm in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. Readings and music from the Cathedral Choirs for the Advent preparation for Christmas.

Monday 30 November to Friday 4 December Preached Retreat for Advent Led by Dom Alban Hood OSB at Sandymount Retreat Centre, 16 Burbo Bank Road, Blundellsands, Liverpool, L23 6TH. Details at www.sandymountretreats.org.uk Tel: 0151 924 4850 Email: info@sandymountretreats.org.uk

Memorial Mass for Cafod supporters Over the years, Cafod has been enormously blessed by the kindness and commitment of our supporters, but sadly many of the people who have been at the heart of our work are no longer with us.

As a small token of appreciation for their compassion and dedication, Caford will be holding a Memorial Mass at Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church on Liverpool Road, Liverpool, L23 5TE on Saturday 14 November (12 noon).

All are welcome to join, whether to remember fellow Cafod supporters or members of their own family, friends and community who have passed away. There will be tea and coffee available afterwards.

A book of remembrance with the names of supporters who have passed away will be presented at Mass. If you would like to add a name to this list, contact Susanna via candlelight@cafod.org.uk or 020 7095 5370, or Ged from Cafod Liverpool on 0151 228 4028 or liverpool@cafod.org.uk

Archdiocesan website www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk Catholic Pictorial

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“An Outstanding Catholic School” Liverpool Archdiocese

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Sixth F Sixth Form orm O Open pen Evening Evening 25th 25th November Nov ve e ember e 6-8pm 6-8pm

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Sixth F Form orm st student tudent

We W ew welcome elcome boys boys and and girls g rls gi ffrom rom all all areas areas of of Liverpool Liverpool & beyond beyond in in our our Sixth Sixth Form Form

All are welcome! inspiring ins spiring academic aca ademic +personal +pe ersonal exce ellence ll excellence

Come C ome along, along, meet meet the the staff staff and and students, students, ask ask questions, questions, enjoy enjoy a guided guided tour tour of and of our our facilities facilities a nd ssee ee ffor or yyourself ourself why why we we are are such such a unique, unique, successful successful and Sixth Centre. and appealing appealing S ixth FForm orm C entre.

Bellerive B ellerive FCJ FCJ Catholic Catho ollic i College Windermere W indermere Terrace Terrace Sefton Sefton Park Park Liverpool Liverpool L8 L8 3SB 3SB Tel: Te el: 0151 0151 727 727 2064 2 www.bellerivefcj.org

Specialisms S pecialisms in in Sciences, Sciences, Ap Applied plied LLearning earning and and Maths Maths & Computing Computing

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St. Julie s Catholic Sixth Form Our first class student support, wide range of courses, consistently high results and excellent progression rates ensure our students realise their ambitions.

With a rich heritage of educating in Liverpool, come and discover why St. Julie s is the choice you can be confident in for a successful sixth form experience.

Open Evening 19th November 2015 3.30-6.00pm www.stjulies.org.uk

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youth ministry

Animate team already in their stride Chris Jones reports on a busy start to the academic year at Animate Youth Ministries.

The new team have started to settle in well and find their feet with both living in community and the work that Animate does.

To start the year we had the new team induction. This meant an opportunity for our new members to practise the type of work we do here as well as receive some valuable lessons from others – to be precise,

Systematic theology from Father Eamonn Mulcahy, Scripture from Father Andrew Robinson, Personality profiling from Father Joe Bibby, Drama with the Rise Theatre Company and Spirituality with the Salesians.

I am writing this from South Wales and our first mission week of the year at St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School but we have already worked with lots of schools around

the diocese: Hope Academy; St John Fisher; St Edward’s; St Mary’s Crosby; All Hallows; St Edmund Arrowsmith, Prescot; St Mary’s, Astley; and Our Lady and St John, Blackburn. It has been a busy few weeks!

As we look ahead, one of the highlights of the coming month will be the Nightfever event at the Blessed Sacrament Shrine on Dawson Street in the heart of Liverpool on Saturday 7 November.

Nightfever is an initiative that stemmed from World Youth Day 2005 in Cologne, which has spread to over 70 cities worldwide.

Here at Nightfever Liverpool we hope that we can have many people from all over the diocese involved in the many ministries that make the evening work. These go from welcome ministry – welcoming people who come in off the street and giving them a candle and providing them with a small leaflet explaining future events around the diocese – to music ministry, where you can join in creating a special atmosphere enhanced by the fact the Chapel is lit only by the candles lit by people coming in from the street. One of the biggest challenges is to actually go out on to the street and invite people in to light a candle – this is something that still takes a little bit of getting used to and I have worked with Nightfever for over two years now!

At Nightfever there is the chance to spend some time in adoration in front of the Blessed Sacrament, there are also prayer stations dotted around the Shrine that can be used to place intentions (which are then sent to the Sisters of Carmel). There are priests who are available to speak to and for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. You are welcome to come and help, or just to drop in while the evening goes on to light a candle and pray. If you sing or play a musical instrument and would like to participate in this way, please contact Chris on c.jones@animateyouth.co.uk or 01744 740463.

• The evening begins with Mass at 5.40pm, with the Nightfever event starting at 7pm and concluding with Night Prayer of the Church at 9.45pm and Benediction at 10pm.

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profile ‘It was so inspiring but also heartbreaking.’ Rachel Buckley is recalling the words of Jean-Clement Jeanbart, the Melkite Greek Catholic Archbishop of Aleppo, when he spoke at the Metropolitan Cathedral on 14 October.

Archbishop Jeanbart visited the Cathedral to promote the work of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) and for Rachel, his account of the suffering of Syria’s Christian population summed up why she is so eager to get to work in her new role as the charity’s area secretary for Liverpool.

‘Really it should be close to all our hearts,’ she says of our fellow Christians’ plight in Aleppo. ‘They have nothing.

Everything has been taken away from them. It would be like us here in Liverpool having no electricity no food or water, no commerce, no schools and no churches.’

Rachel, who holds a separate, part-time administrative role with Shrewbury Diocese, will be giving ACN appeals at weekends around the Archdiocese of Liverpool. She has already underlined her commitment to the ACN cause with a sponsored walk along the Wirral coastal path on 4 October. As the feast of St Francis of Assisi, it was a fitting date given she did the walk with her 14 pet dogs. ‘I’ve rescued them all apart from two or three,’ she says of the dogs, which were kitted out with laminated ACN stickers for the occasion.

Once a pupil of St Matthew’s primary school in Walton and Mary Help of Christians High School, Rachel has a long-held admiration for Father Werenfried van Straaten, who established ACN in the Low Countries after World War Two. ‘He was a real of a hero of mine because my mother explained who he was and how he helped refugees after the war,’ she explains. ‘We always pray for his canonisation when we have a family rosary once a month.

‘Fatima is a devotion close to my heart,’ adds Rachel, who organises a day dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima each 13 May, ‘and Father Werenfried dedicated his whole mission to Our Lady of Fatima so we have the same devotion.’

Rachel brings to her ACN role considerable experience working in PR – working with footballers and also pop stars during a 14-year stint with MTV in

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Rachel Buckley Talking the talking – and walking the walk – for persecuted Christians By Simon Hart London. ‘All I listen to now is classical music!’ laughs the theology graduate, whose focus is increasingly on her faith.

‘I enjoy giving my time to worthwhile causes. I'm a palliative care volunteer for the Royal Liverpool Hospital, I'm a member of the Legion of Mary and head lay person for the Sacred Heart Society at the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest in the Wirral.’

With ACN, her goal will be to increase our focus on the world’s persecuted Christians. ‘ACN have 5,000 projects going on in 140 countries around the world,’ she says. ‘One of the reasons I want to be part of ACN is because they have people with boots on the ground who go into the darkest, most dangerous places to help Christians – ACN also help the Christian Orthodox Church, and have helped rebuild many churches in Ukraine.

‘The majority of Christians want to stay where they are, in their own homeland, and we need to help them continue to keep their established

communities going. Some have been there for 2,000 years and it would be disastrous for there to be no Christian communities left after all those years.

That is why we need to support them.’

• Visit www.acnuk.org/persecuted to read ACN’s ‘Persecuted and Forgotten?’ report for 2013/15.

Anybody wishing to invite Rachel to their parish can contact her at rachelbuckley8@gmail.com or on 07770266679.

“We always pray for his canonisation when we have a family rosary once a month”

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cathedral

We remember

By Christopher McElroy

Cathedral Record

November is a special month in the Cathedral. We begin the month by praying for those who have gone before us, and we end it by looking forward to the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in the joyful season of Advent.

On Sunday 1st November we celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints. The music for the day reflects the joyful nature of our thanksgiving for the witness and inspiration given by those men and women saints with music by Louis Vierne, Philip Stopford, Benjamin Britten and Herbert Howells. At Evening Prayer six of our girl probationers, having completed their training period (similar to having an ‘L plate’ on your car whilst learning to drive) will receive their surplices (the outer white garment the choristers wear) and take their places in the choir as full choristers. To this day our Cathedral girl choristers are (as far as I am aware) the only Catholic Cathedral girl choristers in the world who rehearse and sing at Cathedral liturgies on a daily basis.

The following day, All Souls, we remember all the faithful departed. The setting for this Mass is the Requiem Mass of Gabriel Fauré. People from across the archdiocese are invited to attend this liturgy, which begins at 5.15 pm. There is the opportunity for the names of loved ones to be written in a book which is then presented as part of the offering. The Cathedral Youth Choir (made up of former choristers) are also singing the Fauré Requiem on Friday 6th November at Holy Cross and St Helen, St Helens. Remembrance Sunday falls on 8th November and the Requiem setting on this occasion is that of Maurice Duruflé. These settings of the Requiem by Fauré and Duruflé are musically very demanding and take many hours of practice time from the choristers, but judging by the many comments received each year, they really bring a sense of comfort and dignity to our remembrance celebrations each November.

Canon Anthony O’Brien – Cathedral Dean November is a month of endings and new beginnings, of triumph and of mourning and the first weekend with the Feast of All Saints followed by the Commemoration of All Souls sets the tone well for the whole month.

The church's year ends with the feast of Christ the King, the Cathedral’s titular feast. On this day we sing the hymn written in 1933 for the laying of the foundation stone of the Cathedral ‘Hail Redeemer, King Divine’ in common I would imagine with many churches and Cathedrals across the world. At Evening Prayer this day we welcome back former boy choristers (boys have to leave the choir when their voices ‘change’ to a lower register) to present them with a bible in thanksgiving for the service at the Cathedral. The month ends as we enter into the anticipatory season of Advent. One of the highlights of the Cathedral’s liturgical year is the Advent Sequence, which takes place on Advent Sunday at 5.00 pm, when through words, music and ceremonial, we orientate ourselves to the second coming.

As part of the choirs fundraising drive towards our tour to Belgium next Easter (more details to follow next month) we are selling ‘Cathedral Choir Christmas Puddings’ These award winning puddings (found on the shelves of Fortnum and Mason) come with a photograph of the choir on the front and a seasonal message. They would make an ideal accompaniment to your Christmas festivities, or a gift to your family and friends.

Puddings (priced from £2.99-£9.99) can be ordered by e-mailing metchoirassociation@gmail.com or calling the Cathedral Music office on 0151 708 7283.

The evening Mass at the Cathedral on All Souls at 5.15 pm will be celebrated with the full choral setting of Faure’s Requiem, you would be most welcome to join us that evening to pray for deceased loved ones and all the faithful departed.

During this first week of November we will be welcoming Anglican Canon Pastors from across the country who will be meeting in Liverpool for a few days and will be visiting us on Thursday.

Then on Saturday 7th Upton Hall School FCJ fill the Cathedral for their annual Mass for pupils and staff. As well as the act of Remembrance at our morning Masses on Sunday 8th November, the Merchant Navy will be holding their Remembrance Service at 3.00 pm at our Cathedral this year.

There will be a full day youth conference/festival, entitled ‘Embrace’ on the 21st November, the Saturday before the Feast of Christ the King. Archbishop Malcolm will celebrate Mass at 4.00 pm for this event and will also preside at the Solemn Mass the next day for our Cathedral Feast Day celebrations.

In the midst of all this there is a rather tight deadline to have everything prepared and in place for the start of the Jubilee Year of Mercy which begins in December. Hopefully the Holy Door entrance will be suitably decorated and adorned and there will be various Stations on the theme of the year around the Cathedral as places of prayer for pilgrims. The race is on to have everything ready in time.

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Pic extras

Mums the Word What a wonderful result on the Assisted Dying Bill, which was defeated in Parliament by 330 votes to 118. Our Members of Parliament are to be congratulated on this outcome, and so are we.

News from the Liverpool Province of the Knights of St Columba

Pantasaph trip provides inspiration for Wirral Knights

A great pat on the back should go to all those who wrote to their MP, even if yours actually supported the Bill, as I am sure that each letter made an impression. It is a great outcome for the sick, the elderly and the vulnerable, and an answer to many, many prayers.

However, we must remain vigilant as the issue will undoubtedly be brought up in Parliament again. If your MP voted against the Bill, could they be sent a thank you card to encourage them in the future?

• Members of the UCM committee have been on a recruitment drive to our churches in Widnes. Four of their eight churches have closed, and the remaining four are united under the umbrella parish of St Wilfrid. This has been a massive upheaval for all concerned and our visit included a meeting at the John Dalton building to offer support to the existing foundations.

The ladies of Saint Pius X and St John Fisher will join together, along with any new members, in the new St Wilfrid’s foundation and we pray that this will become an established and vibrant foundation echoing their past successes.

• Wasn’t it wonderful to read of Pope Francis’s successful visits to Cuba and the United States? Much of his address to the congregations was concerned with family life. He said: ‘Families are an opportunity that we must protect and care for. Without family, without the warmth of home, life becomes empty.’ I think he must have been reading the UCM’s aims and objectives!

Madelaine McDonald, Media Officer

The beautiful setting of the Francisan Friary at Pantasaph provided the venue for an inspiring day of recollection for KSC members from the Wirral this autumn.

The day, organised in September by council chaplain Father Bernard Forshaw for Wirral council members along with their families and friends, was based on the theme of the papal encyclical ‘Laudate Si’. Father Francis Maple OFM opened the programme by outlining the main points of ‘Laudato Si – On Care for Our Common Home’. Father Francis said that it was appropriate that Saint Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan order, was an early advocate of protecting our wonderful world. Pope Francis, he added, had addressed every person living and called us to an inclusive dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet and said that everyone should start in their own home by conserving energy and avoiding waste.

There was time for quiet reflection, together with confessions and a Mass celebrated by Father Bernard,

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before the day concluded with Benediction and veneration of the relic of St Padre Pio. The photo shows members of the group during the visit.

• KSC council 9 undertook the annual Steve Dooley memorial fundraising walk on 27 September. This year it was in support of Zoe’s Place baby hospice and we wish to thank all who took part not least the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress – Tony Concepcion and his wife Ann – who saw us on our way. We also thank the parish priests of the south Liverpool churches who allowed us to distribute sponsorship envelopes and most of all the parishioners who so generously sponsored the walkers.

There will be further reports on this venture in future editions.

• Finally, details of the Embrace Liverpool Youth Conference at the Metropolitan Cathedral on 21 November are available at www.embrace-liverpool.org.uk.

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

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Redcourt St Anselm’s Christian Brothers Independent Day School Boys and Girls aged 3-11 7 Devonshire Place, Oxton, Wirral CH43 1TX redcourtstanselms.com admin@redcourt.net

0151 652 5228

HEADTEACHER Start: September 2016 ❙ Salary: @Group 2 L11-17 ❙ NOR: 165 and 30 Nursery The School Governors are looking to appoint a dynamic, energetic and forward thinking Headteacher.

The School Governors invite applications from candidates who: ❙ Are a practising Catholic Christian who is able to demonstrate a commitment to promoting the Catholic ethos of the school. ❙ Ability to listen, to inspire and lead people effectively. ❙ Are currently in a Senior Management position able to demonstrate strong business and organisational skills, with a commitment to producing innovative ideas and able to bring them to fruition. ❙ Have a clear understanding of how to strive towards continually raising standards and how to grow the school whilst demonstrating experience in managing financial and business matters. ❙ Are conversant with all major curriculum issues and current educational developments. ❙ Have a demonstratable commitment to working in close partnership with staff, parents and governors including and ability to promote good discipline and behaviour including a strong commitment to pastoral care.

What we can offer you: ❙ A School that is part of the Edmund Rice Community of Schools with a strong Catholic ethos where every child is valued. ❙ An established Leadership team. ❙ Great Sporting facilities. ❙ Pupils who are enthusiastic, confident, happy and well-behaved and dedicated and committed with a desire to achieve to the best of their abilities. ❙ Strong support from the Governing Body.

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check

For more information or for an application pack, please contact Miss G Pickstock, Clerical Assistant, at the address above.

Closing date: Friday 13th November

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PIC Life Why the homeless deserve our kindness, not judgement

By Moira Billinge I was in Liverpool city centre recently and was concerned to see more people than usual begging in the main shopping area.

On this particular morning I wasn’t actually approached for money. Instead the dejected individuals merely sat hunched forward on their chosen patch of pavement, with the hard ground and their threadbare clothing providing little comfort against the cold wind.

Some did ask passers-by for money, but others simply seemed to rely on being noticed. Perhaps they hoped that their silence would speak louder than words.

The tactic had obviously worked for a few, as their tins contained at least a meagre handful of coins.

Outside one of the big stores, a colourful and compact bundle of assorted clothes and blankets lay outstretched and motionless amid the hustle and bustle of the city. Was the figure concealed, mummy-like in its ragged wrappings, male or female? Perhaps only the young girl who sang and played her guitar nearby knew the answer. Pallor and weary-eyed loneliness marked most of their faces.

When we look at these unfortunate souls sometimes we cannot help but wonder if they are genuine. Will the money you give them go towards their next meal or will it go towards the next fix of whatever has brought them to their current predicament? We do not know – and we cannot judge.

As Christians, we should give willingly and try to give people the benefit of the doubt – ‘to give and not to count the cost’. But unfortunately our hearts are often hardened by the few who do play the system.

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However, anybody can find themselves in difficulty or fall from grace. Obviously, being destitute is not a career choice.

Even the most well-educated and wealthy individual can meet with hard times and lose their health, livelihood, home and family. It could happen to any one of us.

When we see people begging for food and money or sleeping rough, it really is a case of ‘There but for the grace of God go I’ and we should at least try to provide some sort of help or comfort where we can. It does not always have to be money – it could be a sandwich, a cup of tea, or just showing the person some respect. A polite ‘good morning’ or ‘good afternoon’ costs us nothing, but it may mean a great deal to someone who in all probability spends most of the day being avoided or ignored.

Thankfully, there are organisations that do provide warmth and shelter to those in need. In Liverpool, for instance, the Whitechapel Centre has a ‘no second night on the streets’ policy and will provide a temporary shelter to people in a crisis situation. Parishes, with their Saint Vincent de Paul organisations, and religious communities do fantastic work.

The present refugee crisis means that we are probably going to be encountering many more desperate people on the streets and the Pope has sent out a global challenge to help them which we really cannot ignore. We have to decide, as individuals and on a wider scale, how we are going to react. Will we see the tragic situations that are being played out daily in the media as problems for others to solve or will we, as individuals, try to share their burden?

After all, the more isolated a person is from society, the less likely they are to ever become part of it again.

Our Prayer for November Month of the Holy Souls Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away into the next room. I am I and you are you.

Whatever we were to each other, That, we still are. Call me by my old familiar name. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used.

Put no difference into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.

Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without effect. Without the trace of a shadow in it.

Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same that it ever was. There is unbroken continuity.

Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?

I am but waiting for you. For an interval.

Somewhere. Very near. Just around the corner.

‘All is well.’

Worth a visit

This month is a month for remembrance, and a wonderfully poignant exhibition is now on tour, writes Lucy Oliver. A section from the display of handmade ceramic poppies at the Tower of London last year is visiting our city of Liverpool from 7 November until 17 January. If you were not fortunate enough to witness ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’ in its original setting, you will be moved by the exhibition, commemorating as it does the sacrifices made by so many in the First World War. Once a venue for recruitment rallies, St George’s Hall will be the site for the ‘Weeping Window’ cascade of poppies, which has also been on display at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park in Wakefield and the Woodhorn Museum in Northumberland.

At the Woodhorn Museum, the work of the Ashington Group, better known as the Pitmen Painters, is also on display. The vivid collection of work produced by 1930s coal miners in a series of evening classes captures every aspect of life for mining men both above and below ground, and the artwork is acclaimed worldwide.

For more information about the poppies at St George’s Plateau, visit www.cultureliverpool.co.uk/poppies. For the Pitmen Painters’ exhibition, visit www.experiencewoodhorn.com.

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join in Eating Out

Children’s word search The solemnity of All Saints November 1 and All Souls November 2 makes us all think of our loved ones who have gone to God. Look through our clues and see what you can learn.

SAINTS

G

X

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BEATITUDES

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GODS GLORY RESURRECTION HEAVEN

FAITH HEAVEN

More Mullarkey From Johnny Kennedy

Try to visit our local countryside which is so beautiful - Autumn colours are wonderful and it is a joy to watch changing seasons. If you are feeling hungry you might like to visit one of the restaurants mentioned on this page.

The Windmill Mill Lane, Parbold 01257 462935 The Plough Inn Plough Lane, Christleton, Chester 01244 336095 Royal Oak Liverpool Road, Aughton 01695 422121 Ring O’Bells Village Road, Christleton, Chester 01244 335422 The Pheasant Moss Lane, Hightown 0151 929 2106 Willow Bistro Milner Road, Heswall 0151 324 9912

Christmas cards from Carmel

Father Mullarkey was having a cup of tea and a chocolate digestive in the kitchen of one of his favourite parishioners, old Mrs Donnelly.

She had just been for her weekly shop and was telling the auld fella all about it.

‘I’m not keen on these supermarkets, Father. They’re too big for me. When I used to go to the Maypole years ago, I could have a good old jangle to the woman behind the counter. She was like a friend.

‘But nowadays the girls on the checkout are too quick for me. I just can’t keep up with them. And I still don’t like this decimal money, Father. I loved me threepenny bits and tanners and two bob pieces. If God had meant us to go decimal, he’d have given us 10 disciples!’

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, Helen Molyneux, at All Hallows RC High School, Penwortham Anyone interested in receiving the audio copy should contact Kevin Lonergan Tel: 01772 744148 or 01772 655433 (home).

Again the Sisters have excelled themselves in producing some really beautiful Christmas cards and at very keen prices.

Go along to Carmel Monastery at Allerton Road, L18 3NU or ring the Sisters on 0151 724 7102.

If you prefer, email the card office: marytoncards@outlook.com The usual selection of lovely birthday and occasion cards are also on sale.

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justice & peace

Response to refugee crisis taking shape

By Steve Atherton, Justice and Peace fieldworker The refugee crisis has led us to a series of conversations with the objective of ascertaining what it is possible to do to help. We have spoken to other Christian churches, especially Together Liverpool in the Anglican diocese, and there have been conversations with the local authorities, housing associations and organisations looking after asylum seekers, as well as with Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS) which recommended Citizens UK, the organisation fronting the National Refugee Welcome Board.

These conversations have been shaped around a ‘See-Judge-Act’ framework and here is an update on where we stand: See: what’s the problem?

Initial analysis identified five strands of refugees: • Those in the camps around the borders of Syria. Twenty thousand people are to be invited in over five years under the government’s Vulnerable Persons’ Resettlement Scheme. They will have refugee status, financial support for one year and ‘leave to remain’ for five years. They will be provided with housing, a national insurance number, registration with the NHS, and school places where necessary.

• Those in the same camps who are left behind. There is a scheme that allows them to be invited in under the Private Sponsorship scheme. They will

be given refugee status, but not supported financially.

• Those who have left Syria and crossed Europe to reach the camps in Calais, Boulogne and Dunkirk. These camps also include people fleeing from conflicts and endemic poverty in Iraq, Afghanistan, Congo, Eritrea, Somalia and Sudan. Three out of every four are waiting for housing in France. The main problem for the others is there is no safe or legal means of entry into the United Kingdom.

• Those in the UK who have registered as asylum seekers – probably around 20,000 each year for the last 10 years. Once registered (in Croydon), they are dispersed to areas where housing is cheaper, especially the northwest.

• Those whose applications have failed. Each time their claim is denied they lose all benefits and become destitute. After a refusal they can make another appeal (maximum of three permitted). The final appeal has to be heard in Liverpool, by which time they have no money to pay for their travel here. (Children are currently still entitled to support but there is a bill before parliament to remove support from the children of failed asylum seekers.)

Judge: what would help?

• Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme: Tell the local authorities that our parishes are willing to welcome refugees and will help them integrate

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into the local community.

• Private sponsorship: Endorse the scheme, raise money to support it and look for pilot parish.

• In camps: It is not helpful to send clothes, but we can offer to send money directly via Cafod or CSAN (Caritas Social Action Network).

• In UK: Encourage more support for local organisations e.g. Asylum Link Merseyside (ALM), Support Wigan Arrivals Project (SWAP), Leigh Asylum Seekers and Refugees (LASAR). These organisations have been looking after the poorest people in our diocese for at least 15 years. They need money and volunteers.

Act: what will we decide to do?

Two letters were sent by the Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Father Aidan Prescott, to all clergy to inform them that the diocese was beginning to get organised and to set out the thinking behind the response. Comments from the pulpit and in newsletters have produced offers from many parishioners, including local councillors and members of housing associations, and these have helped us to begin conversations with the local authorities.

Parishes across the diocese, moreover, have been meeting to discuss how to offer practical help, with many of us are realising there is much we can do to help the refugees and asylum seekers who are already here, and find ways to work together and support each other as a Catholic community.

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