Mass of Celebration. In honour of the joint jubilees of Fr. Bernard Phelan mhm And SPICMA

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Archibald Johnston
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1 a Mass of Celebration In honour of the joint jubilees of Fr. Bernard Phelan mhm And SPICMA

My Fifty Years of Missionary Life Fr Bernard Phelan writes: I started life as a Missionary in 1968, in Toroma Parish, becoming involved in evangelisation and the training of Catechumens, as well as

2 My Fifty Years of Missionary Life Fr Bernard Phelan writes: I started life as a Missionary in 1968, in Toroma Parish, becoming involved in evangelisation and the training of Catechumens, as well as Youth work. Between 1971 and 1979, Idi Amin ruled the country brutally, with the economy quickly collapsing. In 1975 I went to Kidetok Catechists s Formation Centre. It was the beginning of my involvement in the important work of training Catechists and Pastoral Council members. I was given a major role to play in the new Diocese of Soroti which was formed in When I was in Bukedea a civil war broke out in our area between the government troops and local rebels. It was a very difficult time and lasted for six years. From 1992 until 2005, I was involved in training our Seminarians and in leadership. After this, in 2006 I went to work in Kotido Diocese which is the most needy and difficult Diocese in Uganda. Evangelisation is still in its beginnings there. At the end of 2010 I was again involved in leadership, this time in UK. After this I returned to take charge of our Mill Hill House in Kampala. The last 50 years have flown very quickly. I thank God for the many opportunities I have had to be of service to others and to the Kingdom. Bernard C. Phelan MHM

3 SPICMA For 50 years SPICMA has been reaching out to the poorest and most marginalized in the developing world. Individuals and small communities often lack the means of approaching the larger charities, or their needs are believed to be too small for consideration by them. This is where SPICMA has focused its work, helping tens of thousands with development grants and emergency aid regardless of religious belief or ethnicity. The missionary congregations and diocesan clergy help to identify the needs and deliver the grants to the people for whom they are intended. In addition, SPICMA provides support to projects which build up the capacity of the local church as it realises the importance of faith and of having an effective partner on the ground. SPICMA would like to thank all the volunteers who have selflessly given their time over the years. To our donors, both past and present, we thank you for your generosity in helping people you will never know to improve their lives. To all those who have sought our assistance, you are the most important part of SPICMA you are the reason we began and are gathered here today. In the words of our Pope Francis, We need to strengthen the conviction that we are one single human family.

4 Entrance Hymn I the Lord of Sea and Sky 1. I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry. All who dwell in dark and sin my hand will save. I, who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright. Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send? Order of Service Chorus: Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart. 2. I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne my people s pain. I have wept for love of them. They turn away. I will break their hearts of stone, give them hearts for love alone. I will speak my words to them. Whom shall I send? 3. I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame. I will set a feast for them. My hand will save. Finest bread I will provide till their hearts be satisfied. I will give my life to them. Whom shall I send? 1981, Daniel L Schutte, New Dawn Music

5 GREETING AND INTRODUCTION: FR. BERNARD C. PHELAN MHM 1 st Collect God, who, being both good and almighty, provide for all creatures, give us, we pray, an effective love for our brothers and sisters who suffer hunger, so that famine may be banished and that they may have strength to serve you with free and untroubled hearts. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Response: Amen 2 nd Collect Holy Father, who, by no merit of my own, chose me for communion with the eternal priesthood of your Christ and for the ministry of your Church, grant that I may be an ardent yet gentle preacher of the Gospel and a faithful steward of your mysteries. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit one God, for ever and ever. Response: Amen

First Reading (READER: Christopher Page Chair & Trustee SPICMA) A Reading from the Prophet Isaiah 58: 6-11 Is not this the sort of fast that pleases me - it is the Lord who speaks - to break unjust

6 First Reading (READER: Christopher Page Chair & Trustee SPICMA) A Reading from the Prophet Isaiah 58: 6-11 Is not this the sort of fast that pleases me - it is the Lord who speaks - to break unjust fetters and undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke, to share your bread with the hungry, and shelter the homeless poor, to clothe the man you see to be naked and not turn from your own kin? Then will your light shine like the dawn and your wound be quickly healed over. Your integrity will go before you and the glory of the Lord behind you. Cry, and the Lord will answer; call, and he will say, 'I am here'. If you do away with the Yoke, the clenched fist, the wicked word, if you give your bread to the hungry, and relief to the oppressed, your light will rise in the darkness. and your shadows become like noon. The Lord will always guide you, giving you relief in desert places. He will give strength to your bones and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water whose waters never run dry. The word of the Lord.

7 Responsorial Psalm (READER: Maggie Phelan Trustee) R: Happy the man who fears the Lord, Happy the man who fears the Lord, who takes delight in his commands. His sons will be powerful on earth, the children of the upright are blessed. R: Happy the man who fears the Lord, Riches and wealth are in his house; his justice stands firm for ever. He is a light in the darkness for the upright: he is generous, merciful and just' R: Happy the man who fears the Lord, The good man takes pity and lends, he conducts his affairs with honour. The just man will never waver: He will be remembered for ever. R: Happy the man who fears the Lord, He has no fear of evil news; with a firm heart he trusts in the Lord. With a steadfast heart he will not fear, he will see the downfall of his foes' R: Happy the man who fears the Lord, Open-handed, he gives to the Poor; His justice stands firm for ever. His head will be raised in glory. R: Happy the man who fears the Lord,

Gospel Acclamation Alleluia Alleluia Come, you whom my Father has blessed, says the Lord; take for your heritage the kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world.

8 Gospel Acclamation Alleluia Alleluia Come, you whom my Father has blessed, says the Lord; take for your heritage the kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world. Alleluia A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 25: I was hungry and you gave me food Jesus said to his disciples: 'When the Son of Man comes in his glory escorted by all the angels, then he will take his seat on the throne of glory. All the nations will be assembled before him and he will separate men one from another as the shepherd separates sheep from goats. He will place the sheep on his right hand and the goats on his left. Then the King will say to those on his right hand come you whom my Father has blessed, take for your heritage the kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you made me welcome; naked and you clothed me, sick and you visited me, in prison and you came to see me. Then the virtuous will say to him in reply, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you; or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and make you welcome; naked and clothe you; sick or in prison and go to see you?" And the King will answer, "I tell you solemnly, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brethren of mine, you did it to me"

Homily: Fr Anthony Chantry MHM, Missio National Director Apostles Creed I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was

9 Homily: Fr Anthony Chantry MHM, Missio National Director Apostles Creed I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell; And on the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, And is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen. Prayers of the Faithful (Read by Howard McBrien Trustee) Response: Lord graciously hear us. The Offertory The Offertory Gifts will be presented by Cathy Forman SPICMA Volunteer Administrator and Trustee and Paddy Phelan Hon. Director and Trustee.

Offertory Hymn Kevin Nichols In bread we bring you, Lord, our bodies labour In wine we offer you our spirits grief.

Oh, we have gladly heard you Word, your holy Word, And now in answer, Lord, our gifts we bring.

The bread we offer you is blessed and broken, And it becomes for us our spirits food.

10 Offertory Hymn Kevin Nichols In bread we bring you, Lord, our bodies labour In wine we offer you our spirits grief. We do not ask you Lord, who is my neighbour? But stand united now, one in belief. Oh, we have gladly heard you Word, your holy Word, And now in answer, Lord, our gifts we bring. Our selfish hearts make true, our failing faith renew, Our lives belong to you, our Lord and King. The bread we offer you is blessed and broken, And it becomes for us our spirits food. Over the cup we bring you Word is spoken; Make it your gift to us your healing blood. Take all that daily toil plants in our heart s poor soil, each hopeful dream, The chances we have missed, the graces we resist, Lord, in thy Eucharist, take and redeem. Eucharistic Prayer 3: Memorial Acclamation Our Father

11 Communion Hymn: 1 Verses 1 & 2 Jimmy Owens Verses 3 5 Damian Lundy 1. This is my body, broken for you, bringing you wholeness, making you free. Take it and eat it, and when you do, do it in love for me. 2. This is my blood poured out for you, bringing forgiveness, making you free. Take it and drink it, and when you do, do it in love for me. 3. Back to my Father soon I shall go. Do not forget me; then you will see. I am still with you, and you will know you re very close to me. 4. Filled with my Spirit, how you will grow! You are my branches; I am the tree. If you are faithful, others will know you are alive in me. 5. Love one another I have loved you, and I have shown you how to be free; serve one another, and when you do, do it in love for me.

Communion Hymn: 2 Luke Connaughton ( 1919 79) 1. Love is His word, Love is His way, Feasting with all, fasting alone, Living and dying, rising again Love only love is His way.

12 Communion Hymn: 2 Luke Connaughton ( ) 1. Love is His word, Love is His way, Feasting with all, fasting alone, Living and dying, rising again Love only love is His way. Chorus: Richer than gold is the love of my Lord. Better than splendour and wealth. 2. Love is His way, love is His mark, Sharing His last Passover feast. Christ at the table, host to the twelve Love, only love, is His mark. 3. Love is his mark, love is His sign, Bread for our strength, wine for our joy, This is my body, this is my blood Love, only love is His sign. 4. Love is His sign, love is His news, Do this He said Lest you forget All my deep sorrow, all my dear blood, Love, only love, is His news. 5. Love is His news, Love is His name, We are His own, chosen and called, Family, brethren, cousins and kin. Love, only love is His name. 6. Love is His name, love is His law, Hear His command, all who are His, Love one another, I have loved you Love, only love, is His law. 7. Love is His law, Love is His word, Love of the Lord, Father, and Word, Love of the Spirit, God ever one, Love, only love, is His word.

Post Communion: Do Not Be Afraid written by Gerald Markland, based on Isaiah 43:1-4 Chorus: Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name; you are mine. 1.

13 Post Communion: Do Not Be Afraid written by Gerald Markland, based on Isaiah 43:1-4 Chorus: Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name; you are mine. 1. When you walk through the waters, I ll be with you; you will never sink beneath the waves. 2. When the fire is burning all around you, you will never be consumed by the flames. 3. When the fear of loneliness is looming, then remember I am at your side. 4. When you dwell in the exile of a stranger, remember you are precious in my eyes. 5. You are mine, O my child, I am your Father, and I love you with a perfect love. Concluding Prayer Fr Michael Corcoran, General Superior Mill Hill Missionaries (will say a few words) Blessing and Dismissal:

Final Hymn: Carl Boberg (1850 1940) tr. Stuart K Hine 1.

14 Final Hymn: Carl Boberg ( ) tr. Stuart K Hine 1. Oh Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder Consider all the worlds thy hands have made; I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy pow'r throughout the universe displayed: Chorus Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee; How great thou art, how great thou art! Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee: How great thou art, how great thou art! 2.When through the woods and forest glades I wander And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees, When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur, And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze: 3.And when I think that God, his Son not sparing, Sent him to die, I scarce can take it in; That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin: 4.When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation, And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart! Then I shall bow in humble adoration, And there proclaim, my God, how great thou art!

15 We asked a few people who received support from SPICMA for their thoughts: From Edmund Page Director of Xavier Project, KENYA: SPICMA has been a regular donor to Xavier Project, supporting our work with refugees since We have been extremely grateful for their faith in our potential as a small organisation to have a positive impact on the lives of refugees in East Africa. By extension, we are grateful to all of SPICMA s loyal supporters. Beyond Xavier Project, I have come across several projects in East Africa that have been supported by SPICMA, and I know that it is highly regarded as a charity that always gets funds to worthy projects during a crisis and crucially raises and disburses support with the urgency that is required. This is possible because of the good name and the wealth of experience the SPICMA team has built up over the fifty years of its existence. Here s to the next fifty! From Br Hilary Kazoora of St Charles Lwanga, Kibera Slum, KENYA: My relationship with Fr. Bernard Phelan and SPICMA goes back to 1979 in Soroti, Uganda. It is nice to be associated with a wonderful and caring person and the organization that he has been involved with since it was established. With the generosity and willingness to share with the less fortunate, SPICMA has provided basic necessities to many poor people. The kindness of staff and board members of SPICMA has helped me not to survive or do well my ministry as a Religious Brother, but to know hope and pass the same knowledge to the poor people I serve and work with for a better life to come. I can say SPICMA has put smiles on the Kenyan and Ugandan needy children for the greater glory of God. From a Missionary in PAKISTAN: "The consistent kindness and sincere concern that SPICMA has shown to people here in North Pakistan has not only resulted in people being protected and rescued from dire situations but, literally, people's lives have been saved too. Whatever the crisis, including natural disasters, health, terrorist attacks, threats and security issues, SPICMA has been the saving, healing, kind and loving face of Christ to people living under extreme conditions of all kinds and in a very isolated part of the world. Thank you SPICMA and may God bless you as you have so often blessed us." From Fr. Elias Mwebembezi Mafr (White Fathers), BURUNDI On the occasion of the 50 th Jubilees of SPICMA and Fr Bernard Phelan, I would like to send you a word of appreciation for all that you have done to support us in our mission with the poor and marginalized Batwa (pygmy) people in Burundi. Your help in funding the construction of six villages became a source of practical solidarity with these people. Having a decent home transformed these communities, earning them the respect and self-esteem that they needed. We share in the joy of our Batwa villages thanks to your dedication to the poor and your determination to walk with us during our mission here in Africa. Be assured, your efforts and love for the poor has left a good foundation for emancipation of so many. We will continue to pray that God blesses you and your efforts to be witnesses of his compassion and love. Our thanks to the Trustees and families who have funded and put on the buffet that follows downstairs in the Hall. To Canon David Ryan of St John s Bath for the printing of the Order of Service and to Mandy Baker for designing the Order of Service Book.

Mass for the Repose of the Soul of. Delma Jean Sexton. 1st January February, Our Holy Redeemer Church, Surrey Hills 26 February, 2018

Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Delma Jean Sexton 1st January 1923 21 February, 2018 Our Holy Redeemer Church, Surrey Hills 26 February, 2018 Celebrant Father Len Thomas Christopher s First Communion