Issue 255 March 2018

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Official Newspaper of the Archdiocese of CardiffNewyddiadur Swyddogol Esgobaeth Caerdydd

Lenten journeymarks the start oftransitionPages 4-5

Cornerstoneappoints poet in residencePage 8

On Sunday 28th January Wayne DavidMP and Cllr Lisa Phipps, CaerphillyBorough Council’s Cabinet Member

for Homes and Places, spent an eveningwith night shelter volunteers and guests atSaint Helen’s Church in Caerphilly, just asPope Francis is caring for homeless peoplein Rome.

Once again this winter, churches in theCaerphilly county borough have workedtogether to provide shelter to the homeless.Now in its sixth year, the Caerphilly ChurchesNight Shelter is set up by nine churches and ateam of volunteers to provide shelter, hotmeals, essential support, and advice to thehomeless during the most difficult months ofthe year. This winter the shelter has run since3rd December and will continue until 4thMarch.

How does it work? The service is run on areferral only basis through the Council’sHousing Advice centre working in partnershipwith a local firm, Cornerstone SupportServices. Once contacted and cleared theGuests are welcomed at that night’s pop-upshelter: Saint Helen covers the Sunday nights,and each participating church has their night.This year there have been an average of 7guests a night, including 3 women, and arange of ages. The Shelter does not claim tobe a solution, but provides a staging-postwhich gives a time of stability during whichsocial services can work with the guests to getthem into suitable housing.

A large and healthy mealIn Saint Helen’s, we open up just after 5pm.Volunteers start preparing supper. Others startmoving the chairs to form a temporary dividebetween the sleeping and eating areas, with adiscreet area for the ladies. The fold-away

beds and bedding are brought in from anoutside store, and set up. Dining tables andchairs are arranged and the table laid. Thoughwe lack shower facilities, towels and toiletriesat laid out on tables in the gents and ladiesand the disabled facility.

As the guests arrive, they are welcomedwith hot drinks and snacks. They claim theirbeds, put down their bags and belongings,and begin to relax. A great success this yearhas been the introduction of board games,chess, and cards. At about 7.30 guests andhelpers sit down together to a large andhealthy meal, with plenty of chat, after whichsome settle, others go for a walk around thepark or the castle, and others choose and puton a film, which usually plays, with ciggiepauses, past the 11pm lights out.

A life saver At 10pm the evening team leaves and threevolunteers arrive to cover the night. They arerelieved at 6am by the morning team, whobegin to prepare and cook breakfast, wake theguests at 7.30 with tea or coffee: ‘Milk in first!’for one; another can tell if he is cheated ofeven one of his seven spoons of sugar.

Before breakfast guests and helpers stripand dismantle the beds, and as breakfast isshared, the sleeping area is cleared andsteam-cleaned. The guests are provided witha packed lunch, and slowly begin to move out,some picked up and driven away byCornerstones, others walking up to the libraryor into town. The whole premises are cleanedthrough, and some of the helpers delight instaying to help the Parents and Toddlersgroup set up toys and mats for their morningsession.

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Churches combine to help the homeless…and in a

winteryRome PopeFranciscomes tothe rescueLeft: St Peter’s Square coveredin snow... the Pope has acted tohelp the homeless in this bitterlycold weather. Here, in St Peter’sSquare someone has built aSnowman Priest... probably aseminarian with a sense ofhumour.

2 CATHOLIC PEOPLE

Editorial Dr James Campbell-Editor. Archbishop’sHouse, 43 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, CF11 9HD Tel: (029) 2022 0411 Fax: (029) 2037 9036 Email:publications@rcadc.org and Articles to be received bythe 20th of the month for inclusion in the followingmonth.

Advertising Tel: 0151 709 7567

Designed & Produced Mersey Mirror, 36 HenryStreet, Liverpool L1 5BS. Tel: 0151 709 7567 Fax: 0151 707 1678 Email:post@merseymirror.com

Your Catholic People…

BEL – Belmont Abbey – The Retreats Secretary - email:retreats@belmontabbey.org.uk or tel: 07799 811 646. All retreats begin with Vespersat 6.00 pm – check-in at Hedley Lodge from mid afternoonLL – Ty Croeso Centre, Llantarnam Abbey, Cwmbran tel: 01633 867317PRC – Pastoral Resources Centre, 910 Newport Road, Rumney, Cardiff tel: 02920360044St.P – St Peter’s Church, St Peter’s Street, Cardiff CF24 3BA

March

7 March Lent Wednesday, An English Spring. Start 10.00 includes soup lunch BEL

8 March Lenten Station Mass St Mary's, Newport 7pm

9-11 March Lord, Make me Whole Again, weekend retreat on spiritual healing BEL

9 March Lenten Lunch and talk St David's Cathedral 1.30pm

13 March Lenten Station Mass - Our Lady's Church, Hereford 7pm

14 March Lenten Station Mass St Dyfrig's Treforest 7pm

14 March Lent Wednesday, An English Spring. Start 10.00 includes soup lunch BEL

17 March Preparation Day for Adoremus -Eucharistic Congress, St David's College

18 March Mass and Commissioning Blessed Sacrament Church Rumney 1145am

21 March Lent Wednesday, An English Spring. Start 10.00 includes soup lunch BEL

21 March Lenten Station Mass St Mary's Bridgend 7pm

23-25 March – Last Week of Jesus weekend retreat. BEL

25 March Blessing of Oils, Renewal of Priestly Vows, St David's Cathedral

29 March-2 April Easter at Belmont BEL

13th-15th April Weekend retreat on the Spiritual Meaning of the Liturgy BEL

28th April What does the Spirit Say to the Church, day retreat with Dom Andrew

Berry BEL

To list Archdiocesan and Deanery Events in this Diary contact: Dr JamesCampbell-Editor. Archbishop’s House, 43 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, CF11 9HDTel: (029) 2022 0411 Fax: (029) 2037 9036 Email: publications@rcadc.org Articles to be received by the 20th of the month for inclusion in the followingmonth.

ARCHDIOCESANDIARY OF EVENTS

ARCHBISHOP GEORGE’S ENGAGEMENTS

MARCH 2018

5 March Liturgy Commission Meeting - Allen Hall London 11.00

6 March Standing Committee Meeting – Eccleston Square 10.30

7 March Staff meeting – Allen Hall London 1.00

8 March Patrimony Committee Meeting - Eccleston Square 1.00 Lenten Station Mass – St. Mary’s Newport 7.00

9 March Attends Lenten Lunch and Talk –St. David’s cathedral 1.30

11 March St. David Lewis Parish – Usk 9.0013 March Lenten Station Mass – Our Lady’s Church Hereford 7.00 14 March

Lenten Station Mass – St. Dyfrig’s Treforest 7.00

17 March Preparation Day for “Adoremus” – Eucharistic Congress – St. David’s College

18 March Mass and Commissioning – Blessed Sacrament Church Rumney 11.45 19 March St. George’s Retreat - 150th anniversary celebrations 11.30

20 - 21 March “Welsh Places of Worship” meeting – The Cornerstone 1030 Meeting with Headteacher Designate of St. Illtyd’s High School 2.00 Lenten Station Mass – St. Mary’s Bridgend 7.00

St. Joseph’s High School Newport – 50th anniversary 6.00 Attends Lenten Lunch and Talk - The Cornerstone Cardiff 1.30 Universtiy Chaplaincy Newman Hall 1.00

25 March Cardiff 11.00

26 March Blessing of Palms, Procession and Mass – St. David’s Cathedral Meeting – St. David Lewis Church – Usk 11.00

28 March Cathedral Cardiff 11.30

30 March Cardiff 3.00

31 March Mass of the Lord’s Supper – St. David’s Cathedral 6.30Liturgy of the Pasion and Death of the lord – St. David’s Cathedral

Churches combine tohelp the homeless

Our tireless organiser, Cliff Bray, says “Beingable to provide shelter for the homelessthrough the winter months is a whole ParishCommunity effort: As well as the three teamsin the hall, others volunteers provide deliciousdesserts, give donations, provide bedding,clothes, etc., and pray” One helper ‘enjoyedgetting to know and listen to the guests, andalso bonding with fellow-parishioners in whatwas an intimate time.’ Several times the gueststhemselves will tell us that the Churches NightShelter has been a life-saver for them. And theaim and hope is that by March all will havebeen rehoused.”

The Pope acts Meanwhile, in Rome, looking out over StPeter’s Square where icicles hung from usuallybubbling fountains, Pope Francis prayed forthe homeless.

The freeze in Rome, subzero temperatures inlarge parts of Europe and heavy snowfalls inmany areas in early January forced the closureof roads and schools and were blamed for at

least a dozen deaths.“In these very cold days, I think and I invite

you to think of the people who live on thestreets, struck by the cold and, many times, byindifference,” Pope Francis told people in StPeter’s Square on January 8.

“Unfortunately, some have not survived,” thePope told people who had bundled up againstthe midday chill to recite the Angelus prayerwith him. “Let us pray for them and ask theLord to warm our hearts so that we can helpthem.”

Because of the cold weather, the papalcharities office instituted a 24-hour open-doorpolicy at the shelters it runs with theMissionaries of Charity for homeless men andhomeless women. Usually the shelters open inthe evening and close in the morning.

The Vatican has also distributed to somehomeless thermal sleeping bags that protectdown to minus 20C (minus 4F). Some Vaticanvehicles, their doors unlocked, were left atnight outside the Vatican City’s high walls, sohomeless people could take turns going insidethe cars to warm up. Several homeless sleepoutside, under Vatican porticoes.

• Continued from Page 1

ApologiesDue to computer server difficulties somecopy submitted has not been able to beprocessed and will appear in the Apriledition of Catholic People.My apologies to those people whosubmitted copy.

The Editor

Left to right: MP Wayne David, Father John Kelly withthe Good Samaritans helping at the night shelter. Below: St Peter's Square covered in snow.

CATHOLIC PEOPLE 3

Editorial

Your Editorwrites…It was 15 years ago that I wasreceived into the Catholic Church inthe Call to Continuing Conversion. Myfamily, wife and son and daughterwere there to see me received byArchbishop Peter Smith. I had beenbaptised in the Church of Scotlandand had produced my baptismalpapers before the ceremony.

Canon Peter Collins was my guide andmentor who gave me so much supportin my way to becoming a Catholic. Iam deeply grateful to him as I am sureall the candidates are to their priests.

And seeing the substantial numbersCatechumens and Converts floodingSt David's Metropolitan Cathedral onSunday 18 February 2018, (seephotographs on pages 4 and 5) itbrought back so many happymemories.

There they were, young and old, shorthaired and grey haired, agesstretching from around 10 to anestimated 80! Families flocked to seetheir relatives and friends receivedinto our Church.

My eyes dampened at the invitationfor Catechumans:

As the deer pants for waterso my soul longs after you.You alone are my heart's desireand I long to worship you.

And there was that proud momentwhen Archbishop George pronounced:

My dear candidates, I now declare youto be members of the elect to beinitiated into the sacred mysteries atthe next Easter Vigil.

It was a most moving occasion.

“Jesus was led by the Spirit into thewilderness…..He fasted forty daysand forty nights” (Matthew 4:1-2)

The Forty Days of Lent have a greatbiblical precedent, not least in theforty years the people of Israelwondered the desert in search ofthe Promised Land.

The example for our own practice of“Quadragesima” lies in the forty daysJesus was in the wilderness before heundertook his public ministry. A time ofdiscipline and preparation is importantbefore any important event or decisionin life. Prayer, Fasting and Abstinenceare the three tools we use as weprepare to celebrate the great mysteryof Easter the Passion Death andResurrection of our Lord. No accidentthat the Lenten exercises really cameinto focus with the Baptism of AdultConverts at the Easter Vigil and theReconciliation of Sinners during thedays preceding it. These importantevents also lie in the foundation of theLenten Season.

Fasting and Abstinence havenothing to do with hating or despisingthe world and its material goods.Neither are they ways of punishingourselves. Fasting is one way inwhich we deepen our awareness ofGod. By denying ourselves food, or aluxury (the sweets, the cigarettes, thealcohol) what else do we do exceptsay “I do not depend on these things”.It enables us to step back from theusual habits and distractions and giveparticular attention to God. Anoutward restraint can be a sign andsymbol of an inner attention, and ahelp towards it. This is a meaning ofthe great symbol of ashes given onAsh Wednesday, the first day of Lent.This is also the Prayer which lies at theheart of Lent. Reminding ourselves togive time to God so that God mayspeak to us in the silence of our heart.

All major faiths encourage fastingand abstinence as spiritual disciplines.The Christian Faith is no exception.Jesus himself fasted in the desert aspart of his preparation to meet histempter. The early Christians observedfasts. (Acts 13:2 14:23). The Fathersof the Early Church recommended thepractice also.

“Fasting is food for the soul,

nourishment for the spirit”. (Ambroseof Milan c.339-97).

When Jesus fasted in thewilderness for forty days, he did so inorder to clarify his relationship withGod and the nature of his calling. Toface inner temptation, he needed toexplore how he stood in relation tomaterial needs and worldly power, andto affirm that his ultimate trust was inGod “Man does not live by breadalone but by every word that comesfrom the mouth of God”. (Matthew4:4).

Our fasting and abstinence, if weare serious about them, have aparticular significance in a worlddominated by a culture ofconsumption. Today we are allencouraged to think of ourselves as‘consumers’ or ‘customers’, as if thematerial things of creation had noother meaning than to be used byhuman beings. Fasting is a form ofrestrain in which we stand back tocontemplate things as they are inthemselves, as they are in relationshipto God the creator, and not just a theyexist for us.

“Fasting prevents us from identifying

ourselves with the world in ordermerely to possess it, and enables usto see the world in a light coming fromelsewhere. Then every creature, everything, becomes an object ofcontemplation. Fasting puts betweenourselves and the world a wonderingand respectful distance”.

So wrote Olivier Clement, anOrthodox Christian theologian whowas born into an agnostic family in1921.

Real enjoyment of the world comesnot from possessing it or consuming it,but from a detached enjoyment of itsgoodness. Far from being a negativereaction to the material world, fastingis a positive affirmation of it. Fastingleads to thanksgiving. In fact, there isno effective act of thanksgiving -noEucharist- without some form of selfrestraint.

Fasting is always linked in theteaching of the Fathers with prayerand almsgiving. Charitable giving ispart and parcel of Lent. Solidaritydemands that others who are in needbenefit from our self restraint –otherwise even fasting and abstinencecan be seen as self indulgence, as theslimming world reminds us! Each oneof us will have our own goodintentions as we receive ashes on AshWednesday. Self denial and solidaritywith the poor must surely be part andparcel of our Lenten practice.

The Diocesan charity for Lent 2018is the support of the Syrian RefugeeFamilies Project. Let our prayer, fastingand abstinence be of benefit not justto ourselves but to those who are indesperate need of our charitablesupport.

A Reflection for Lent byArchbishop George Stack

Saint Ambrose of Milan

“Prayer over abortions isnot harassment” - SPUCThe Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) hasstrongly criticised remarks made by Fabian Hamilton, MP for LeedsNorth West, about pro-life vigils outside abortion clinics.

“It is absolutely astounding that Fabian Hamilton MP considers prayer isa form of abuse and harassment,” said Antonia Tully, SPUC’s Director ofCampaigns.

“Mr Hamilton is perpetuating the myth that women are beingintimidated by the presence of a small number of peaceful peoplepraying near an abortion clinic. Nothing could be further from the truth.Every year hundreds of women have their lives turned round for the betterwhen they decide to keep their baby after an encounter with a pro-lifevigil.”

Writing in the Yorkshire Evening Post, Mr Hamilton said that the MarieStopes Centre in his constituency “has become a target for fanaticalgroups who aim to harass women.” He categorised prayer as abuse andharassment, and called for Government legislation to create “accesszones” around abortion clinics.

“Mr Hamilton wants government legislation specifically to outlaw prayerand peaceful witness outside abortion clinics,” Mrs Tully continued. “Thisis an out and out attack on the pro-life movement in this country.

Olivier Clement - “Fasting leads tothanksgiving.”

4 CATHOLIC PEOPLE

The First Sunday of Lent isan important one in the lifeof the Church. Togetherwith Ash Wednesday itmarks the beginning of thatjourney we all make infollowing Jesus to hisPassion in Jerusalem, isdeath at Calvary and hisResurrection in the EasterGarden.

Whilst this is a personaljourney for each of us whofollow him, it is also thejourney of the church as wemove together towards theheavenly Jerusalem wherewe shall be united with Godthrough the saving works ofJesus Christ in the power ofthe Holy Spirit.

The gospel passage ofJesus stepping out into the

desert at the beginning of hispublic ministry sets the scenefor our Lenten journey. Weare told he was ‘tempted’ forforty days and forty nights.

‘Tested’ is a bettertranslation. He struggled todiscern how best he was tofulfil his mission and purpose,affirming at the end of thistime that “Many does not liveon bread alone but on everyword that comes from themouth of God”.

The forty days of Lent alsotake their inspiration from theforty years the People ofIsrael wandered the desert insearch of the Promised Land.

They had escaped fromslavery in Egypt, led by thefaithfulness of Moses whohimself never entered that

land, although he saw it fromafar. At a time when modernday slavery is on the agendain every western country, it isgood to be reminded of thethings that enslave us asindividuals whether these bemoney, material goods,power, or earthly appetites.

The most painful slaverysuffered by the Israelites wasthat they were forced toworship the false gods of theEgyptians. Their escape tothe Promised Land enabledthem eventually to worshipthe one true God in theTemple in Jerusalem.

Lent is a time to examinethe false gods that weworship in our own age andtake seriously the words ofAsh Wedensday “Repent and

Archbishop George welcomes one of the youngest applilcants

Lenten Journeymarks the start of atransition forthe new Electof Godby Archbishop George Stack

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CATHOLIC PEOPLE 5

Above: Archbishop George with those from all our parishes and their families and sponsors who will be welcomed into the Catholic Church

Believe in the Gospel”.Each of us is invited to make a journey

to that desert place which is deepestwithin us. Dry and arid because this is aplace where no light is shone, no growthtakes place, no healing water of God’shealing grace is allowed to refresh it.

The psalmists have a great deal to sayabout healing waters and drybones which need to be brought tolife again by our turning back toGod. The Lenten exercises, prayersand penances we undertake aremeant to be our signs of that innerconversion.

Although individualism is one ofthe identifying marks of the age inwhich we live, being members ofthe community of faith which is theChurch reminds us that we are notalone.

Those who have gone before ushave made the journey of faith, too,and are an inspirtation to us on ourpilgrim way. What an inspiration,

therefore, to witness the Rite of Electionat St. David’s Cathedral on the FirstSunday of Lent, of those adults who areseeking Baptism in the Church andthose who are already baptised inotherChristian denominations an wish tocome into Full Communion with theCatholic Church.

Our photo shows the 28 Catechumensand 38 Candidates who gathered withtheir sponsors and hundreds of familyand friends to mark this significantmoment in their journey of faith. Theycan be assured of a warm welcome atthe Table of the Lord in their ownparishes when they will be baptised and

received, confrirmed and receive HolyCommunion as members of the Body ofChrist.

“We are an Easter People and Alleluiais our Song” said Pope John Paul ll. Welook forward to celebrating that truth,and so much else, during the comingEaster Vigil.

A proud moment for Catechumans on their way to being accepted into the ChurchArchbishop George is handed the book with the names of theCatechumens.

The church grows stronger!Catechumens (to be Baptised at Easter) / Candidates (alreadyBaptised in another Christian tradition – to be received intoFull Communion with the Catholic Church at Easter)Each Catechumen was accompanied by the parishioner whowill be their godparent and Candidates by their sponsors. 220attended.

Catechumens adult = 25Catechumens children = 3Candidates adult = 38

Quote from one Catechumen: “It was a really movingoccasion. Wonderful to see people from near and farattending and to be welcomed personally by the archbishop.”

In the words of the final hymn‘Many the gifts, many the people,Many the hearts that yearn to belong.Let us be servants to one another,Making your kingdom come. (Christ be our light – Bernadette Farrell)

6 CATHOLIC PEOPLE

What do you think about organ donation?Your Editor writes:You can see the copy below on organ and tissue donation,the view from Bishop Paul Mason (pictured right) on theserious nature of this subject.

My feeling is that if anyone could live from the use of myorgans...then that is God’s will. Mind you, I drink too muchred wine so I am not sure if my liver would be anacceptable donation!

But, I have to say, an opt-out clause from my point ofview, is not following Christian feelings. Yes, our soul goeson to a better place when we die, but if we can leave thebody parts behind to help others less fortunate in their

health then surely this fits in with Christ...witness the story ofthe Good Samaritan!

An organ donation, whether or not with the support of thefamily but, freely given from the donor, is surely within ourCatholic faith.

When I die...and hopefully this will be a long way from mypresent 71 years old... I would be immensely proud ifextended life could be given by someone who could havean extended life from the poor organs I could donate.

Would you like to give us your views? If so please look atthe contact details for the Catholic People on Page 2.

Government’s viewsare against our choiceThe Government has launched an open consultation titled,“Introducing ‘opt-out’ consent for organ and tissue donation inEngland”. This consultation will run until 6 March.

Responding to the consultation, Bishop Paul Mason, the Catholicbishop responsible for healthcare, said, “The Government’s plans tointroduce ‘opt-out’ consent for organ and tissue donation in Englandundermine the concept of donation as a gift, and cross the line of whatis a reasonable action for the state to take in relation to the individualswithin it.

“Moreover, the structure of ‘opt-out’ consent doesn’t necessarilysucceed. This system was introduced in Wales in December 2015.Since then there has in fact been a slight decrease in organ transplantsin Wales, compared with an increase in England over the same period.

“When an ‘opt-out’ system is implemented for organ donation, it is nolonger a gift. Voluntary organ donation is an intrinsic good andsomething I’d encourage all people to consider.”

PLC welcomes two new polls on abortion The Pro Life Campaign has welcomed twonew opinion polls on abortion showing ashift in support towards keeping the EighthAmendment.

The polls published today in the SundayIndependent and Sunday Times both show adrop in support for the Government’s proposalto introduce abortion on wide-ranginggrounds.

48% of respondents to the SundayIndependent poll support allowing unrestrictedabortion up to 12 weeks, 33% says it goes toofar and a further 19% are undecided.

The Sunday Times poll shows a broadlysimilar result. 43% of respondents support theGovernment’s proposal with 35% opposed toabortion up to three months and a further 22%undecided.

Commenting on the two polls, Pro LifeCampaign spokesperson, Dr Ruth Cullen said:“Obviously I welcome the shift in support in apro-life direction indicated in the two latestpolls. As more and more people come to

realise what repeal of the Eighth Amendmentwould lead to in practice, I'm confident thepolls will continue to move in the samedirection.

“No matter how it’s packaged or presented,repeal of the Eighth Amendment would stripunborn babies of all meaningful protectionsand lead to abortion on demand similar tocountries like England where 1 in 5pregnancies now end in abortion.

“The point we have been making thatthere’s no such thing as limited abortion isstarting to resonate with voters. This is notsurprising as the evidence from othercountries on this point is so strong.

“It makes no sense talking about doingaway with all constitutional protections forunborn babies through repeal and in the samebreath arguing that meaningful protections forthe right to life could somehow be provided forin legislation. The vote on repeal is aboutwhether we introduce abortion on demand ornot. It is about nothing else.”

Taoiseach using same speaking points that led toabortion on demand in other countries, says PLCThe Pro Life Campaign said remarks byTaoiseach Leo Varadkar on the EighthAmendment “are identical to the speakingpoints used by abortion campaigners theworld over that resulted in abortion ondemand in those countries.”

In an interview on RTÉ’s This Weekprogramme the Taoiseach said that allowingunrestricted abortion up to 12 weeks wassimply a matter of ‘trusting women’ andnothing more.

Commenting on the Taoiseach’s remarks,Pro Life Campaign spokesperson Dr RuthCullen said: “If the Taoiseach and othermembers of government pushing for Repealreally trusted women they would be honestwith them about what happens to their babyduring an abortion and about the adversemental health consequences of abortion formany women.

“All of these inconvenient truths wereglossed over and ignored during the recentOireachtas hearings. Today the Taoiseachattempted to reduce the debate to a sloganabout ‘trusting women’ that leaves so muchout and hides the real betrayal of women thatgoes hand in hand with legalised abortion.”

Dr Cullen said: “I don’t believe the electoratewill fall for the government’s presentation andpackaging of this referendum. With each daythat passes more and more people are

beginning to realise that the government’sproposal would lead to abortion on demandand that Repeal would essentially involvestripping unborn babies of all meaningfulprotections, leading to an an abortion regimein Ireland that has no regard whatsoever forthe right to life.”

Bishop Lang condemnscivilian deathsBishop Declan Lang, Chair of the Bishops'Conference Department for InternationalAffairs, has called the killing of civilians inEastern Ghouta a “grievous offence to ourcommon humanity” and criticised theinternational community for failing toprotect innocent people over seven years ofwar, conflict and turmoil in Syria.

“The slaughter of civilians, including manychildren, in Eastern Ghouta is a grievousoffence to our common humanity.

“Their suffering underscores how over sevenyears of conflict in Syria, the internationalcommunity has failed to protect the innocent.

“In this dark moment I urge Catholics inEngland and Wales to pray for the people ofEastern Ghouta and Syria; to encourage ourown government to help end the violence; andto support generously those humanitarianagencies that are bravely working to savelives.”

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In hospital? Let your priest know!Hospital Chaplaincy matters!However the present state of theNHS and manpower issues mean thatthere are fewer designated CatholicChaplains in our hospitals. So it isever more necessary for any Catholicwho is waiting to go into hospital tolet their parish priest know in plentyof time.

The priest will then be able tocelebrate the Sacrament of the Sick withyou or provide any pastoral supportneeded. Once you go into hospital, you

should also ask the person registeringyou and the staff nurse on the ward tolet the chaplaincy service know that youare a patient, and that you are a catholic.

To provide better cover in the busyCardiff hospitals, the Diocese has set upan On-Call service for emergencies. Butpressures are also increasing on thesmall band of priests who provide this24/7 emergency cover.

This means that even with this service,there may not always be a priestimmediately available in a hospital

emergency. In this eventuality thehospital switchboard will try to makecontact with the patient’s own parishpriest. If this proves not to be possiblethen with the agreement of thepatient/family the generic (non-Catholic) on-call chaplain will becontacted.

The more catholic priests we have onthe rota will obviously mean that thissituation is less likely to arise, which iswhy there has been a renewed push torecruit more priests.

Meanwhile, both in the Cardiff area,and throughout the rest of the Diocese,you are urged to work with your ownpriest and parish arrangements toensure that you or any member of yourfamily who is ill, either at home or inhospital, get the care and support theywant and need.

Though our priests and the parisheswork hard and always want to care foryou in any need or crisis, the onus is inyou first to make sure they know what ishappening, and what help you need.

‘Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord’ Godspell is coming toCornerstone Charles Street onMarch 22 until March 27 (pleasenote there will not be aperformance on Sunday 25 March)at 7.30pm

If you’ve not heard of it Godspell isa hugely popular musical datingback to 1971. It is based on thegospel according to St Matthew andit follows Jesus and a group ofeccentric characters who explore theNew Testament's teachings throughparables and games.

With original music and new lyricsfrom Stephen Schwartz (the musicalmastermind behind the hit showWicked and winner of threeGrammys and three academyawards) Godspell has been a longrunning success of Broadway fornearly 50 years.

In Godspell the life of Jesus fromHis Baptism to His Resurrection ispresented in a colourful, vivid, fastmoving and energetic way. At times it ishumorous and at others, full of pathos.

The acting varies throughout swinging fromsimple straight forward narration to over thetop farce, giving the flavour of street theatre,

or a circus/magic show. Thesongs are written in a variety ofstyles and these will beaccompanied by a three pieceband.

This is a wonderful musicalshow which really encapsulatesthe joy of the Gospel message.What better way to prepare forthe great celebration of Easter.

Celebrating Leadership in our Catholic SchoolsBy Angela Atkinson

Over 100 people attended the inaugural“graduation” event at the Cornerstone inCardiff on January 24th to celebrate thecompletion of the first cohort on theprogramme.

Candidates were delighted to be presentedwith their certificates by Archbishop JohnDavies of Wales and Bishop Tom Burns ofMenevia. The ceremony included reflections onthe course from two of the participants andmusical items by the choirs of St Paul’s CWPrimary School and Mary Immaculate CatholicHigh School.

In a brief address, both Archbishop John andBishop Tom expressed their belief in theimportance of church school education as partof the church’s mission and outreach and thekey role that development of Christianleadership in our schools plays in this mission.

The Church Schools’ Leadership Programmebegan in 2016 as a collaboration betweenChurch in Wales and Catholic schools toencourage and develop aspiring church schoolleaders. Unlike other leadership courses, itfocuses on developing a Christian vision ofschool leadership and supporting thedistinctive character of church schools. As oneof the participants stated

“It has helped me articulate a vision of notonly what faith education means to me butwhat I want a faith community that I lead tolook like- not just in terms of exam outcomesbut in terms of young people who emerge togo on and lead happy and successful lives,with Gospel values at the heart of all that theydo”.

In its first year, 45 teachers fromboth Anglican and Catholicschools attended training sessionsand were mentored byexperienced head teachers ofChurch Schools. Already a numberof these participants have beenpromoted to leadership positionsin their own or other churchschools.

Recruitment for the secondcohort took place before Christmasand there are 56 teachers fromAberystwyth to Chepstow signedup for the programme this year. Ifanyone is interested to find outmore about the programme pleasecontact Angela Atkinson, theProgramme Coordinator atatkinsoncslp@outlook.com.

Left: Attendeesat the celebrationin theCornerstone,Cardiff.Below left:Bishop TomBurns of Meneviaaddressesattendees fromacross WalesBelow right: TheArchbishop ofWales, JohnDavies,congratulates the2016-18 cohort

8 CATHOLIC PEOPLE

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2018 Public speaking success at St David’s CollegeEarly in February local Catholic studentstook part in the annual Public SpeakingCompetition, organised by the CardiffCircle of the Catenian Association for localCatholic schools and colleges.

The event took place once more in StDavid’s College and Michael Halloran,President of the Cardiff Catenians, thankedMark Leighfield, the Principal and his staff forthe use of their facilities.

The winner on the day was Tom Delve of StDavid’s College. He accepted the Winner’scertificate, a voucher for £30.00 and the‘Bernard Deere Shield’ which will be retainedby the College for 12 months.

The Chief Judge, Mrs Helen Stevens,commended the candidates for the way theyapproached the wide range of topics, from: “Isthere a real future for Christian belief in theUK?” to “Grades don’t Matter!“

The presentations were delivered withconfidence, passion and flair.

Helen hoped that the experience ofspeaking in public would be valuable to thestudents, as they prepare to move into theworld of Higher Education or their chosencareers.

Winners - Bethan Linbourn (3rd place), centre - Tom Delve (1st place), right - Lowri Lewis (2nd place). Judges: Canon Peter Collins, Mrs HelenStephens, Mr Jim Winterbottom. Contestants: Natalia Tonner, Hesham Ahmed, Bethan Linbourn, Tom Delve, Lowri Lewis, Tom Greenfield,Renee Eshel, Mr Mike Halloran, President of Cardiff Catenian Circle 36

Wonderful poetry festival at CornerstoneListeners to “Poetry Please” withRoger McGough on Radio Foureach Sunday evening will befamiliar with the power of poetryrequested by the audience,explained by Roger McGough andread by actors. A wonderfulprogram enjoyed by anenthusiastic audience.

The wonderful Poetry Festival heldat “The Cornerstone” on the weekendof 16/17 February brought togetherpoets and critics, writers andenthusiasts to listen to many famousWelsh poets read and discuss their

work, as well as workshops oncreative writing and an enjoyment ofthe company of so many fellowwriters.

Afternoon tea, buffet lunch,refreshments over the weekend and acelebration lunch on Sunday broughtin more particpants who were thrilledat the superb amenities offered by‘The Cornerstone’ for the first Festivalof Poetry held in Cardiff for a longtime. It is bound to become an annualfixture. Congratulations and thanks toall involved in the organisation of thissuccessful event, particularly Seren

Books and Christian Brown. Archbishop George Stack was the

guest at a special “Desert IslandDiscs” session on poetry. Amongsthis eight choices were two by WilliamShakespeare, others by JohnMasefield and W. B.Yates as well as“Names” by Wendy Cope, “TheMinister” by Anne Stevenson and“Prayer” by Carol Ann Duffy. They saythat poetry is emotion recollected intranquillity.

There was plenty of happy emotionat The Cornerstone Poetry Festivallast month.

Celebration ofmarried life

Following on from the Family LifeCommission Mass last month, here is a

picture of the newly married couple.Married at St Peters Church, Roath on15th December. Katherine and Ieuan

Moorcraft.

Cornerstone appoints poet in residenceOver the weekend of 16th –18th February 2018,Cornerstone in co-operationwith Seren Books playedhost to Cardiff’s first, highlysuccessful, poetry festival.

In excess of 600 peopleattended the event featuring18 poets includingMonmouth’s JonathanEdwards and well loved PoetGillian Clarke.

Given the success of theevent, Cornerstone’s Projectmanager and Poetry FestivalPatron Christian Brown OBEKSG has appointed KatherineStansfield as poet inresidence. The residency willlast for one year leading intothe next poetry festival inFebruary of 2019. A pamphletof her poems about theexperience will be produced intime for next year’s festival.

The appointment takesanother step in the partnershipof the Archdiocese of Cardiffand the Heritage Lottery Fundin marking the arts morewidely available to thecommunity of Cardiff andsurrounding areas; an actionpoint for the communityapproach of the Cornerstoneproject.

Archbishop George, a keen poetry fan,talks about his ‘Desert Island poems’.