Sunday Reflections

by Fr Terry Madden MAfr ‘That was good. We should do it more often’ is what the Imam said to me at the end of prayer. Others said the same, reiterating the same feeling I had, despite the cold, biting wind and rain, on Friday 4 February, as we prayed for peace on the steps of the Metropolitan Cathedral. Our prayer was especially for a peaceful outcome from the confrontation between Russia and Ukraine. But we also put up a banner with the names of more than 10 countries who are presently being torn apart by violent and mortal conflict. A small group of some 40 or 50 people gathered. Hindu, Anglican, Muslim, Roman Catholic, Ukrainian Catholic Church: we all prayed to our God of Peace. A number of our parishes were represented. Pax Christi were there, as were Archbishop Malcolm, who gave the Blessing, and Bishop Tom Williams, the Sisters from Seel Street, the Sacred Heart Sisters, the FCJ, and our own Cardinal, Michael Fitzgerald. It was proof that religion is not always divisive but can unite, can bring together for the good of all. It reminded me of Psalm 133; ‘How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes.’ This is, indeed, something we should do, together and more often. In this age of secularism and individualism, it was good to see Faith in God bringing people together to build a world of Peace and Justice. This is surely the Kingdom of God that we all seek. And it begins here on earth. (Picture Rev Miranda Threlfall-Holmes)

Independent charity, Nugent has today announced that its St Helens based secure children’s home Marydale, has received an outstanding Ofsted report, with the premises labeled as a place where ‘children benefit from a range of stimulating and purposeful activities that enable them to spend their time constructively.’ With Marydale now the only secure home in the country run by a charity to receive an outstanding Ofsted report, the home was also visited by Josh MacAlister, chair of The Independent Review of Children’s Social Care, and Will Quince, the Government’s children and families minister. While on his visit, Mr MacAlister was able to meet staff and residents at Marydale, seeing first-hand the highly effective services provided at the premises, with all of these consistently exceeding the ‘standards of good’ in the eyes of Ofsted. Normandie Wragg, Nugent CEO, said: "We take great pride in Marydale and for the children’s home to be held in such high regard by Ofsted is fantastic, after months of dedicated work, compassion and trauma informed training behind the scenes. “Welcoming Minister Quince and Josh MacAlister through our doors and showcasing Marydale as best practice throughout the sector is a glowing testament to Nugent, Dr Kate Herod and her deputies, our staff members and the children that live and learn inside these premises. “Throughout our 140 year history, our volunteers and employees have continued to be the beating heart of Nugent, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without them, with this statement just as true today as it was in 1881.” Josh MacAlister, chair of The Independent Review of Children’s Social Care, said: “I’ve really enjoyed today’s visit and have particularly appreciated the chance to talk to children living here at Marydale. “Where secure children’s homes are offering quality care I’m always keen to learn as much as I can and think about how we can make this the norm rather than the exception.” Will Quince, children and families minister, said: “It was great to be able to visit St Helens with Josh MacAlister to see what an outstanding children’s home looks like. All young people deserve to be supported and protected and I want every looked-after child across the country to have access to the same high-quality care. “From 2023, all providers of accommodation for children in care up to the age of 18 will be regulated by Ofsted and will be subject to new mandatory national standards. We are also investing in the largest package of children’s social care placements since 2010, backed by £259 million.” Kate Herod, head of secure children’s care at Nugent, said: “We are over the moon to have been rated as an outstanding home, primarily because the most vulnerable children in our country deserve nothing less than outstanding care. “Marydale prioritises relationships in our work; we understand the importance of forming meaningful and authentic relationships, in order to support children to overcome their challenges and transition into adulthood, in order to achieve their full potential.”