THE CATHOLIC NEWS NOVEMBER 2026 by CathCom

ISSUE 354 NOVEMBER 2026

“You are the Church”: SPANNED at 50 SPANNED opened its Golden Jubilee Mass with a dance Fr Frank Daly ﬁrst taught in 2000, and remembered 340 friends by name

Fr Frank Daly had the script in his hand from the last rehearsal just before Mass to the final blessing. Members and volunteers held hands at the back of St Peter’s in Hinckley, half on each side. Slowly they moved towards the altar until the two halves met, then made a circle around it. Nobody spoke, and two little girls on the front bench leaned forward, not wanting to miss a thing. The music was Reel Around the Sun, the opening number of Riverdance and of SPANNED’s Dance of the Light. Fr Frank staged it in Derby on 16 July 2000, teaching 169 people to dance the story of Jesus’s life. Asked for his greatest joy in fifty years, he names that day. “The beginning is what you saw at the beginning of Mass today.” SPANNED stands for Supporting People with Additional Needs in the Nottingham Diocese. It began in 1976, when Bishop James McGuinness appointed Fr Frank to set up this work. The Bishop knew he already cared about “those who had no one to care for them and no one to think positively about them.” Around 250 people came to its Golden Jubilee on Saturday 26 September, from groups in Leicester, Scunthorpe, Hinckley, Derby and Nottingham.

“It was very hard,” Fr Frank remembers. At that time, “a person with learning difficulty was regarded as subnormal. That was an educational classification.” SPANNED’s first task was “to make sure that everybody was respected as a person.” The next was to help members contribute what they have. Fifty years on, he goes further: “they are part of the mission of the church and have a mission that is completely unique, which you’ve just seen.” The hardest thing now, he says, is indifference, a world where “nothing seems to touch our souls deep down.” “You can’t force that. It’s a gift.” Bishop Patrick McKinney, who celebrated the Mass, spoke of the people Jesus noticed when the crowd looked past them. There was Zacchaeus the tax collector, left up his tree, and a blind man the crowd wanted to keep quiet. In SPANNED, he said, “people are noticed. People are welcomed and invited into friendship.” Their share in the life of the Church is “theirs by right of baptism and not by anyone’s kindness.” Then he spoke to the members directly. “You are the Church, and for 50 years, you have, in many respects, been showing the rest of us throughout the diocese just how to be Church. You’ve taught this diocese

what welcome really looks like when it’s real.” Fr Frank and the first volunteers, he said, “saw something that needed doing, and rather than just talk about it, they began.” Barbara Drummond, one of SPANNED’s two original volunteers, still isn’t sure why she chose to join. “I don’t know if I made the decision or whether Father Frank made the decision for me.” He “guides us all through it, and ‘bullies’ us into doing it,” she says fondly.

Every member had a part in the Mass, wheelchair users included. They carried the group banners, read from the First Letter of St John and signed a prayer. For James, who joined in 2019, SPANNED means “being with SPANNED family, being together, enjoying different things all together, and being happy.” Then came the memorial. One by one, members placed the names of friends who had died into a bowl, 340 of them across Continued on page 3

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The Catholic News. November 2026.

MORE THAN 26 YEARS OF BRINGING THE NOTTINGHAM DIOCESE TOGETHER The monthly paper for the Diocese of Nottingham

Editor: Nick Layton Editorial Office: CathCom Ltd, N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 7BN Telephone: 01440 730399 email: cn@cathcom.org or davidl@cathcom.org Website: www.cathcom.org Distribution enquiries: cn@cathcom.org CathCom Ltd, Publication date: Fourth Sunday of the month for the following month. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Diocese. Publishers and Owners: CathCom Ltd, N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 7BN Advertising: tel: 01440 730399 Parental permission should be sought before submitting photographs of minors. Views expressed in The Catholic News are not necessarily those of the editor.

Wanted Parish Correspondents The Catholic News is looking for a Parish Correspondent in your parish to send in local news for publication in this newspaper. All items to be emailed to cn@cathcom.org before 10th of the month

Festival Celebration 2026 SVP members from across the diocese gathered together at Sacred Heart Parish Hall in Carlton on the outskirts of Nottingham to celebrate the feast day of our patron, St Vincent.

successful children’s camp that took place in August at Lineham Farm in Yorkshire. This was well received in light of the sad closure of the SVP’s historic campsite at Mablethorpe a couple of years ago.

A full hall was well hosted by the conference members at Sacred Heart, where fellow Vincentians were made most welcome with comfortable surroundings and refreshments on tap.

We were then delighted to welcome the SVP CEO, Kate Nightingale, who addressed the meeting by setting out the roadmap the SVP are using to take the society back to its roots, emphasising a real focus on the members and their activity. This was useful as we are rapidly approaching our 200th anniversary, with the society formed in 1833 by Blessed Frederic Ozanam.

The event started with a ‘goodbye’ statement from Barry Rayner our outgoing president. He has been excellent in post and leaves a strong legacy. The members were then addressed by Lance Philpott, the Central Council secretary, who spoke of the strength of the SVP in our diocese but stated that ongoing recruitment of both members and officers was essential to maintain the current upward trajectory. Joe Gasan, the Membership Support Officer for the diocese then gave a summary of his success in starting and supporting a number of conferences in the Leicester district. Joe’s hard work and commitment were duly recognised.

To complete the festival the members were then treated to a presentation by Jon Cornwall, a regular contributor of reflections to this newspaper. Jon actively engaged the hall by challenging each table to come up with ideas about what makes good Vincentianism. Keen to return next year, Jon finished by setting some

homework whereby members were tasked to think about how we might continue to improve the service we offer as we move towards 2033. If you are interested in learning more about the SVP or are thinking of joining or forming a conference, please contact Joe Gasan for further support at joeg@svp.org.uk

Kate Nightingale and Joe Gasan

Mass was then con-celebrated by Fr Marcus and Fr Bill in the church, where the members received an uplifting and appropriate homily from Fr Marcus. Following mass, the members were then informed by Julia Fitzgerald, a member of the SVP Youth and Membership team of the

Jon Cornwall challenging the members!

Frankly Speaking by Frank Goulding SEPtEmBEr 2026

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The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill will have its crunch vote and second reading in the House of Commons on Friday,

11 Newman September. St. John Henry

The following October 9this part interview of the Catholic News podcast which features interviews with lay people, religious and clergy involved in the Church's work in England and Wales.

Archbishop thanks those who united to defeat assisted suicide Bill

A diverse range of people, not just Catholics, have raised their voices in opposition to this Private Members' Bill that seeks to legalise assisted suicide. Our new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has said that now is not the time for this debate and it would be better to sort out the UK's palliative care and social care crisis.

So what are the problems and what needs to be

Dr Karen Groves fixed? "We've moved on MBE (Inset) Dr Karen Groves a lot in nearly 50 years, MBE qualified as and “It's a huge a doctor at now for this area, we've challenge, but it's a time when the modern got integrated hospice taken many years hospice and palliative and specialist of work to build How does a hospice care movement was relationships with palliative care services only just beginning. all other achieve gold working local services, and out of Queenscourt, standard palliative those are really important which is our local care and hospice, so that everything's knitted end-of-life care? the specialist clinical "Pain and other symptoms together, and that What are the key and educational were really poorly hub, provides the continuity of care. managed, not due seeing patients and ingredients? to lack of compassion families in Queenscourt “I think there are or itself, or an care, but just through many," says Dr Groves. equal number in our a lack of knowledge," "But a few of the main local hospitals, "It's made a big difference to the said Dr Groves. "There ones, are: investment number of people who are was a lot of fear among and twice as many again in our in selection, ongoing able to stay in local care the public and health training, and real support their own homes and their homes. Some people professionals about own homes, which of skilled clinical and the accuse hospices use of morphine, is where providing non-clinical staff. the vast majority of and and also of speaking Plus time a gold standard service of people really want attention to detail to people about their to the very to be few, and I would for every patient illness and what to living their lives, and and counter that to say family - that's really expect living them to the in the future. It just that where important. A huge full, to hospices have wasn't done in those number the opportunity days." the end." to develop of committed volunteers without integrated services whom the across all settings, then service can't provide the standard To address this and actually they can provide of care that to meet end-of-life a responsive, helpful, it does. Then the financial care Dr Groves advocates for a 'continuity needs in West support and Lancashire, Formby, of care' reliable, and consistent service goodwill of the community and so that integrated services in Southport, Dr Groves of this area - West are provided patients and families have confidence,which Lancs, Southport founded Queenscourt consistently Hospice in Southport and Formby and and appropriately who've in the late 1980s. for each person they're much less likely to dial 999 supported the because of across a number of building, the growth, fear or not knowing care settings. and the what to development of their services. It makes a big difference." do in a situation.

scheme, restored statues, renewed interior decoration, the repositioning of key liturgical features, and a new glass entrance on Chapel cbcew.org.uk designed to offer a visible sense of Alongside restoring the cathedral’s heritage, Street city. Archbishop John Sherrington, in the heart of thethe welcome Archbishop the project has also invested in its future. of Liverpool and Lead Bishop for Life Issues for Improved facilities, increased flexibility, Architects and Purcell the Bishops’ grateful tohas Conference, We are offered his enhanced accessibility and a strong their expertise for wrote York who gratitudeSimpsons and thanksofto those to commitment to sustainability to help ensure Their specialist the project. their MPsthroughout to stop the Terminally longstanding repairs to its stonework and the cathedral can continue to serve the people Ill Adults (End The Cathedral Church of St John the Evangelist conservation has continue heritageparliament. of through knowledge of Life) Bill progressing on infrastructure while ensuring it could of the diocese for generations to come. welcomed worshippers and visitors back restoration of the the careful enabled Archbishop of to meet the needs of a growing community. Sherrington also expressed his Saturday 4 July, when a weekend while character historic of gratitude cathedral’s to disability rights focused on essential groups and legal celebrations began to mark the completion the While much of the work modern standards and A key element of the project has been incorporating andwill healthcare professionals for raising a this significant project. repairs to the fabric of the building, visitors to support its future mission. restoration of many of the cathedral’s historic collective technology transformation voice to uphold remarkable “the dignity and a of notice the features, including the reinstatement of heart spiritual Improvements the as sanctity of served cathedral. every life.” the Having the throughout Continued on page 2 original decorative schemes and diocese for more than 175 years, the cathedral include new energy-efficient exterior lighting conservation of stained-glass windows, required extensive restoration to address The Bill failed after it’s Second Reading by 270 (Yes) votes to 286 (No) – a majority of 16.

dioceseofsalford.org.uk

bringing renewed colour, vibrancy and beauty to this sacred space.

a Salford Cathedral has reopened its doors following three-year programme of restoration, renewal cathedral and refurbishment that has transformed the

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Archbishop’s Full Statement We are pleased that MPs have voted to oppose the passage of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. We would like to thank those who wrote to their MPs to stop the bill’s progression and who assisted the campaign against the bill in other ways. I would like to express my gratitude to those MPs who voted against the Bill and the many people from across society who made their voices heard – doctors, legal professionals, disability groups, other faith communities and those of no faith who stood up for the dignity and sanctity of every life. We are thankful for the many prayers which have been offered during these weeks. Throughout this debate, we have argued that our response to those facing serious illness, disability or the challenges of old age should be rooted in solidarity, care and respect. The true measure of a compassionate society is its

willingness to support people through difficult circumstances rather than encouraging them to end their lives. Every day, families, friends, carers and healthcare professionals demonstrate extraordinary generosity in accompanying and supporting those who are suffering. Their dedication reminds us of the value of human relationships and of our shared responsibility to care for one another, especially at life’s most vulnerable moments.

We remain convinced that the most effective way to address suffering at the end of life is through greater access to excellent palliative and end-of-life care. Ensuring such care is available to all who need it can help people experience comfort, dignity and support in their final days. We will continue to promote these as priorities and to stand alongside those who devote themselves to caring for the dying in hospices, hospitals, care homes and communities.

May all the sick and frail find comfort in the support of their loved ones, and the love of God, which transcends all suffering. I ask the Catholic community to continue to pray for our legislators, that they will ensure that our laws always uphold the dignity of human life.

It is never easy to adjust to the month of November. The clocks have just changed, the darker nights have arrived and Christmas advertisements have come far too early. If we have lost a loved one this year the month of Holy Souls will have a deep personal relevance.

Archbishop John Sherrington Lead Bishop for Life Issues Archbishop of Liverpool

This year has witnessed an acceleration of news relating to climate change and artificial intelligence. Like it or not our world is changing, but sadly also human conflicts not least in the area surrounding the Holy Land and Eastern Europe. Pope Leo has given us the greatest guidance and this year vast congregations have welcomed his apostolic visits to Africa Spain and France. Much has been reported and written about the Prime Minister. I was surprised

by one communications consultant who suggested Mt Burnham was the first occupant of 10 Downing Street to use social media effectively. If this is correct it is at least worth reflecting on. The Prime Minister will have a top team of communications staff working for him, we all have to rely on the virtue of wisdom to guide us as we consider the implications for our younger generation. Around Easter last year a national newspaper article suggested a “commitment that the Catholic Faith shapes your life is shared of young people across the country.” - Daily Telegraph April 16 2025. I have long felt that there might be some hidden technological talent in our parishes which could assist on our actions as we plan for the future.

The attention we pay to young people has been prominent in political circles this year, but we have also witnessed much argument about the triple lock plans for those in receipt of state pensions. We really need to plan better for our senior citizens and this must finally be taking the NHS and the proposed National Care Services much more seriously. We may need up to half a million care staff by 2040. Let us NEVER forget that many unpaid carers who also work or in some cases leave their jobs to look after a loved one. In the October edition of the Catholic News, Bishop Patrick spoke of “One of the greatest diseases in our society is loneliness.” This affects so many in our country and is purely a big challenge as the Diocese becomes more and more missionary.

The Catholic News. November 2026.

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Nottingham Mission Mass celebrates 90 years of faith, generosity and the Red Box There was much to celebrate in Aspley as the Red Box family came together for a special Mission Mass marking 90 years of the Red Box and the partnership between Missio and the Mill Hill Missionaries. Bishop Patrick McKinney celebrated Mass at St Teresa of Lisieux at midday on Saturday 19 September, with Fr Patrick Bassey, Missio Diocesan Director for Nottingham, and Fr Dermot Byrne MHM, concelebrating. In a moving homily, Bishop Patrick thanked the congregation and Red Box volunteers for their “generous fidelity” to Missio and the Mill Hill Missionaries through the Red Box. Reflecting on the Gospel account of the sower, he connected their faithful support with the call to spread the Word of God (cf. Luke 8:4-15). “The Word of God is not a commodity to be rationed,” Bishop Patrick explained. “God's Word is to be given freely away, to be shared lavishly, and the field represents the world where God's Word is to be shared everywhere, to every person without exception. That's why Missio and why the Red Box, exists.” Since 1936, the small red collection box has had a treasured place in Catholic homes across Nottingham diocese, and across homes in England and Wales. For nine decades, spare coins and faithful prayers have grown into vital support for missionaries and communities around the world, helping the local Church serve people in places affected by poverty, conflict and hardship. Bishop Patrick continued his homily saying, “When we drop a coin into the Red Box, it disappears. You don't see it again; it's in the Box. Likewise, most of us do not get to meet a person, the catechist or the seminarian that money helps to train; or

Continued from front page fifty years. For Barbara, the names brought faces back: “Oh, I remember her. I remember him.” Fr Frank wanted to make sure they “were not forgotten because what they’ve done and been is so important.” At his request, everyone had stayed seated throughout the Mass. At the end, as the members gave him a painting, the whole church stood and clapped for the first time. Asked afterwards what he would say to them all, he gave thanks for “what you’ve been and done.” They were almost the words he had used for the 340.

Parishioners from across Nottingham Diocese gathered in thanksgiving at St Teresa of Lisieux in Aspley. the community, whose chapel or school it helps to build…But that's precisely what happens to the seed. “The sower opens his hand and scatters the seed, the ground closes over it, and from that moment the growth is hidden from him. But the same is true for each of us. Let's hear again what Jesus says of the good sower, 'As for that in the good soil, they are the those who are hearing the Word, ‘hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.' (Luke 8:15) “It remains my experience that the most fruitful things in this diocese are the least visible. And I think I know of nothing that proves it better than the small Red Box in people's homes, in your homes. “So, I thank you, personally, and also in the name of the diocese, for your generous fidelity to the support and the work of Missio, to the Red Box initiative, and other collections. Don't let anyone tell you this is a small thing or that it belongs to the past.”

A reading at the end of Mass called SPANNED “a bridge between exclusion and welcome”, and ten more bridges besides. One was “indifference and concern”, the very challenge Fr Frank named. The last was “existing and truly living.” Asked what she would say to someone who has never been, Barbara is plain: “Come and join us… Religion or no religion, everybody’s welcome.” Fifty years on, the bridge is still open. If you would like to cross it, as a member, a family or a volunteer, you can contact Fr Frank at frank.daly@dioceseofnottingham.uk.

The special anniversary Mass was more than a look back. It was a joyful reminder that mission is a calling shared by every baptised person. Through prayer, giving and practical solidarity, parishes and individuals become an ever greater part of a global family; local Church supporting local Church and helping the Gospel’s

message of hope reach those most in need. Mass was followed by refreshments in the parish hall, and the cutting of a special anniversary cake, generously donated by the Missio Local Secretary at St Teresa of Lisieux. dioceseofnottingham.uk

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The Catholic News. November 2026.

MacMillan Coﬀee Morning St Mary's Churches New Mills and Marple Bridge

For two hours on Saturday 19th September 2026 we had a busy but joyous time with a great atmosphere when many people arrived to enjoy Coffee,Tea,Soft Drinks, Cakes and Biscuits. Thank you to everyone who donated or made cakes etc and are pleased to say, we raised £931.80 for this much needed Cancer Charity in High Peak and elsewhere. Many families have had the need for these services again we say ' A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HELPED US ' Ann Lyon

From: Elston Hermitage… By Fr David + h.d.n. Priest At the very beginning of November our gaze is turned to All Saints and All Souls. We naturally focus on the canonised saints those with a capital S - but also remember the great multitude of those saints with a small - s those who have lived out lives of saintliness - those we have personally known in our own lifetime. Equally we remember those holy souls gone before us on the path to their eternal inheritance. Scripture tells us that we have an inheritance awaiting us in heaven, one that is worth far more than anything we could possibly receive in this world. This inheritance is ‘imperishable, undefiled, and unfading’, and is being ‘kept in heaven’ for us. (1 Peter 1-4) That means that our names are written in God’s ‘will and testament’. And under our names are the various riches that await us; freedom from every sin and shame, a ‘place’ in heaven prepared for us by Jesus himself. (John 14.2 ) the full dignity

of a son or daughter of God and best of all, the ability to see Jesus face to face and worship him. But how can we be sure that God wants to give us such a wonderful inheritance? Because he has already given us some of it. St Paul says that the gift of the Holy Spirit is like ‘the first installment of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s possession’ (Ephesians 1.14). We can imagine whatever love, peace and blessings we have already experienced from God is just a foretaste of all that awaits us.

so it is important that we proclaim our faith everyday and if we hold on to our faith in heaven with all the saints and holy souls gone before us, then we will find it easier to live in peace on this earth. We will find more joy and fulfillment as we live the life God has given us here. We will find more strength to overcome temptation and more patience with ourselves - and with those around us. Then we will be living a heavenly life here on earth!

St Catherine of Sienna once wrote, ‘All the way to heaven is heaven, because Jesus said, ‘I am the way’ So as we journey towards our heavenly home we are experiencing it right now.

So journey on knowing we have an eternal inheritance with all the saints both those with a large - S and, those with a small - s. And pray for all the Holy Souls - knowing that heaven is our true home. We may not consider ourselves saints, but our witness can make a difference. Jesus said that anyone who is poor in spirit, merciful, pure of heart, or peaceable is blessed.

We need to see then how we are able to begin to live as citizens of heaven as we go about our everyday lives here on earth. And

And let’s never forget what Jesus has done for us, he has conquered sin and death and opened the gates of heaven and never

forget God longs to say these words to us even more than we long to hear them ‘Today you will be with me in Paradise.’ (Luke 23.43)

The Catholic News. November 2026.

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“I myself was anxious” Canon Malachy on taking the ﬁrst step A men’s group, a cup of tea and more than 50 people searching: Canon Malachy on how the Cathedral responds to the Mission Plan. Canon Malachy Brett was early. Half an hour before Adoration began at Corpus Christi Church in Clifton, the Cathedral Dean was already in his pew. He waited quietly while the church filled. People came in slowly, and Bishop Patrick McKinney thanked each of them at the door. Just before it began, a woman hurried in with her three children and took the last row. Then everyone knelt and sang. When the singing ended, the church fell completely silent. The evening on Thursday 1 October opened the Bishop’s visitation of the Nottingham Deanery. Like each visitation before it, it began with Adoration, a time of quiet prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. It was a way of asking the Holy Spirit for guidance before anyone talked about their parish mission plans. Afterwards, Canon Malachy admitted that new starts can be daunting, and that he has felt it himself. “I myself was anxious about the social media,” he said. “I was very apprehensive about it, but it has been very successful for the cathedral parish.”

What would he say to a brother priest nervous about becoming more missionary? Look outward, he said, and try “not to be afraid to do things very differently”. He pointed to Pope Leo XIV at Lourdes only days before. “We all saw for ourselves how he came down among the people, and he walked with them,” he said. “He shared their journey.” He also borrowed a phrase from Pope Francis: “we need to be able to smell the sheep.” It pictures a priest as a shepherd, close enough to his people to share their life. Bishop Patrick’s message to the deanery was the same: start where you are. “If you’ve begun, that’s brilliant,” he said. “That’s exactly where we want you to be.” Go, Make Disciples, the Diocesan Mission Plan, asks each parish to choose just three steps towards becoming more missionary. The Cathedral has chosen its three. The first is Sons of Encouragement, a men’s group named after the Cathedral’s own patron, St Barnabas, whom the Bible calls the “son of encouragement”. It will meet

Bellies not Bins were grateful to receive the extra oﬀerings St Charles has been a donation point since Covid times when the Bishop asked us to explore how we could help with the cost of living crisis. Donations are taken regularly to help the local community who may be struggling to make ends meet

Parishioners at St Charles, Hadfield were extremely generous with donations at the harvest festival recently, and Bellies not Bins were grateful to receive the extra offerings for the local food bank.

every two weeks for prayer, honest conversation and support. “Men in the Church are a bit reluctant to share as the ladies are able to share,” Canon Malachy said. He remembers when “the two princes came out and talked about mental health”. Everyone talks about it now, he said, “but men are still a bit reluctant to do so”. The second is a Places of Welcome hub, open on Wednesday mornings in the Cathedral hall, especially for people who are lonely or isolated. “They can come, and they can talk, and they can have a cup of tea,” he said, “and maybe even set a puzzle going.” He hopes it will mean that “everyone has a place to start somewhere”. The third step grows out of the Cathedral’s course for adults exploring the Catholic faith (RCIA), which he says “has shown us great strength”. Last year more than 35 people became Catholic at the Cathedral, many of them young adults. But people don’t arrive on a timetable. They come through the door all year round, so the parish is building its ongoing formation offer with a monthly gathering to pray, learn and share stories of faith. The Parish

Mission Team hopes this means that no one who arrives is left waiting for next year’s course. It has also made sure there are people to meet them. Around Easter, the Cathedral recruited new catechists, who teach the faith, and companions, who walk alongside someone on their journey. It wanted to be ready in case even more people came forward. They did. More than 50 came to the first night of this year’s course, which began at the end of last month. “The people are all searching,” Canon Malachy said. “There is a space in our hearts that only God can fill.” Some are “wanting to know a little bit more”. Then, at the right stage, he said, “people will step forward and say, ‘I want a bit of this.’” If you recognise that space in yourself, you could start with a cup of tea on a Wednesday morning in the Cathedral hall. Or ask about the course for adults exploring the Catholic faith at nottinghamcathedral.co.uk dioceseofnottingham.uk

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The Catholic News. November 2026.

Sacraments at the Service of the Communion - Matrimony Recently my family had the joy of celebrating our parents 50th Wedding Anniversary. What a milestone! I had a sense of great delight for them. Throughout this time, as all married couples would experience, I saw moments of joy, happiness, and laughter – but also moments of stress, worry, and sadness. It is amazing to see their commitment to each other through thick and thin, and cooperating with God, to bring and raise children, and to support each other. Reflecting on this joyful occasion, I could see the value and appreciation of the Sacrament of Matrimony that my parents lived out for the past fifty years. After reflecting upon the Sacraments of Initiation and Healing, it is now time to focus our attention on the Sacraments at the service of the Communion – namely Matrimony and Ordination. These Sacraments are directed to the service of others and confer a mission in the Church to build up the People of God (cf. CCC 1534). The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, that this special relationship, also called a covenant, is when “a man and women establish between themselves a partnership of the whole life, is but is nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring” (CCC 1601).

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When we reflect upon the Preface, which is used during the celebration of a Nuptial Mass, it mentions that the union between a husband and wife gives a sign of Christ’s loving gift of grace. This Sacrament showcases the love that Christ has for his Church. The consent between the couple, is vital in this celebration, in which they

declare that they take each other “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish till death do us part” (Form A of the Consent). In a sense, in all circumstances of life, they commit to remain with each other. One can never plan out one’s married life. With certainty, there will be smooth sailing, with happiness, laughter, and joy, but at the same time, there will be moments of tension, anxiety, and stress. But as a ship must continue a steady course of travel in rough weather, a married couple remain with each other. Married life is certainly not always easy going, and there will be challenges. Left to our own efforts, it won’t cut it. We need God’s help, his grace, to keep the steady course. In a sense, although the celebration of this Sacrament is one off event, in reality, it is lived out every day. The Church is always of support for the couple, especially through the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist, and moral support through prayer and counselling services. There are times that a couple in a marriage may irrevocably separate for a variety of reasons. Mistrust and hurt may result from such separations, but the Church, especially its ministers, has the important task and mission to always accompany individuals that have separated, always showing compassion, understanding and mercy. No family or parents are perfect, and thank goodness for that, but through this Sacrament, God’s love and grace is tangible. Couples come in a variety of shapes and sizes these days, and this Sacrament reminds us, that God is present in all circumstances of their lives. Fr Anthony Fyk

The Catholic News. November 2026.

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Scripture Focus

By Fr Jeremy Corley

Our hope of being always with the Lord November is traditionally the month when we remember the dead. Immediately after the Feast of All Saints (1st November), we keep All Souls Day, the commemoration of the faithful departed (2nd November). As we remember those who have gone before us, we pray for them, in the hope that we will see them again in the resurrection. During November, as the leaves fall from the trees, we are reminded of our mortality: “Like flourishing leaves on a spreading tree, which sheds some and puts forth others, so are the generations of flesh and blood: one dies and another is born” (Sirach 14:18). On the 32nd Sunday of the Year (8th November) we hear consoling words about our resurrection hope from St Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians. This letter is precious because it is probably the first New Testament writing, dated around the year 50 AD.

In the northern Greek city of Thessalonica, Paul had briefly proclaimed the good news of Jesus’ saving death and resurrection (Acts 17:1-10). But as a result, Paul was accused of preaching Jesus as another king besides Caesar. When a riot broke out, he had to slip out of the city by night. Yet despite their experience of persecution, the new Thessalonian Christians remained firm in their faith. Hence Paul writes to encourage them in their difficulties. Evidently, they were missing community members who had died—as Paul calls them, “those who have fallen asleep.” Even if they naturally mourn for the departed, Paul does not wish them to grieve like other people who have no hope. He reminds them of the heart of our Christian faith: “we believe that Jesus died and rose again.” Jesus has overcome the power of death, and in future, as the creed tells us: “he will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.”

Paul uses language from apocalyptic expectations to describe the Lord’s second coming: “The Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” The apostle’s words served to encourage the Thessalonians at their time of loss and difficulty. They still resonate today, because we share the same hope of being always with the Lord in heaven, reunited with our departed relatives and friends. Then on the 33rd Sunday of the Year (15th November) we hear St Paul’s exhortation, again addressing the church at Thessalonica. Some of the community had a vivid hope that the Lord would quickly

return in glory. In fact, a few members of the church had even given up their daily work in order to prepare to meet the Lord at his expected coming. Faced with this situation, Paul needs to moderate their immediate expectation. He refers to Jesus’ own teaching that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night (Matthew 24:43-44). The best preparation is simply to get on with our daily lives with full awareness that at some point the Lord will call us to himself. Hence Paul says: “You are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of the day. So then, let us keep awake and be sober.” In this month of November, as we remember the faithful departed, we pray for the grace to be ready whenever the Lord may call us.

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The Catholic News. November 2026.

St Mary’s CVA Derby Shares the Spirit of Giving with Derby City Mission The children and families of St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy Derby have been putting their faith into action by supporting Derby City Mission, helping to provide essential items for people and families in our local community. As part of our school’s commitment to living out our Catholic faith and caring for others, we held a non-uniform day, inviting children to bring in donations of nonperishable food and toiletries instead of making a monetary contribution.

interested in understanding how the food is collected and distributed to people who need it. The children were inspired by Mrs Homes’ message and responded with great generosity. They brought in a wonderful selection of non-perishable food items, toiletries and other essential products, showing that even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference. The donations included items such as tins and packets of food, cereals, rice, toiletries and other everyday essentials. Derby City Mission highlights the importance of these donations in supporting local families and individuals experiencing food insecurity.

Living out our faith

Derby City Mission is a Christian charity which has been supporting people across Derby since 1989. Its work includes helping people experiencing poverty, food insecurity, homelessness and financial difficulties. Through its Community Shop and Café, the charity provides access to food and essential items, with food parcels also available to people experiencing particular financial need. Donations from schools, churches and the wider community play an important part in making this support possible.

Learning how we can make a difference To help our children understand the importance of their donations, we were delighted to welcome Mrs Helen Homes from Derby City Mission into school. Mrs Homes led a whole-school Celebration of the Word, speaking to the children about the work of Derby City Mission and the difference that simple acts of kindness and generosity can make to people in our local community.

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The children learned about the different ways Derby City Mission supports people and how donated food and essential items can be used to help those who may be struggling. They were particularly

Our Chaplaincy Team played an important role in the collection. They visited classes to gather the donations and then carefully organised everything into a beautiful display in our school Chapel. The display provides a wonderful visual reminder of the generosity of our school community and the difference we can make when we come together. We are incredibly proud of the children and their families for responding so generously. As a Catholic school, we believe that caring for others is an important part of our faith. We want our children to understand that we all have a responsibility to look beyond ourselves, recognise when others may need help and respond with compassion. As the Bible reminds us: “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for

with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16 The generosity shown by our children has been a wonderful example of this message in action. We are so proud to support Derby City Mission and to help those who may be less fortunate than ourselves. Most importantly, we hope that this experience has helped our children to understand that kindness, generosity and compassion can make a real difference in the lives of others. We would like to thank all of our families for their incredible generosity and Mrs Helen Homes and Derby City Mission for helping our children to understand how they can make a difference within our local community. Together, we can make a difference.

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£1.80 provides a child with a meal every weekday for a month

Donate now at www.reachfoundationuk.org Your money goes a long way! Reach Foundation UK - charity no: 1171521

Asked to bring a friend, she brought three generations At Mother of God in Leicester, an International Mass gathered many nations around one altar.

MarCh 2026

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Edition 51

FEBRuARy 2026

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Edition 50 SEPtEmBEr 2026

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History in Their Hands

Middlesbrough and Leeds to share Bishop Marcus

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A journey of Faith, Hope and New Beginnings page 14

Priest braves heatwave on 108-mile walk

Reﬂections on My First Year as a Permanent Deacon

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When love needs ﬁrst aid

Edition 52 - August 27th St Monica

as a year in Jubilee 2025 will be remembered together which the global Church walked and change, through grief and joy, continuity in Christ, as St discovering that hope, rooted (Rom Paul reminds us, “does not disappoint” 5:5).

A Jubilee That Surpassed Expectations

the Feast of the As the Jubilee concluded on that more Epiphany, the Vatican confirmed to Rome from than 33 million pilgrims travelled The 185 countries, far exceeding expectations. Jubilee a visible scale of participation made the expression of the Church’s universality.

Refugee Art and

Writing OCTOBEr 2026 Competition

Saint Francis of Assisi died on page 2 3 October 1226, near the small chapel he loved most. He did not die in a grand church or monastery. He asked to be laid naked on the bare earth. He asked for the Passion of Christ according to the Gospel of John to be read to him. He sang psalms. And then, quietly, he went home to God.

Conversion Stories

Pray as you Go

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in body, nearly

fear death. He welcomed her as a sister: “Sister Bodily Death.” His final moments were an act of complete surrender, - April a St lastAlphege imitation of Christ 19 who had given everything on the Cross.

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St. Joseph 19th March

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Kindness is King

TikTok Priest

and self-will became the hidden path of Gwenpage Wiseman 4 page 9 Francis’ sanctity. He was canonised only two This year marked the 800th anniversary of the years after his death by Pope Gregory IX, who death of Saint Francis of Assisi. For one described him as one of the greatest imitators extraordinary month, from 22 February to 22 of Christ the Church had ever known. March, the mortal remains of the saint were placed on public veneration, drawing pilgrims celebrated, each 35 major Jubilee events were For Fr Quackenbush, the veneration of Francis’ Pope Francis. ©Vatican Media or group Opening of the Holy Door, by from across the world to Assisi. dedicated to a particular vocation Saints for Our Time remains was not about death. “The emphasis of not merely a site associated with the witness by the within the Church. These were pilgrimage sites were Maximus, thousands The Jubilee Year was further enriched we’re trying to make is that this isn’t about of encounter basilicas and traditional Christian martyrs. The sight of During that time, hundredsGiorgio of thousands large gatherings, but moments Frassati and Carlo highlighted a surge in early the canonisations of Pier death,” he said. “It’s about life.” quietly queuing forpassed deepened, and reported and priests through the Basilica, many travelling pilgrims of young people where faith was shared, by Pope Leo Confessions, particularly among Acutis, the first saints canonised became one of the defining images hundreds, even thousands of miles for theresonant renewed. in the Jubilee sacrament seeking to participate fully The grain of wheat XIV. Their witness proved especially of the Holy Year. chance to spend just a few brief moments hope. Many pilgrims arrived with curiosity or Easter Monday indulgence. during a Holy Year centred on The death of Pope Francis on before the the remains of the humble friar who devotion. But as they moved through the year, followed on the moment, the Prefect of left an indelible mark during the to the Sacrament of Reflecting once called himself “the little poor one.” of Pope Leo This renewed return experience something deeper began to stir “To see those young Both saints offer a compelling message: by the conclave and the election clearest signs City of Rome, observed: oms them. Standing before the remains of R onciliation was one of the f h i l h within At first glance, it might have seemed that the saint, they encountered not only the pilgrims had simply come to see the bones of memory of a holy man from the past but the a medieval saint. Yet the friars servingrenewed at the interior question that shaped Francis’ life: “Lord, what scheme, restored statues, vibrancy and beauty Basilica say somethingrepositioning far deeper ofwas key liturgical do you want me to do?” This was the question bringing renewed colour, decoration, the Chapel once asked before the crucifix of San unfolding. What began aasnew an act of entrance devotionon Francis glass to this sacred space. dioceseofsalford.org.uk features, and of when he was still a restless young became something more personal: a moment a visible sense Damiano, cbcew.org.uk Street designed to offer cathedral’s heritage, of prayer, reflection and, for many, a renewed man searching for direction. Alongside restoring the in the heart of the city. welcome future. Archbishop John Sherrington, the Archbishop invested in its encounter with faith. the project has also of Liverpool and Lead Bishop for LifeArchitects Issues for increased flexibility, Afterand venerating the remains, pilgrims were led Purcell Improved facilities, We are grateful to and a strong Bishops’ to Conference, has his “Itthe is startling see the crowds” into a nearby chapel to renew their baptismal their expertise for offered enhanced accessibility Simpsons of York ensure to helpAmong those welcoming pilgrims to Assisi was promises, shifting the focus from the life of gratitude and thanks to those who wrotespecialist to Their commitment to sustainability throughout the project. people hasto their own. The friars framed this Quackenbush, OFM Conv., an (End Francis their Mary MPs to stop the Terminally Illconservation Adults to its stonework and the cathedral can continue to serve theFr Daniel longstanding repairs knowledge of heritage to come. of the through the words of Christ in the of St John the Evangelist American friar upstate New York who moment it could continue of Life) Billfrom progressing through parliament. restoration The Cathedral Church of the diocese for generations infrastructure while ensuring enabled the careful and visitors back on community. whileof John: “Unless a grain of wheat falls Gospel serves at the Basilica and is responsible for the his character Archbishop Sherrington also expressed welcomed worshippers historic meet the needs of a growing cathedral’s a weekend of to andearth and dies, it remains just a grain; into the English-language Mass rights celebrated each focused on essential gratitude to disability groupsstandards and legal Saturday 4 July, when modern While much of the work of incorporating the completion will the been visitors has mark but project the building, Sunday mission. future celebrations began to andmorning. healthcare professionals raising a if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:24) A key element of the to support its for repairs to the fabric of For the friars, the life of Francis is a living transformation technology the cathedral’s historic remarkable this significant project. a collective voice to uphold “the dignity and restoration of many of notice example Improvements the reinstatement of “It is startling to see the crowds,” Fr on page 2of that Gospel truth. Like the grain of Continued features, including sanctity of every life.” throughout the cathedral. spiritual heart of the lighting wheat that falls into the earth, Francis schemes and the Having served as the original decorative new energy-efficient exteriorQuackenbush said. “The fact that Francis still include cathedral the windows, years, 175 has this appeal after eight hundred years surrendered his life completely to God. In of stained-glass diocese for more than The Bill failed after it’s Second Reading by 270 to address conservation proclaims something about his holiness.” For letting go of wealth, ambition and reputation, required extensive restoration (Yes) votes to 286 (No) – a majority of 16.

God of Our Senses

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Gwen Wiseman was answered. Two years before page his death, 6 Francis received the wounds of Christ on his hands, feet, and side, becoming the first recorded saint to bear the stigmata. From this radical conformity to Christ flowed a life that could not be contained. Francis founded a worldwide family of friars, sisters, and lay people, now spread across every continent. Yet his influence reaches far beyond those who wear a habit.

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St Hildegard of Bingen Feast day: 17 September

The Franciscan Jubilee

In the context of this centenary year, Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed 2026 a Franciscan Jubilee, inviting the whole Church to rediscover the heart of the Gospel through the life and witness of St Francis.

cbcew.org.uk

How a person dies often reveals how they A particular grace of the Year of St Francis is dedicated have lived. Francis died as he to other great Franciscan saints lived: poor, free, the plenary indulgence an online booking system has attached to this Jubilee, such trusting, and wholly abandoned been introduced as St Clare of Assisi, St Anthony to God. addressed in a special way to of Padua, to manage access. the members of St Bonaventure, Further information is and St Maximilian Kolbe. In the Franciscan families of the available at www.sanfrancescovive.org. First, Second, the spirit of the Eight Hundred Years Later Jubilee decree, these places are and Third Orders, Regular and Secular, as well natural local On 10 January 2026, the Franciscan points of pilgrimage, ensuring family as to Institutes of Consecrated A Year to Walk Alongside Francis Life, Societies that the grace across the world, together with of the Year of St Francis is the Church in of Apostolic Life, and associations that observe accessible While praying before the crucifix Assisi, gathered in prayer at in the ruined to all the faithful, including those the Basilica of the Rule of St Francis church of San Damiano, Francis or draw inspiration from unable Santa Maria degli Angeli to open heard Christ to travel to Assisi. the Eighth his spirituality. say: “Francis, go and rebuild my Centenary ofSt. the Ask your priest how the Year deathHenry Church.” John Newman of St Francis. of Francis will be lived in your parish and diocese. October 9th At the same time, this grace is At first, he understood this literally. extended to all The world Francis knew was He rebuilt marked by the faithful, who, with ruined chapels with his own hearts detached from Thedivision, violence, following interview Veneration of the Mortal Remains and hands, before deep inequality. is part of the OurCatholic sin, participate in the Jubilee of slowly realising that Christ by making a modernNews worldpodcast may appear was calling him to whichvery features Saint Francis different interviews on pilgrimage to with any something deeper, not the rebuilding Franciscan the surface, conventual As part of the centenary lay people, and yet religious in many of stone ways and it remains clergy celebrations, pilgrims walls, involved inchurch the or place of worship dedicated to St are but the rebuilding of hearts and painfully Church's similar. work Eight in invited to venerate the mortal hundred lives. years England andafter his Francis of Assisi anywhere in the remains, the This year, the death, in a fractured and restless Wales. world. With bones of St Francis. same invitation is extended to After his death, and out of world, his particular tenderness, us. the Church has ensured fear witnessAstill calls us backof of medieval relic hunters, Francis’s diverse to people, the essentials. range The that the sick and the elderly, and body not just Catholics, those unable was hidden. Almost faithfulhave fromraised every corner six hundred years later, in their globe to leave their homes for serious voicesofin the opposition Go and rebuild what God desires reasons may 1818, Pope Pius continue this to be Members' drawn by the life of this small, toalso Private to VII ordered a search for the Bill that seeks to legaliseobtain the plenary indulgence by uniting unlikely man. But why? restore within you. tomb, which was successfully assisted suicide. Our new themselves spiritually to rediscovered Go and rebuild the places where Prime Minister, Andy the Jubilee beneath the trust and altar of the Lower Basilica of Burnham, said that now is not the celebrations and offering to God their prayers, St relationships Francis refused tohas have weakened. Francis. for the demands of the time this debate dilute sufferings, and the daily difficulties of life. and it would Go and rebuild holiness in the be better to sort out Gospel. He embraced In ordinary without reserve, this way, the mercy proclaimed the UK's palliativeitcare by St Francis is The tomb was choosing poverty details of daily life. and social care crisis. over comfort, last opened in 1978 under Pope peace over made accessible to all, regardless of Paul Eight hundred years after Francis power, and humility over statu VI for ins met Th G ti

They Came to See St Francis and Found Christ LifeTeen Summer Camp

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Fund Living Before Legalising Dying

Near the end of his life, broken

blind, and exhausted by years of severe fasting, www.CatholicPost.co.uk Francis did not

Edition 58Winners pages 6 & 7

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In the likeness and image of God

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Gwen Wiseman

Francis opened On Christmas Eve 2024, Pope inviting the the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica, of 2025. “This is Church into the Jubilee Year are invited to the season of hope in which we the Lord,” he rediscover the joy of meeting spiritual renewal said. “The Jubilee calls us to of our and commits us to the transformation truly become a world, so that this year may time of jubilation.”

Fingers and Feet

The Year of Francis

APRIL 2026

A Year of Hope, A Church etion of a Celebrating the Compl ral Restoration Transformative Cathed page 9

Loving

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: Jubilee 2025Renewe d

Fr Stephen Wang appointed as new Bishop of Arundel and Brighton

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Edition 57Listening

St. Scholastica: The Power of Love in Prayer February 10th

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill will have its crunch vote and second reading in the House of Commons on Friday, 11 September.

Archbishop thanks those who united to defeat assisted suicide Bill So what are the problems

and what

Dr Karen Groves MBE needs to be fixed? (Inset) "We've moved on a lot in nearly 50 years, and Dr Karen Groves MBE “It's a huge challenge, qualified as a doctor at now for this area, but it's taken many years we've got integrated hospice a time when the modern of work to build relationships How does a hospice achieve hospice and palliative and specialist with all other palliative care services gold care movement was only working local services, and those standard palliative care just beginning. are really important out of Queenscourt, which and is our local hospice, so that everything's end-of-life care? What knitted together, and are the key the specialist clinical that "Pain and other symptoms and educational hub, provides the continuity ingredients? were really poorly seeing of care. patients and families managed, not due to “I think there are many," in Queenscourt lack of compassion or says Dr Groves. "But itself, or an equal number care, but just through a few of the main ones, in our local hospitals, "It's made a big difference to the number a lack of knowledge," are: investment in of and twice as many again said Dr Groves. "There people who are able was a lot of fear among to stay in their own selection, ongoing training, and real support in our local care of homes. Some people the public and health professionals about the homes and their own homes, which is where accuse hospices of skilled clinical and non-clinical staff. Plus time providing a gold standard use of morphine, and service to the very and attention to detail for every patient also of speaking to the vast majority of people really want and to be few, and I would counter people about their illness that to say that where family - that's really important. A huge and what to expect living their lives, and living them to number the full, to hospices have the in the future. It just wasn't opportunity to develop of committed volunteers without done in those days." the end." whom the integrated services across all settings, then service can't provide the standard of care that actually they can provide To address this and to a responsive, helpful, it does. Then the financial support meet end-of-life care Dr Groves advocates and for a 'continuity of care' reliable, and consistent needs in West Lancashire, service in which goodwill of the community of this area Formby, and so that integrated services - West Lancs, Southport and Southport, Dr Groves are provided patients and families have confidence, founded Queenscourt consistently Formby - who've and they're much less likely and appropriately for each Hospice in Southport to dial 999 because of supported the building, the growth, person in the late 1980s. and the fear or not knowing what across a number of care settings. to do in a situation. development of their services. It makes a big difference." Continued on page 2

a reopened its doors following Salford Cathedral has of restoration, renewal three-year programme has transformed the cathedral and refurbishment that

Archbishop’s Full Statement

It began, for one family, with a single invitation. Rosemary had been asked to bring a friend. So she brought Shelly, and her mother, Elizabeth, and her daughter as well. Her daughter isn't Catholic, but she came because it mattered to her mother and grandmother, and she felt welcome. The parish had made a simple request of its people: “Invite one of your friends or relatives to come and attend the Mass with us.” Rosemary, who worships at Mother of God Church in Leicester, took it as a privilege. Her friend Shelly, who belongs to St Patrick’s Church in Beaumont Leys, came. As the priests processed in and the flags went up, three generations of one family stood together, a guest beside them. This was the parish’s International Mass, and nobody wanted to miss it. Cars sat up on the pavement and the carpark was full. Inside, people wore the traditional dress of the countries they had come from. The songs were sung in several languages, and

the prayers of intercession in English, Portuguese, Malayalam, Konkani and Shona. The children danced. Everyone was asked to play a part. For the parish priest, Fr Hans Puthiakulangara, who is from India and marking his 37th year as a priest, that mix is the whole point. “People from different countries, different cultures, different costumes,” he said. “Wonderful. Wonderful, really.” Different languages, he added, need not divide: “they are one in God, in faith, because they are sons and daughters of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Bishop Patrick McKinney, who had come to celebrate the Mass, put it this way: “The person, perhaps two rows in front of you, whose name you may not know and whose accent you may find hard to follow, is your brother, is your sister.” What binds a room of many nations, he suggested, is not a shared passport but a shared love: “it’s our love of the Lord and His love for each one of us that binds us all together.” From that love, he said, people are “sent out by Christ

to love and serve Him in those we meet each day.”

We are pleased that MPs have voted to oppose the passage of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. We would like to thank those who wrote to their MPs to stop the bill’s progression and who assisted the campaign against the bill in other ways. I would like to express my gratitude to those MPs who voted against the Bill and the many people from across society who made their voices heard – doctors, legal professionals, disability groups, other faith communities and those of no faith who stood up for the dignity and sanctity of every life. We are thankful for the many prayers which have been offered during these weeks. Throughout this debate, we have argued that our response to those facing serious illness, disability or the challenges of old age should be rooted in solidarity, care and respect. The true measure of a compassionate society is its

None of this happens by accident. Michelle, who sits on the parish council, said the planning for International Sunday takes the best part of a year. It is made possible, she said, by meetings and phone calls and WhatsApp conversations. “We’ve all really experienced a little part of everybody else’s culture,” she said, “and that’s what International Sunday’s all about.” To gather so many communities at one altar, she added, is “really quite precious.” Afterwards, everyone moved to the hall, where the tables were loaded with food from every country in the room. Rosemary was there with Shelly and her family, plates full, in no hurry to leave. You don’t have to wait to be asked the way Rosemary’s friend was; there is a place for you at a Mass near you. You can find your nearest parish at dioceseofnottingham.uk, and the welcome Rosemary was given is the one waiting for you.

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The Catholic News. November 2026.

ACN Co-Sponsors Syro-Malabar Youth Festival

Aid to the Church in Need were delighted to co-sponsor the ‘Handhoosa Festival’ in Leicester. This event saw 1400 young people from the Syro Malabar rite of the Catholic Church, come together for a day of worship, talks, music and cultural celebration. ACN were very pleased that so many signed their Article 18 petition for religious freedom to be respected by all countries. Article 18 of the European Convention of Human Rights guarantees everyone the

right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Sadly more than 5 billion people live in countries where persecution, oppression and discrimination restrict religious freedom. The petition already has 15,000 signatures and can be signed by anyone 16 or over. In March 2027, ACN will present it to the United Nations. For more information or to sign the petition go to www.acnuk.org Fran Hazel, ACN Community Fundraiser

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The Catholic News. November 2026.

Mission Possible Over the months that followed the lives of ten ordinary people, some living, some deceased, from various nations, were put on display for reflection and inspiration, together with suggestions for missionary action. These included an American woman who, in her fifties, gave up a wealthy life to live inside a prison to minister to inmates and guards and ultimately founded a religious order, a child who walked over twenty miles in order to buy a bible and became the inspiration for The Bible Society, a University professor who was ordained to the priesthood at the age of 78 years, a Mexican priest who became a professional wrestler to fund an orphanage

and a young woman housebound from illness who became a prolific hymn writer. The lives of the ten demonstrate nothing is impossible for God, no one too young or too old, too rich or too poor, no circumstances too ordinary or too desperate for God to use to help build up His Kingdom on earth. As we approach the start of a new Church year, or as Bishop Patrick’s five year diocesan mission plan ‘Go make disciples’ approaches its first anniversary next year, why not consider afresh what ‘New Year resolutions’ you could make, perhaps both personally and as a parish, to save souls and help Creation? As we do, may we seek the grace to not let limitations and failings (our own and those of others) define or excuse us from pursuing God’s plan for our lives and receive, also, encouragement from others (not just Saints) who have already done/are doing so, that together we can build up His Kingdom on earth and help show to others that mission is possible for everyone. St Peter & St Paul Church, Lincoln

CRYPTIC Across 7 Dead set, if else fails, to make 18 when in Rome (6,7) 8 I am the Spanish waiter in Messiah! (8) 9 Mountain in Joshua can be seen in section of Horeb, altitudinally (4) 10 Friend from Troy, one leaving an ecclesiastic band (7) 12 Drama queen's back to support the lead in Dallas – the Dynasty chap? (5) 14 Youngster gets sophisticated in front of the king... (5) 16 ...one in Judah has Henry bound by kinky Joe to tree (7) 19 It's the first name in jeans for Matthew! (4) 20 Early Christian sect which barely made it out of 21? (8) 22 To which place did Jesus ride a girl's horse? (5,2,6) CRYPTIC Down 1 Esau's people's place, where style's in ascendant (4) 2 First of Issachar's successors really annexed extra land here (6) 3 Exist, being raised in African surroundings, to name brother of 2 (7) 4 Passage from article is on the Spanish uprising (5) 5 Missionary's desirable little home in Darjeeling? (6) 6 Drugs prisoner detained by the Pope is ascetic (8) 11 Get trees from 11 or 16 by the thousand, to rebuild lone Philistine city... (8) 13 ...and cedars from here to build Jerusalem, the French and British find later (7) 15 Queensland site's stop-start finish confused CIA and the Navy (6) 17 God's pupil is confronted by a very large introduction (6) 18 Is she, looking up, last one raising any cash at Christmas? (5)

21 First family's home study is situated below, note (4) QUICK Across 7 Latin hymn translated into a popular carol by a canon of Westminster Cathedral (6,7) 8 Christ or the Messiah, as named from a reference in Isaiah (8) 9 Where Moses commanded Joshua to build an altar (4) 10 White vestment like a double-Y embroidered with crosses, worn by the Pope (7) 12 Dynast and hymnodist from humble origins, integral to both Testaments (5) 14 Young bird, especially of domestic fowl (5) 16 Kings of Israel and Judah sharing the same name (7) 19 Son of Jacob cursed by his father for attacking Shechem (4) 20 Early Christians who aimed to return to man's primitive innocence (8) 22 Hill overlooking Jerusalem where Solomon built an altar (5,2,6) QUICK Down 1 Mountainous region south of the Dead Sea in OT times, also called Seir (4) 2 Name God gave to Jacob... (6) 3 ...and one of Jacob's twelve sons (7) 4 Extension of the nave in a church (5) 5 Nun and missionary dedicated to helping the poor in India (19101997) (6) 6 Ascetic 5th century British theologian (8)

11 One of the five Philistine cities (8) 13 Area north of biblical Israel famous for its cedar trees (7) 15 Queensland resort city facing the Great Barrier Reef (6) 17 Greatest of all the gods of ancient Egypt (6) 18 Joyful religious song celebrating the birth of Christ (5) 21 Land west of Nod (4) SOLUTION

Across: 7 Adeste fideles, 8 Immanuel, 9 Ebal, 10 Pallium, 12 David, 14 Chick, 16 Jehoash, 19 Levi, 20 Adamites, 22 Mount of Olives Down: 1 Edom, 2 Israel, 3 Zebulun, 4 Aisle, 5 Teresa, 6 Pelagius, 11 Ashkelon, 13 Lebanon, 15 Cairns, 17 Osiris, 18 Carol, 21 Eden.

January 2026 and in came another new year. At St Peter & St Paul Church, Lincoln, parishioners were invited to consider the Father’s individual love for them and offered a challenge: rather than making New Year resolutions that would benefit them personally (as is often the case in our society), to look instead at how their lives could be lived as a response to God’s love for them and make resolutions that help create a better future for all His children.

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The Catholic News. November 2026.