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PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 3 19/3/09 12:31 Page 2

PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE 1

CONTENTS

Portsmouth People is the diocesanpublication for the Catholic Dioceseof Portsmouth. It is distributed free ofcharge to parishes and other groupsin the Diocese which coversHampshire, the Isle of Wight, theChannel Isles and parts of Berkshire,Dorset and Oxfordshire. ThePortsmouth Roman Catholic DiocesanTrust is a registered charity (number246871) with its address at DiocesanOffice, St Edmund House, EdinburghRoad, Portsmouth PO1 3QAwww.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

Editor:

Dr Jeremy L Kettle-WilliamsDepartment for Pastoral FormationPark Place Pastoral CentreWinchester RoadWICKHAM Hampshire PO17 5HA

editor@portsmouthdiocese.org.ukt: +44(0)23 9283 3121f: +44(0)23 9287 2172

Advisory panel: Fr Denis Blackledge,Barry Hudd, Nicky Stevens

Distribution Manager: John RossArea Contact (Reading and Newbury):Colin Parkes (colin.parkes@gmail.com)

Portsmouth People, produced onforest-sustainable paper (Rotis SemiSans 10 pt), is a bi-monthly publicationdistributed no later than the lastworking day of every odd month.Material for publication should besubmitted to The Editor in electronicformat (Guidelines available on request)no later than the first working day ofevery month of publication. All rights ofreproduction, translation and adaptationreserved for all countries. The Editorreserves the right to edit material. Allmaterial received for publication isunderstood to be free of copyright andany form of restraint. No undertaking,except by prior arrangement, can bemade to return any material submittedby post. There can be no guarantee ofpublication for material submitted norcan the Editor or any other officer enterinto discussions regarding decisions toedit or not to publish. PortsmouthPeople does not commission nor acceptmaterial on a fee basis. Views expressedin Portsmouth People are notnecessarily the views of the CatholicDiocese of Portsmouth, its affiliatedcompanies and charities, employeesthereof or persons otherwise associateddirectly or indirectly. All material ispublished in good faith, withoutguarantee.

Hat-tricks, whether in football or cricket or so many other areas ofhuman endeavour, can often be inspiring. Three in a row! Theconnotations of the number three are many and varied. For usChristians there is one very important and over-riding connotation.But, those matters apart, this issue of our magazine (no. 3 in thisformat) spans three important milestones in the Church's calendar:(1) Lent, a period of self-denial, cleansing, preparation; (2) theCrucifixion, when we witness selfless sacrifice and the horrors ofexecution and (3) the Resurrection which, celebrated at Eastertide,finally makes sense of and brings reason to Christ's ministry. So itis that all those working on, responsible for and associated withPortsmouth People wish you a Happy Easter.

PORTSMOUTHPEOPLE

Contents

Bishop's Bulletin 2 & 3Profiles 7 & 8A Nun's Story by Sr Claire Bernadette 4Welcome to Archbishop Cornelius 5Pastoral Area Profile by Colin Parkes 6Parsons Pointers by John Parsons 7Calendar 9Prie-Dieu by Fr Denis Blackledge 10Portsmouth welcomes The Little Flower 11Letters 12Our Amazing Future priests by Colin Parkes 14Live Issues by Dominica Roberts 16A Broader View by Lawrence Fullick 17Movers and Shakers 18News & Announcements 20RCIA 22The Apostleship of the Sea 23Just for Juniors 24Bookmark 25A New Church by Mgr Vincent Harvey 26Peter E Ball's Christus 27Christ is Risen! by Jeremy Corley 28

Design and Print by Great White Graphicst: 023 9238 8087

Photograph cover (front): Christus sculptored by Peter E. Ball (www.petereball.com) featured on page 27.Photograph © Barry Hudd.Photographs cover (back i/s and o/s): © Tony Smith (www.taffysmith.com)Acknowledgement: Photographs Peter E. Ball © Peter E. Ball, Sr Clare © James Clevett

PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 3 19/3/09 12:31 Page 3

PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE 3

Bishop Crispian’s EngagementsBISHOP’S BULLETIN

Stewardship of Diocesan Finances in the Credit CrunchThe global financial downturn has had an effect on all of us in one way and another and the diocesan finances areno exception. Portsmouth People spoke with the Diocesan Financial Secretary, Deacon Stephen Morgan, to ask howthe diocese was faring in these difficult times.

PP: Stephen, people are very worried about the effects ofthe Credit Crunch. How is the diocese weathering thestorm?

SM: The diocese is a very complex organisation and much ofthe financial muscle of the diocese resides with the parishes.Almost all our parishes are run very well financially and I'dlike to extend a huge thank-you to the Parish Priests,Treasurers, Gift Aid Organisers and Finance Committees whodo such a good job. Parishes run their finances very tightlyand for many there is not much room to manoeuvre. That'swhy we run a centralised banking system which allows us touse the surpluses in some parishes to help out those who areshort. Centrally the diocese is not wealthy and we relyupon a levy (a sort of tax) on parish incomes to make surethat we can provide for central expenditure on services forthe parishes and schools and to administer the diocese. Thislast area has got very much more complicated (and thereforeexpensive) over the last twenty years as successivegovernments have imposed more and more rules relating tofinance, charity law, education and health and safety.Nevertheless, on pure administration, we spend less than 3%of our total income and the diocesan trustees keep a verytight rein on things.

PP: What are the most difficult challenges facing thediocese as finances become tighter?

SM: I'd say that these fall into three areas. First, with thefall-off in interest rates and the performance of companieson the stock market, our income, both in the parishes and

centrally, is going to fall quite dramatically next year. Thiswill mean that we are all going to have to watch everypenny that we spend. I am very aware that the money wespend comes from the people of the diocese and I think it isincumbent upon me and all those with responsibility forspending to remember this at all times. The second area isin communicating to people the need for giving and givingefficiently. The average weekly giving per person at Mass inour diocese is £2.70. In one sense we should be pleased thatthe figure is higher than in our neighbouring dioceses, but inanother, we need to recognise that this is about a third ofwhat other Christians in our diocese give to their churches.We also need to remember that this figure has only risen byabout 9p, or less than 3.5%, over the last ten years duringwhich the cost of most of things we buy has risen muchfaster. We are quite good at getting back money from thegovernment under the Gift Aid scheme, but anyone whopays tax and isn't part of our scheme needs to join. Finally,the third challenge is how we continue to pay for the bigitems: we've built one new church in the last five years andwe have two or three others on the stocks. These are veryexpensive projects - rarely costing less than £2 or 3 million -and often the places that need churches are parisheswithout much money. The education, training, care andsupport of the clergy is another area where we spend a greatdeal of money. We are very blessed to have 9 men trainingfor the priesthood - pray for them and that we might havemore - but, if we are to give them the best possiblepreparation for ministry, we have to be prepared to pay forit. All of this comes down to the careful and responsiblestewardship of the resources that God has given us all.

PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE2

BISHOP’S BULLETIN

PASTORAL LETTERLENT 2009Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

One of my earliest childhood memories isof Christmas afternoons being made by mymother to sit down and write 'thank you'letters to all who had given me presents.And it didn't stop there; from an early age,it was drilled into me that whenever Ireceived hospitality from anyone, be it ameal or a stay as a guest, I was alwaysexpected to write a 'thank you' letterafterwards. Like many of the disciplines Iacquired when I was young, this one hasremained with me to this day. It's helpedme to develop what the Americans mightcall 'an attitude of gratitude', and I thinkthat's something very important.

We live increasingly in a culture of rightsand blame. Everything is ours by 'right' andif we don't get our rights, we immediatelylook for someone or something to blame.We are in serious danger of losing sight ofthe fact that almost everything we havecomes to us as gift. Once we lose sight ofthat, then thankfulness goes out of thewindow.

The greatest gift we have is our life which,our faith tells us, can only come from God,the author of life. With that life, therecomes the essential freedom to be theperson God wants us to be. We read ofJesus weeping over the city of Jerusalembecause it failed to recognise him and Ifeel sure that there must be times when heweeps over us because we fail to recognisethe extraordinary giftedness which is ours,gifts which make it possible for us to liveas children of God.

If we had a strong and developed senseof thanks for all God's gifts to us, thenwe would always want to do our best touse those gifts to the full. That's realgratitude and it's here - with thatprofound attitude of gratitude - that Iwant to start this simple Lentenreflection.

First of all then, we need to renew ourrecognition of all that God has given us.This means giving time to God to ponderand reflect and to pray. I don't mean timethat's necessarily full of words andfrantic activity. I mean quality time - andsilence - when we can pray and listen tothe Lord who gives us life and whoinvites us to share life with him. Whenwe listen to the Lord, when we seek hisface in prayer, then we begin tounderstand how everything that we areand everything we have comes to us ashis gift - and we can be profoundlythankful.

Secondly, Lent challenges us to developan appetite and hunger for God, which issharpened by whatever discipline wechoose. This isn't fasting for fasting'ssake - that's not very helpful - fasting isa very special way of putting Jesus moreand more at the centre of our lives sothat we can grasp hold of what is reallyimportant. It can happen through prayersand devotions; it can happen because wegive time to others. But it's certainly truethat the more time we give to the Lordand to seeking his face, the less weconcentrate on ourselves and our ownneeds. Fasting, in its broadest sense, helpsus to recognise more richly the sheer giftin the life that God has given us.

And then there isalmsgiving, thethird traditionalfeature of ourLenten observance.This is a challenging andgenerous using and sharing of all the giftswe have. It may mean giving money to thepoor; it may be helping others by givingthem time and love; it may be givingservice in all sorts of ways to our parish orto our community. And it may mean that,in these difficult days of recession, we doall we can to make ourselves and ourcommunities aware of all those who arefinding things very difficult and doing ourbest to help them. But whatever we do,Lent is about giving and sharing theabundance that we have, all of which isGod's gift to us.

This makes Lent a real time of stewardship,which is a spirituality which is becomingmore and more one of the importantfeatures of the implementation of thePastoral Plan and increasingly part of ourdiocesan culture. Stewardship begins withthat attitude of gratitude. It's aboutrecognising our gifts and using them forthe Lord and for the community. It's aboutrecognising and using our time, ourtalents and our treasure and it challengesus to use our gifts generously for God andfor our brothers and sisters. 'See', God saysto us in today's first reading, 'I am doing anew deed, I am making a path in thewilderness, paths in the wilds.' We becomeGod's new deed as he transforms usduring Lent. He uses what he has given us,and our thankfulness, to transform andtransfigure the wilderness of the societythat surrounds us.

Thankfulness, prayer, fasting and generoussharing of gifts are the traditionalhallmarks of Lent. When we embracethem generously then, more and more, weare brought face to face with Christ wholoves us and gives himself for us. ThisLenten journey of faith, on which we aresetting out and which we share with somany others, leads us more into being trueand faithful disciples. The Lenten journeybrings us to the face and heart of Christand it's there that we truly find our way ofproclaiming and being the Good News ofthe Kingdom.

May God bless you all,

+Crispian

APRIL 2009

Wed 1 Visit to Christ the King Primary School, Reading 10.30 - 12.30 pmThu 2 Winchester, Bishop's Council, St. Edward the Confessor,

Chandler's Ford, Three Rivers Pastoral Area 7.00 - 9.00 pmFri 3 Liverpool, Mass 5.30 pm to mark the 25th Anniversary of

Archbishop Patrick Kelly's Episcopal OrdinationSun 5 St. John's Cathedral, Portsmouth, Mass 10.00 amTue 7 St. John's Cathedral, Portsmouth, Chrism Mass 11.00 amWed 8 CAC Meeting 2.30 pmThu 9 St. John's Cathedral, Portsmouth, Mass of the Lord's Supper 7.30 pmFri 10 St. John's Cathedral, Portsmouth, Solemn Liturgy 3.00 pmSat 11 St. John's Cathedral, Portsmouth, Easter Vigil 8.00 pmSun 12 St. John's Cathedral, Portsmouth, Mass 10.00 amThu 23 Bishop's House, Portsmouth, Diocesan Trustees Meeting 10.00/10.30 amFri 24 Winchester, Implementation Steering Group Meeting 1.00 pmSat 25 St. Bede's, Basingstoke, Celebration of Marriage Mass 11.00 amSun 26 St. Stephen's, Winchester, Mass 9.15 amMon27- 30 Leeds, Bishops' Meeting

MAY 2009

Sat 2 The Immaculate Conception, Moycullen, Galway,Ordination of Patrick Madden to the Priesthood 3.00 pm

Tue 5 St. Patrick's, Woolston, Southampton East Pastoral Area 7.00 - 9.00 pmWed 6 St. Chad's Cathedral, Birmingham, Mass to mark the

Golden Jubilee of Bishop Philip Pargeter 11.30 am

Thu 7 Christ the King, Reading, Loddon Valley Pastoral Area 7.00 - 9.00 pmFri 8 St. Cecilia's Abbey, Ryde, Solemn Profession of Sister Antonia Badger

Our Lady of Mercy & St. Joseph's, Lymington,150th Anniversary Mass 7.00 pmSat 9 Cathedral Discovery Centre, Portsmouth,

Catholic Women's League AGM - Mass 12.15 pmSun 10 St. Swithun's, Yateley, Mass 10.30 amTue 12 London, Study Day for Bishops on Safeguarding 10.00 - 4.00 pm

Bishop's House, Portsmouth, Reception for Archbishop Cornelius,Archbishop of Bamenda 7.30 pm

Wed 13 Lymington, New Forest Pastoral Area 7.00 - 9.00 pmThu 14 St. Joseph's, Christchurch, Confirmation for Avon Stour Pastoral Area 7.00 pmFri 15 St. John's College, Southsea, Founders Day 10.00 am

Park Place Pastoral Centre, Wickham, Diocesan Pastoral Council Meeting pmSat 16 Park Place Pastoral Centre, Wickham, Diocesan Pastoral Council Meeting am

Havant, Inactive Priests LunchSun 17 St. Thomas More, Hartley Wintney, Mass 8.30 am

Oaklands School, Waterlooville, Youth Mass 3.00 pmTue 19 Confirmation for North East Hampshire Pastoral Area 7.00 pmWed 20 Cathedral Discovery Centre, Portsmouth,

Day for Newly Qualified Teachers 9.30 - 3.00 pmSt. Laurence, Petersfield ,Petersfield/Alton Pastoral Area 7.00 - 9.00 pm

Thu 21 Guernsey, Confirmation for Guernsey Pastoral AreaFri 22 Guernsey, Catholic Mutual Meeting amSun 24 Preach at Caversham Heights Methodist Church 100th Anniversary 10.30 amTue 26 Bishop's House, Portsmouth, Cathedral Chapter Meeting 11.00 amThu 28 St. Joseph's, Maidenhead, Bishop's Council MeetingFri 29 St. Thomas More, Iford, 70th Anniversary Celebration 7.00 pmSun 31 St. John's Cathedral, Portsmouth, Confirmation for Pompey Pastoral Area 3.00 pm

CRISPIAN HOLLIS BISHOP OF PORTSMOUTH

Photograph © jlkw

PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 3 19/3/09 12:31 Page 4

PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE 5

Welcome to ArchbishopCornelius of Bamenda!May Visit to our Diocese from ourtwinned Diocese of Bamenda Cameroon

From11 to 24 May, at the personal invitation of our Bishop Crispian, ArchbishopCornelius, accompanied by Fr. Ignatius Waindim, will be visiting our diocese.Bamenda has always been so warm in its welcome to our bishops, priests andlay visitors, and now we in turn say 'welcome' during our guests’ stay with us.

PROFILE

PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE4

FEATURE

Sisters and brothers, may the Lord give youpeace. My name is Clare BernadetteKnowles and I am a member of theFranciscan Missionary Sisters ofLittlehampton. I joined the FMSL eightyears ago in September 1999. LastSeptember I made my final profession ofvows in this Congregation. I am currentlybased in our convent in Canterbury where Iserve as a formator of three novice Sisters.I am also working on a PhD in Franciscanspirituality.

My earliest memory of vocation was whenI was about 10 years old. I attended a fewday retreats with my family led by aFranciscan friar. I remember beingimpressed by his lifestyle and teaching.

It made me want to be like him. In myteens, I also felt drawn to religious life. Myparents wisely advised me to finish myeducation first, see more of life, thendecide.

During my time at University, I deliberatelyforgot about the question of religiousvocation. I took on the same ambitions asmany of my fellow students: get a stablegraduate career, good social life, my ownplace to live, maybe get married and havea family.

After University, I did get a graduate jobwith career prospects in a printing firm,rented my own flat, had a fine social life.But I was not happy or fulfilled. Aftersome romances that didn't work, I becamesure that marriage was not my vocation.

It was when I went on a weekend retreatthat a crisis came in prayer. I felt the hugegap between what I believed in my heartand my self-centred, materialistic lifestyle.Then, in prayer, I saw myself as a Sister, mylife's direction in God's hands, my work andtalents used to spread God's word and lovein the world. I saw myself living simply incommunity, free from all possessions andfalse images, just being myself for God.

In this, I felt a surge of joy and excitement,as if a door to freedom had opened.

I began to enquire into various women'sOrders, writing letters and making visitswhile continuing in my job, sharing myjourney with a spiritual director. Finally,the Holy Spirit led me back to my originalcall to be a Franciscan, and to the FMSL,where I saw women living out the spiritthat was in my heart.

Since then, I've found joy in the study ofFranciscan spirituality and sharing this withothers. I've lived happily in Bradford,Canterbury and Southern India. My workhas involved: helping the homeless, poor,housebound, sick, drug addicts, youth,Gospel sharing, music ministry, teaching,writing, leading retreats, vocationspromotion and spiritual formation of newFranciscan Sisters. Even with the normalups and downs of life, I find deep peaceand joy in knowing I am where I'm meantto be, following Jesus ever more closely inongoing conversion. I wish that everyperson could know the happiness of livingtheir true vocation, whatever it may be.

For further details of the FMSL email:fmsl@franciscan.co.uk

A Nun's Story

PROGRAMMETues 12 May 7.30 pm Bishop's Crispian's buffet reception for his guests. They

will meet Bishop Crispian, the Bamenda Committee, and other priests and laypeople who have served or visited Bamenda.

Wed 13 May 8.45 am Assembly and visit to Oaklands School Waterlooville. 7.30 pm Visit to St. Colman's Parish, Cosham

Thu 14 May 8.45 am Mass and Visit at St. Edmund's School Portsmouth. 7.30 pm Visit to St. Joseph's Parish, Copnor

Fri 15 May 6.00 pm Attend Diocesan Pastoral Council Meeting at Park Place

Sat 16 May Diocesan Pastoral Council Meeting cont'd.

Sun 17 May 10.00 am Solemn Mass at the Cathedral12 noon - 4.30 pm Attend with Bishop Crispian 'YEBO' Youth Dayand celebrate Mass for Youth at Oaklands School Waterlooville.

Tue 19 May am Visit to Diocesan Offices at Portsmouth and Park Placepm Visit to Southampton Clinicare International7.30 pm. Mass and social event at Immaculate Conception Parish for the People of Southampton P.A.

Wed 20 May 9.30 am Mass and visitation at All Hallows Farnham twinned with St. Paul's Nkwen - Bamenda2 pm Visit to Bishop Challoner Comprehensive School Basingstoke

Thu 21 May to be announced

Fri 22 May Lunch at the Mill Hill Generalate at Maidenhead.

Sat 23 May 6.30 pm Mass and evening at English Martyrs Reading

Sun 24 May 11.00 am Mass at St James Reading + reception

Terminology DatabankWe continue with part three in our series ofecclesiastical terms

Eucharist: A name for the Mass, meaning 'thanksgiving'.Also a term used for the Sacrament of the Body andBlood of Christ.

Extreme Unction: Sacrament of strengthening celebratedwith those who are seriously ill. More commonly knownas 'Anointing of the Sick'.

Gloria: Hymn of praise to God the Father, Son and HolySpirit, sung at Mass on Sundays (not used in Advent orLent).

Godparent: A member of the Church who accompaniesan adult or child preparing for baptism and offersongoing support to them in their life of faith afterbaptism.

Gospel: An account of the ministry, death andresurrection of Jesus found in four versions in the NewTestament, according to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.A selection from one of the gospels is proclaimed at everyMass.

Grace: The life of God within us

Holy Communion: The reception of the Body and Bloodof Christ at Mass, under the form of bread and wine.

Holy Days of Obligation: Days when all Catholics mustattend Mass. These include Epiphany, Ascension, CorpusChristi, SS Peter and Paul, the Assumption, All Saints, andChristmas Day. Every Sunday is also a holyday ofobligation.

Holy Orders: The Sacrament conferring the ministry ofBishop, Priest and Deacon

Infallibility: The doctrine that, after the fullest consul-tation, the Pope may pronounce without error the mindof the Church on matters of faith or morals. This poweris rarely used.

Introit: Antiphon and psalm verses accompanying theentrance procession at Mass; may be said or sung.

Jesus of Nazareth: Man who lived in the 1st century AD,recognized by Christians as the Messiah (Christ); the Sonof God in human form, true God and true man.

Kyrie: Greek: 'Lord'. Used near the beginning of Mass inthe acclamation 'Kyrie eleison', 'Lord, have mercy', and inthe Litany of the Saints.

Lent: Season of preparation for Easter, lasting from AshWednesday to Holy Thursday.

Liturgy: The public, communal, official worship of theChurch, including the Eucharist.

Mary: the virgin mother of Jesus, known by a number oftitles including 'Our Lady' and 'Mother of God'.

Marriage: Sacrament in which a man and womancommit themselves to each other for life.

Those looking for an in-depth and broad glossary ofecclesiastical terms, rather than a basic 100-entryvocabulary, are referred to a number of publicationsincluding: A Basic Catholic Dictionary by AlanGriffiths, illustrated by Paul Jenkins, pp 160 (19.8 x12.6 cm) published in paperback by Canterbury Press(2003) at an anticipated retail price of £8.99 (ISBN-10 1853115258); Roman Catholicism: The Basics byMichael Walsh, pp 192 (19.4 x 12.8 x 2 cm)published in paperback by Routledge (2005) at ananticipated retail price of £9.49 (ISBN-100415263818). Journalists and broadcasters mightalso like to take advantage of a complementary andcomplimentary flexi-cover publication, The BibleStyle Guide (A4, pp 73 published 2008), availablefrom The British and Foreign Bible Society(www.biblesocietyorg.uk) which clarifies inter aliaterms ranging from ANAGIGNOSKOMENA toZIONISM.

Some guesstimates put the world's population at about7 billion with 1 in 3 being Christian and about half ofall Christians being Catholic.

The nave of a Church derives its name from nafs(Greek) > navis (Latin) meaning 'ship', 'vessel' etc.because the vaulted roof looks like an upturned boat.

It's generally maintained that the swastika, representing a town plan,first came into being in Asia Minor some 2/3,000 years ago. There aretwo kinds of swastika: with the final 'switch' pointing clockwise oranticlockwise and representing the ramp leading up to one of the fourmain gates. One is referred to as the lucky swastika, the other as theunlucky. The anticlockwise swastika is considered the lucky one forthose living in the town because attacking troops, to keep the shieldswhich they carried on their left arms between themselves and thedefenders, would have to advance up the ramps backwards.

Fascinating Facts and Figures

CITY OF PORTSMOUTH CATHOLIC PARISHES

wish to employ a person for

Youth Ministry

to build on the good work that has

been carried out in the last two years

The successful applicant will be a committed member

of the Church; have experience of working with young

people and an understanding of their faith journey

within the Catholic Community.

This two-year contract will be for 25 hrs per week,

mostly in the evenings and at weekends. JNC points

4-9 (£14,538-£17,379 pro rata) according to

experience. This post is subject to a satisfactory

enhanced CRB disclosure.

Closing date for applications is 5th

April 2009

Contact: Soraya Ciccarone for details and

application form:

Tel: 023 9282 5430

Email: soraya@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

The Franciscan MissionarySisters of Littlehampton

Follow simply the Gospel Way of Lifeand invite single women to

“COME AND SEE”

and take up the challenge too!

Contact FMSLSt Joseph’s Convent, East Street,LITTLEHAMPTON, West Sussex

BN17 6AU

E mail: fmsl@franciscan.co.uk

Web: www.franciscan.co.uk(to learn more)

Sr Clare Bernadette reflects on her vocation

Mgr Ron HishonChair of the Diocesan Bamenda Committee

www.bamendaandportsmouth.com

One theory explains that we drive onthe left in this country because youmount a horse on the side of the roadfrom the horse's left side and carry asword or other armament in yourright. The jousting tradition,whereby the lance is laid across theneck of the horse, dictated otherwisei.e., that you'd want your opponentto be approaching on your left.

In view of the restricted timescale, interested parties are asked totelephone Fr Peter Hollins on 023 9282 8305

PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 3 19/3/09 12:31 Page 6

PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE 7

PARSONS POINTERS

FEATURE

PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE6

FEATURE

The boy was being publicly caned beforethe whole school. He was determinednot to cry but clearly he was being hurt.When it was over he looked at one ofthe ten-year old girls and she gave him asympathetic smile. 70 years later thatlady still remembers her horror at thepain and humiliation inflicted upon thatboy.

A great deal is quite rightly said andwritten about abuse of children butperhaps not enough about the harminflicted on youngsters by the acceptablebehaviour towards them in earlier times.I think about this when I hear peoplerailing against political correctness. Ofcourse there are excesses and sometimesofficialdom can go too far but we doneed to remember that the various rulesand regulations have been brought in toprotect the vulnerable.

Jesus, of course, specifically reminded usof our duty to love our neighbour. Hisattitude to children was also one ofgreat sympathy and compassion.

I rejoice at the banning of caningchildren at school but I also rejoice atthe rules that led to the abolition ofslavery and capital punishment, bothacceptable in their time.

Health and Safety is another area whereso much has changed over the years.But again we have to remember that allthis started with the Mines Act and theFactory Acts which, among other things,banned very young people from workingin mines and mills. We needed thoseadvances and even today great care isneeded in protecting people from deathand injury in the workplace.

Of course balance is needed but I thinkit is helpful to remember how life wasand compare it with life now. Too oftenone hears about people 'longing for theold days'. I wonder whether they wereso good!

Reflecting on all this prompted anotherthought. To what extent do we need somany rules and regulations?

Perhaps if we were all both personallyand corporately aware of the necessityof looking after our neighbour andprotecting him from harm we wouldnot need so many rules. Sadly I fearthat we have a long way to go downthat road!

For this issue our rovingreporter Colin Parkes visitsSouthampton East

The Southampton East Pastoral Areacovers a big swathe of mainly residentialsuburbs between the rivers Itchen andHamble. 'The area has everything fromthe very rich to the very poor,' says theConvening Priest, Fr Bill Wilson. 'Itincludes University accommodation,council estates, post-industrial towns andalong the Hamble the thatched cottagesand yachts of 'Howard's Way' fame.'

The three priests in the area look after sixchurches between them. Fr Bill works

from St Patrick's Woolston and lives nextto the church of The Annunciation atNetley Abbey, a village on the coast.It takes its name from a Monasteryfounded in 1239 whose substantial ruinscan still be seen (picture). They are opento the public every day, and Mass iscelebrated in them on the Feast of theAssumption each year.

The first priority for the Pastoral Area hasbeen to build up the human relationships.'Marvellous work is being done by paidand voluntary workers. We now havecommon Sacramental programmes andfrequent clergy meetings,' says Fr Bill.

The next emphasis will be on formalisingthe structures, establishing an AreaPastoral Council and perhaps setting up asingle area office for administration.

Fr Bill gives lectures in Moral Theology atSt John's Seminary, Wonersh, and thinksthe Church needs to find a morewelcoming voice.

'I think the primary issue we have to facetoday is the language and manner of howwe offer the truth to the world. If we areshrill or employ too much “church-speak”,we only alienate the people we are tryingto reach.'

'The Maltese are great travellers,' says Fr AntonyGatt, recently arrived Parish Priest atImmaculate Conception in Portswood. He is aliving example, an explorer of both thegeographical globe and the world of the mind.

Born in Northern Ireland (you can still heartraces of the accent) into a Maltese family, hebecame a Carmelite in Malta, before beingordained for the Portsmouth Diocese in 1976.He has served in the Channel Islands, Southsea,Southampton and Thatcham, and spent morethan 8 years in Bamenda Diocese, Cameroon.

Along the way he has spent time in Indiastudying meditation, done an MA in counselling,studied the psychology of human sexuality, andcollected a PhD in Religious Education. Inrecent years he has been teaching at auniversity in Connecticut.

Back in the diocese, he is bursting with ideas onhow to engage people in the life of the church,particularly the young. Immaculate Conceptionis a few hundred yards from a big shoppingarea. 'You walk down there and see all thesekids drinking beer. They're looking for a high, aspiritual experience. We should be trying to getthat feeling of transcendence, the amazing joyand hope of a faith community into their lives.'

Fr Antony thinks the Church needs to modernisethe way it delivers its message. On his laptop heplays a video of a group of smart-suited youngMuslims chanting haunting sacred songs in aMosque, in both Arabic and English. 'It'sgripping, inspirational, and accessible to youngadults. We have to start using the internetbetter, our parish websites and blogs, to reachout to young people. This is the language theyspeak. If we're not in it, we're missing out.

Fr Antony thinks Catholics should learn moreabout their faith and its traditions, and isimpressed with the scriptural knowledge ofMuslims and Jews. 'I see children in 1st HolyCommunion classes who can tell me aboutdinosaurs with very long names. If they can dothat, perhaps they can handle quite challengingthings about their religion.'

He is impressed by the bustle in Mosques andSikh temples, and has converted the choir loft atImmaculate Conception into a meeting room,

because he wants thechurch building to beused more.And he is a greatbeliever in meditation.'I have an Indian friendwho uses it to treatdrug addiction.'

It was in India that FrAntony commissioned awooden statue thatstands in his hall. Itshows Christ in a Buddhist meditation posturecalled 'Zazan'. His raised right hand representsthe Word of God. His other hand holds a crystallotus flower.

'The lotus is an amazing symbol of theResurrection. The flower starts its life at thebottom of a pond, often stagnant. It pushes itsway up through all the debris before unfoldinginto incredible beauty and fragrance.'

Fr Antony is impressed with his new parish.'This is a wonderful, lively, multi-cultural area,with lots of people really dedicated to servingthe church in different ministries, a multiplicityof gifts.'

But the lotus could serve, too, as a symbol ofwhat Fr Antony hopes to achieve inSouthampton.

Colin Parkes spent his working life as a journalist. He started on the Reading Evening Post in the 1960’s before moving into radio. Between 1990 and 2005 he editednews on BBC Radio 4, and is now a lecturer at the London School of Journalism. He is a parishioner at St Joseph’s in Tilehurst, Reading.

Council Estates to Thatched Cottages

The Ruins of Netley AbbeyConvening Priest Fr Bill Wilson

Pastoral Area Profile

Travellerwith aVision

Father Antony Gatt

Fr Antony's carving'Christ the meditator'.

John worships at the Church of OurLady in Fleet and is in the choirthere. He is a keen ecumenist and isa former Chairman of the DiocesanCommission for Christian Unity. Hehas been a regular contributor toPortsmouth People for some yearswith his column Parsons Pointers.

John Parsons

PRIEST’S PROFILE

Monsignor Nicholas France

Brought up in Petersfield, thoughat boarding school with theBenedictines at Douai, one of twobrothers, with a Catholic motherand a non-Catholic father,Nicholas France is now Dean inJersey. He has guided the sixparishes that existed on hisarrival, via being a pastoral area,into becoming now one singleparish, as envisaged in theBishop's Pastoral Plan.

Ordained to the priesthood in 1968, theyear of revolutions, not least in theChurch (‘Remember Humanae Vitae?’)Monsignor Nicholas France was first anassistant priest in Windsor 'the happiesttwo years of my life', Nicholas Francerecalls. In 1970 he replaced CormacMurphy O'Connor (‘Whatever happenedto him?’) as Chaplain (Private Secretary)to Bishop Worlock and for a short whileto Bishop Emery.

Father Nicholas describes the nextthirty years of ministry as being like agame of snakes and ladders, building upthe spiritual and material life of aparish being like climbing a steepladder and then to go down and startagain elsewhere. However, hecomments: 'Fortunately I have alwayshad wise bishops, who knew betterthan I where I would be most useful. SoI have been very content with everyappointment I have had'. He was aParish Priest in Aldershot, Winchester(where he built Peterhouse and restoredthe 18th Century Milner Hall) and in

Southampton, where he was the firstmoderator of Churches Together in thatcity.

Well known for his material as well aspastoral renewal of parishes, FatherNicholas believes that church buildingsare icons of the Church community, forbetter or worse, in the way both arecared for.

In Jersey he has not only restored thecathedral-sized church of St. Thomas',but united within its walls those ofFrench and English traditions, togetherwith large numbers of Portuguese andPolish. He says he is hopeless atlanguages, but reads the whole Mass inPortuguese every Sunday. Catholics inJersey are nominally 30%, over 3 timeshigher than the rest of the diocese. It'squite a challenge being a foreigner inthe last outpost of royal Normandy. ButFather Nicholas relishes the experience.'Perhaps', he chuckles, 'my surname ofFrance has been a help!'

PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 3 19/3/09 12:31 Page 8

September

PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE 9PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE8

CALENDARPROFILE

With this issue BEHIND THE SCENEStakes a look at …PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE

PERSONALITY PROFILE

Nicky was born in Clacton, Essex, inBrentwood Diocese, the eldest of fourchildren.

She recognises now that the seeds of herinterest in theology were sown by one ofthe sisters at the Ursuline Convent inBrentwood who taught her RE for both

'O' Level and 'A' Level. Sr Brigid'senthusiasm was definitely catching - somuch so that Nicky decided she wantedto continue with the subject, and studiedfor a degree in Theology at HeythropCollege.

Nicky's first job was working in a parish inWest London. She then worked as anAdvisor for Adult Formation, RCIA andCatechesis in Southwark diocese, and alsocompleted an MTh in Pastoral Theology.She was appointed Head of Departmentfor Evangelization and Catechesis inPortsmouth diocese in 2001 and in 2005became Head of the Department forPastoral Formation. She has beeninstrumental in building on the excellentfoundations laid by those who camebefore her, developing a team that canoffer support to individuals, parishes andPastoral Areas throughout the diocese insacramental preparation, youth ministry,liturgy and music, stewardship, collabo-rative ministry, marriage and family lifeand adult formation.

Nicky recognises that her job has evolvedconsiderably in the last seven years,particularly with the development andimplementation of the Pastoral Plan. Sheenjoys the challenges that the workbrings, and is keen to continue as much'hands-on' work with individuals andgroups as she can. As an example, Nickycites the value of the 'Developing Skillsfor Leadership' course that took place infive venues around the diocese in 2006-8,which gave the participants opportunitiesto explore their faith, reflect on theteaching of the Church, and improve skillsparticularly relevant to working withother people.

To relax, Nicky quotes a number ofactivities ranging from skiing ('I'm notbrilliant but I enjoy it hugely') and otherholidays, to gardening, reading, and,when she gets the opportunity, visitingher 6 year-old nephew, Joe, and two yearold niece, Holly: 'They are energising,relaxing and exhausting'.

Nicky Stevens: Head of Departmentfor Pastoral Formation

The Editor, who holds overall responsibility for the magazine(i.e., collecting copy, composition, copy-writing,design/format, ads etc.), is supported in the p/t role by anadvisory panel composed of Nicky Stevens (Head of theDepartment for Pastoral Formation located at Park Placeand featured above in Personality Profile), Fr DenisBlackledge (a regular contributor to PP) and Barry Hudd(Press Officer to Bishop Crispian). Lee Kender and AustinCrowhurst of Great White Graphics (Portsmouth) then pickup responsibility for production from the design stage toprinting, stitching and packing. It's then that John Rosstakes to the road to ensure that supplies of the magazine -

10,000 copies pro rata according to previous allocationwhen PP was a newspaper - are despatched and distributed,according to the schedule, to almost 100 drop-off pointsacross the Diocese. The operation is under the direction ofthe TCC (Trustee Communications Committee) chaired bySheila Hughes (see Personality Profile in our Advent 2008issue). An incoming development with PP is to build avolunteer team of Area Contacts across the Diocese fornewsgathering and support. Colin Parkes (also a regularcontributor to PP) is our first Area Contact to be enrolled.He covers Reading and Newbury. We look for others tofollow. So, there we are. That's the way we're doing it.

JOHN ROSS SHEILA HUGHES LEE KENDER AUSTIN CROWHURST NICKY STEVENS

Fri 3-4: Listening to God - Lenten Retreat by J and D Huggett at Park Place Pastoral Centre t: +44(0)13 2983 3043 e: pastoralcentre@aol.com

Sat 4: Marriage Refresher Day, St Bede's (Basingstoke)t: 013 2983 5583 e: estephenson@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

Tue 7: Chrism Mass, St John's Cathedral, Portsmoutht: +44(0)23 9282 6613 www.PortsmouthCatholicCathedral.org.uk

Fri 24 - 26: Discernment Weekend:enquiring into life as a Sister of St Joseph, Llantarnam Abbey, S. Walesmargaretgallagherssja@btinternet.com www.ssjavocations.co.uk

Sat 25: Bishop Crispian celebrates Significant Anniversaries Mass, St Bede's, Basingstoket: +44(0)13 2983 5583 e: estephenson@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

Sun 26: Walk of Witness (see Letters column)Haned.shirlaw@talktalk.net t: 023 9259 1300

Sun 26: London Marathon

Fri 1-4: Children's Transplant Games: Sportshall and Swimming Gala, Isle of Wightwww.transplantsport.org.uk

Wed 7-9: Francis - a new play to stir the senses and linger in the mind, Park Place Pastoral Centret: +44(0)13 2983 3043 e: pastoralcentre@aol.com

Sat 9: Evangelisation Workshop, Southamptont: 013 2983 5583 e: estephenson@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

Sat 9: Fanning the Flames evangelisation workshop.t: 0207 901 4863 www.caseresources.org.uk

Mon 13-24: Visit by Archbishop Cornelius of Bamenda to Portsmouth Diocese.See accompanying programme.

Fri 22: Family w/e Retreat, St Cassian's Centre, Hungerford t: +44(0)14 8865 8267 e: kintbury@aol.com

Fri 29: Family w/e Retreat, St Cassian's Centre, Hungerford t: +44(0)14 8865 8267 e: kintbury@aol.com

Sun 31: World Communcations Day

Wed 3: Good Shepherd Mass, St John's Cathedral, Portsmouth t: +44(0)23 9282 6613 www.PortsmouthCatholicCathedral.org.uk

Sat 6: Day for New Catholics, St John's Cathedral, Portsmouth t: 013 2983 5583 e: tvassallo@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

Sun 7: Crusaid's Walk for Life fundraising for HIV and Aids, Londont: 020 7539 3892 e: elliea@crusaid.org.uk

Sat 13: Diocesan Choirs Festival, St Edward the Confessor, Chandlers Ford t: +44(0)13 2983 5583 e: pinwood@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

Wed 17: Day for Parish Administrators and Secretaries, St Bede's, Basingstoket: 013 2983 5583 e: estephenson@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

Sat 20: Listening Skills Training, St Bede's, Basingstoket: 013 2983 5583 e: estephenson@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

Sun 28: Ordinations to the Permanent Diaconate, St John's Cathedral, Portsmoutht: +44(0)23 9282 6613 www.PortsmouthCatholicCathedral.org.uk

Tue 7: John's Gospel - a Magic Pool, St Bede's, Basingstoket: 013 2983 5583 e: estephenson@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

Sat 11: Day of Reflection for RCIA Teams, Wisdom House (Romsey)t: 013 2983 5583 e: estephenson@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

Tue 14: Youth Encounter Session (YES week) for Year 11 upwards,St Cassian's Centre, Hungerford t: +44(0)14 8865 8267 e: kintbury@aol.com

Wed 22: Christian Aid London to Paris Bike Ride (5 days). See News and Announcements.www.christianaid.org.uk

Thu 23: Youth Encounter Session (YES week) for Year 11 upwards,St Cassian's Centre, Hungerford t: +44(0)14 8865 8267 e: kintbury@aol.com

Fri 24 - 26: Creative Journaling - Retreat by Ann Beazar at Park Place Pastoral Centret: +44(0)13 2983 3043 e: pastoralcentre@aol.com

Mon 17 - 21: Fanning the Flame Summer Camp for 10-25 yr olds, St Dominic's Priory, New Forestwww.ftfcm.com

Wed 16: Relics of St Thérèse arrive in the UK. Venues in our locality: Portsmouth and Oxford.www.catholicrelics.co.uk and (with underscoring between final sets of 2 and 6 words) www.catholic-ew.org/ccb/catholic_church/relics_of_st_therese_of_lisieux

Fri 16: Stand Up Against Poverty day of action. Further details to be announced.

The Editor welcomes entries for inclusion in the Calendar of Forthcoming Events

CALENDAR OF FORTHCOMING EVENTSFor further information please contact the parties identified

April

May

July

June

August

October

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PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 3 19/3/09 12:31 Page 10

PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE 11PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE10

FEATUREFEATURE

Prie-Dieu: EASTER FEELINGS

Fr Denis Blackledge

Loving Lord,we live in a resurrection world.That is faith-fact. That is part of our human history, andmystery.Now that gets me rather excited!Love changes everything -it even conquers death,and the terrifying power of Satan.

Through your real dyingand your real risingYou showed your love for us all -individually, and as a communityof sisters and brothers planet-wide.

Loving Lord,I want to try to put myselfinto the shoes of those individualswho lived through the strange privilegeof being the first to see you really dead,then really risen.I want to feel the sort of feelingsthey surely felt.

Let me feel their terror,when they went to anoint a dead bodyand were faced by angels and aliveness!Let me feel their fear,literally locked behind barricaded doors.Let me feel their guilt,knowing they'd deserted the one to whom they'd promisedtheir friendship and their following.

Let me feel their joy,almost too much to bear,almost too good to be true.Let me feel their peace, your firstresurrection gift to all you meet.

Let me feel the overpowering senseof fresh freedom and future possibilitieswritten in your welcoming risen face.Let me feel the intimate bondingfrom the first bread and breakfastingshared with you, their risen Lord.

Let me feel that sense of urgencyto spread this Good news,that sense of mission,of literally being sent by youto carry on your work.

Loving Lord,let me feel the Eastering,as you come to meet and greet meat this Easter time

Amen.

El Cristo de Velázquez

Like the night, you invite us, bowed underthe weight of the stormy clouds of pain, to rest our head upon the pillow of yourpale, naked breast, still with the stillness ofdeath which is life everlasting.

You call anguish to rest: anguish withwhich the soul lives in burning hope.

And, as the sea mirrors the tranquillity ofthe sky, so our pains slumber dreamilyupon your heart, that constant source ofeternal humanity.

Your heart, at peace within, sheds the lightwith which you embrace the world andyour silence speaks to us: 'Brothers andsisters, come and lay your troubles to rest.

I am the moon which floods the valleywith milky splendour as I cradle yourdreams'. Falling like gentle night, the locksof the dejected Nazarene caress your brow,that harbour of divine inspiration.

The veil covering your wounded, sufferingheart glistens moon-white; for it was withyour life's blood that you made us see thatlight.

The light of God burns within your heartwhich beats no more in your body, theclear screen of your heart.

No breath disturbs your still white breast,veil of the light; like a becalmed lake paintsthe heavens in all their serene, resignedtranquillity you give us that ever-constantsplendour which has no beginning.

O still, becalmed, timeless light, sea ofunfathomable, boundless light, sea ofincorruptible death and of life containedwithin that sea!

Miguel de Unamuno (1920)

Translation © r&jlkw

Fr Denis Blackledge SJ is Parish Priest, Corpus ChristiBoscombe and Pastoral Co-ordinator, Bournemouth © Denis Blackledge SJ

Miguel de Unamuno, Spanish poet and philosopher, reflects uponVelázquez's painting (c. 1630) of Christ on the Cross

Christ on the cross

Portsmouth has seen many Royals and heroes enter the great Port over the lastfive hundred years. But perhaps none so humble and well-travelled as the relicsof St Thérèse of Lisieux who will enter the harbour early on the morning of the16th of September 2009. The casket will be taken to the Cathedral and remainavailable for public and private devotion until 1100 the following day.

Since her death St Thérèse has visited over 40 countries including Ireland,Jordan, Kazakhastan and Iraq. Wherever the relics have travelled there has beenconversion, healing, both physical and spiritual, and the discovery of vocation. Ihope the occasion of this important and historic visit to our cathedral andDiocese will be a time of great grace and an opportunity to reach out to thosewith and without faith. Some Muslims actually venerate St Therese as 'the littlesaint to whom Allah refuses nothing'.

Some may of course see this visit of the relics as a thing of the past, of a moresuperstitious age. The veneration of relics is a sign of the incarnate nature ofour Catholic faith. We need tangible signs and symbols to help us grow in ourlove of God. One Bishop in Ireland said: 'What the casket contained was not abundle of bones, but the remains of a burnt-out love of God'.

Over the next few months there will be a series of articles in Portsmouth Peoplethat will I hope help us to understand the importance of this visit, not only forus as a Diocese, but for us as parishes and individuals. I have already had manypeople enquiring from across the Diocese and beyond asking if can they bring agroup. The answer is 'Yes!' The timetable gives the main Liturgies that aretaking place. But everyone visiting the Relics can have the chance to pray andtouch the casket.

Our Catholic schools will be sending representatives to the morning Liturgy. Ourparishes will also be invited to send groups to the Mass with Anointing and/orthe evening Mass. Pastoral areas will be asked to take on the responsibility of ahalf an hour slot during the all night Vigil. For update information please visitthe cathedral website: www.portsmouthcatholiccathedral.org.uk If you haveany thoughts or enquiries then please use the website email address.

St Thérèse was declared a Doctor of the Church. Her poverty conceals immenseriches showered on a little one by God. How much we might share in theseriches largely depends on us.

Canon David Hopgood

0800Canon David Hopgood to meetthe casket at ferry port

0930Bishop Crispian welcomes theRelics of St Thérèse to theCathedral and leads the OpeningLiturgy(involving local Catholic schools)

1100Bishop Crispian celebrates aLiturgy involving representativesof all the Catholic schools of thediocese

1400Bishop Crispian celebrates Masswith Anointing of the Sick (representatives from parishesaround the diocese)

1930Bishop Crispian celebrates a Massof Thanksgiving with Canon John Udris to preach(Dean of Northampton Cathedral)

1000Celebration of Night Prayer

All-Night Vigil based on theStations of the Cross celebratedby representatives from thePastoral Areas of the diocese

0700First Mass of the day

1000Farewell Mass and Departureof the Relics

16 - 17 SEPTEMBER 2009

Timetable of theVisit of the Relics of

St Thérèse at St John'sCathedral Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH WELCOMESTHE LITTLE FLOWER

PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 3 19/3/09 12:31 Page 12

PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE 13PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE12

NEWSNEWS

Letters Letters Letters Letters Letters Letters Letters Letters Letters Letters

Contributions to the Letters column are warmly invited. The Editor regrets being unable (1) to enter into correspondence other thanthrough the pages of the magazine and (2) to accept for publication any copy, including Letters, submitted other than electronically.

… AND THECUPBOARD WASBARE!

I am one of the RCIA team in ourparish of Our Lady and the Saintsof Guernsey and we thought theterminology databank was a veryuseful aid to give our candidates. Ihave also thought of getting thema copy of Portsmouth People … butthere are none left!

Eileen BairdGuernsey

(PP can be downloaded from thediocesan website and we are nowintroducing the facility wherebypeople can receive it by directemail. Ed.)

RUSSIAN VOCALS

We are a small Russian singing group (four people) looking for a venue andwould be happy to sing at your church(es). Please, drop a line if interested.

Andrey SysoevLYRA vocal ensemble St. Petersburg, Russia aasysa@gmail.comwww.lyra5.narod.ru

JUST ONE QUIBBLE

I am writing to thank you and your colleagues for therevamped PP. The brighter format ought to attract theattention of our co-religionists. The presentation ofdiocesan news and events suggests the columns of thePP could be utilised for still more coverage ofhappenings in the deaneries (pastoral areas) and evenindividual parishes.

I was particularly drawn to the feature Church in Focusdealing with the Sacred Heart church in Bournemouth.This appealed to me since I feel strongly we do not as acommunity appreciate the rich heritage we have in thiscountry.

However, I have just one quibble with this item: Iappreciate the idea of 'a story without words', but I feelreaders such as myself, unacquainted with theBournemouth church, would welcome numbered captionsindicating just what the altar was or the artists whohelped enhance the church.

At the moment with a fellow-parishioner we are planninga similar illustrated feature aimed at newcomers to theAbingdon parish. I can't claim to have a detailedknowledge of St Edmund's church but at least I haveestablished the chancel window came from the Studio ofHardman at Birmingham; there is a pre-reformationstatue of Our Lady of Abingdon in the church; while thegrave of the Earl of Abingdon is marked by a crucifixsculpted by Eric Gill. There were two architects involvedin designing the church: the first was William Wardell (aprotege of Pugin), and George Goldie . . .

There is plenty to go at here, and I am sure myphotographer friend would love to see his 'shots' utilised by PP!

Once again, with many thanks and with best wishes forthe future.

John DunleavyAbingdon

(Contributions to PP are ever welcome. Guidelines on submission of copy and photographs are freely available. They canalso be consulted on the diocesan website. However, space in PP is finite. I'd like to think that, with curiosity aroused byChurch in Focus, readers would then visit the churches, the ikons of our faith, or their websites. Ed.)

OFFENSIVE, DEROGATORY AND PAGAN

0I was delighted to see that the new edition of the Portsmouth People nowincludes letters. But I was amazed that the contribution in theFebruary/March issue from Sue Oakley, concerning the Priesthood, was giventhe title of Priests and Priestesses. I think this will be perceived by many asoffensive, as Priestess has usually been used as a derogatory term, when itconcerns the ordination of women, and of course it has pagan connotations.Why not Doctoresses or Judgesses?

Margaret RoseSouthampton

(My feeble attempts at alliteration condemn me! That apart, the words'doctoress' and 'judgess' do not appear in the English lexicon. But sincereapologies to yourself and any other reader offended by the term 'priestess'.My copy of the OED does not reserve nor even attribute pagan connotationsto the word. For not using the term in the past, there has been the challengeof male chauvinism, linguistic sexism and political incorrectness: 'We have aperfectly good word in English for a female priest!' So, Margaret, you've gotme over a barrel. Ed.)

BALLOON RELEASES

On numerous occasions in the pastI have read in Portsmouth People ofballoons having been released tomark significant events. I wouldurge all the Churches and schoolsand other organisations in thediocese to consider alternativeways of celebrating or getting amessage across. I am sure they allmean well and perhaps they arenot aware of the great harm to theenvironment released balloons cancause. The practice is condemnedby many organisations includingthe WWF, NFU, RSPCA and MarineConservation Society. Releasedballoons endanger domestic, farmand wild animals. They can beswallowed by marine creaturessuch as whales, dolphins andturtles, blocking their respiratory ordigestive systems, causing death.Also, they create litter - droppinglitter is an offence. Evendegradable balloons may takemonths or years to disintegrate.We are encouraged to care forGod's creation - please do notendanger it through thought-lessness.

For anyone who wishes to knowmore about this, the MarineConservation Society publisheshelpful leaflets, posters andbooklets. Perhaps schools andChurches could consider displayingone on their noticeboards.

WELL DONE!

I felt I must put pen to paper - or finger to keyboard! - and congratulate youand your team on an absolutely first-class publication with the revisedPortsmouth People. It really is a very professionally produced magazine and allthe people I have shown it to have been very impressed.

It is things like this which really help to keep our Diocese together, in touch withitself and with all the things going on within its boundaries. Only by being onepeople together can we be one with Christ and it is vital that we are all keptinformed about how our brothers and sisters are doing this. Portsmouth Peopleis an excellent medium to do this.

Please pass on my congratulations to all your team and may the Loving Lordcontinue to bless you all and give you encouragement to keep up the good work.

David Kennedy, Portsmouth

WALK OF WITNESS

Hannah Shirlaw (Mrs)Waterlooville, Hants

Our Prayer Group, which meets weekly,has become extremely concerned atthe general collapse of standards andmorals in our Country. We areparticularly worried about thecontinued attacks on Christianprinciples and morals, which haveguided our country so well for such along time

We are proposing that at 3 pm onSunday 26 April there should be aWalk of Witness for our ChristianFaith, supported by Churchesthroughout the U.K. This might besimilar to the walk a lot of Churchesmake on Good Friday with the

organisation Churches Together.Our plan is that groups carry placardsor banners proclaiming our centralmessage: 'Restore Christian MoralValues to Society'. Banners mighthave messages for our Governmentsuch as 'Our Nation is in moralDecline', 'Remove foul language andfilth from radio and TV', 'TeachChristian moral values in school','Return to Family Values' …

We realise that all this will take agreat deal of hard work but with thehelp of the Holy Spirit we shallsucceed. We ask for others to take upthis cause and to spread the word.

Jane DaviesSouthampton

(I think the message has been takento heart by many, certainlyfollowing the publicity in 2008.But it's certainly worthwhilerepeating it. Ed.)

PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 3 19/3/09 12:31 Page 14

PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE 15PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE14

SEMINARIANSSEMINARIANS

High-flyer swaps career for Church

James McAuley is a chartered accountant in his early 40's, andconsiders his answers carefully. But if you're thinking of him asthe dull kind of accountant you've got him all wrong.

Brought up in County Antrim, he did well at school and won aplace at Oxford where he studied Law. A very sought-after jobwith the international accountancy firm Ernst and Youngfollowed.

He progressed smoothly up the career ladder, and by the time hewas 30 he was in Reading, working in Corporate finance. Therewere girlfriends, money, travel, a nice flat….and yet…

'At the back of my mind there was always the nagging feelingthat this wasn't exactly what I should be doing, that there shouldbe more to life than this.

'I began to feel I was probably being called to the priesthood.

Philip Carroll's journey fromBasingstoke schoolboy to 26 year-old student priest has taken himtwice round the world - and alongquite a winding road inside hishead.

After school Philip - 'call me Pip' -embarked on years of travelling thattook him all over the world.

'I lost my sense of faith in Greece. Iwent to Kuwait, Thailand, Fiji,Australia, New Zealand, America,working in bars and building sites,living a life of casual drug use, chasingwine, women and song.'

But he never completely lost touchwith his Catholic roots, and he wenton a pilgrimage to Medjugorje inBosnia. 'The talks and seminars therehelped me back to faith. I foundmyself praying and fasting more andmore, and during a service ofAdoration of the Blessed Sacrament Ijust became convinced I was beingcalled to be a priest. That was thedefining moment.'

Another round of travelling wasalready booked, but Pip - by now aged24 - got in touch with the Director ofVocations for the Diocese, Fr GerardFlynn. 'He advised me to go aheadwith the trip, then take it from there.

'Travelling again, the old temptationswere back, and I slipped up. I was tornbetween two lives. When I came homeI still felt I had a vocation but I wastold to go away and improve mylifestyle.'

Pip spent a year at home, 'sortedmyself out', and applied again. Thistime he was successful, and he foundhimself on what's called a 'propadeutic'year at the Royal English College atValladolid in Spain, along with anotherPortsmouth student,Ross Bullock.

'It's a great course. You study, butthere's also time to read, pray anddiscern your vocation. The staff arevery supportive.'

Pip says his vocation is 'still 100%', andhopes to be accepted to start atWonersh in September. After that? 'Ijust want to be a parish priest. I'mhands on, sociable, a people person.'

Our diocese currently has eight students for the priesthood.Reporter Colin Parkes talked to three of them and found men who are giving uplifestyles, homes, careers and relationships to serve God and His people.That's us, he says, and we should be grateful for them.

Our amazing future priestsBut this didn't fit into my other plans! Some of the girlfriendswere serious. I come from a large and loving family, and Iwould have been very happy as a family man.

'By 2002, it had got to the point that I was saying to myself:“Well, are you going to give up your job or not?” It was a bigdecision. People speak of testing your vocation, but it's morethan just dipping your toe in the water. At some stage you'vegot to jump in.'

Jump he did. 'Giving up the job was easier than I had thought.It was only when I didn't get my monthly pay cheque that itreally sunk in!'

The Bishop decided that James should go to the VenerableEnglish College in Rome. 'It took a bit of getting used to. Eachday begins with Mass and morning prayer at 6.45 am. Thereare pastoral classes, pastoral work in a refuge for homelessmen, house duties. Pasta to eat, twice a day every day.'

And of course a rigorous academic programme, which for Jameshas involved learning four languages: Italian, Latin, Greek andHebrew. He is now in the sixth of his seven years and studying fora post-graduate 'Licentiate' in Biblical Theology, which wouldqualify him to teach in a seminary himself.

James is due to be ordained deacon in July, and priest a year later.What will become of him then, the brainy boy from NorthernIreland, chartered accountant, academic?

'Well, I think it would be a terrible pity if I as a priest were justused as an accountant. Again, I wouldn't want to teach in aseminary, unless there was also a substantial pastoral role.

'I would hope to be assigned to a parish or a pastoral area. I hopethat I will be a priest after the heart of Jesus, to give the Peopleof God what is their right by virtue of their baptism: thesacraments properly and sensitively celebrated, and the CatholicFaith proclaimed in its fullness.'

Not many accountants talk like that.

Continued

Continued on page 15

I met 36 year-old Paul Leonard for adrink a stone's throw from his family'shome in Reading. By the time we hadfinished talking, I realised that not onlywas this a man who knew where he wasgoing, he had chosen an uncomfortablepath, and he would be challenging us tocome with him.

Paul's faith has never deserted him. Hewas a Special Minister of the Eucharistby the age of 17, and as a studentstudying to be a social worker wasgoing to Mass several times a week. Hebegan to wonder if he had a vocationfor the priesthood.

In 1997 he was accepted for a pre-seminary year at Reading UniversityChaplaincy. But second thoughts kickedin, and he decided the priesthood wasnot for him.

For the rest of his twenties, Paul threwhimself into his social work career,

running a care home for adults withlearning difficulties and then working asa welfare officer with the police Hebought a house, and was close to a girl.They talked of marriage.

'On the surface, everything was fine.But underneath I was feeling restless.Slowly the sense of priesthood began todominate my mind. I felt I needed totest it again.'

At the age of 30 he was accepted fortraining a second time. The Bishop senthim to Oscott seminary nearBirmingham, which Paul describes as'very orthodox and solid.'

During his twenties he had becomeinvolved with Verbum Dei, a churchgroup committed to prayer with theWord of God.

'Relations with parishes can be difficult.Sometimes it's a question of a priest

feeling his territory has been invaded.' I suggest that people might feeluncomfortable with the NewMovements because they actually taketheir faith seriously.

'Exactly! But I see their emergence as afruitful opportunity. We need to putaside petty squabbles, and get on withthe business of offering a compellingwitness.'

Between his studies, Paul has spent timeas a prison visitor, helped with soupruns, and evangelised on the streets ofSouthampton during a 4-monthpastoral placement there.

'I reckon I know all the Big Issue sellersin Southampton by name. I feel a bigcall to those on the margins, like asylumseekers and refugees.' Paul has chosenSouthampton for his ordination to thepriesthood, due this coming July.

At this point, he delivers quite a scarymessage to those in the church whomight be getting too comfortable. 'Weneed to be out with the sort of peopleJesus helped, the people society castsaside, not spending our time ensconcedin meetings.'

Paul doesn't yet know which parish hewill be sent to. But the people ofwherever it is had better hang on totheir hats.

If you think you might have a vocation, speak to your parish priest, and you are welcome to contact theDirector of Vocations, Fr Gerard Flynn on 01983 752317 gerarddominic@waitrose.com.

Traveller finds his right road

Seminarians together. Left to right Benjamin Theobald, John Chandler, Phil Harris,Paul Leonard, James McAuley and Steve Roach.

PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 3 19/3/09 12:31 Page 16

A Broader View

Our last 'Broader View' was written onNew Year's Day as many people werethinking about going back to work aftera leisurely break if they haveemployment; for those who do not haveemployment the joy of Christmas maynot have overcome their worries.

On the world scene at that time theevents of Gaza were the leading newsstory and matters got worse as theIsraeli attacks increased. The effort toprotect Israeli civilians from rocketattacks appears to have been carried outin a disproportionate way with manycivilians suffering although, in a societysuch as Gaza, it is hard to tell who arethe armed forces of the state and whoare not. Eventually a ceasefire tookplace. This was followed by the Israelielection which produced an indecisiveresult. At the time of writing MrNetanyahu appears likely to lead agovernment without the moderatinginfluence of the Kadima party somovement towards a two-state solutionis halted for the moment. Several Britishand other past peace negotiators, withexperience of South Africa, NorthernIreland and elsewhere, have called forthose such as the Quartet who are tryingto resolve the Israel - Palestine situationto negotiate with Hamas subject to itshalting all violence.

Now that Barack Obama has beeninstalled as President of the USA a lot ofpast assumptions have been swept away.George Mitchell seems a soundappointment as Middle East envoy. TonyBlair is still working on behalf of theQuartet and his sensitivity to the valuesand attitudes of faith groups should helpin this work. The European Union underthe Czech presidency has been showingits internal differences in an unhelpfulway. Foreign and defence ministries oflarger member states can behave likeprima donnas trying to pursue their ownnational interests. These can beeconomic in a period of problems overenergy supplies or political when states

understandably try to have regard to theattitudes of and towards ethnic groupswithin their borders.

A remarkable amount of co-ordinationof economic policies has been achievedas countries attempt to recover frompast foolish lending by banks. There havebeen major policy changes as Britain, theUSA and some other countries engage inpartial nationalisation of the financialsector and other interventionist policies.To see an unrestrained capitalist state itseems that we must look at Russia.

As the USA and Britain plan theirwithdrawal from Iraq, their militaryattention is increasingly directed toAfghanistan and to some extentPakistan. The justification seems to bethat this region is a major base forterrorists who may attack other parts ofthe world. It is unlikely that campaignswhich inevitably kill or injure civilianscan be fruitful in persuading hearts andminds of the legitimacy of what localpeople see as foreign interference.Western governments need to persuadetheir populations that the sacrificesmade by our armed forces areworthwhile.

The days are gone when rulers couldsend their troops into battle withoutregard to public opinion.

Lawrence Fullick, a parishioner in Bournemouth, is treasurer of the Wyndham Place CharlemagneTrust, a charity which promotes discussion of international issues among people of all faiths or none.

Lawrence Fullick looks at the wider world

Dominica Roberts, from the parishof St. Joseph and St. MargaretClitherow in Bracknell, is an activemember of several pro-life groups.She joined the Pro Life Alliancewhen it started in 1997.Dominica has stood twice as apro-life candidate in two GeneralElections and a European one: ‘Myshare of the vote has gone upfrom minuscule to minute to tinyon a straight line graph which, ifit continues, should see meelected at the age of 130.’Dominica and husband Tim havefive children and twelvegrandchildren.

PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE 17PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE16

Just as the previous edition of Portsmouth People was beingdistributed, the Government issued a paper entitled Faith:helping build a politics based on hope, presented on 29 Januaryat the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) by StephenTimms MP, Financial Secretary to the Treasury. As we all know,rather than foment the synergy and traits binding society,Government likes to divide us into categories: A, B, C1, C2, D orE; single parent families; ethnicity; education; the unemployedand job seekers; the young; the old … So, you and I form partof a Faith Group, apart from whatever other classification wehave hanging round our necks. In his paper to the IPPR,Stephen Timms identified Faith Groups as a valuable resourceavailable to Government. Well, in such taxing times as these,

you can't help wondering whether there's now a 'Faith Tax' onthe horizon, just as they had years ago in Moslem Spain foranyone practising Christianity. Maybe the powers that be arestarting to realise that you and I could be part of a world-widecommunity embracing all ethnic groups and numbering overone billion. Despite the values we bring to society, we have longbeen underestimated, even ignored, sometimes ridiculed andeven despised. Does that ring any bells? The added point is thatour kind predates any government of today by millennia.Stephen Timms mentioned the diminishing numbers ofadherents to faiths nowadays. Assuming he's right on thatpoint - I think it's debatable, especially looking globally - youcan't help wondering how many of those turning their back onfaith in this country are actually jumping. Perhaps they're beingpushed. Be that as it may, any resource on whatever balancesheet needs to be used for what it is. Not for what it isn't. Wenow hear that some parents in the UK are being obliged to sendtheir children to faith schools. I suppose that's one way oftapping into the resource. An instance in question concernedAnglican Church Schools here in the south. Some parents haveobjected to the move. Well, it's a free country, where freespeech and freedom of conscience prevail, or certainly havebeen known to prevail. And on the question of that freedom ofchoice, I'm reminded of a former undergraduate student ofmine. She had been brought up without any exposure toreligion. Her parents had left her to decide for herself onceshe'd grown up. 'But decide between what?' she asked me.'They'd given me no idea at all as to what I was decidingbetween.' And she had a point, didn't she?

© jlkw

FEATUREFEATURE

Not many people actually order theirChristmas turkeys from the Archers, buteven the most sophisticated viewersunconsciously pick up impressions fromthe television. In spite of the BBC's legalobligation to be fair-minded, its stanceon pro-life issues is very slanted indeed.In news items and factual programmeswe have recently seen blatant advertising

for assisted suicide and human embryoexperimentation. The pro-life responsehas often been cut so as to make us lookheartless and bigoted.

In fiction the lack of balance is evenworse. In real life there has beenabsolutely no violent action by pro-lifersin this country. In spite of that, therehave been several fictional episodes with,for example, hate-filled faces screaming‘murderess’ outside abortoirs. It simplydoes not happen. There are peacefulprayer vigils, with volunteers offeringleaflets telling women where to getpractical help.

The latest offence was a rubbishy drama‘Hunter’, in which a doctor, a nurse, and ahandicapped man were shown kidnappingchildren, killing one of them, and tryingto kill the others, in an attempt to get ananti-abortion video shown on television.Several references, including what may ormay not have been two deliberatephysical resemblances, pointed to the ProLife Alliance, which is in fact a peacefulgroup working democratically to protectwomen and babies by, for example,proposing that women should be fullyinformed of the risks of abortion.

Perhaps people in the BBC and othermedia are so anti-life that they do noteven realise how unbalanced theirprogrammes are.

Everyone can help in this, by commentingpolitely and accurately on programmesand news items, by telephone or e-mailor in writing. If they receive enoughletters, they really do take notice.

And see www.prolife.org.uk for the truth.

Open to DebateWith this issue we launcha new occasional column forwhich further contributionsare invited

Open to DebateWith this issue we launcha new occasional column forwhich further contributionsare invited

Fact or Fiction? Live Issues

Quotable Quotes

'Publish and be damned' 1st Duke of Wellington (attrib.)

'If you think education is expensive,try ignorance'

Derek Bok

'You should aim at being impossibleto misunderstand'

Quintilian

'It's co-existence. Or no existence' Bertrand Russell

'Saving is a very fine thing. Especiallywhen your parents have done it foryou'

Winston Churchill

'I am being frank about myself in thisbook. I tell of my first mistake onpage 850'

Henry Kissinger

'Only the mediocre are always attheir best'

Jean Giradoux

'How utterly shortsighted we hadbeen to listen to those who thoughtthat manners were a bourgeoisaffectation … A moral disaster hadensued because manners were thebasic building block of civil society …and now we saw the results: asociety in which nobody would help,nobody would feel for others; asociety in which aggressive languageand insensitivity were the norm'

from The Sunday Philosophy Clubby Alexander McCall Smith

'We have silver crosses and goldcrosses … we also have crosses witha little man on them'

Overheard at jewellery counterin local department store

'Why is there only one MonopoliesCommission?'

Neil Mulholland

'Do good by stealth, and blush tofind it fame'

Alexander Pope inEpilogue to the Satires

'Die, my dear doctor? That's the lastthing I shall do!'

Lord Palmerston (attrib.)

PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 3 19/3/09 12:31 Page 18

PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE18

NEWS

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NEWS

We pick up on the enthusiasm and achievement across our diocese

MOVERS and SHAKERS

1 2 3 4 5 6

Many international students at UK universitieslook to broadening their understanding ofBritish culture and to practise spoken English.Travelling around as a tourist is one thing butthat doesn't connect them with the peopleliving here. That's where the national charityHOST comes is.

Margaret Hancox, a parishioner of StEdmund's (Abingdon), is a Trustee of HOSTthrough which a student can receive aninvitation to spend a weekend or a few daysas a guest in a private home, anywhere in thecountry. For further details call MargaretHancox on 012 3552 4534 or HOST's nationaloffice on 0207 254 3039 (www.hostuk.org).

HCPT is a nationalcharity which hasbeen taking sick anddisabled children onpilgrimage holidaysto Lourdes for over50 years. A new group(number 170) has recentlybeen launched in Southampton tocomplement the existing groups in theDiocese of Portsmouth.

To set up this new group, nearly £15,000had to be raised. This was done in a varietyof ways including a sponsored 'Pilgrimage toPortsmouth' by helpers who walked the 22miles from their parish church of StEdmund's (Southampton) to St John'sCathedral (Portsmouth) where they saidprayers and lit candles for each of the fivechildren they are taking this year (Easter2009). Readers are invited to help withsponsorship(www.justgiving.com/bigjourney) and withprayers. To find out more, to become ahelper or to nominate a local child:www.group170.org.uk

Pupils, parents, governors and staff at StJoseph's Convent School in Reading weredelighted to welcome a 2008 Olympic SilverMedallist, Miss Debbie Flood, as Guest ofHonour at their recent annual Prize Givingand Speech Night.

Debbie Flood was part of the Women'sQuadruple Scull rowing team at the 2008Beijing Olympics and currently trains at theLeander Club, Henley. A committedChristian, Debbie is a vocal member of'Christians In Sport', an organisation with avision to see Christians in every sports club,representing Christ and building the Church.

OLYMPIC SILVER MEDALLISTINSPIRES PUPILS

CATENIANS PRESENT CHEQUE TO JONATHON COCKFIELD

Jonathon Cockfield, on his gap year prior toreading law at Oriel College (Oxford), has setoff to Ghana to participate in two projects:he will take part in a Law and Human RightsProject organised in Accra by ProjectsAbroad; then he will travel north toMampong to work at an Aids orphanageand to teach at a school.

While studying at Salesian CollegeFarnborough, his Headmaster, Patrick Wilson(a Fleet Catenian) alerted Jonathan to theexistence of the Catenian Bursary Fund.Jonathan applied for assistance and wasduly awarded £300 towards his expenses.

Talented Sports Medal Winners andCounty Champions from St Joseph's

meet Olympic Silver Medallist Debbie Flood

The Bosco Boys and Bosco Campers,pictured in the beautiful grounds of StCassian's Reatreat Centre (Kintbury) duringthe annual Portsmouth Diocesan Don BoscoSummer Camp, are now preparing for thisyear's event.

Boys of secondary school age who wouldlike to be involved this summer (Sun 2 Aug- Sat 8 Aug) are asked to contact Fr MarkHogan (t: 012 5632 3595;e: mhogan@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk).Cost of the camp: £130. Bursaries available.

Jean Watson with husband George

WELL DONE, JEAN!

In a recent ceremony at St Mary'sUniversity College (Twickenham) JeanWatson received an MA in Pastoral Studies.Jean's aim has been to be better equippedto lead a team of 9 catechists deliveringthe Junior Journey in Faith (JJIF)programme to some 60 children in theGosport parish of St Mary's.

UGANDA! HERE WE COME!

The 38th Bournemouth Scout Group hassigned up to the Scouts Appeal to raise fundsby recycling mobile phones, PDAs and usedprinter cartridges.

Funds raised will go towards the Nile 2010initiative which includes building a vocationalcentre in Uganda (see PP's Advent 2008 issueand visit www.nile2010.co.uk). For moreinformation on the Scouts Appeal:www.scoutsappeal.com

BOSCO BOYS GO CAMPING

HOST

170'S UP AND RUNNING

Unlike other young people, Charles Livingston from Southcote(Reading) never gave up being an altar server: 'I just enjoyed thecommitment, and it helped me deepen my faith.'

Now his dedication has been recognised with a silver medal from theGuild of St Stephen which, marking more than 25 years of serving atMass, was presented to him on St Stephen's Day by Fr Joseph Awoh,priest in residence at St Joseph's, Tilehurst. Charles, a civil servant,began serving at English Martyrs church at the age of 7, when Fr BrianMurphy O'Connor, brother of the Cardinal, was parish priest.

LONG-SERVING CHARLES: 25 YEARS

From L to R) Headmaster Patrick Wilson,Jonathan Cockfield,

West Surrey Catenian President George Reid

CATENIAN REG READY RECEIVES BISHOP'S AWARD

Reg Ready of West Surrey Catenians, has been awarded the Bishopricof the Forces Medal for services to the Cathedral Church of SaintMichael and Saint George, Aldershot.

Bishop Tom Burns SM, formerly Bishop to the Forces and now Bishopof Menevia, returned to Aldershot to present the medal to Reg at afarewell Mass. Twelve months previously, Bishop Tom presented Regwith a gold medal for fifty years service as an altar server.

Catenian Reg Ready being presented with theBishopric of the Forces Medal by Bishop Tom Burns

MARRIED COUPLES RECOMMITOver 60 people from the Alton-Petersfield pastoral area attended a service for married couplesat Bordon on February 8th. Hymns, music and a wide range of readings framed prayers ofrecommitment.Grayshott and Liphook as well as the parishes already mentioned were represented. Some of thecouples are pictured.

1 Brian & Susan McKehan - St Agnes Petersfield2 Chris & Paula Kennedy with Fr Eddie Richer -

St Josephs Grayshott3 Clive Lisa & Noah Taylor - Sacred Heart Bordon4 Gavin & Carol Barratt - Immaculate Coinception Liphook5 Gordon & Liz Hardless - Our Lady Fleet6 Margaret & Tony Jordan - Sacred Heart Bordon

Footsore and weary at journey's end.(L-R) Nick Le Prevost (group doctor), Richard Ashworth

(deputy group leader), Roxy Paterson (group leader), Charlie Pugh (group nurse) and Georgie Biltcliffe

(one of the 12 helpers)

Margaret andhusband Neil withAngora Ngai(from Hong Kong),an MA studentof ComparativeLiterature at theUniversity ofWarwick

FOOTSTEPS IN THESAND

Mrs Marta Pugsley, Chaplain at BeaulieuConvent School (Jersey), asked the school'sHead of Drama, Mrs. Tania Bloor, ifstudents would put together a LiturgicalDance in honour of the Feast Day of theImmaculate Conception. She couldn'thave imagined where that would lead.

20 girls volunteered to put a liturgicaldance together to Leona Lewis's song:'Footsteps in the Sand', choreographed bystudents Chloe Baker and Sam Neal.Entered for the Jersey Island Eisteddfod,the girls gained a Platinum award andtook the overall trophy. They were thenasked to perform at a week-end Gala and,as the Eisteddfod in Jersey was celebratingits Centenary Year, the Beaulieu studentswere again asked to perform at the specialCentenary celebrations. Finally, the girlsdanced this prayer during a Feast DayMass in the Roman Catholic Church of St.Thomas (Jersey) before the whole school.

Charles Livingstone,'Once an altar server …'

BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENTAWARD

The (Portsmouth) News Business Awards(in association with Business Link) areawarded annually. This year's top award,the Lifetime Achievement Award,sponsored by Coffin Mew LLP, has beenawarded to Dr Jay Kettle-Williams,Editor of PP and current President tothe Portsmouth and SE HampshireChamber of Commerce.

LAY MISSIONARY PROGRAMMELast year South (Isle of) Wight Parish, with theblessing of Bishop Crispian, commissioned Claire Kiely,a fresh graduate from St. Mary University,Twickenham, to be a Missionary to the Philippinesunder the Assumption Lay Missionary Programme. Lay Missionary, Claire Kiely, in Filipino costume with Parish Priest,Fr. Claro Conde, and other Filipinas after the Mass of commissioningat Sacred Heart Church in Shanklin, IOW

Members of the 38th. Photograph by courtesyof the Daily Echo, Bournemouth

Beaulieu students dance to Footsteps in the Sand

PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 3 19/3/09 12:31 Page 20

PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE 21

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PP NOW AVAILABLE ON LINE

Readers will soon be able to order and receive PortsmouthPeople (approx. 1.25 MB) online. Further details andthe registration form are soon to be found by followingthe PP links on the diocesan website(www.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk) where past issues (magazineformat) are also archived and from where individuals andparishes may freely download for personal or public use.

PARK PLACE PASTORAL CENTRE

Due to the strict health and safety regulations now beingimposed on Park Place Pastoral Centre, the FranciscanSisters are faced with costs of some £200k to meet therequired standards. Park Place Pastoral Centre, besidesserving the people of the UK, forms a vital link to MissionProjects in India, Ethiopia, Brazil and Tanzania. Hundreds ofmen, women and children affected by HIV/Aids, blindness,maternal & child mortality and homelessness are givenfinancial help. If Park Place Centre is forced to close down,it would cut off the only life line to many people in need.So please help the Sisters to continue their good work hereand in developing countries by giving whatever you can:Park Place Pastoral Centre, Winchester Road, Wickham,Fareham, Hants. PO17 5HAt: 013 2983 3043 www.parkplacepastoralcentre.co.uk

KEEP THE FAITH … and live longer!

In her book, The Long Life Equation: 100 Factors That CanAdd Or Subtract Years From Your Life, published by NewHolland @ £5.99, Dr Trisha Macnair records that over 1,000studies into faith and longevity at the University of Iowa(USA) have shown that active involvement in a spiritualcommunity boosts the immune system and helps keepclogged arteries at bay. The research goes on to point outthat those who attend religious services at least once aweek are 35 per cent more likely to live longer - up to 7years longer - than those not attending.

MARRIAGE & FAMILY LIFE E-BULLETIN

To request this free e-newsletter, published by the Marriage& Family Life Project Office (Department of ChristianResponsibility & Citizenship, Catholic Bishops' Conferenceof England and Wales), simply emailelizabeth.davies@cbcew.org.uk

TRANSPLANT CHILDREN SPORTING SUCCESS TO IOW 1 - 4 MAY

Transplant Sport UK (TSUK), a national charity providingsports event for recipients of life-saving organ transplants,have chosen the Isle of Wight to host their specialChildren's Sportshall and Swimming Gala in May 2009. TheIsland will also host a specialist training camp fortransplant children aged 12-17 years who have beenselected to represent the UK at The World Transplant Gamesin Australia next August. For further information onTransplant Sport UK and the Transplant Active Project:www.transplantsport.org.uk

JUST FOR JUNIORS

These are the solutions and answersto this issue's JfJ section.

Jumblies: Jesus; Pope; Pew; Matthew; Mark; Luke; John; Trinity; Apostles; Commandments.

Codebreakers!: Starting with the second letter and taking out every other letter you work your way through the alphabet from A to Z. That leaves you with one of Jesus' famous sayings.

Numbers game:12 + 10 = 22. 22 + 3 = 25. 25 x 4 = 100!

Most religious animal: This must be the elephant because elephants have four knees!

31 MAY: WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY

The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI's Message for WorldCommunications Day 2009 was released on 24 January tocoincide with the launch of the Vatican's new youtubechannel www.youtube.com/vatican. WorldCommunications Day is a celebration of global socialcommunications and was born out of the Second VaticanCouncil in 1963. This year's message is being communicatedvirally to young people across the world. The Holy Fatherinvites young people in particular 'to introduce into theculture of this new environment of communications andinformation technology the values on which you have builtyour lives'.

ECUMENISM'S LITTLE HELPER

Ravages caused by theDeath Watch Beetlehave obliged theAnglican Church of StMichael and St MaryMagdalene inBracknell to close itsdoors while repairstake place. Thehomeless congregationhas been offered sanctuary at the nearby Catholic Churchof St Margaret Clitherow. Parish Priest Fr ChristopherRutledge explains: 'Everything's dovetailed very well. WithBishop Crispian's approval, we gladly opened our doors inthe same way that the Anglican Church offered ussanctuary in '73 when we had no church at the site whereSt Margaret Clitherow now stands. We are delighted to beable to return the favour.'

CATHOLIC WOMEN OF THE YEAR

Nominations are invited for the 2009 Catholic Women ofthe Year. Any Catholic woman in Britain can be nominated.The judges will be looking for 'unsung heroines' who servethe Church and their neighbours with love and enthusiasm,in families, in professional life and in the community. Thosechosen as Women of the Year are honoured at a celebrationlunch which also raises funds for charity. All that isrequired to nominate someone is to send a letter detailingwhy your nominee should be a Catholic Woman of the Yearfor 2009 to: Chairman, CWYL, 22 Milton Road, Ware HertsSG12 0PZ. Closing date for nominations: 25 April.

WHY NOT BECOME AN IA VOLUNTEER?

Independent Age cares for6,000 older people on lowincomes who - often throughtheir selfless support for others - have been unable to makeadequate provision for their old age. The charity providesfinancial and practical help plus the friendship of ournetwork of 1,200 volunteers. The volunteer network makesregular visits to the older people being supported and is oneof the most important parts of the charity's work. For moreinformation about volunteering opportunities withIndependent Age: www.independentage.org.uk

FIND FILMS FAST IN ANY FORMAT

Film fans' lives have just been revolutionised with the launchof a ground-breaking new website by the UK Film Council:FindAnyFilm.com (http://www.FindAnyFilm.com). A first-of-its-kind film search engine, like a Google for films, it will findout when, where and how a film is available in the UK -legally and across all formats and platforms - cinema, TV,DVD & Blu-ray sale or rental, download and streaming.

DIOCESAN WEBSITE

Our Diocesan website is being re-designed. If you haveany suitable photographs of your Parish/Church which you'd like to share with others, please send them towebmaster@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

CATENIAN CENTENARY MASS

22 January saw a largenumber of Cateniansand their wives fromSurrey, Hampshire,Wiltshire and Dorsetattending a specialMass of Thanksgivingand Hope at St John'sCathedral as part ofthe Catenian Centenarycelebrations. BishopCrispian Hollis, themain celebrant,formally thanked theCatenians for thesupport they give thechurch.

ADVERTISE IN PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE

Display advertisements of a suitable and appropriatenature are invited for the forthcoming and subsequentissues of Portsmouth People (32pp, guaranteed print-runof 10,000). Advertisements submitted must containaccurate, complete and true information and comply withrequirements of all relevant legislation incl. the BritishCode of Advertising and the Advertising StandardsAuthority. Rate card and further details available fromThe Editor.

ARE YOU A PEOPLE PERSON?

Then why not become a Portsmouth People person? Weare looking for volunteers to help with distributing themagazine and/or to act as newsgatherers in their areas,collecting appropriate items for onward transmission tothe Editor. Internet access is necessary.Please contact the Editor if you can help:Editor@PortsmouthDiocese.org.uk

Adult Death Watch Beetle(Xestobium rufovillosum … ecumenicum?)

Bishop Crispian Hollis wearing theCatenian chasuble at the

Portsmouth Centenary Mass

NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

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NEWS

Apostleship of the Sea Trustee, David Savage, has raised anamazing £15k for the Apostleship of the Sea in his adventurousbike ride from the Irish Sea to the North Sea in a day!

On the 15th November 2008, David Savage rode from Liverpoolto Hull non-stop, on an immense charity bike ride to raise fundsfor Apostleship of the Sea so the charity can continue its vitalwork in support of seafarers. In total he rode 215.9 kilometres ina total time of 9 hours and 42 minutes. He tells us his averagespeed was 22.26 kph (13.91mph) but that at one point he evengot up to 69.88 kph, but that was down a hill!

David was helped along the way by the kindness of others, thosewho directed him when he was lost (in Hull with just 5 kilometresto go!), those who gave him food and drink and those whocheered him on.

He was met at the end of his journey in Hull with a jubilantreception from Fr. Colum Kelly, Apostleship of the Sea portchaplain for Immingham and Anne McLaren, Apostleship of theSea port chaplain for Hull, Apostleship of the Sea Ship Visitors andvolunteers, and most of all, a group of seafarers who were at theHull Centre last night. David reported: 'To see the seafarers at theend of the journey, well, the effort was worth it for that alone.'

He went on to add: 'To all who have made such incredibledonations so far, you have exceeded all expectations. Thanks somuch. To those who might be reading this, it isn't too late andApostleship of the Sea really will appreciate your support.'

David has set up his own Just Giving page, where you cansponsor him.

You can support David at http://www.justgiving.com/davesavage1

David Savage arrival in Hull

St. Mary’sCollege

CharltonHouse

St. Mary’s CollegePreparatory Dep

CharltonHouse

Prep and Nursery Dept Open Days

18-22 May from 9.30-2.30

57 Midanbury Lane, Bitterne Park, Southampton

www.stmaryscollege.co.uk

Educating Girls & Boys age 3 -16 in a caring Christian environment

The Apostleship ofthe SeaSUCCESS FOR SEA TO SEA CHARITY BIKE RIDE

Thomas, to the delight of his grandmother,has wanted to join the Church for the pastthree years but naval duties made thatimpossible. A member of the RCIA group atFareham (Sacred Heart), Thomas, who foundthe Rite of Election 'a bit nerve-wrackingbut so enjoyable', is set to re-join HMSCumberland shortly after Easter when she'sbound for the Gulf.

Thomas Wheeler (Candidate) with girlfriendSophie Bromley

Group from the Catholic Chaplaincy at the University of Reading

'Lovely, very welcoming. I felt like part ofthe community' - Leanne Kenyon, SacredHeart, Bournemouth

'Nervous about being on the sanctuary butit was so cosy and I felt accepted' -Jacqueline Mole, Sacred Heart,Bournemouth

Leanne on left, Jacqueline on right;both now 'Elect'

Numbers the highest in recent years: 72catechumens preparing for the sacraments ofbaptism, confirmation and eucharist at Easter;154 candidates preparing for confirmationand/or eucharist, and in many cases also beingreceived into the Catholic Church; Cathedralpacked with catechumens, candidates,godparents, sponsors, members of RCIA teams,clergy, family and friends

'A fantastic experience, a little overwhelming at first because of the sheer number of peopleBut the Bishop was great and I soon relaxed once I was up on the sanctuary'

'awe-inspiring'

'overwhelming feeling'

'very moving''felt like part of the wider community -

among family'

'beautiful place, outstanding music -altogether wonderful'

'Our first big experience of the Church.Looking forward to Easter'

�Note: The Apostleship of the Sea,is a maritime welfare charity,providing practical and pastoralsupport to seafarers, regardless ofrace, colour or creed (if any).

Ninety percent of world trade iscarried by ship, and some 100,000seafarers visit British ports eachyear. They are commonly awayfrom home for nine to 12 monthsat a time, suffering loneliness,depression and even exploitation.They also have to work in gruellingand often dangerous conditions.

Apostleship of the Sea chaplainsand ship visitors welcomeseafarers to our shores. Theyrecognise them as brothers withan intrinsic human dignity whichcan be overlooked in the modernglobalised maritime industry.

For more information visitwww.apostleshipofthesea.org.uk

PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 3 19/3/09 12:31 Page 24

PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE 25

BOOKMARK

FEATURE

PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE24

FEATURE

5: FINDING YOUR WAYSee if you can follow the crosses in an unbroken line from A to B. You can move in straight lines or even diagonally.Remember that sometimes it helps to work backwards from where you need to be.

Alex says:'It's a good idea, if you have a mobile, to set your homenumber as a 'Speed Dial' so that, when you press theone number, you're straight through to home.

Another good tip is to put your phone on charge assoon as you get back home or to wherever you keepyour charger. That way, when you go out again, it'llbe charged up'.

This book tells the story of the Papal Zouaves, a band of 20,000Catholics who were summoned by the Pope in the nineteenth centuryto defend the Vatican City from attack.

Motivated by wanderlust, duty and faith, they marched into Italy withArthurian grandeur as the Wars of the Risorgimento raged aroundthem. Volunteers came from many nations, including France, Belgium,Spain, Ireland and Austria.

The battles that ensued lasted over 10 years, among a shifting array ofallies and enemies, and are some of history's most fascinating yetlargely overlooked episodes.

Napoleon, Pius IX, and Bismarck all make appearances in the story, butat the centre were the Zouaves - steeped in a knightly code of honour,and unflinching in battle as any modern warrior - as the Church theyvowed to defend to the death teetered on the brink of destruction.

The author, Charles Coulombe, was commended by Pope John Paul IIafter the publication of his Vicars of Christ: A History of the Popes. Aformer contributing editor of the National Catholic Register, he wonthe Christian Law Institute's Christ King Journalism Award in 1992. Helives in Los Angeles.

The Pope's Legion, published by Palgrave Macmillan on 13 March ispriced at £14.99 Hardback. ISBN: 9780230600584

'The Papal Zouaves constitute a fascinating, if previously neglected,chapter of the Church's history. The Pope's Legion tells a thrilling storysuperbly, and with the literary elegance and historical expertise weexpect from Charles Coulombe.' - Thomas E. Woods, Jr, Ph.D., bestsellingauthor of How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization.

'In The Pope's Legion Charles Coulombe brings to life one of history'soverlooked and more colourful chapters, evoking deeds of honour,sacrifice, and the deepest impulses of faith.' - H. Paul Jeffers,bestselling author of Freemasons and The Napoleon of New York.

'Charles Coulombe's fast-paced, compelling book, is a fitting tribute tothe many Catholics from all over the world who offered their lives topreserve the independence of the Holy Father. It is a monument totheir faith and to their ideals and a must-read for anyone interested inPapal history.' Mgr Ignacio Barreiro Carámbula, Director, Human LifeInternational, Rome

VietnameseConnectionsIn this issue of PortsmouthPeople we offer a 'communitycommunications checklist' forVietnamese nationals and othersin our diocese with Internetaccess who are interested inmatters Vietnamese:

(Similar 'Community Connections' compilations

are welcome for other nationalities. Ed.)

National English Language Daily: http://vietnamesenews.vnagency.com.vn/

Country profile (BBC): http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/country_profiles/1243338.stm(Note: underscore between 'country' and 'profiles)

Internet Radio and Online News stations:http://multilingualbooks.com/online-radio-vietnamese.html withconnections to BBC Vietnamese, LittleSaigon Radio, QueHuong Radio, Radio FreeVietnam, VN Radio Net et al.

THE POPE'SLEGIONThe Multinational FightingForce that Defended the Vatican

CHARLES A. COULOMBE

3: ARE YOU GOOD AT NUMBERS GAMES?

Well, let's see! Think of howmany Apostles there were. Addthat number to the number ofCommandments. Then add thenumber you think of with theTrinity and multiply that total bythe number of Gospels.

What number did you get?

4: WHICH IS THE MOST RELIGIOUS ANIMAL?

You'll find the answers in News and Announcements

'Suffer the little children to come unto me' Mark 10:14

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1: JUMBLIES

See if you can rearrange thefollowing sets of letters tomake well-known words:

1: JUSES2: PEPO3: WEP4: THAMWET5: KRAM6: KULE7: HONJ8: TINITRY9: LASTPOSE10: TOMSNMADCMEN

You'll find the answers in Newsand Announcements

Just for Juniors

2: CODEBREAKERS!Crack the code to find the sentence hidden in the following:

IAABMCTDHEEFWGAHYITJHKELTMRNUOTPHQARNSDTTUHVEWLXIYFZE

You'll find the answers in News and Announcements

Just a click away…We continue with ourcompendium of worthywebsites:www.shroud.com- to learn more about the Shroud of Turinwww.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk- our Diocesan websitewww.catholic-history.org.uk/cfhs- for family history research (Catholic records)www.catholic-history.org.uk/cas- care and preservation of Catholic Recordswww.catholic-history.org.uk/crs- Roman Catholicism: Reformation to present daywww.catholic-history.org.uk/ - various links to historical topicswww.friendsofhighlandroadcemetery.org.uk - ref: grave of Bishop Virtue et al.www.livesimply.org.uk - God calls us to live simply

(Submissions for 'JACA' warmly invited. Ed.)

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PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE 27

FEATURE

26

FEATURE

It was in 1996 that I arrived in HolyGhost (Basingstoke) to be one of fourpriests working in the Parish. Everyweekend we celebrated eight Massesat five separate locations. Four yearslater there were only two of us plus aretired priest still celebrating seven'Sunday' Masses.

With the growing local population andthe concomitant increase in thenumber of Catholics, together withthe diminishing number of priests, itwas essential that something be done,and done quickly. Bishop Crispianfully supported the idea, proposedsome time before but not acted upon,of a new church.

After much discussion with the ParishPastoral Council, an open meeting washeld to look at the issues: weaddressed the demographicdevelopment and population shift; theincreasing age of priests and thedecline in people coming forward forordination and the increase in theMass-going population. A mandatewas given to go ahead with the plans.

A broad-based team from around theParish (including all the existing MassCentres) was convened and formalised(New Church Project Group). Thegroup, charged with identifying the

way forward, worked in harness withthe Diocesan Authorities (the DiocesanTrustees are ultimately responsible andlegally liable) and with Canon AlanGriffiths, the Diocesan LiturgicalBuildings Advisor, who assisted inlooking at the essential requirementsof a church with regard to Romanliturgical norms.

The challenge was immense for manyreasons: we had (and still have) thebeautiful church of Holy Ghost (somewould say the pinnacle of CanonScholes’ work). This church, near theTown Centre, was and is still muchloved. It is a gem of a church, oftraditional design, and a place ofregular prayer and great devotion.A sub-committee of the New ChurchProject Group shortlisted architectsand interviewed three. With Diocesanapproval, 'Maguire and Co' (nowknown as JBKS) was appointed.

The sub-committee and the NewChurch Project Group began a seriesof meetings with the architecturalteam: Mr Bob Maguire and Mr JeremyBell. Canon Griffiths also met withBob and Jeremy to enable them togain a deeper understanding andappreciation of current Catholicliturgical thinking and practice.Together with the parish team thearchitects put together a proposal fora church, hall, offices and presbytery.

Plans were put to the Parish andobservations were taken on board. Afinal design was agreed by theCommittee and the Diocese (throughthe Diocesan Liturgical BuildingsAdvisory Committee).

Several tenders were sought and, afterserious consideration, Brymor and CoLtd were appointed. Then followed abuild of 2 years during which wewatched excitedly as slowly thechurch began to rise from the field inthe middle of Popley which, as DivineProvidence would have it, had beenpurchased for that very reason in the

1960s. We have been in the churchnow for 2 years and, as with manybuilding projects, remedial works arestill going on.

The church has had a mixed receptionby parishioners. Partly this is due toits modern design and partly to thestruggle some parishioners have withletting go of the Holy Ghost Churchwhere we enjoy a 'Glimpse of Heaven'('A Glimpse of Heaven' CatholicChurches in England and Wales,Christopher Martin p.147).

There is a danger, common amongmany, of comparing the two churches.But the two churches are of differenttimes, different design and differentsize (St Bede holds over twice thecongregation of Holy Ghost). Thisstruggle continues. It's not easy forsome. But, God willing, it will enableus all to appreciate and derivemaximum benefit from the differentstyles and the different designs.

St Bede has a semi-monastic feel:courtyard with cloister leading intothe church; the church with straightlines and white walls, charcoal tiledfloor and maple benches. The churchitself is virtually square with a ceilingthat reaches 21 metres into the sky togive a sense of the transcendence ofGod and the transcendence of ourSacramental liturgy, especially theMass. Its high glass atrium enablesthe light that enters the interior tochange in quality as the sun movesduring the day. At night, when thechurch is in use, the atrium acts as abeacon of light in the darkened worldof Popley (Basingstoke) and the worldin general.

The church is open seven days a week,365 days a year. So, why not pay avisit? Come, pray and be still todiscover the presence of God in themodern surroundings of St Bede'schurch.

Monsignor Vincent Harvey reflects on building aChurch from the ground up

A new church: the beginnings …

PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE

How does a person become a Catholic?Hints & WrinklesWell, there are several ways. Let's look at the two principal routes:

Children who are born or adopted into Catholic familiesare usually baptised as infants. Their parents have theimportant task of forming them in faith. As children growolder, this formation is supplemented (but not replaced)by involvement in parish and school communities. Thisincludes preparation for the sacraments of reconciliationand eucharist, which then, hopefully, become a regularpart of their lives.

Adults with little, no or different church backgrounds,who want to find out more about becoming members ofthe Catholic Church, are encouraged to join the RCIA (Riteof Christian Initiation of Adults) or Journey in Faith groupin their parish. In this group they will have opportunitiesto

� Explore what it means to know and followJesus Christ within the Catholic Church

� Discover some of the riches of Scripture andChurch teaching

� Get to know other people in the community� Begin to participate in the life and mission

of the Church

If adults decide to become Catholics, their preparationbears fruit in the celebration of the sacraments, usually atEaster. Like those of us who are already Catholics, theirjourney in faith lasts a lifetime.

When you're looking at any group, society or associationfrom the outside and thinking about possibly becoming amember, it can all seem a bit daunting. The first step isinvariably the most difficult to take. But don't be put off.In the Catholic Church we warmly welcome people of allages and backgrounds and try to provide appropriateformation to suit each person's needs.

So, if you feel you want to find out more about becominga Catholic, or if you would like to bring a child forward forbaptism or if you'd simply like to learn more about theprocess and our faith, please contact a priest in your areaor Nicky Stevens, Head of Department for PastoralFormation, Park Place Pastoral Centre, Winchester Road,Wickham, Hampshire PO17 5HA

t: 013 2983 5583e: nstevens@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

www.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk/pastoral_formation/index.htm

The Christus figure above the altar in StBede's (see front cover) is not there byaccident, nor because a modern churchshould have a piece of 'modern art'. Theartist is aware of working in the longtradition of ecclesiastical art. Thistradition requires that we stop in thestillness of the church and contemplatethe figure spiritually.

The artist, Peter Eugene Ball is a mostunusual man in today's society, in that hemakes his living from producing sculpturethat is mostly for use in churches. Froman early age he has been affected byearly church art of the Celtic andRomanesque periods. These tie his workinto the mainstream of creative activitythat dates back to the earliest roots ofChristianity in the British Isles. The figuresof these ancient church decorations arelong and thin often bowing forward ingraceful curved poses. This medieval styledeveloped into the beautiful, perfectforms of renaissance sculpture, which weare more comfortable with. But the facesof medieval saints, Madonnas and Christ

figures have an anonymous quality. Thatanonymity is a blank canvas allowing ourown thoughts to take shape. Ball presentsus with a universal, timeless appeal in theearlier style that fits into the never-ending tradition of our Catholic Church.

The materials Ball prefers to work withare pieces of driftwood found on theseashore or beams from demolishedhouses, which he then metamorphosesinto one of his saints or Christ figures.This is an echo of 'the stone the buildersrejected', an entirely appropriatereference for Christian art. He appliesbrass, copper, gold leaf and earth colourpaints in the creation of his work and inso doing produces images that have apatina of age. Their surface comes toresemble the images of saints that havebeen venerated by pilgrims for endlessyears. It is no coincidence that Ball has

made the pilgrimage to Santiago deCompostela. The Christus figure that wehave at St Bede's is not meant to be acomfortable image that we can ignore aspart of the background. It is meant to bea challenging figure, but it can only dothis if we stop and revere the Christ itrepresents, as the pilgrims of old did.

The figure of Christ can, traditionally, berepresented in many poses: 'The Man ofSorrows' or 'Christ Crucified'. In theOrthodox Church he is often portrayed asthe 'Pantocrator': the teacher of theworld. The Risen Christ, the 'ChristTriumphant' is also often depicted inaltarpieces. At St Bede's we see thefigure of Christ embracing his family,leaning forward, arms outstretched tohold us all. The outstretched arms echothe 'Christ Crucified' but this is the Christof now: the Christ of the Resurrection.

Deryck Collinsreflects onPeter E. Ball'sChristus

The sculptor Peter E Ball at work in his studio

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PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE28

FEATURE

CHRIST IS RISEN!

The whole story of our redemption issummed up in the readings of theEaster Vigil - the end of our Lentencelebration and the beginning of Easter.Not every parish uses all these readings,but they are available to read in anySunday Missal.

The first reading from Genesis presentsthe story of the creation of the world.Since this chapter was written in apre-scientific age, we do not need totake it as scientific history. Rather, this isa kind of liturgical poem to introduce thewhole Bible. The message is clear. Despitewhat will happen afterwards, God createsthe world completely good. It is humanbeings who will later introduce sin intothe world, but Christ will eventuallycome as Redeemer. Moreover, Godcreates the universe through his word. InJewish interpretation this wordrepresents God's Law given to Moses, butChristians can understand the Word asChrist (John 1:1).

The second reading, also from Genesis,gives us the poignant tale of Abraham'scall to sacrifice his son Isaac. Fromtoday's viewpoint, Abraham would bedeclared an unfit parent and probablysent to a psychiatric hospital. But in thebiblical narrative, he is presented as onewho loves God above everything elseprecious to him - even his own son (seeMatthew 10:37). The way Isaac climbsthe hill carrying the firewood for thesacrifice resembles the way Christ will

carry the wood of the cross to Calvary(John 19:17). But whereas Abraham isprevented from sacrificing Isaac onMount Moriah, Christ offers himself insacrifice on Calvary to redeem us.

The third reading from Exodus tells thestory of the Israelites escaping fromPharaoh's oppression in Egypt andcrossing the Red Sea to freedom. Thepsalm immediately following is the songof Moses and Miriam, praising God forpowerfully delivering the Israelites fromtheir enemies. This miraculous crossingfrom death to life serves as aforeshadowing of Jesus' passing to newlife in the resurrection. And we believethat, in union with the risen Christ, wemake this journey from death to life inthe sacrament of baptism. That is whythe baptism of converts often takes placeat the Easter Vigil.

The fourth and fifth readings, taken fromthe second part of Isaiah, express God'sforgiveness and invite us to 'Come to thewater.' In the sacrament of baptism wereceive forgiveness through beingimmersed in the water of the font. Thesixth reading from Baruch calls us tolisten to God's life-giving commands.Then the seventh reading from Ezekieloffers us a wonderful promise, againapplied to baptism: 'I shall pour cleanwater over you and you will be cleansed.I shall give you a new heart, and put anew spirit in you.' When we renew ourbaptism promises, we can ask God to giveus his new life through the Holy Spirit.

The reading from St Paul explains howbaptism unites us with Christ's savingresurrection. Going down into thebaptismal water joins us with Christ'sburial in the tomb, and then rising fromthe water unites us with his resurrectionfrom the tomb. Finally, the Gospelreading proclaims that Christ has indeedtriumphed over death. This year we hearSt Mark's Gospel, which does not recountthe appearance of the risen Lord, butinstead conveys the angel's message tothe women at the tomb: 'You are lookingfor Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified.He has risen!' What these surprisedwomen discovered at the tomb is whatwe celebrate during the fifty days ofEastertide: Christ is risen!

Father Jeremy Corleyintroduces the scripturereadings of the Easter Vigil

Obituary

Fr Colm Kelleher 1923-2009 RIP

Twenty-first century bankers may bewishing they had followed thefinancial principles of Fr Colm JKelleher, who died in Dublin on 13thJanuary, his 86th birthday. During his33 years as Parish Priest of St Joseph'sin Tilehurst, Reading, he raised thefunds for a new primary school and anew church. By the time he left in1999, not only was the church paid for,but the parish accounts were morethan £150,000 in credit.

Dublin-born Fr Kelleher was ordainedin 1949. Postings to the Cathedral, St.Patrick's Woolston and Sacred HeartWaterlooville followed, but it waswhen he was appointed the first parishpriest of St Joseph's in 1966 that hecame into his own.

As a ‘hands-on’ and enthusiasticadministrator, he organised a wholevariety of fundraising schemes. Manyof these were also social events, whichhelped bring the new parish together.

The expenditure side of the balancesheet was helped by his frugal lifestyle.He never drew a regular stipend, and -apart from cigarettes - had very fewpersonal needs.

Traditional in his views, he couldappear stern when addressing acongregation, not least when askingfor money. But his unstinting serviceand quiet acts of kindness over theyears earned him the deep affection ofmany parishioners.

He was visibly embarrassed by thewarm tributes when he finally retiredand returned to the family home inDublin. He is buried in GlasnevinCemetery.

PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 3 19/3/09 12:32 Page 30

CHURCH IN FOCUSWith this issue we look at theChurch of St. Peter, Winchester

The next issue ofPORTSMOUTH PEOPLE

will be distributed at theend of May 2009

PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 3 19/3/09 12:32 Page 31

Catholic Church of St PeterJewry SteetWinchester

Hampshire SO23 8BW

t: 019 6285 2804www.peternet.org.uk

When you have finished reading this magazine,please pass it to a friend or dispose of it responsibly for re-cycling.

PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 3 19/3/09 12:32 Page 32