PORTSMOUTH. Bishop Challoner Passing on the Faith A Specially Moving Mass HMG's for for CAFOD Pope Benedict and Vatican 2

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1 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 12-1:Layout 1 23/1/12 14:28 Page 1 PORTSMOUTH Feb/Mar 2012 Vol 12-1 Bishop Challoner Passing on the Faith A Specially Moving Mass HMG's for for CAFOD Pope Benedict and Vatican 2 The Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth magazine... plus all our regular features

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3 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 12-1:Layout 1 23/1/12 14:28 Page 3 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE Jay Kettle-Williams Contents Great Expectations Iwas introduced to Dickens at an early age. Barely a toddler. I used to spend the occasional weekend at my grandparents. My grandfather would bring down his complete works of Dickens from the top bookshelf. I'd place the books on the dining table - piles of 2, 3 or 4 - and cover them with a bed sheet my grandmother would give me. My grandfather would then help me bring in large lumps of coal which we'd place on top of the sheet-covered pillars of books. I'd bring out my collections of lead soldiers, cowboys and Indians and, having placed them strategically behind, on, around and under the coals, I'd let them fight it out. Tension could be heightened with the curtains pulled and the engagement conducted by torchlight. The goodies always won. Dickens, then, has always meant a lot to me, even before I'd read a single word he'd ever written. Born 200 yrs ago this year in Portsmouth, Dickens was both a renowned writer-cum-journalist and a broad-minded Christian who explored, developed and promoted the concepts of an all-embracing Christian ethos. In 1849, Dickens wrote an important manuscript which was so personal to him that he requested it not be made public for 85 years. The work, The Life of Our Lord, first published in 1934, retold the Gospel narratives. Marie Dickens, Charles daughter-in-law, described Dickens s secret work as a tribute to his heart and humanity, and also, his deep devotion to Our Lord. Dickens wrote The Life of Our Lord so that his children would become familiar with Jesus Christ. He often read it to them. When his children left home, he gave each a New Testament, the best book that ever was or will be known in the world. It was towards the end of his life that Dickens wrote to a reader: I have always striven in my writings to express veneration for the life and lessons of Our Saviour. Prominent People from our Past 2 by Fr Peter Codd Calendar 3 Letters 4 Teens & 20s by Lauren Deal 6 Parson s Pointers 7 Profiles 8 & 16 Behind the Scenes 8 What s in a Word: Crucifixion 9 Prie-Dieu by Fr Denis Blackledge 10 Passing on the Faith by Angela Wills 11 Movers and Shakers 12 Thank You Father by Colin Parkes 14 Live Issues by Dominica Roberts 16 A Broader View by Lawrence Fullick 17 Just for Juniors 18 This is IT! 19 News & Announcements 20 Matched Funding - CAFOD 22 Reviews 24 Pope Benedict XVI and Vatican 2 26 by Peter Birks Hints & Wrinkles 27 Learning from Israel s Faith Journey 28 by Jeremy Corley As ever in Dickens writings, just like when I first had recourse to his works, it's the goodies who win. PP distribution schedule for further issues in this volume: 26 Mar., 28 May, 30 Jul., 24 Sep. and 26 Nov. Copy for publication should be received as far in advance as possible of the first working day of the month of publication/distribution. Submission of copy can be no guarantee of publication. Further details on p28. Acknowledgement: Candle Books for kind permission to reproduce the illustration on p18 from Jumbo Bible Activity Book 2009 Lion Hudson plc. Photographs : Dave Hill; JLKW; Simon Rawles/CAFOD Designed and produced by South Hants Digital t: PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE 1

4 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 12-1:Layout 1 23/1/12 14:28 Page 4 FEATURE Prominent People from our Past Who were the founding spirits of our Diocese? We begin a new series by finding out more about a famous name. Mass. Under Challoner s ministry, the provision of Mass, the Sacraments and catechetical instruction became better organised. Catholics also benefited from Challoner s many writings, which included A Catechism and the devotional work The Garden of the Soul. The practice of the Catholic religion in towns tended to be more secretive than in the country. In London Challoner and other clergy celebrated Mass in the Sardinian and other embassy chapels and in hired rooms or private homes, as inconspicuously as they could manage. Fr Peter Codd He gave his name to one of the biggest Catholic Schools in our Diocese (in Basingstoke), but what do we know about Bishop Challoner, the man and his ministry? The bare bones are that he was born in Sussex in 1691, and died 89 years later having spent more than half his adult life, from 1741 to 1781, as bishop of a huge ten county area that included what is now the Diocese of Portsmouth. Forty years as a bishop is impressive enough, but given the conditions at the time, Challoner s was a huge achievement. Catholics in the 18 th C. lived under The Penal Code, designed to crush the life out Bishop Richard Challoner By Peter Codd of the Catholic body. It meant Catholic gentry had to pay severe taxes and fines, and were denied lucrative positions on account of their religion. But Challoner s England was not one of incessant hostility between Catholics and Protestants. Ordinary Catholics (many of them Irish immigrants) were little molested. The more prominent, despite the financial penalties, were seldom denied the respect accorded to rank and property. Catholics drew strength and inspiration from one another and were proud of their forefathers. But they were thinly-spread communities, visited by riding missioners. Laity often rode or walked great distances to attend In the country, Challoner s ministry usually entailed visiting congregations gathered in the home of Catholic gentry. it is interesting for us to note that he celebrated Mass in the private Chapel of the Eystons at East Hendred and in Buckland Chapel. Present day congregations which can claim descent from congregations which Challoner visited include, Reading, Woolhampton, Newbury, Buckland, East Hendred, Havant, Portsmouth and Winchester. Records show Challoner administered Confirmation in Winchester in 1749 and Dedicated to the Lord he loved and served, and to the people in his care, Challoner spent himself to the limit of his energy. He was buried in the vault of a friend at Milton Church in Berkshire, but his remains were transferred to Westminster Cathedral in A fitting epitaph might well be what was said of him by one contemporary at the time of his death: A PERFECT MODEL OF A MISSIONARY PRIEST. This article is based on essays in Challoner & His Church edited by Professor Eamon Duffy. Visitation details from Life and Times of Bishop Challoner Vol.1 pp.174f. by Burton. Is there a figure from the history of our diocese you think we should know more about? Let us know Ed. 2 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE

5 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 12-1:Layout 1 23/1/12 14:28 Page 5 CALENDAR CALENDAR OF FORTHCOMING EVENTS For further information please contact the parties identified February Sat 04: Day of Prayer Tools for the Toolbox, St Swithun Wells RC primary School, Chandlers Ford t: e: estephenson@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk Wed 08: Preparing for the Rite of Election, Our Lady Help of Christians, Farnborough t: e: estephenson@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk Thu 09: Sat 11: Sat 11: Sat 11: Preparing for the Rite of Election, St Edward the Confessor, Chandlers Ford t: e: estephenson@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes: Celebratory Mass, 11.30am at St Margaret Mary s Church, Park Gate, SO31 7GH Liturgy & Music Day for Holy Week for Parishes, Chandlers Ford t: e: estephenson@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk CAFOD Supporters Meeting, St Bede s Catholic Primary School, Basingstoke t: e: portsmouth@cafod.org.uk Mon 13: Preparing for the Rite of Election, Immaculate Conception and St Joseph, Christchurch t: e: estephenson@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk Mon 20: Preparing for the Rite of Election, Cathedral Discovery Centre, Portsmouth t: e: estephenson@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk Tue 21: Sat 25: Preparing for the Rite of Election, St Joseph, Reading t: e: estephenson@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk Rite of Election, St John s Cathedral, Portsmouth t: e: estephenson@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk Sun 26: First Sunday of Lent Mon 27- Fairtrade Fortnight. Pl. note spaces underscored in following url: 11 Mar March Sat 03: UCM Day of Recollection, Wokingham t: e: petersfinger@talktalk.net Sat 17: UCM Diocesan Study Day, St Lucy s Convent, Medstead t: e: petersfinger@talktalk.net April Tue 03: Chrism Mass, 11am, St John's Cathedral, Portsmouth Fri O6: Good Friday Mon 09: Easter Monday Sat 28: Guernsey Day of Prayer Sat 28: UCM Tri-Annual National Mass 2pm Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Norwich t: e: petersfinger@talktalk.net May Mon 07: May Day Holiday Sat 12: Day for New Catholics, Cathedral Discovery Centre, Portsmouth t: e: estephenson@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk Sat 12: UCM Pilgrimage Day, Wisdom House, Romsey t: e: petersfinger@talktalk.net Mon 28: Spring Bank Holiday June Sat 09: UCM AGM, Yateley t: e: petersfinger@talktalk.net Thu 14: Publish and be. Workshop for editors of parish newsletters, press releases etc. and for those interested in submitting to PP. St John s Cathedral, Portsmouth t: e: Editor@PortsmouthPeople.org.uk Thu 14- International Eucharistic Congress, Ireland. Details Fr Phillip Harris. Mon 18: t: e: priest@portsmouthcatholiccathedral.org.uk Sat 16: Mass for those celebrating Significant Wedding Anniversaries St Bede s Church, Basingstoke t: e: estephenson@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk July Sat 03: UCM Annual Pilgrimage to Walsingham t: e: petersfinger@talktalk.net August Fri 24 Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes -31 See inside front cover for further details Mon 27: Summer Bank Holiday October Thu 11: Launch of Year of Faith in celebration of 50TH Anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council December Tue 25: Christmas Day Wed 26: Boxing Day The Editor welcomes entries for inclusion in the Calendar of Forthcoming Events PEOPLE 3

6 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 12-1:Layout 1 23/1/12 14:29 Page 6 LETTERS MEAT OR NO MEAT... NO FISH ON FRIDAY? I cannot for the life of me see that what one eats has anything whatsoever to do with being a Christian. Anne Kempster St Saviour Jersey It really saddens me to read letters about whether to eat or not to eat meat on Fridays! My reading of scripture leads me to think Jesus was more concerned about the Kingdom of God he appears to have sat lightly on the formulas and codes of his day and, if I may say, was accused of not fasting! What about a little more justice, compassion, forgiveness and prayer in us all? It is the motivation of the heart that matters not rules and regulations. Susan Lee Farlington FISH ON FRIDAY When I read that the church was renewing the no meat on Friday custom, I was confused as I hadn t realised this custom had ever stopped! God doesn t really expect that much from us. But he does expect us to do the little he does ask. This revival of no meat on Fridays is one of the simple ways we can show that we are united in belonging to God and that we are willing to obey and accept the teachings of our church. When I discussed this with my nine-year-old daughter, her decisive response was, It is our gift to God and it maybe small to us, but God will think it a really big gift. To fast and abstain from meat on Fridays is also one of the ways in which we live our faith. By these little acts of self sacrifice, we show our faith to others. We may prompt others to ask questions about our faith and ultimately lead them to share our faith in God and to their conversion. It is one of the ways we are united in identity and in which we strengthen the church. CONGRATULATIONS BUT NO BAD NEWS May I congratulate you and your team on the excellent and attractive magazine which you produce. It is indeed nice to learn about our diocese and the good works being carried out. However I do note that, unlike the national press, you do not include any 'bad' news such as the sad demise of our church in Bracknell, St Margaret Clitherow. My wife and I (a convert now of only 55 years) were present when the late Father John Keenan blessed the ground among the silver birches in We subsequently attended and became involved with the church. It is sad to think that when my time comes my Mass will not be held in the church dedicated to a lady of whom I am very fond. W (Bill) Adams Bracknell As my sponsor wisely told me when I was converting to the Catholic Faith, being Catholic is not a menu for us to pick and choose what we want to obey and what we don t. As St Thérèse would have said, I choose everything. The beauty and one of the many attractions of the Catholic Faith is that we choose everything whether it is easy for us to obey or not. Therefore we should humble ourselves to obey all the teachings of the church. If we decide to not obey in this small act of discipline then where will that lead us? Will this lead to disobedience in more serious matters? And then what? We are all probably guilty of sometimes thinking, Oh it doesn t really matter. It is good to be reminded of, what we knew all along deep down, the importance of these little things. I hope there are many Catholics, like me, who will embrace the revival of this small act of discipline with a loving and obedient heart. Kirsten McGuire Portchester [Well, Bill, you touch on a wide range of topics referring to the rationale and nature of PP which I ll address as concisely as I can. Admittedly we are Good News people but I d like to think that PP, which can only publish what it receives and all contributions are voluntary, doesn t ignore problems and tragedies be they of a highly personal nature - such as illness, abortion - or collective issues such as child/family-care, famines etc. But being bimonthly, the magazine cannot hope, nor is it designed, to be as topical and up-to-the-minute as more regular publications. A strength is its shelf-life: hard copy and being archived online. One particular challenge ever to the forefront is that a PP reader can be of any age, background, political persuasion, location, profession/job, race, nationality/first language but of one faith. I do welcome critique and reaction such as you provide. I also invite comment from others as to how we might further develop our magazine. And very many thanks, Bill, for your kind words about PP. Ed.] 4 PEOPLE

7 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 12-1:Layout 1 23/1/12 14:29 Page 7 LETTERS WORLD YOUTH DAY BRAZIL 2013 We would like to respond to Sue Broadbent's letter in the last edition of Portsmouth People about World Youth Day. Youth ministry in our diocese and parishes is blessed with opportunities and we sadly take too few. In our parish we have a number of activities such as youth theatre, an active youth group and regular youth pilgrimages to the Holy Land. We also have an ongoing collaboration with two neighbouring parishes to systematically develop the youth ministry. However, our teenage daughters have also found youth activities beyond the parish fun and spiritually fulfilling, not least the Damascus Youth Event every August on the Wintershall estate near Guildford. Our oldest daughter went with other diocesan youth to welcome the Holy Father at Westminster Cathedral and take part in the Mass in Hyde Park following. It was a great opportunity to share communion not only with the Pope, but also with many other pilgrims. Likewise she went to Spain with the diocese to attend World Youth Day the only youngster from our parish to do so. She was not sent but was keen to go when the opportunity was given. This was a once in a lifetime experience, with a week of comprehensive formation hosted by a diocese in northern Spain, followed by several days of activities and celebration in Madrid. It all culminated in the baking heat and torrential downpour of the celebration (in both senses of the word) of the final Papal Mass which bought out the best in the pilgrims, a million of whom shared communion with the Pope, and the madrileños, who helped the pilgrims with water and spontaneously ferried many pilgrims from the fields back to the city. The next World Youth Day is in Brazil, one of the largest Catholic countries. It can only be a good thing that the Church has chosen to hold this major celebration of the faith in a developing country. When WYD is held in developed countries such as Germany, Australia and Spain, it is these countries that reap the economic benefit. WYD will now represent a major inflow of foreign income for the churches, hostels and traders in Brazil. As for human rights and political oppression a woeful human rights record does not stop us visiting the Holy Land, nor expressing solidarity in practical ways with the oppressed. Parishes invest hundreds of thousands of pounds in buildings and we are wondering if we should not invest similar amounts in the formation of our youth. We as parents are happy to pay for our children to have these opportunities to share and celebrate their faith be it the Holy Land, Brazil or elsewhere. Don West and Imelda Weingart-West Winchester CELIBACY I write in response to Ann Thorp s letter in the PP (Vol 11-5) regarding celibacy in the priesthood. It gives me pleasure that this sacrifice be made. But that is but a token compared to the several rewards a priest can receive through such a commitment whereby he is able to focus his whole self on God, and God only, with purity of mind, heart and soul. Love is of two levels : that of the Higher Level, and that of the lower level. It takes many sacrifices and hard work, perseverance and a good and clean heart to try and reach this Higher level. It is God s greatest gift and His Love to attain this. Divine Love is perhaps best referred to by St John of the Cross. In this union of love, the word sacrifice no longer exists. It is love that wants to give more, and do more. That s where a shared relationship such as marriage - no longer has a place. It is this love that celibates aspire to. We need to keep them in our prayers. Nicole Tee Basingstoke [The Pope has shown no sign of relaxing the Roman Catholic Church's rule on priestly celibacy, in place since the 11th Century. In March 2010 he described celibacy as the sign of full devotion, the entire commitment to the Lord and to the Lord's business, an expression of giving oneself to God and to others. Priests are not allowed to marry but married Anglican priests who convert to Catholicism are exempted from the celibacy rule. In January this year Pope Benedict appointed an American married priest to head the first US structure for Anglicans converting to Roman Catholicism. We now draw this subject and that of Friday fish to a close. Ed.] The Editor regrets being unable (1) to enter into correspondence other than through the pages of the magazine and (2) to accept for publication any copy, including LETTERS, submitted other than electronically. PEOPLE 5

8 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 12-1:Layout 1 23/1/12 14:30 Page 8 TEENS & 20s TEENS & 20s University undergraduate Lauren Deal talks of her conversion to Catholicism Ihave been a Christian for some time, but it was about two and a half years ago that I became interested in exploring the Catholic faith. I had been feeling for a long time that there was something more to learn about God. I do not really know how to explain it; it was just something I felt. I read a book called Catholicism for Dummies and found that I agreed with the Catholic Church s teachings rather than the Church of England s. So, I decided to attend Mass. During my first time of going to Mass, I felt welcomed. I do not mean by members of the congregation, but again it was something I could just feel inside. I believe this was God guiding me towards the true faith. It was after this I decided to contact the Church about becoming a Catholic. It was Dominica Roberts who responded to my inquiry and told me about the RCIA course (The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). The meetings were both very informative and enjoyable. Father Chris and the rest of the team were very friendly and welcoming. They taught us about the faith at a pace that was suitable for everyone; whatever stage people were at, no one was left unsure about anything. I will always remember my experience of RCIA. For me, it confirmed what I believe to be true and I have also made lots of new friends. It was from here that I learned the most about God and how we can have a good relationship with Him. I am now assisting with this year s RCIA in the hope of helping other people on their journey and also to acquire some new skills in teaching. I would highly recommend RCIA to anyone wishing to be accepted into the Church or to anyone who is simply interested in the Catholic faith. Lauren, a recent convert to the Catholic faith, is studying English Language and Literature at the University of Westminster. She worships at St Joseph's Church, Bracknell. The for Dummies publications are designed for people who know little or nothing about a subject but wish to learn more. Titles (ea. 15 +/-) cover an extensive range e.g. Computers for Seniors, Growing Your Own Fruit and Veg, British History, Making Candles, DIY, Student Cookbook, Digital SLR Cameras, Investing, Guitar, Quantum Physics, Ukulele, Keeping Chickens and, before anyone s me an alert, Creative Writing. Ed. 6 PEOPLE

9 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 12-1:Layout 1 23/1/12 14:30 Page 9 POINTERS Quotable Quotes Be yourself; everyone else is already taken Oscar Wilde Parsons Pointers John Parsons Those who believe in telekinetics, raise my hand Kurt Vonnegut I often quote myself. It adds spice to my conversation George Bernard Shaw I cannot afford to waste my time making money Louis Agassiz I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see John Burroughs Learn by your father s mistakes and by your mother s example Anon. Insanity in individuals is something rare, but in groups, parties, nations and epochs it is the rule Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche I knew I was going bald when it was taking me longer and longer to wash my face Harry Hill Don t worry about temptation. As you grow older, it starts avoiding you Winston Churchill For us elderly people, not owning a computer is like not having a headache Edward Enfield Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe Albert Einstein Sing a song of Birthdays Full of fun and cheer And may you keep on having them For many a happy year Anon. Ihave a small garden but quite a lot in it. As time goes on and stamina doesn t get any better I have had to have some help with the gardening. The lady that does 3 hours a week is extremely keen and she has worked wonders with the relatively little space that there is. Above all there is a little vegetable patch. It is only 6ft by 18ft but it is all ready for sowing and the blackcurrant bushes have been suitably pruned. Soon she will be sowing the root vegetables outside and the tomato seed in the greenhouse. All will be prepared for making the maximum use of what little space and resources we have. She has recently done a part-time course at a nearby institute and is clued up on a lot of gardening topics. And if a new question comes up she goes to the Internet to get some advice. As this issue of Portsmouth People comes out we are thinking about Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent which is the preparation for the greatest of all feasts, Easter. It is in Easter that Christ s work on earth was brought to fruition. And it is through Easter that we reap the benefits of his life and death. So, once again on Ash Wednesday we shall be able to work out how we will observe Lent. For myself I am determined that this year I shall do better and not end up at Easter wondering where all my Lenten resolutions got lost. As we look forward to the spring in the garden and Lent in our Christian life it is worth reflecting on the importance of making use of what we have got both in physical and personal terms. We need to make the best of God s world and of God s gifts to us. And as we see the work of God s hand reflected in the bulbs and the vegetables and take part in the rituals and ceremonies of our Catholic observance let us give thanks for what we have and use it to the best effect. And, of course, like my gardener, use all the resources that modern technology gives us. May your gardens and your Christian observance of Lent bring forth fruit a hundredfold as the parable of the sower puts it. John worships at the Church of Our Lady in Fleet and is in the choir there. He is a keen ecumenist and is a former Chairman of the Diocesan Commission for Christian Unity. He has been a regular contributor to Portsmouth People for some years with his column Parsons Pointers. PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE 7

10 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 12-1:Layout 1 23/1/12 14:30 Page 10 PROFILE BTS Barry Hudd PERSONALITY PROFILE Despite having a Facebook friends list like a European Christian Who s Who, Barry Hudd will not be so readily identifiable to many across the diocese. His is a backstage role. Admittedly he can sometimes be spotted at major events, discreet, camera in hand: I hate to see photographers bobbing around the sanctuary. Yet it's not for these photographs, which often appear in PP, but rather for his role as Press Officer to the Bishop that Barry is so instrumental, ensuring that the media at large are kept abreast of full, correct and up-to-date information: I have high regard for the priesthood. I look to support them in situations they are not familiar with. One of the longest serving members of the diocesan team, Barry became Diocesan Communications Officer (DCO) in He prompted our diocese to become the second nationwide to launch its own website, the first to have its own web domain. In 1996, when hardly anyone had and everything had to be typed out, he launched and became the founding Editor of Portsmouth People. Barry s engagements often take him beyond the diocese: apart from being consulted by other dioceses and religious orders (e.g. UK, Ireland, Finland), he is currently President of the European Christian Internet Conference and is working with the Italian Bishops in the lead-up to their 2012 conference in Rome With a keen interest in reading, wildlife and a broad taste in music, Barry ( Mother Irish, father English - but Irish rugby supporter!) and his wife Maureen have lived in Newbury for the past 30 years: I grew up in North London, Jesuit-educated at Stamford Hill. After 25 years in international Sales & Marketing honing his communication skills, skills which he complements with his photographs, he worked for 10 years at Plater College in Oxford. With this issue BEHIND THE SCENES takes a look at FAIRTRADE Is Portsmouth still a Fairtrade diocese? Mike Dobson Mike Dobson, Fairtrade coordinator at St John's Cathedral parish, replies: The answer is Possibly for not much longer. The Catholic diocese of Portsmouth achieved Fairtrade status in January 2006 after the hard work by Deacon John Foley and others: over 80% of parishes achieved Fairtrade status. Portsmouth diocese is expected to be invited to renew its Fairtrade commitment in 2012, requiring at least 50% of churches to be active Fairtrade churches. Portsmouth may no longer qualify. Last year sales of fairly-traded goods in the UK hit 1 billion. Fairtrade tea, coffee, sugar are available in most supermarkets and all the bananas sold in the last five years by Sainsbury s and Waitrose have been Fairtrade. The most recent high profile conversions of confectionery brands using Fairtrade chocolate are Kit-Kats and Maltesers. For the London 2012 Olympics, all the bananas, tea, coffee, sugar and most chocolate on site will be Fairtrade. But 1 billion represents only 1 per household per week the UK spends more on pet food than Fairtrade. Unfair tariffs and subsidies from the EU and USA hamper farmers ability in the under-developed world to get fair deals for their produce. In Portsmouth diocese we need to be doing more to renew our Fairtrade status and take forward Fairtrade as an integral part of the Church s commitment to social justice and peace. The diocesan Fairtrade Working Group, which last met in October 2008, will have to be re-established in order to coordinate and renew our Fairtrade campaign. Able and willing volunteers are warmly encouraged to contact me (mike.dobson@yahoo.co.uk) and I will coordinate a meeting. Fairtrade Fortnight starts on 27 February. This year's theme is to Take a STEP for Fairtrade: Note from Nicky Stevens, HoD, Dept. for Pastoral Formation: A diocesan working group cannot be set up without the Bishop s approval. The meeting you suggest, Mike, should look at what might be possible and then present a proposal to the Bishop. 8 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE

11 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 12-1:Layout 1 23/1/12 14:30 Page 11 CRUCIFIXION What's in a Word: CRUCIFIXION Crucifixion (Latin: crux nf cross; figere vt to bind/tie to) traditionally involves a condemned person being tied or nailed to a large wooden cross and left to die. Roman crucifixion was designed not just to execute as slowly and painfully as possible but to humiliate, to mutilate and dishonour the body of the condemned, leaving it on public display after death as a warning to others. Crucifixion was typically carried out by specialized squads composed of a commanding centurion and four soldiers, all of whom remained on duty while the victim remained alive. Scourging i.e. whipping and lashing often before crucifixion caused heavy loss of blood prompting a state of shock. The condemned might then have to shoulder the crossbeam (patibulum), weighing around pounds (35 60 kilograms), to the place of execution. By way of further humiliation, victims were generally stripped naked, being forced to urinate or defecate in full view of onlookers. The gibbet on which crucifixion was carried out could be a vertical stake, perhaps with a cross-piece, or in the shape of the letters X or Y. Nails, tapered iron spikes approximately 5 to 7 inches (13 to 18 cm) long with a square shaft 3 8 inch (10 mm) across, could be inserted between the two bones of the forearm. A foot-rest (suppedaneum) attached to the cross, perhaps for the purpose of taking weight off the forearms, could be used along with a sedile, a small Previously owned by and kept on the desk of Blessed John Henry Newman, this crucifix was presented to The Rt Rev Anthony Joseph Emery ( ), 6th Bishop of Portsmouth ( ) seat attached to the front of the cross. A short, curved upright spike (cornu) might also be attached to the sedile for the perineum to bear down upon or for forcing into the anus or vagina. All such devices, including spreading the victim s arms at 60 to 70 from the vertical, were to cause rapidly increasing pain and to prolong an agonizing death. Attendant guards were known to increase the suffering, precipitate death and give a further warning to others by (1) crurifragium, the snapping or shattering of the tibia and/or fibula with an iron club, (2) spearing stab wounds into the heart, (3) giving sharp blows to the chest and/or (4) lighting a fire at the foot of the cross to asphyxiate the victim. The length of time before death could range from hours to days depending on method, the victim's health, the environment. Death could result from any combination of causes: blood loss, sepsis following infection of the wounds or dehydration. Crucifixion was forbidden by ancient Jewish law which allowed only 4 methods of execution: stoning, burning, strangulation and decapitation. Crucifixion in one form or another was used by Persians, Carthaginians, Macedonians as well as by others in more recent times. Japan introduced crucifixion during the Sengoku period ( ). In 1597 twenty-six Christians were nailed to crosses at Nagasaki. The persecution of Christians in Japan did not end until 1871 when the Meiji Restoration introduced religious freedom. Crucifixion was reportedly used in several cases in WW2 against the German civil population of East Prussia when under Soviet occupation. The Koran, which dates from the 7 th C., mentions crucifixion as punishment befitting the robber who then kills his victim. Crucifixion is still one of the Hadd punishments in the Islamic Republic of Iran, while Sudan's penal code, along with that of Saudi Arabia, includes the penalty of execution followed by crucifixion. PEOPLE 9

12 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 12-1:Layout 1 23/1/12 14:30 Page 12 PRIE-DIEU PRIE-DIEU: COLD FEET [Peter on the water with Jesus in Matthew ] Loving Lord, being in the middle of a storm at three in the morning was bad enough. The wind was rough as we d known it, and we were struggling. We Galilee fisherfolk know and respect our little Sea: we know its moods. And, yes, we were very frightened. We d told Jesus the wind would get up, but he insisted we put out late. Then he never came with us: who d trust someone like that, with no nose for wind and water? We knew Galilee could gale, and that night it did. All of a sudden there was a piercing cry: one of us spotted a figure apparently walking on the stormy sea. Now we were doubly petrified: ghosts and gales don t go well together. We all started screaming. Loving Lord at that very moment, in the midst of our deepest anxiety, you called out and told us it was you, and said simply: Do not be afraid. I wanted proof, and, true to myself, I hurled a big If at you. And you echoed back one word: Come. I jumped overboard I ll never forget that sinking feeling. I thought I was a good swimmer till then. I yelled out: Lord, save me! And Jesus proved to be no ghost: he reached out his hand and helped me up. As we got back in the boat, the wind dropped. Loving Lord, I felt such an idiot, Here I was, with my trust in tatters, and having to accept help from you. You know I like my independence. You knew I needed a practical lesson in learning how to let go and let you. Loving Lord, such stormy moments, when you seem so far away or as present as a ghost, enable each one of us to grow in trust. You are there in the storm, you are there in the doubt, you are there in the same boat. Help us all to realise that simple fact. Amen. Denis Blackledge SJ Fr Denis Blackledge SJ is Parish Priest, Corpus Christi Boscombe, Bournemouth. 10 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE

13 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 12-1:Layout 1 23/1/12 14:31 Page 13 FAITH IN ACTION GUEST FEATURE Passing on the Faith: A Grandparent s role Angela Wills picks up on a difficult dilemma Almost thirteen years ago, Freya came into our lives with her beaming smile and I became a Grandma; since then another nine beautiful children have joined the second generation of our family. I know that we have been greatly blessed but I also know that, along with many of my peer group, I face a constant dilemma: how do I pass on the faith that has sustained and enriched my own life to these precious children whose parents have chosen a different path, or who may never have had a faith of their own? My five children are probably fairly representative of a generation of children who were brought up in Catholic families, attended Catholic schools, celebrated key moments of their lives in their local parishes and are now parents of young families. If you have the opportunity to take the children to church with you, try to make it easy for them to take part. Recently, we celebrated the Easter Triduum with two grandchildren who had grown up in a Muslim country and knew little of the Easter story. It was a powerful experience to prepare to relive these events with them. The drama of the Easter liturgies carried them through some very long services - they were fascinated. (Although, on Easter Monday, we were told they were all churched out!) Above all, let our lives speak. We will go a long way to passing on our faith if our children and grandchildren see our faith in God as the source of joy and hope in our lives. Some of this generation are deeply committed to bringing up their own children in the Christian faith, yet many, perhaps the majority, now have little connection with their local Catholic community and may have partners of a different faith or with no religious belief at all. The grandparents of these children often grieve that their Catholic faith is not being handed on. Let our lives speak Yet, these young parents are living in a world very different from the one that they grew up in and they face new challenges for the person of faith in our society. Somehow we need to respect their spiritual journeys and continue to love and support them while remaining faithful to our own beliefs. So, what about those of our grandchildren who are not hearing the Christian story, or may not be baptised? First, let us acknowledge all that is good in their upbringing and make sure that their parents know we appreciate this. Unless their parents object, we can take opportunities to tell or read them stories from the bible or stories Jesus himself told. You can weave simple prayer into your time with them at meal times and bed times, when they are sad and when they are happy. We may be the only people our grandchildren know who go to church regularly; they may be curious about why we go and what we do there. This can be the start of some very interesting conversations indeed. PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE 11

14 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 12-1:Layout 1 23/1/12 14:31 Page 14 MOVERS... MOVERS and SHAKERS We pick up on the enthusiasm and achievement across our diocese PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND FROM ST JAMES, READING 50 people from Reading followed in the footsteps of Jesus in the Holy Land, October 22nd - 29th The pilgrimage was led by Canon John O'Shea. CHRIS THE MUSIC MAN RAISES MONEY FOR CAFOD Christopher Olding's Silver Service concert at St Bede's, Basingstoke (See PP 11-6 p12) raised 270 for CAFOD for which the local representative was very grateful. Well played! BOSCOMBE JESUITS CELEBRATE 450 JUBILEE YEARS Eight Jesuits from Corpus Christi, Boscombe, recently celebrated their Jubilee as brothers and priests in their Jesuit Religious Order. The photo shows all of them, gathered with their new British Provincial, Fr Dermot Preston to mark the unique occasion. Back row L to R: Fr Denis Blackledge [50], Bro Bill Jordan [50], Fr Dermot Preston [British Jesuit Provincial], Bro James Harkess [50], Fr Michael Flannery [70]. Front row L to R: Fr Derrick Maitland [60], Fr Patrick Purnell [70], Bro Norman Smith [50]. PAPAL AWARD FOR FORMER HEAD TEACHER Recently Mr Anthony McCaffrey, the former Head Teacher of St Peter s School, Bournemouth, was presented with the Papal Award of the Knight of St Gregory the Great (KSG) for his outstanding services to Catholic Education. The Governors, staff, family, friends and parishioners joined Tony in a Mass of Celebration to receive this prestigious Award at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Southbourne, Bournemouth. A few lesser known facts: Bro Norman was a Wing Commander in the RAF, and a Battle of Britain pilot; Fr Denis got into media by swimming with piranhas in the River Takatu, on the border between Guyana and Brazil, and spent most of his life in parishes and media; Fr David spent 35 years working in Zimbabwe; Fr Derrick worked most of his life in Guyana; Fr Patrick worked in religious education with the Bishops of the British Isles; Bro Bill spent his life mainly in kitchens cooking; Bro James was a brilliant secretary; Fr Michael spent his life in high schools and parishes. 50 YEARS OF SERVICE Congratulations to Adrian Coady of The Holy Family with St Vincent De Paul Parishes who was recently awarded a Gold Medal for over 50 years of service to the Guild of St Stephen. Adrian Coady with gold medal being congratulated by Fr Des Connolly 12 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE

15 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 12-1:Layout 1 23/1/12 14:31 Page 15 ST PETER S SCHOOL AND LONDON 2012 S INTERNATIONAL LEGACY AND SHAKERS Members of St Peter s School, Bournemouth, recently returned from a very successful visit to South Africa as part of London 2012 International Inspiration, a key strand of the international legacy of the London Olympic and Paralympic Games for children and young people around the world. International Inspiration uses the power of sport to change the lives of children and young people around the world. St Peter s School is one of 150 schools in the UK currently linked to a school overseas through International Inspiration. The main purpose of the visit was to train as many Sports Learners [See insets] as possible in order for them to be able to run events and competitions for themselves and other local schools. Most of the time was spent at school training 29 young leaders and their task during the visit was to run a day festival of sport. On the day of the festival Sports Leaders brought an organised and well thoughtout programme to over 400 participants and spectators. The school and Leaders had a great day and those students and staff now have the equipment and skills to deliver their new sports curriculum in a professional way. MARIST DELIGHT BURSARIES AND NEW HEAD AT JOSEPH S COLLEGE The Governors of St Joseph s College in Reading are delighted to announce the appointment of a new Head of College. Andrew Colpus (See inset) will take up the post in September 2012 upon the retirement of the current Head, Mrs Maureen Sheridan. Andrew joins St Joseph s from Reading Blue Coat School, where he has held the role of Second Master for four years. The Marist School in Sunninghill, Ascot, was delighted to honour Sister Mary Magdalen Smyth SM on the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee with the award of a Portsmouth Diocesan medal. Sister Mary Magdalen, twice Headteacher of The Senior School, was awarded a Diocesan Medal in recognition of 60 years of dedicated service to the Marist Sisters and the Marist Schools. In association with The Presentation College Trust, the College is offering four bursaries of up to 75% to Catholic children interested in applying for Year 7 entry in September Further details from The Registrar, Michele Gravenor, on t: e: admissions@stjosephscollegereading.co.uk Sister Mary Magdalen teaching Marist Girls in Sunninghill c.1965 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE 13

16 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 12-1:Layout 1 23/1/12 14:31 Page 16 SPECIALLY MOVING MASS Thank you, Father Farewell and God Bless Colin Parkes Reports On A Specially Moving Mass Two days after Bishop Crispian turned 75 - the retirement age for bishops - St John s Cathedral was packed for a special Mass to celebrate not only his birthday, but also the near quarter-century he has led our diocese. In a written preface to the Order of Service, the Bishop said the previous 23 years had been the best of his life. And he quoted St Paul: I have fought the good fight...i have run the race I have kept the faith. Bishop Crispian looked thinner after his recent operation, but he stood as tall and commanding as ever, and his voice was as strong, as he welcomed the congregation. He said it was a huge joy to give thanks for all that God had achieved working in our hearts and our lives. As the last note of the Gloria echoed down the aisles, a single child s voice shouted Yay!, which seemed to sum up the spirit of the celebration. Prayerful Example During his homily, the Cathedral s most senior Canon, Monsignor Nicholas France, paid tribute to Bishop Crispian s achievements. He highlighted the strong relationships he had built with the people of his Diocese; his new initiatives in training for both clergy and lay people; and his outreach to the global church through his support for CAFOD and his strong links with the Bamenda Diocese in Cameroon. The Bishop s form of leadership has not been top-down. He has prepared people to discover the way ahead for themselves, said Mgr France. He pointed out that Go out and Bear Fruit, the vision document for the future of the Diocese had come together only after very wide consultation, which culminated in the big conference at Reading University in Canon Nicholas did not shy away from the fact that there had been disappointments, including the loss of LSU College in Southampton, the decline in regular Mass attendance and, in particular, problems with the clergy. A bishop s gold mitre can become a crown of thorns when a priest refuses to participate in diocesan life and meetings. For Bishop Crispian I am sure, the most painful issue has been the criminal conviction of some of his priests for child abuse, real or virtual, while his heart has gone out with profound sincerity to the victims who have suffered from the betrayal of their trust in their onetime pastors. Canon Nicholas ended on a more personal note. I believe that beneath Bishop Crispian's cool and detached manner a natural trepidation (about his role as a Bishop) has remained. Yet in his trust in the Lord, fortified daily in his hour of silent prayer each early morning, he has been given the courage to do whatever has been required of him. His prayerful example, seeking the face of Christ, will be one of his abiding gifts to the people of this diocese. During the Offertory Procession symbols of the Bishop s achievements were brought up to the altar. They included a copy of Go out and Bear Fruit, a giant cheque for 13 million - a tribute to the successful Living Our Faith fundraising campaign - and a stole presented by two of the men now studying for the priesthood. 14 PEOPLE

17 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 12-1:Layout 1 23/1/12 14:31 Page 17 SPECIALLY MOVING MASS Two children from Catholic Schools brought examples of their work, and the Bishop smiled broadly as another boy handed him a Pompey football shirt, to symbolise his strong civic links with Portsmouth. There was a carved plaque from Bamenda and a framed example of calligraphy from the Diocesan Pastoral Council. The bread and wine were brought up by three members of staff from Bishop s House. To prolonged applause, Mary Dunn, a member of the Diocesan Pastoral Council from the New Forest, presented the Bishop with a cheque, the result of a collection taken up across the Diocese. We have many reasons to remember you with gratitude, she said, praising his role as spiritual pastor and guide and in particular his visionary leadership in promoting collaborative ministry. Pompey Shirt Finally came the chance for the Bishop himself to reflect on his time among us. When I arrived I felt we needed to be pulled together in a stronger sense of communion and community under the guidance of God. I believe a certain amount has been achieved, and that I will be handing on a diocese in good heart, financially sound and structurally coming to terms with the needs of the 21 st century. If my successor receives half the love I have received from you, he will be a rich man indeed. It has been a great time for me. Thank you from the depth of my heart for all the goodness you have given me. The applause was long and loud, and carried with it the prayers and the gratitude of his people. Perhaps he will remember the sound as he heads - in the words of Canon Nicholas - to his retirement cottage in that Somerset village which was once his childhood home. PEOPLE 15

18 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 12-1:Layout 1 23/1/12 14:31 Page 18 PROFILE PRIEST'S PROFILE Once upon a time, a beautiful princess from Germany travelled to Guernsey where she met a handsome prince. They fell in love and lived happily ever after... Well, I suppose that s about the long and the short of it. We all like fairy stories with their happy endings, admitted Mgr Vincent Harvey. To cut a long story short, that all happened before the war. Mum had come over to learn English. Lang ( Well, we all know what happened to him! ) and Peter Doyle ( Another one who left the diocese! ). Ordained 19 March 1979 at St Joseph s (Guernsey), after Jesuit tutoring at Campion House (Osterley) and study at Allen Hall, Vincent took up post at the Cathedral, once again bumping in to the then Fr Lang and Fr Peter. LIVE ISSUES Mgr Vincent Harvey The 4th of 6 children one younger brother, two older brothers, one younger sister and one older sister Vincent was born, raised and educated in the Channel Islands. But I never really got my tongue round German. Pity! I should have tried harder. Never really got beyond Pidgin Deutsch. I was much better at snorkeling and scuba diving. Come his mid-twenties, Vincent, having been apprenticed and trained (City & Guilds) in electronics, eventually working for Tektronics, approached Bishop Worlock with a view to studying for the priesthood. There then followed the years of preparation during which he met such contemporaries as David Hopgood (Currently Canon at the Cathedral), Declan Having been heavily engaged in Bournemouth ( ) with vocational work, Vincent then moved to Newbury, where he remained until 1996, and from there to Basingstoke. It was during my 13 years at Basingstoke that I had the honour and privilege to see a new Church built before my very eyes, literally from the ground up (See PP Feb/Mar 2009). In February 2010, the now Mgr Vincent Harvey took up his current post in Southampton City Centre Parish as Pastoral Area Co-ordinator, as one of the diocese s three Vicar Generals and, in association with Fr John Cooke, for oversight of the diocesan Lourdes pilgrimage. Well, it s just one fairy story after another! The earliest feminists in the UK and in the USA were strongly opposed to abortion. They saw it clearly as a desperate woman's response to a man's selfishness. This is frequently, though not of course always, what it still is today. Although strident pro-abortionists talk about a 'woman's right to choose', women in difficult circumstances often say sadly 'What choice have I got?' Or even more tragically after a deeply regretted abortion, 'What choice did I have?'. Live Issues: Pro-life Feminism Dominica Roberts recalls the Church's pro-women stance People are often surprised to find that it is to the Catholic Church that we owe the modern idea that women are entitled to control their own lives and make their own decisions*. Slowly, and with plenty of bad patches, but steadily, the Church spread the idea of the equality of women. She is by far the largest provider of education and support for girls and women in the Third World. In the USA there are flourishing groups of pro-life feminists. If a local feminist group here wants to join a national society, it is likely to find that its members must sign up to being pro-abortion, or as they call it, pro-choice. Every year brings more evidence of the harm abortion does to women. Surely the time is ripe for a pro-life feminist movement here? * For this and other things we owe to the Church, see the CTS booklet Lumen, which among many other good things has an illustration of a 14th century woman teaching geometry to monks. Dominica Roberts is a parishioner of St Joseph and St Margaret Clitherow in Bracknell, and active in several pro-life groups. 16 PEOPLE

19 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 12-1:Layout 1 23/1/12 14:32 Page 19 Fascinating Facts and Figures A Broader View BROADER VIEW Lawrence Fullick looks at the wider world Alternative names for the snowdrop include Candlemas Bells (Candelmas is 2 February). (Days since birth of Christ) x (US$1.1m) = Cost to USA of Iraq conflict. Every 20 seconds a child dies from diseases caused by poor water sanitation. 1.7 million deaths each year more than from all forms of violence including war are attributable to the same cause. The meaning of the word gamal in Aramaic, the language spoken by Christ, can vary according to context between camel, hawser/thick rope and even beam. So the verses Mark19:24 and Luke 18:25 could well refer to threading the eye of a needle with rope, or even a beam, rather than with a camel. Traduttori, traditori! Dickens as in What the Dickens! is a euphemism for Devil, dating back at least to Shakespearean times. The number of Catholics in the Norwegian Diocese of Oslo has doubled over the last year from 50,000 to 100,000. Much of the increase is attributable to migrants. The diocese is reorganising its ministry pattern to ensure that everyone is within 50 km of a Mass. Children who grow up without a daily routine of set bedtimes and mealtimes do worse at school, research for the Prince s Trust concludes. The Passion Flower is so called because there are spiky structures sticking out from the centre of the flower, symbolic of the crown of thorns. There are ten petals, for the ten faithful apostles. There are three stigmata symbolising the three nails and five anthers representing the five wounds. The joy of Christmas was somewhat reduced by news of Christians in difficulty in different parts of the world. Catholic churches in Nigeria were attacked. Access to Holy Places on the West Bank in Palestine was restricted. Christians in Iraq had to restrict their Christmas services. More generally Christians in China are under greater pressure from the government. While the Arab Spring seemed like a time of liberation for many the rise of Islamist parties has made life difficult for Christians, Egyptian Copts in particular. The European financial crisis goes on. It is doubtful that the countries in the worst position, Greece and Italy, will be able to reorganise their internal systems to comply with the restrictions being forced on them. Other countries in a bad position - Ireland and Spain in particular - are probably better able to cope with what is forced on them. The strains of the crisis are having serious effects on wealthier countries willingness to assist others. National politicians are naturally wary of possible reactions from their voters. Some people are falling into the trap of thinking northern Europeans honest and efficient, southern the reverse which is a gross simplification. Greece and Italy do fail in areas such as raising taxes; Bulgaria and Romania have yet to show that they are free from corruption. A side effect of the crisis has been concentration of power in the hands of stronger northern European governments. Some governments of smaller countries are resenting this trend. Until now there has been an assumption that when unanimity is needed for urgent EU action it will be forthcoming. The drift towards intergovernmental decision-making by a few goes against early hopes that issues needing EUwide decision making could be decided by the méthode communautaire of shared legislation by the EU institutions with democratic supervision through the European Parliament. While attention has rightly been paid to the Mediterranean region over last year the relationship with European countries beyond the Eastern boundaries of the EU has often been overlooked. Belarus is the most outrageous dictatorship. Court decisions in Ukraine have brought into question the independence of that country s judiciary. Standards need to be raised in the countries of the Caucasus. Their past desire for good relations with the USA has waned in parallel for Europe s lessening enthusiasm for good relations with them. The relationship with European countries beyond the Eastern boundaries of the EU has often been overlooked Turkey may fail to satisfy those who try to judge if it is fit to be an EU member but good relations with it may assist in dealings with Iran, Syria and even Israel as well as the Caucasus region. Writing about these matters leads me to think how fortunate we are in our free society. We have a variety of religious faiths which sometimes amazes visitors from countries where there is one dominant religion. Confusion can arise: a French Catholic told that while attending a language school in Bournemouth she found a Sunday Mass and thought all was in order until at the end the congregation was invited to pray for our bishop and his wife. I must interrogate my vicar. Lawrence Fullick, a parishioner in Bournemouth, is treasurer of the Wyndham Place Charlemagne Trust, a charity which promotes discussion of international issues among people of all faiths or none. PEOPLE 17

20 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 12-1:Layout 1 23/1/12 14:32 Page 20 JFJ Just for Juniors A friend is a gift you give yourself Robert Louis Stevenson WORDSEARCH > Becky s hidden twelve references to Easter. Reading horizontally, vertically or diagonally in any one of the 8 directions, see if you can you find them all? You ll find the answers on page 21. G Y P T R W E G G X V E A A N W Y H R D Y X T D L E E H N O X R P A I M L G C N N E C F L R S N C K N T U M R O F U Q E H S A Y B Y C D N Y M A I K N B K O O D B E K Y C R E L H O A L M N Q K K G P C G Y T I R A H C E K C R U C I F I X I O N Tony s Teaser: Sam s Lenten language challenge: The Spanish words for 'Lent' and 'Easter' are Cuaresma and Pascua. See if you can find how to say 'Lent' and 'Easter' in other languages, perhaps in French, German, Italian. Why's the number 3 so important to us Christians? There are other important numbers too, like 1, 4, 10 and 12. Do you know why? Vicky has a few words of good advice: 'Make sure, especially when the days are so short, that you can hear, see and be seen when you are out and about, especially when you're crossing the road or riding your bike'. Three boy frogs were sitting on a log floating in the middle of a lake. One of them decides he'll jump off the log into the water. How many frogs does that leave on the log? Turn this page upside down for Tony s answer. The answer's three. Just because one frog decides to jump doesn't mean he does. Portsmouth People is looking for more junior correspondents. If you have a joke, story, prayer, photograph, report or comment to add to the JfJ page or anywhere else in PP, then great! Just ask an adult member of your family or your teacher (with parental consent) to send it to the Editor stating your name, age and parish. 18 PEOPLE

21 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 12-1:Layout 1 23/1/12 14:32 Page 21 CROSSWORD WOW! Words of Wisdom for those keen and ardent wordsters among PP s readers. This is IT! PP looks at soft and hardware FRIENDS OR RELATIVES OVERSEAS? Or anywhere else for that matter! They needn t be missing out on Portsmouth People. To receive PP by free, gratis and for nothing all that needs to be done is register online NEW BBC HOMEPAGE To view BBC s recently launched new homepage visit PC MONITORING Want to play the sleuth? Learn what searches others have conducted on your computer, what s been opened, what s been downloaded etc. with the free software from BT & BSL Deaf BT customers with a computer and webcam can now communicate with their service provider using British Sign Language (BSL) and Sign Video technology. Details: MICROSOFT SECURITY ESSENTIALS Use Microsoft Security Essentials to guard against viruses, spyware, and other evil software. Real-time protection for your home or small business PCs: windows/products/security-essentials GOOD TO KNOW Google and the Citizens Advice Bureau have joined forces to offer valuable, easy-to-follow advice across a range of online data security and protection topics: UPDATE ADOBE READER To add protection to your computer: WANT TO RECORD WHERE YOU VE COME FROM? Choose from two free family tree-planning software programs downloadable from and RATE A SCHOOL S PERFORMANCE There s a new Ofsted site designed to help rate UK schools: ONLINE SHOPPING: PROTECT YOURSELF 1. Don't Use a Public Computer; 2. Do Not Store Your Personal Information on the shopping site; 3. Find and Use Filters. ACROSS 2 Problem, difficulty, hardship 4 Resounding mistake? 6 Lenten gifts 7 Cake for Mothering Sunday 10 Superfluous, useless 14 Laughing after an operation? (2.8) 16 Three days before Easter Sunday 18 Pardoned for one's sins 20 Where Jesus spent 40 days 24 Come Easter, many of these in chocolate change hands 26 Terribly small but put another way contributes to the passage of time hour period named after the moon 29 Chance in percentage terms of a UK marriage lasting 30 Period of abstinence 31 Fruits of the vine 32 Rhymes with laughter, but doesn't bring the roof down 33 Found in the bullrushes 34 Ring finger 35 No problem when the sailing's like this Turn to page 21 for the solutions DOWN 1 Healthy place to find water and wish? 2 Many, but only taken one at a time 3 An endearing term for a rabbit 5 Welsh piece but presumably not that common 7 Latin greeting 8 Needs a key or a pair of feet if you come dancing 9 Pertaining to Easter 11 Latin for 'egg' 12 French expression of gratitude 13 Writing instrument of old hours is one 17 Location shared by a priest and Inspector Morse 19 Change toilets for a poet 21 Final demand? 22 Confession and entitlement to spectate, attend or partake 23 Change one vowel to move from paper to static 24 Traditional epoch for brides 25 Lenten lily 28 Language which gives us the word 'chocolate' 31 Always greener on the other side? 33 Female title, married or not Contributions to this column warmly invited. Ed. PEOPLE 19

22 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 12-1:Layout 1 23/1/12 14:32 Page 22 NEWS... QUID PRO QUID: Not only is 2012 CAFOD s official 50th anniversary since establishment by the Bishops of England and Wales, but the UK government are matching any Lenten donations parishioners make pound for pound (See pp22/23) DATE FOR YOUR DIARY 14 JUNE 2011 As a sequel to Publish and be held at Alton in 2010 for parish and pastoral area communications personnel, editors of parish newsletters and schools press releases etc. and for those interested in submitting copy to Portsmouth People, a further free session is being planned for Thursday 14 June 2011 (mid-morning to mid-afternoon) at St John s Cathedral. Expressions of interest from potential course delegates should be addressed asap to the Editor e: Editor@PortsmouthPeople.org.uk PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE PP is available free of charge across the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth. Contributions to help offset printing costs are warmly welcomed and should be donated to your parish or addressed to The Editor (See page 28 for address) made payable to our diocese s PRCDTR General Fund. Alternatively, please drop 2 into your parish funds by way of a voluntary annual subscription for the year (6 issues). TWO QUID 2 MUCH TO ASK? THEY READ IT HERE, THEY READ IT THERE PP can even be found on a foggy day in Rio town, or rather at the foot of Cristo Redentor (Corcovado). This photograph, taken by Louise Birley, shows husband Stuart with PP during the couple s recent trip to Brazil. VOLUNTARY MISSIONARY MOVEMENT: On 1 September a new venture was launched on the site of St Joseph s (Ashurst): Geo House. On the edge of the New Forest, Geo House is managed by the lay missionary charity VMM with the support of the Montfort Missionaries who have had a community there for many years. The 10-bedroom house is set in almost 4 acres and is available for personal and group retreats, away-days or other meetings. The House is also being promoted nationally as a centre for cross-cultural missionary training. See our previous issue of PP (11-6) for a full report. Further details: GAELIC FOOTBALL COMES TO RBH: The high number of Irish nurses at the Royal Berkshire Hospital (RBH) in Reading has prompted the creation of a successful ladies Gaelic football side. St Anthony's Gaelic football team draws its players from some 150 Irish nurses on the hospital staff. RETURN TO SENDER?/CHASING THE PINK POUND?/EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES: Cancer does not discriminate between gender, ages, ethnicity, colour, sexuality, religious persuasion... The Editor wrote to Tesco welcoming an open comment as to why the supermarket s 10-year sponsorship of Cancer Research has been brought to an end in favour of a new sponsorship initiative in support solely of London s gay pride parade (The gay community accounts for approximately 1% of the nation s population). Tesco have yet to reply. WHY NOT ADVERTISE IN PP? Competitive rates, concessions, 15,000 print run, targeted and free distribution (hard copy) across the whole diocese and archived online. For further details: Editor@PortsmouthPeople.org.uk PP WELCOMES CONTRIBUTIONS for its many elements incl. Letters, News, Calendar, Profiles, Behind The Scenes, Faith In Action, Hints & Wrinkles, Teens & 20s, Just for Juniors, Just a Click Away, Church in Focus etc. If intending to submit short or full text - i.e. 300 or 600 w. - you are advised to contact the Editor beforehand to ensure appropriateness of length, format, content... not to mention room. Guidelines available on request. PP has no budget to commission or otherwise pay for contributions which can only be accepted in standard electronic format (See terms etc. on page 28). PP WELCOMES QUALITY SHOTS (300 dsi and above) to complement submissions and for its regular feature: Church In Focus. Guidelines available on request. ALL PASTORAL AREAS are asked to nominate a contact person to liaise with PP ref: two-way throughput of information. Please forward names and addresses to: Editor@PortsmouthPeople.org.uk PP DISTRIBUTION POINTS are asked always to make allocated supplies of PP readily available and visible. Churches are asked to distribute the magazine as proactively as possible after Mass. 20 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE

23 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 12-1:Layout 1 23/1/12 14:32 Page 23 AND ANNOUNCEMENTS would affect many UK citizens. But Immigration Minister Damian Green said: We believe it is entirely reasonable that someone intending to live in the UK should understand English, so that they can integrate and participate fully in our society. NEWS IN BRIEF (STOP PRESS) TITANIC 100th ANNIVERSARY: 4 days after leaving Southampton on 14 April 1912, the luxury liner RMS Titanic hit an iceberg at 23:40 and sank two hours and 40 minutes later with the loss of 1,517 lives. The wreck still rests on the seabed where it sank, 375 miles south east of Halifax in Nova Scotia, Canada. SPAB S JOHN BETJEMAN AWARD - celebrating excellence in the repair of working places of worship in England and Wales. Entries are invited (Closing date: 2 March 2012) for SPAB s (The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) prestigious John Betjeman Award for outstanding repairs to the fabric of buildings in use as places of worship in England and Wales. The award, offered by Britain s oldest heritage Statue of SPAB member, John Betjeman at St Pancras Station. charity, is designed to celebrate excellence and reward the highest level of conservation craftsmanship. Projects completed in the last 18 months are eligible for consideration. Entry forms available on application to SPAB, 37 Spital Square, London, E1 6DY (t: ) and should normally be signed by the Incumbent or Churchwardens in respect of Anglican Buildings, by the Bishop or Priest in respect of Catholic buildings, or by the pastor or Elders in respect of non-conformist buildings. Visit the education section of the SPAB website for full details and conditions of entry. Online supplements for this issue include: the updated Index of Contents of PP since appearing in magazineformat; invitation from Bishop Kieran Conry ref: reaching out to non-churchgoing Catholics (See announcement p13) Mr Chris Bain, Director of CAFOD has written thanking the parishes of the diocese for their generosity to the work of CAFOD over the Year 2010/11: 247,958 Link for Bishops Conference new Catholic faith enquiry website:. WORDSEARCH: Solutions to Becky s WORDSEARCH challenge on page 18 G Y P T R W E G G X V E A A N W Y H R D Y X T D L E E H N O X R P A I M L G C N N E C F L R S N C K N T U M R O F U Q E H S A Y B Y C D N Y M A I K N B K O O D B E K Y C R E L H O A L M N Q K K G P C G Y T I R A H C E K C R U C I F I X I O N WOW! Solutions to our freeform crossword on page 19 The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) was founded by William Morris 125 years ago to care for and preserve the UK s architectural heritage. Since its foundation, SPAB has been committed to maintenance matters, in line with William Morris exhortation to: Stave off decay by daily care. ENGLISH TESTS FOR IMMIGRANT SPOUSES FAIR: The High Court has dismissed a challenge to laws introduced in November 2011 that require immigrant spouses to be able to speak English in order to live in the UK. Mr Justice Beatson ruled the new language test was not a disproportionate interference with the couples' right to family life. The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants said the ruling PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE 21

24 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 12-1:Layout 1 23/1/12 14:32 Page 24 FOR Match Funding Awarded to CAFOD in its 50th Year marks the 50th anniversary 2012of the establishment of CAFOD by the Bishops of England and Wales. Since its inception back in 1962, the official aid agency of the Catholic Church has brought hope and compassion to poor communities overseas and stood side by side with them to end poverty and injustice will therefore be a special year of thanks to all CAFOD s committed supporters; to the Conference of Bishops for its ongoing support; CAFOD s partners overseas, and all those who enable its vital work to happen. Here in the Portsmouth Diocese, CAFOD will be holding a series of events to commemorate the anniversary including its first ever CAFOD Portsmouth Golf Day on 29 May at the Royal Winchester Golf Club, a special 50th Anniversary Walk on 23 June in Maidenhead and a concert at Douai Abbey in September. 22 PEOPLE

25 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 12-1:Layout 1 23/1/12 14:32 Page 25 FOR Match Funding The year will also start with a wonderful opportunity which could enable the agency to reach an additional 155,000 people across the world. Under the UK Aid Match initiative, the UK government will match pound for pound all parish and individual donations towards CAFOD s Lenten appeal, including funds raised for Fast Day. This means that all donations to CAFOD s Lent Fast Day will be doubled at no extra cost to parishioners. UK Aid Match is a scheme that allows the UK public to have a say in how some of the government s existing international aid budget is spent. All donations made, as a result of Lent fundraising activities that happen from mid-february 2012 to mid-may 2012 will qualify. Give it Up Lenten Appeal During Lent itself, CAFOD will be asking parishes and schools across the diocese to give up their favourite treats to help provide clean water for people around the world as part of its Give it Up Lenten campaign. School pupils and parishioners will be invited to give up a treat, such as wine, chocolate or a favourite magazine, and donate the money to CAFOD instead. Some pupils will be sponsored for giving up Facebook, computer games or using their mobile phone apps for the Lent period, whilst others will hold sponsored walks for water and taking part in other water themed challenges. With nearly a billion people unable to access clean water and 1.4 million children dying each year as a result of unclean water and unsafe sanitation, CAFOD is raising money to provide practical help to tackle water poverty such as digging wells and boreholes, installing rainwater tanks and building hygienic toilets as well as campaigning to address the root causes of the problem. Marian, 39 from Zimbabwe has seen the effects dirty water can have: I suffered from cholera I remember the day it struck me. One moment I felt normal, the next I felt like I was dying. Drinking river water also gave my children diarrhoea and stomach pains. During August, when the water level is very low, the riverbed was full of dead animals and human waste. I hated giving that water to my children but what could I do? When your children are thirsty you have to give them water to drink if that water is dirty, or smells foul, you just pray to God for the best. Diocesan Manager, Lynda Mussell said, Lent is a time when we stop and reflect on our lives. Here, we take it for granted that we have clean and accessible water, and don t think about it until there is a problem. But far too many people have to spend every day travelling miles and queuing for hours to collect water, and worrying that the next drink they take will kill them or their children. Diseases caused by dirty water claim more lives every year than any war. It doesn t need to be this way. During this special anniversary year, we want to reach out to thank all our supporters for all their hard work across the years. They have made a huge difference to millions of people across the world. Together we have more to do to tackle the injustices that cause this situation and we will continue with our work because as Christians we believe we have been given the task to change the world for the good of all. For more information on CAFOD s Lenten appeal or any of the featured events, please contact CAFOD Portsmouth on or portsmouth@cafod.org.uk or visit the blog cafodportsmouth.wordpress.com or website PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE 23

26 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 12-1:Layout 1 23/1/12 14:32 Page 26 REVIEWS REVIEWS Harry Potter A Christian Chronicle Sonia Falaschi-Ray, Book Guild Pub., paperback, , 9.99 Ever since their earliest publication, controversy has surrounded the Harry Potter books in religious circles, with many believing that they promote un-christian values and might encourage children to explore and even become involved with the occult. One-time high-flying financial analyst in The City before receiving her calling and becoming a Church of England priest, Sonia Falaschi-Ray believes quite the opposite to be true, and in Harry Potter: A Christian Chronicle she makes a compelling case for the books as enshrining, upholding and promoting Christian morality and spiritual truth. The book, with its balanced and positive Christian slant on the ever-popular teenage wizard, includes a comprehensive study guide, which allows readers to delve deeper into the Christian parallels and symbolism contained in Harry Potter, and by doing so deepen their own knowledge of the Bible and themselves. For practising Christians and Harry Potter fans alike, this absorbing little book guarantees to entertain and provoke valuable debate. The Reverend Sonia Falaschi-Ray is a priest in the Church of England, ministering in and around Cambridge. She graduated in Theology & Religious Studies from the University of Cambridge and studied for the ministry at Ridley Hall Anglican Theological Training College. She lives in Barkway, Hertfordshire, with her husband John and their golden retriever, Quintus. Peter Hayward Christianity in Evolution: An Exploration Jack Mahoney, Georgetown U.P., ISBN , 192 pages, paperback Most books on Christianity and evolution are concerned to defend the existence and providence of God and the unique status of human creatures. Jack Mahoney's new book, Christianity in Evolution: An Exploration, published in December 2011, is more positive and goes much, much further, in exploring the impact of evolution on traditional Christian beliefs. It provides an evolutionary explanation for God's becoming human in the incarnation and for the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. It renders unnecessary the traditional Christian doctrines of original sin, the fall and the need for atonement. And it has similar evolutionary consequences for other doctrines, including the sacraments, the Church, and Christian moral behaviour. The book is bound to arouse opposition, but, in the words of one authority, Mahoney's work represents a new stage in the encounter of theology with evolutionary thinking. Jack Mahoney, a Jesuit moral theologian, resolutely contends that Christianity in Evolution explores positively the impact which accepting evolution has on Christian beliefs and doctrines as a whole. Christianity in Evolution constructs a Christian theology of evolution by bringing together the experience of evolutionary science and Christian belief and seeking to develop a constructive relationship between the two, both finding a place in evolution for Christian faith, and also exploring the impact of evolution on Christian beliefs. This book has implications for the Church, the Eucharist, the priesthood, and our moral behaviour; and offers a revolutionary synthesis of science and religion. Jack Mahoney is emeritus professor of moral and social theology in the University of London and a former principal of Heythrop College, University of London. He is the author of several books, including The Making of Moral Theology: A Study of the Roman Catholic Tradition. Peter Hayward 24 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE

27 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 12-1:Layout 1 23/1/12 14:32 Page 27 REVIEWS Landscapes of Prayer Finding God in Your World and in Your Life Margaret Silf, LionHudson, hardback, 95 pages, 2011, 9.95 This is a delight of a book, beautifully illustrated throughout. The author, wellknown for her series of helpful books of hints for personal prayer, takes the reader through nine landscapes of prayer. We move from garden to mountain; from seashore to forest; from river to jungle; from desert to cave; and end up gazing at the night sky. Each place is backed up with a thoughtful passage of scripture, and a superb selection of photographs, guaranteed to hold the mind and heart. There is a happy blend of the world of creation, and the inner world of the reader, and if this little treasure doesn t help an individual to pray, nothing will! It is ideal as a gift to treasure, or to receive. And it will bring colour into life at any time of year. The Translation of the Bones Francesca Kay, Weidenfled and Nicolson, 224 pages, hb, Denis Blackledge SJ Catholic novelists once had a very prominent voice in English Literature, and when Graham Greene, Evelyn Waugh and Muriel Spark were all publishing at the same time there was great attention from critics and reviewers. This continued into the next generation with David Lodge and Piers Paul Read. Sadly now the Catholic novel in this country has gone into decline. Piers Paul Read produced a good, belated example recently with The Misogynist (2011), but he is something of a bastion of conservatism now. So I was very much struck by Francesca Kay s The Translation of the Bones, a fine Catholic novel by a prize-winning novelist of Indian descent who lives in this country. This beautifully written and sensitive novel is the story of a supposed (by some) miracle in a church in Battersea. As I read the first half I presumed it to be a fine example of the traditional mode, celebrating a divine vindication of simple faith that the more sophisticated are too blind to see. The novel proves not to be a comfortable read at all, however, in the end. Without giving away the story I can say that something very ironic and dark occurs, which casts both naïve faith and also, ultimately, disbelief into question. The conclusion is very moving, but leaves us with the hope that out of the depths of darkness light can still come, and that this is perhaps the most profound kind of miracle of all. Tom Woodman Just a click away We continue with our compendium of worthy websites: - Fairtrade at St John s - Support for children with cancer - Vatican documents on Catholic - Jewish relations - International Council of Christians and Jews - Imperial War Museum - Women s Interfaith Network - UK s Inter Faith Network - Catholic Truth Society (URLs are generally not case sensitive. Title/Upper casing is to improve readability. Submissions for JACA warmly invited. Ed.) USA Connections With this issue of Portsmouth People we offer a community communications checklist for US nationals and for others in our diocese with Internet access who are interested in the United States of America: Country Profile (BBC): country_profiles/ stm (Note underscore between country and profiles) Tourism and travel information: Travel Guide: Tourist Office: Travel-Tourism/State-Tourism.shtml Travel advice: Internet Radio Stations: Further details: (Similar 'Community Connections' compilations are welcome for other nationalities. Ed.) PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE 25

28 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 12-1:Layout 1 23/1/12 14:32 Page 28 OPEN TO DEBATE Open to Debate Pope Benedict XVl and the 2nd Vatican Council Peter Birks reflects on the Year of Faith in the light of Vatican 2 A significant body of Catholics, those who have responded enthusiastically over the last 40+ years to the spirit of aggiornamento that underpinned the 2nd Vatican Council, may well reject this conservative trend. They resist the spiritual timidity and clerical retrenchment that it represents. They argue that, according to the Gospels, Jesus brought His message directly to people within their own spiritual context, and preached it regardless of many of the prevailing religious restrictions. His message demanded change, not continuity; change in behaviour and in the belief that drove that behaviour. Pope Benedict XV1 has announced that he is to launch a Year of Faith in October 2012, to mark the 50 th anniversary of the opening of the 2nd Vatican Council. From what we can deduce so far, the aims for this Year of Faith will include: (i) to re-educate Catholics in the authentic message of the Catholic Church through a corrected interpretation of the teachings of the Council (ii) to challenge the hermeneutic of discontinuity and rupture emerging from incorrect interpretations of the teachings of the Council and to establish a correct hermeneutic of reform. (iii) to challenge the view, held by some, that calls for married priests, expanded ministerial roles for women, acceptance of homosexuality, and sacraments for the divorced and re-married, represent examples of the unfulfilled vision of the Council. Pope Benedict considers that these latter issues, along with others, have created unreasonable expectations within the Church. He argues that these expectations have developed through an incorrect representation of the teachings of the Council, and that they are leading to a dilution of the Catholic faith and its teaching that the Church is the one, true vehicle for salvation. As a theologian, Pope Benedict accepts that there must always be dialogue between faith and reason, leaving the Church open to new possibilities. However, he insists that any such dialogue must accept a 'proper' interpretation of the 2nd Vatican Council and must always be pursued through unquestioning loyalty to the Catholic tradition of continuity. To counter what he sees as misrepresentations of the Council's teachings, Pope Benedict calls for: (i) a radical evangelism (ii) a 'back to basics' approach to the language of the shared liturgy (seen already in the imposition of the new translation of the English missal) (iii) a return to the Catholic tradition of continuity. By promoting these concerns and expressing these views so overtly however, Pope Benedict is seen to be reinforcing a conservative trend that is becoming a characteristic of his pontificate. For example, He invited people to feed the poor, accept those who were excluded, defend women, bless children, proclaim the reign of the Father and to denounce religion that works against people's well-being. By doing this, Jesus challenged many of the common perceptions of the time. The 2nd Vatican Council, it is contended, stimulated a similar, exciting process of change and growth. With the overwhelming consent of the Bishops of the world, the Council created a liberating vision of conscious and active participation in the Church's mission. What has been witnessed since then seems to be an attempt to ignore this concept of episcopal collegiality, and to impose restrictions on the empowering vision of the Council. As Pope Benedict's Year of Faith is promulgated, there may well be further debate of this nature. It would be surprising if there were not. Critics of the conservative trend will not want the development of our religious practices to become trapped in a search for some kind of traditional purity. Peter was, until recently, Chair of the Parish Pastoral Council of St Thomas of Canterbury and St Saviour, Isle of Wight. He has worked extensively in the field of education. 26 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE

29 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 12-1:Layout 1 23/1/12 14:33 Page 29 Hints & Wrinkles What does the Catholic Church teach? H&W Catechism Catechism n. (1) A summary of the principles of Christian religion in the form of questions and answers, used for the instruction of Christians; (2) A series of fixed questions, answers, or precepts used for instruction in other situations. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is the Church's teaching document. It is arranged in four main parts: St Peter 1: The Profession of Faith (the Creed) 2: The Celebration of the Christian Mystery (the Sacred Liturgy, especially the Sacraments) 3: Life in Christ (including the Ten Commandments) 4: Christian Prayer (including The Lord's Prayer) When presenting the Compendium of the Catechism in 2005, Pope Benedict XVI described it as being for: every human being, who, in a world of distractions desires to know the Way of Life, the Truth, entrusted by God to His Son's Church. Vatican II The Second Ecumenical Vatican Council was a universal meeting of bishops in Rome that met for four consecutive autumns between It defined the role of the Church and her bishops and many pivotal documents were issued offering a template for dialogue, openness and engagement with the modern world. Publications of the Catholic Church in England and Wales The Catholic Church has issued many teaching documents in recent years including: The Common Good (Catholic Social Teaching), Cherishing Life (on promoting life issues and human dignity), The Dispossessed (concern for refugees and migrants), The Call of Creation (on the environment), A Place of Redemption (on prisons) and many more. Visit to visit the publications section. Catering for catholic tastes PP brings the world s cuisine to your table Mexican Ceviche Cut 1 lb of white fish into bite-sized pieces and leave to soak in the juice of three limes or two lemons, with a finely sliced or chopped red or yellow onion, for at least three hours and preferably longer, even overnight, to let the acid cook the fish.. An hour before serving, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, two deseeded and chopped tomatoes, 2 finely chopped green chillies, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, salt and black pepper, 1 teaspoon of Worcester Sauce (yes, honestly, it is authentic!) and 1 tablespoon of tomato ketchup. Add more of any of the ingredients to taste. Sprinkle with chopped coriander. Serve with a sliced ripe avocado and tortilla chips or salad. PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE 27

30 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 12-1:Layout 1 23/1/12 14:33 Page 30 LENTEN JOURNEY LEARNING FROM ISRAEL S FAITH JOURNEY Fr Jeremy Corley focuses on our Lenten journey with five snapshots from the past During Lent, we are invited to reflect on Israel s journey of faith throughout the centuries before Christ. Five snapshots from Israel s history are presented in the Old Testament readings for the first five Lenten Sundays. Israel s faith journey is not just a matter of ancient history. Instead, it can speak to us of our own spiritual development as Christians, whether as individuals or as a community. On the First Sunday of Lent (26 February), we will hear the tale of Noah s flood. The chosen passage tells of God s covenant with Noah after the flood waters have subsided. In the story, God promises never again to send a great flood upon the whole earth - life is now restored after universal death. The second reading from St Peter s first letter says that the water of Noah s flood is a type or symbol of the baptism that saves us now. If we have sacramentally shared in Christ s death through baptism, we will share his new risen life. Eternal death will have no power over us, even when our earthly life is over. We will hear the terrible account of the nearsacrifice of Isaac on the Second Sunday of Lent (4 March). God has finally granted Abraham the promised gift of a son, Isaac. Now, for a mysterious reason, God seems to command Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son. The complete narrative is full of drama, with Abraham and Isaac climbing the mountain together, and Abraham telling his son that God will provide an animal for the sacrifice. Only at the last minute does an angel intervene to stop the sacrifice: Now I know that you fear God. The lesson for the Israelites is that human sacrifice is unnecessary - offering a ram is enough. For Christians, the story has a deeper meaning. Just as (at great cost) Abraham did not refuse to offer his own son in obedience to the divine command, so God himself did not refuse to offer his own beloved Son to save us. Jesus blood, shed on the cross, has sealed a new and eternal covenant On the Third Sunday of Lent (11 March) we will hear of God s giving of the Ten Commandments to the people of Israel. Through Moses these commands are brought to the Israelites gathered on Mount Sinai. They form part of the covenant agreement between God and the people. The Lord has brought the Israelites out of the land of Egypt where they were enslaved, and has given them freedom. Now they are called to show their gratitude to God by remaining faithful to him. They are to live as free people, showing respect and honour to one another, and not harming anyone else. For Christians also, love of God and love of neighbour are central to our lives. Even though we are free from the Jewish ritual laws (sacrifices, circumcision, and dietary rules), we are still called to follow the moral law placed in our hearts by God. God s merciful redemption of the people of Israel appears in the Old Testament reading for the Fourth Sunday of Lent (18 March). In 587 BC disaster struck when the Babylonian army destroyed Jerusalem and deported the inhabitants to Mesopotamia (= today s Iraq). The Jews asked themselves why God had allowed this to happen. The explanation given by the prophets was that God was punishing the people for turning away from him. Yet respite this deportation, the people of Israel did not just disappear from history. In 539 BC a Persian king conquered Babylon and allowed the exiled population to return home. Against all odds, the Israelites were able to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. For Christians, this incident speaks of God s continuing merciful forgiveness, revealed to us most clearly in Christ. As sinners, we still need God s forgiveness. On the Fifth Sunday of Lent (25 March), we will hear Jeremiah s wonderful prophecy of the new covenant. Jeremiah lived through the terrible events of the Babylonian siege and conquest of Jerusalem, and wept because the people had turned away from God. Even though the Israelites had broken the covenant made on Mount Sinai after the exodus from Egypt, Jeremiah foresaw that a new covenant would be made, restoring the people s bond with the Lord. God would forgive the people s sins and plant his law deep within their hearts. Because this promise was only partly fulfilled when the Jews returned from exile in Babylon, the expectation grew up that this promise would be fulfilled in the final age. For Christians, Jesus blood, shed on the cross, has sealed a new and eternal covenant, bringing forgiveness of sins. When we receive our Lord sacramentally in Holy Communion, we are reminded of our calling to live by the new covenant. These five snapshots from Israel s faith journey offer us food for thought and prayer as we make our Lenten journey towards the new life of Easter. May we grow spiritually as we reflect on these events. Portsmouth People is the diocesan publication for the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth. It is distributed free of charge to parishes and other groups in the Diocese which covers Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, the Channel Isles and parts of Berkshire, Dorset and Oxfordshire. The Portsmouth Roman Catholic Diocesan Trust is a registered charity (number ) with its address at Diocesan Office, St Edmund House, Bishop Crispian Way, Portsmouth PO1 3QA Editor: Dr Jeremy L Kettle-Williams Department for Pastoral Formation Park, Place Pastoral Centre, Winchester Road, WICKHAM, Hampshire PO17 5HA editor@portsmouthpeople.org.uk t: +44(0) f: +44(0) Advisory panel: Fr Denis Blackledge, Barry Hudd, Paul Inwood, Nicky Stevens Distribution Manager: John Ross (JHRoss6523@aol.com) Area Contact (Romsey, N. Badd): Dawn Harrison (dawn.harrison13@btinternet.com) Area Contact (Reading and Newbury): Colin Parkes (colin.parkes@gmail.com) Portsmouth People, printed on forest-sustainable paper in Rotis Semi Sans 10 pt, is a bi-monthly publication distributed no later than the last working day of every odd month. Material for publication should be submitted to The Editor in electronic format (Guidelines available on request) no later than the first working day of every month of publication. All rights of reproduction, translation and adaptation reserved for all countries. The Editor reserves the right to edit material. All material received for publication is understood to be free of copyright and any form of restraint. No undertaking, except by prior arrangement, can be made to return any material submitted by post. There can be no guarantee of publication for material submitted nor can the Editor or any other officer enter into discussions regarding decisions to edit or not to publish. Portsmouth People does not commission nor accept material on a fee basis. Views expressed in Portsmouth People are not necessarily the views of the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth, its affiliated companies and charities, employees thereof or persons otherwise associated directly or indirectly. All material is published in good faith, without guarantee. 28 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE

31 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 12-1:Layout 1 23/1/12 14:33 Page 31 CHURCH IN FOCUS With this issue we look at the Church of St Joseph The next issue of PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE will be distributed at the end of March 2012

32 PORTSMOUTH PEOPLE ISSUE 12-1:Layout 1 23/1/12 14:33 Page 32 When you have finished reading this magazine, please pass it to a friend or dispose of it responsibly for re-cycling PP is a free publication. Donations welcome Catholic Church of St Joseph Tangier Road Copnor Bridge Portsmouth Hampshire PO3 6JH t: