2 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + April 2023 CONTACT US: The Catholic Voice of Lancaster is published on the last Sunday of the month previous to publication date. The Catholic Voice of Lancaster is published by its owners. The Trustees of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lancaster, a registered charity, (No. 234331), and is wholly independent of and separate from any previous newspaper published by or on behalf of the diocese. EDITOR: Edwina Gillett 01253 736630 / 07969 967268 edwinagillett@hotmail.co.uk ADVERTISING: Charlotte Rosbrooke / CathCom Ltd. 01440 730399 / 07932 248225 charlotter@cathcom.org www.cathcom.org DESIGN &, LAYOUT: Rob Hotchkiss / Hot Creative 01253 730343 rob@hot-creative.co.uk www.hot-creative.co.uk PUBLISHED BY: CathCom Ltd. N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Blois Road, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Su昀,olk CB9 7BN 020 7112 6710 www.cathcom.org Articles to: voicenews@hotmail.co.uk Letters to: voiceletters@hotmail.co.uk POSTAL ADDRESS: FAO Edwina Gillett 99 Commonside, Ansdell, Lytham St. Annes FY8 4DJ Please send articles for publication on CD or by email, supplying any photos separate to the text (i.e. in jpeg format). Otherwise please type double spacing or write very clearly. Last date for copy is the LAST DAY of the month prior to publication. Photographs will be returned if you remember to put your name and address on the back of each and enclose suitable stamped and self- addressed packaging. T he Second Sunday of Lent is always preceded the day before by the Rite of Election held at the Cathedral in Lancaster when those who are to be received into full communion with the Church at Easter are presented to the Bishop by their sponsors and parish priests. The 昀,rst to be presented are the catechumens, those who are to be baptised. They are each called by their name and presented to Bishop Paul. They are followed by the candidates, those who have already received Christian Baptism. The Rite of Election is the ritual that marks the individual’,s entry into the 昀,nal phase of their preparation to receive the sacraments of initiation, at the Easter Vigil. Following the Rite of Election, they are called the elect, since they have been elected by the Church (in the person of the bishop) to become members. This is a very happy occasion for all those involved and in the life of the Diocese. It is an opportunity for those who are to receive the sacraments at Easter to gather, meet with each other and Bishop Paul to pray for God’,s protection and care. Please pray for those being received this year. Rite of Election 2023

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April 2023 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 3 Mark F H Rae Funeral Directors Dip FD MBIFD Incorporating Rawcliffe and Rae Independent Family Firm A Caring and Personal Service with over 40 years experience Funerals conducted by Mark and Helen Rae Consultant Funeral Director Paddy Keogh Tel: 01253 789000/01253 735269 Wood Street, St Annes on Sea, Lancashrie FY8 1QS Website: www.markraefunerals.co.uk K&,M Maintenance Heating - Electrical - Drainage Established 25 years Telephone: 01772 704530 Fax 01722 798801 Heating, Electrical and Drainage and Plumbing services across the North West of England Gas •, Emergency Boiler Repairs for all makes •, Boiler Installations &, servicing •, Central Heating System repairs/upgrades/leaks •, New fitted Central Heating Systems •, Landlord Gas Safety Certificates (CP12) Electrical •, New consumer units supplied and fitted •, All emergency breakdowns •, Power tripping •, New lighting •, Additional sockets •, Faulty sockets •, Rewiring •, Outdoor lighting/sockets •, EICR - electrial safey certificates Drainage and Plumbing •, Blocked drains, internal and external •, Leaks •, New taps •, Camera surveys Prices Boiler Service - £,49 + VAT plus £,10 for every additional appliance. Tel No: 01772 704530 Mobile: 07941 554730 Fax No: 01772 798801 Address: K &, M Maintenance Services Ltd, Unit 8A, Electron Mill, Brook Street, Preston PR1 7NH More information: www.kmmaintenance.co.uk

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4 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + April 2023 MATTERS YOUTH The Halfway Point! The February half term marked the halfway point of the academic year. As I write, it’,s the 昀,rst day back for the team after half term and so a good chance to take stock and re昀,ect on the year so far. We asked a few of the team to write a short paragraph about their year so far, and this is what they came up with…, “,I have thoroughly enjoyed my year so far at Castlerigg. It’,s been such a great experience, from meeting young people from all di昀,erent backgrounds and lives to being part of a crazy community. I have made friends for life! I can’,t wait to make more memories and this year. I will remember it forever!”, –, Dom “,I’,ve been volunteering with the youth service since August 2022. Throughout my time at Castlerigg Manor so far I’,ve had many opportunities both to grow in my own faith and to help young people grow in theirs. I 昀,nd my work truly rewarding and have seen 昀,rst- hand the impact it has had on those I have ministered to. Community life is also a wonderful one, and I have gained many valuable friendships over the past 6 months.”, –, Katie W “,It has been a great joy to spend time with all the young people that come through our doors. Opening them to the joy of the Gospel and showing them that they are loved by God is one of the many joys of Youth Ministry in the Church.”, –, Katie F Katie Flood –, responsible for the last quote –, has been with us on a temporary contract as a Programme Leader since the Autumn. She left us at the beginning of March for a four month sabbatical in South Carolina before returning to the UK to take up a new post. It has been a real joy working with her. She has had a huge impact on community life and on our retreat work and we will really miss her. Other News One of the biggest developments of late is that we have been working hard to develop our retreat programme. We’,ve put a heck of a lot of work into it over the past few years –, starting during lockdown –, but recently we’,ve made another big stride forward with the advent of di昀,erent themes for each year group. This makes it easier for our team to develop original content, but it also ensures that if young people come back to Castlerigg in di昀,erent year groups then they won’,t get the same programme twice! By the time you read this, Flame 2023 will have happened. At present, the coach from our diocese is almost full and we are looking forward to what promises to be a really exciting day, albeit very long. The coach will leave Castlerigg in the early hours of the morning and get back just before midnight! On the same weekend, we are also holding our 昀,rst preparation weekend for World Youth Day. There are still spaces, but we’,ve got a good crowd signed up already and we are looking forward to visiting Lisbon this summer. The prep weekend will give the group a good chance to bond together and get to know each other before getting on the plane in late July! Join Our Team We are currently looking for gap year volunteers to join our 2023-24 team. We are also looking for a Programme Leader and we may have other posts to advertise soon as well. Check out our website castleriggmanor. com and click on ‘,Current Vacancies.’, If you’,ve got any questions, Email our director, Jack –, director@castleriggmanor. com –, and he will be happy to have a chat. The ministry team at Castlerigg Manor are the heart of the Youth Service. They all stay together and live as part of a community which is a lot of fun! But they work hard too. They welcome groups to the Manor and occasionally go out to schools and parishes too. They give testimony, lead games, help out on walks and other activities, and they also lead small groups, and spend time with the young people letting them know that they matter. Working at Castlerigg is an experience that hundreds of people have had, going all the way back to 1969. It builds con昀,dence and skills, strengthens faith and, as well as anything else, it’,s just a heck of a lot of fun! WHAT’,S COMING UP? World Youth Day // We still have spaces which we are o昀,ering at a very good price. Head to www.castleriggmanor.com for more details. World Youth Day 2023 is happening from July 31st to August 7th and it’,s being held in Lisbon, Portugal. Your chance to get together with millions of other young Catholics, oh and the Pope too! Easter Retreat // April 6-9 2023, £,65 –, journey through the Easter Triduum at Castlerigg Manor. Sign up via our website. LIT // Open Con昀,rmation Retreat, May 26-28. Our open retreat for young people who have recently been con昀,rmed, or are about to be. A chance to make some friends and re昀,ect on what it means to be sealed with the Holy Spirit. Follow Our Social Media Young People –, follow atcastleriggmanor on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Adult Leaders –, follow atcastleriggmanor on Facebook, and you can also follow at YS_Castlerigg on Twitter and Instagram Play the Lottery Did you know that Castlerigg Manor runs a monthly lottery? It’,s there to raise a bit of money for the Youth Service and it’,s a bit of fun too. Plenty of people have won so far! Just to be clear, when we say words like lottery and win, don’,t imagine you’,re going to be going round the Caribbean on a yacht. It’,s not that kind of lottery. Winnings are more like a few hundred quid but look at it this way –, you’,re probably a hundred thousand times more likely to win than the yacht version. Check out www.castleriggmanor.com for more details. The lottery is important to us because it raises some vital funds for Castlerigg and for our work. Why is this important? Well, let’,s just say that we are expecting to pay 昀,fty grand just on electricity and gas during the next 昀,nancial year!! And by the way, if you want to make a donation to Castlerigg Manor without the lottery thing, you can do that too. Again, check out our website.

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April 2023 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 5 Wordsearch! // Last year, we put together a wordsearch for one edition and it proved really popular. Loads and loads of you asked for another one, and so…, here is our Lent and Easter wordsearch. In this grid are 29 words associated with Lent and/ or Easter. Enjoy…, To advertise please contact Charlotte on 07932 248225 or email charlotter@cathcom.org Independent Catholic Funeral Director Arranging and conducting funerals in the Catholic Diocese of Lancaster since 1986 Lytham Funeral Service Ltd. 42 Clifton Street, Lytham FY8 5EW Tel. (01253) 733909 www.lythamfuneralservice.co.uk David Pope dip FD MBIFD

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6 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + April 2023 J ust under 10,000 young Catholics gathered in London at Wembley’,s OVO Arena earlier in March, to celebrate Flame - the National Youth Congress. Organised by CYMFed, the Catholic Youth Ministry Federation of England and Wales, this youth mega event has been described by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, as: “,Fantastic... full of energy, interest, but also prayer - with a deep quietness at times which, to me, has always been the real inner heart of Flame.”, Catholic leaders Cardinal Nichols was one of the speakers alongside a roster of other high-calibre speakers including Cardinal Luis Tagle, Archbishop of Manila and a Pro-prefect in the Vatican’,s Dicastery of Evangelization, and Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB of Perth. Award-winning performers Award-winning rapper Guvna B, a huge hit at Flame 2019, took to the stage as did talented singer-songwriter Adenike, who made such a big impression on ITV’,s The Voice. She goes from audience to big stage having once attended Flame with her parish. One Hope Project, a creative collective encouraging fresh expressions of worship in the Catholic Church, also performed, as did Faith Child, a MOBO and multi- award-winning rapper. Fighting “,Forever Chemicals”, Ohio lawyer Robert Bilott was in town to raise awareness of so-called “,forever chemicals”, - dangerous chemicals that have been dumped into the environment and, worryingly, are found in 99% of humans. Robert has won many accolades for his work litigating against big companies such as DuPont. His story even caught the eye of Hollywood heavyweight Mark Ru昀,alo and was made into the 昀,lm Dark Waters, with Robert played by the renowned actor. Ahead of Flame, Robert spoke to the Bishops’, Conference about how excited he was to be speaking to thousands of young Catholics: “,I’,m just really looking forward to being able to speak to young people. I speak to di昀,erent college groups in universities across the US, because these are the people that have the passion and that are going to make change –, they’,re going to see this through. “,They’,re much more attuned to a lot of these issues than folks in our generation and I love to see that passion. I love to see people who realise that they can make a di昀,erence. One person standing up, speaking out, saying, ‘,you know what, we can change this –, it can happen.’,”, Charity and Clarity Brenden Thompson and Georgia Clarke from Catholic Voices spoke about the need to talk with ‘,charity and clarity’, about the Church and how the organisation was set up after Pope Benedict’,s visit in 2010 to improve the Church’,s representation in the media, and Therese Withers, a Catholic artist, lit up Flame with her artwork and images. CBCEW Communications team Flame 2023 All photos in this article –, ©, Mazur/cbcew.org.uk Christ the King Catholic Academy, Blackpool continues to be a Good School! Ofsted visited Christ the King Catholic Academy in December. The Inspector commented on how happy pupils are and how well they achieve. Reading, provision in Early Years and support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are real strengths of the school. The inspector also praised how kind, caring and considerate pupils are and the wide range of opportunities that are available for pupils to benefit from. The school’,s ambitious curriculum engages all pupils and helps them to achieve so well by the end of Year 6. If you are interested in applying for a Reception place for 2023 for your child in this, or any of our Trust schools, please contact the Headteacher of the school to see if any spaces are available. You are always welcome to visit any of our schools to see us in action. Come and join us! Christ the King Catholic Academy, Blackpool Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Thornton St. Cuthbert’,s Catholic Academy, Blackpool St. Kentigern’,s Catholic Primary School, Blackpool St. Mary’,s Catholic Primary School, Great Eccleston St. Mary’,s Catholic Academy, Blackpool St. Teresa’,s Catholic Primary School, Thornton St. Wulstan’,s &, St. Edmund’,s Catholic Academy, Fleetwood If you are interested in working at any of our schools or the Trust, please visit www.bebcmat.co.uk/recruitment to see our latest vacancies. We would like to wish you all a happy and holy Easter from all at the Blessed Edward Bamber Catholic Family of Schools.

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April 2023 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 7 T he Vatican backed Laudato Si Movement organises an online Laudato Si’, Animators’, Course which is set up to educate and enable people to inspire others, in parishes, schools and in the world at large, to engage in dialogue and action on the current environmental crises. The Course, which starts on the 19 April this year, will educate and empower you to bring the Laudato Si’, Encyclical to life. The Course requirements include weekly readings including chapters from the Laudato Si’, Encyclical, discussion groups, videos to watch, some webinars and some homework which may include things like writing your re昀,ections. The Course will explain the causes and consequences of climate change, will show how the Laudato Si’, Encyclical 昀,ts into Catholic Social Teaching and will encourage a personal ecological conversion to enable action for the planet. A short one minute video is available online at: youtu.be/Sy9YGWle8AA For more information and to register visit: laudatosianimators.org Laudato Si’, Animators Course ©, Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk We would like to thank these schools for always supporting the paper Our Lady’,s Catholic High School St Anthony’,s Drive, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire PR2 3SQ Headteacher: Mr Charnock Tel: 01772 326900 Email: admin@olchs.lancs.sch.uk Web: http://www.olchs.lancs.sch.uk Teacher Training with the Catholic Teaching Alliance The Catholic Teaching Alliance (CTA) is a partnership between 70 Catholic primary and secondary schools, and a post-16 college, led by Our Lady`s Catholic High School with a shared vision and commitment to providing PGCE with QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) courses in partnership with the University of Cumbria. Contact: 01772 326931 Email: CTAschooldirect@olchs.lancs.sch.uk Website: www.catholic-teaching-alliance.org Headteacher Mr S N Corless Etterby Scaur, Carlisle CA3 9PB Headteacher Mr Matthew Harris office@austinfriars.co.uk Tel: 01228 528042 The Mater Christi Trust welcomed the following schools this term: St Pius X Catholic Primary School, Barrow Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School, Dalton St Mary’,s Catholic Primary School, Ulverston We are very pleased that our family of schools is growing. Our Trust is now 13 schools, 11 Primaries and 2 Secondaries across North Lancashire and Cumbria. Tel: 01228 210903 Email: jacky.kennedy@mater-christi.com Chief Executive Officer : Miss Jacky Kennedy

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8 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + April 2023 T he year was 1917, there was war in Europe that was spilling out to encompass the world, the USA entered the First World War in the April. In October turmoil in Russia became a Revolution. In the small unknown Portuguese town of Fatima, Our Lady appeared to children from the May until the October. The Code of Canon Law was promulgated by Pope Benedict XV and a super昀,uity (the collective noun for sisters, I had to look it up!) of Carmelite Sisters from London founded a new Carmel in the North West of England –, here in Preston. And now in February 2023, there is an on-going war in Europe, Russia is in turmoil, the Code of Canon Law has been updated many times and Fatima has become a place of prayer and pilgrimage. And a super昀,uity of Carmelite Sisters are leaving the North West of England to be dispersed across the Carmelite world! And as the great thinker Dr. Seuss once said “,Don’,t cry because it’,s over, smile because it happened.”, And that is why we are gathered here this afternoon to thank God for the gift of this Carmel to the people of Preston and the wider diocese of Lancaster. In the 昀,rst reading Ben Sira (the author of Ecclesiasticus) urges us to praise and bless God for his wondrous works. And the prayer life and witness of this Carmel for over 100 years have been a visible sign of God’,s blessings! Then we are asked to invoke a blessing on all that we may enjoy peace and gladness of heart and the abiding goodness of the Most High. And as the Sisters prepare to leave this place, we are asking for God’,s peace to rest with them and us as a new chapter begins in the life of the community. And, again this is re昀,ected in Jesus teaching his disciples in the Gospel of John. There will be challenges, changes and di

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April 2023 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 9 Bishop with the 昀,nal 昀,ve resident Sisters. closes after 105 years Polly Kikham of Preston a founder member who became Sister Mary Teresa >,>, VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.GREENBARNES.CO.UK EXTERNAL &, INTERNAL NOTICEBOARDS INFORMATION &, INTERPRETATION SIGNS Please contact us on 01280 701093 quoting LV04

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10 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + April 2023 Bishop with resident and visiting carmelites. Farewell Tea. Page 11 continued from Page 8 In the history of the Church, as well as the Catholic history of Preston, many religious communities, parishes and other structures have come and gone. They have all o昀,ered a unique insight into the working of the Spirit and they all play their part in the promoting of the Kingdom and witnessing to the love, compassion and justice of Our Father. The Carmelite Sisters maybe leaving this physical place, but each of them takes memories, friendships and prayers as they move to their new Carmels. The Carmel of Preston may no longer be a physical place, but it will remain a spiritual signpost to community, prayer and service. We thank God for the gift that this Carmel is, but let our farewell, not be one of sadness, but a sign, in the words of Saint Thé,rè,se of Lisieux: I ask you for myself and for those dear to me the grace to ful昀, l perfectly your holy will and to accept for love of you the joys and sorrows of this passing life, so that one day we may be reunite d in Heaven for all eternity. Let me 昀,nish with the Prayer to the Saints of Carmel Holy men and women of Carmel, you found in the Carmelite Family a school of prayer, a community ready to serve others, and sure companions for your pilgrimage through life. From your place at the summit of Mount Carmel, Jesus Christ, help us to walk steadily in his footsteps, that our prayers and good works may further the cause of his Church. Amen. May the prayers and good works of the Sisters of the Preston Carmel further the cause of his Church, both here in Preston and to the new communities where they will be going to. “, Don’,t cry because it’,s over. Smile because it happened ”, Dr Seuss Boarbank Hall Contact: Sr Marian Boarbank Hall, Grange over Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7NH Telephone: 015395 32288 Website: www.boarbankhall.org.uk Canonesses of St Augustine of the Mercy of Jesus “,She who accepts the common life possesses God”, St Augustine A Warm Welcome to Everyone Prayer , Community , Hospitality , Care of the poor and sick Our Lady of Fidelity The church needs religious sisters URGENTLY to bring Christ to others by a life of prayer and service lived in the community of Ignation spirituality. Daily Mass is the centre of community life. By wearing the religious habit we are witnesses of the consecrated way of life. If you are willing to risk a little love and would like to find out how, contact Sister Bernadette Mature vocations considered. CONVENT OF OUR LADY OF FIDELITY 1 Our Lady`s Close, Upper Norwood, London SE19 3FA Telephone 07760 297001 090699502 Our advertisers are great supporters of the Lancaster Voice, so please help them by supporting their businesses SELF STORAGE Secure Units Available Sizes To Suit All Needs Competitive Rates Open 7 Days Curly Tail Storage Park Lane, Forton PR3 0JX Tel: 01524 791837 E: andrew@curlytailstorage .co.uk www.curlytailstorage.co.uk

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April 2023 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 11 T he ecumenical Christian charity organised a rare evening of wonderful virtuoso singing and entertainment in Westminster Cathedral recently featuring the London Welsh Male Voice Choir supported by The Priests in a combined performance compered by Mal Pope of BBC Wales. “,It was a full house”, said FHL Executive Director, Brendan Metcalfe. “,There were over 900 people 昀,lling the Cathedral who had the rare opportunity to listen to London Welsh Male Voice C hoir and The Priests in a marvellous setting with a great atmosphere . “,Our compè,re for the evening Mal Pope, kept us entertained and ensured the evening ran smoothly. It was a great privilege to h ave the generous support of these magni昀,cent talents as well as the Cathedral team and the many volunteers so generous with their time, to make the event a great success. As a result, the conce rt has generated funds of almost £,32,000 from the tickets sales, donations and other income on the night and spread awareness of the essential mission of Friends of the Holy Land to many ne w contacts as over half the people in the audience were previousl y unknown to us. “,I thank all that came out and attended the concert and support ed this event. My question for them is –, What next? I hope they wi ll register to receive our news and keep up to date with the daily challenges faced by our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land, which are getting worse, thereby they can spread the news to their fr iends and local community so the ‘,living stones’, are not forgotten.”, Editors Note: Friends of the Holy Land is a small ecumenical Christian charity (registered charity in England and Wales number 1130054). It works from an o

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12 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + April 2023 A unique insight into science, the cosmos and religion has been shared by the Vatican’,s Chief Astronomer during a public talk at Heriot-Watt University on 6 February. Vatican’,s Chief Astronomer delivers Public Lecture on God and the Universe B rother Guy Consolmagno, travelled from Rome to the University’,s Edinburgh campus to deliver the 2023 Annual Public Lecture hosted by the University Chaplaincy. More than 300 people attended the event in person as Brother Guy discussed what happens when political and social pressures mix with science. Ahead of his talk, Brother Guy took a few moments to explain the Vatican’,s deep-rooted interest in science, saying: “,A lot of people wonder, why does the Pope hire astronomers? Wh y do we have an observatory? The short answer is simply to show t he world that the Church supports science. “,The Vatican has been involved in astronomy since the reform of the calendar in the 1580s - that’,s more than 400 years ago. We have telescopes now in both Rome and in a mountain top of Arizona, which are pioneers for the new way of making telescopes. At the Vatican, we’,ve got photographic plates - 10, 000 photographic plates - of astronomical objects as seen over the last 120 years. We’,ve got 1,000 meteorites, samples of every asteroi d that we’,ve been able to sample, including meteorites from Mars and the Moon.”, “,Space reminds me both how big the universe is, and how much bigger God is who created that universe.”, The Vatican Observatory, which is based near Rome in the province of Castel Gandolfo, is one of the world’,s oldest active astronomical observatories, with its roots traced back to 1582. It operates its own state-of-the-art telescope, has one of the world’,s largest meteorite collections and has been making important contributions to science and astronomy for 400 years. Brother Guy and many of his team are Jesuits, a religious order of priests and brothers in the Catholic Church who work in areas including education and research. Reverend Jane Howitt is Chaplain of Heriot-Watt University and the main organiser of the event. She said: “,Our thanks go to Brother Guy for sharing a truly fascinating insight on science and religion. Thanks also to everyone who took the time to come alo ng to this event. “,Our Annual Public Lecture is one of the highlights of our year and we aim to cover interesting subjects from experts in their 昀,eld , always looking to see how faith intersects with academic discip lines. “,The Lectures are, of course, about education but they are also important in sharing the work carried out by the Chaplaincy to sta昀,, students and with members of the public. “,Our Chaplaincy is open to everyone from all backgrounds and cultures. We hold events throughout the year to which people of all faiths and no religious faith are welcome.”, Further details of these events can be found on the Heriot-Watt website –, www.hw.ac.uk –, Brother Guy was planning to deliver further lectures in St Andrews, Stonyhurst, and London.

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April 2023 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 13 J ohn Chantry of Our Lady Star of the Sea, St Annes, and Mike Laking of St Andrews &, Blessed George Haydock in Cottam, Preston are Year 2 students on the Northern Diaconate Formation Programme and have recently received a Certi昀,cate in Pastoral Ministry. Among other learning, a central part of their diaconate formation, over the past 2 years, has been to study for a Certi昀,cate in Pastoral Ministry through a programme run by Loyola University Chicago. This is a programme for anyone, catechists, lay people and clergy to provide up to date knowledge, skills, and education for pastoral ministry. Anyone with an interest in an overview of the Old and the New Testament, history of Church in Britain, Vatican II, growing in Congratulations to John and Mike faith, Parish communities and Catholic Social Teaching would 昀,nd it very interesting. John and Mike graduated from this programme on 18th February 2023 in a ceremony presided by Bishop Tom Williams at the Liverpool Archdiocese O

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14 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + April 2023 F riends –, welcome to St Joseph’,s Church to receive with sadness the body of Msgr. Joseph Patrick Branson. Msgr. Joe would want his life to be remembered as a re昀,ection of Sacri昀,ce that he chose in following in Our Lord’,s Footsteps. Msgr. Joe would also hope that this Mass be a Celebration of a life well lived, freely given by God, and freely taken back. Msgr. Joe was a man of great joyfulness! with the ability to engage comfortably with all ages in interesting conversation whoever they were, from all walks of life. He was a storehouse of information ranging from his tremendous interest in and knowledge of the history of Lancaster, but also the most mundane things like the price of tuna or where petrol was the cheapest, and of course where to 昀,nd the bests deal on a second- hand Mercedes car! As for his preference as to exactly how he liked his lasagna cooked, well that was well-known in our house, as my wife would be told on several occasions, especially if it didn’,t quite come up to his standard. Msgr. Joe was born on Aldren’,s Lane near to St. Joseph’,s church in 1937, as a young boy he was an altar server here at St Joseph’,s church for over 30 years rising to the rank of head Altar server. Msgr. Joe was a Rock to his family ‘,The Barnes’,s’,, who knew him as ‘,Uncle Pat’, , and was a Lifelong friend to the Watson, Rutledge, and Lamory Families. Apparently, he even had piano lessons but that didn’,t last long as his father put a sledgehammer through the piano since he wasn’,t doing any practise! Msgr. Joe was a late vocation to the Priesthood as he experienced a vast experience of all types of employment before going on to the Priesthood, such as working as a car salesman, as an assistant at Calvert and Heals and as a salesman for selling Ambulances Monsignor Joseph Patrick Branson R.I.P. around the country. Msgr. Joe even ventured to the Isle of Man as a seller of women’,s Hosiery–, and had many original pitch lines! He never got over a Manxman saying to him in the Hotel, ‘,so you’,re a come over then’, to which Joe replied when he found out the man’,s brother came over to the UK –, ‘,so he’,s a go over then!’, The only quali昀,cation Msgr. Joe ever had in life was LIK –, licence to kill animals. He knew every cut of meat from every animal that passed through a butcher’,s shop and would often appear at our house for a meal with some huge cut of meat which he had acquired from some anonymous source! Msgr. Joe was ordained in Rome and became a Curate and later a Parish Priest in the Plymouth diocese. He was sent to minister in Prisons as a chaplain by his bishop and eventually became Head of Catholic Chaplaincy of prisons in UK and then President of the International Commission for Catholic Prison Ministry –, respectfully turning down an OBE in humility! Msgr. Joe, whilst serving in the Plymouth Diocese became Chaplain to the Royal Marine’,s Commando division and Chaplain to the Apostolate of the Sea –, even in his Eighties took on the role as Chaplain on the Queen cruise liners –, and found himself ministering to the Philippine and Indian crew, many of whom lost their family relatives in the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. Msgr. Joe visited nearly every country on the globe apart from Russia and Australia, as testi昀,ed by Christmas Cards arriving every year from all over the world. Joe had so many friends from all over the world, many of whom will have fond memories not just of his friendship but of all the practical support he was always willing to give, often at a cost to himself. Msgr. Joe, whilst on his 昀,nal tour as Eulogy delivered by Deacon Stephen Pendlebury at the Requiem Funeral on Wednesday 4th January 2023 at St. Joseph’,s Church, Lancaster. Church Supplies –, serving Schools, Business and Homes Our advertisers are great supporters of the Lancaster Voice, so please help them by supporting their businesses To advertise please contact Charlotte on 07932 248225 or email charlotter@cathcom.org

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April 2023 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 15 President of the International Commission for Catholic Prisons Ministry developed Throat Cancer in the late 1990’,s –, 2000 and had to retire from the Prison Service and Priestly work for the Plymouth Diocese. However, little did Joe know that this would open up a whole new life. Whilst recovering in Sri Lanka, he developed a friendship with a young man who was looking after him –, Kumara Silva, and this struck up a lasting friendship for the last 26 years of his life, so much so that Joe adopted Kumara, Dishani and their three children as his God Family. Joe continued to look after them in many ways, visiting them once a year in December. Kumara, Dishani and their children were heartbroken to hear the news of his passing especially as he’,d already purchased his 昀,ight ticket to visit them in January …, sadly it was not to be! Msgr. Joe also managed to support two Orphanages, one for girls in Sri Lanka and an India Orphanage for children with Aids. He would often pack suitcases of clothes and other items to take out to the Orphanage’,s. My wife and I had the privilege of visiting the Sri Lankan Orphanage to see the amazing di昀,erence Joe made to their lives. Msgr. Joe settled back home in Lancaster to retire on health grounds, but he had other ideas about that! He launched himself into helping parishes throughout the Lancaster Diocese, helping numerous Parish Priests to take holidays. Joe took on the task of providing his pastoral services at Nazareth House. He will no doubt be greatly missed as he would celebrate Mass 昀,ve days a week with the resident’,s, Priests and Sisters, always taking time to sit and chat, bringing his usual joy and laughter to all he met. Joe was also a great supporter of St. Joseph’,s Parish here in Lancaster and especially our church choir, only recently in December he not only came to support our Primary school Christmas Services but also our annual Advent Meditation Evening! Most of all though, Joe was my friend and brother in Christ and since my ordination to the Permanent Diaconate in 2001, we developed a friendship that would last over 22 years and was regarded as a member of our family. Again, I return to the word joy as he always brought us so much love, friendship, humour and steadfast support in so many ways to our family. The loss we feel at the passing of such a great friend and Priest will, we know, be experienced by so many of his close family and friends but also by the many parishioners and all those who knew him in so many di昀,erent roles. We can only thank God for all the tremendous blessings his holy life has brought to those who knew him and pray that he now rests in Peace in the Arms of our loving father. …, There are two humorous stories I would like to 昀,nish with. Joe had a dry sense of humour and would often take people to a certain plot of land near Halton and then reveal to them that they were ‘,standing on his grave’, ! He would often jokingly comment to Anna, my wife that he wanted his co

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16 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + April 2023 Catenians Celebrate Long Service A t a recent meeting of Lytham St Annes Circle of the Catenian Association a joint scroll presentation session was held. GB National President Bro. Roger Lillie was delighted to acknowledge Bro. Tom Carter’,s 60 years with the Association. Tom celebrates his 99th birthday on 27 March. Tom recently fell over his wheelie bin but we are pleased to report that his mobility has improved of late. GB National VP Bro. Mark Conroy presented a 40-year scroll to Province 10s Provincial Secretary Bro. Mike Grayston, Bro. Marks own province. Bro. Mike has been Province Secretary since 2006 following his year as Provincial President and earlier years as Provincial Treasurer. Robert Thompson +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Information about the Association can be found at: www.thecatenians.com Easter Mass Times Wishing all our readers a Holy and Happy Easter from all at CathCom and the Diocese of Lancaster Our Lady Star of the Sea, St Anne’,s on the Sea Holy Saturday 8.00pm Easter Vigil Easter Sunday 9.30am (Family Mass), 11.00am Mass Preston The Parish of St. John XXIII St. Joseph’,s Presbytery, Caroline Street, All in St Joseph’,s Church Holy Thursday 7pm Mass of the Lord`s Supper GOOD FRIDAY 10am: Stations of the Cross 3pm: The Celebration of the Lord’,s Passion HOLY SATURDAY 3pm Blessing of Easter Baskets 8pm The Easter Vigil EASTER SUNDAY 11.15am Easter Sunday solemnity St. Bernadette`s Bispham Maundy Thursday 7pm Mass of the Lords Supper. 9.50pm Night prayer Friday 10am Stations of the Cross 3pm Solemn Celebration of the Passion of Our Lord and Holy Saturday 7pm Vigil and Service of Light Easter Sunday 10am Easter Sunday Mass The Easter Triduum at St. Joseph’,s and St .Peter’,s 2023 Ansdell and Lytham Maundy Thursday 6th April St. Joseph’,s 7pm Mass of the Lord’,s Supper with Washing of the Feet, Blessed Sacrament Procession and watching until 10pm with Night Prayer of the Church at 9:50pm Good Friday 7th April Stations of the Cross St. Peter’,s 10am and St. Joseph’,s 7pm St. Joseph’,s 3pm and St. Peter’,s 3pm Solemn Celebration of the Passion of the Lord Holy Saturday 8th April St. Joseph’,s 7pm Easter Vigil and Service of Light Easter Sunday 9th April St. Joseph’,s 9:15am Easter Sunday Morning Mass St. Peter’,s 10:30am Easter Sunday Morning Mass

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