Thoughts from Banklands

This light is for you

2012-01-16T20:01:00.003Z

This Lent our Bishop has asked all parishes in the Diocese to put on confessions every Wednesday from February 29th, Details are here This light is for you

Please pray that it will go well.

A recent walk in the Lake District

2011-12-10T21:57:00.001Z

The above is the summit cairn of Middle Fell, which is close to Wastwater. A friend and I walked up Greendale Valley. We soon encountered snow, which given the low level of Middle Fell, was a bit deeper than we expected. As it was uncompacted, it made for slow going. Towards the summit of Middle Fell we had a heavy snowfall. We passed Greendale Tarn

From there we made our way to the summit of Middle Fell. It was cold and windy, so we decided not too stop very long. We went back to the car where we enjoyed our sandwiches. Just after we got back to the car it began to rain. Anyway, below is yours truly on the summit of Middle Fell.

A small thought on All Souls Day

2011-11-02T09:16:00.001Z

Many years ago, in one parish in which I served, I did the funeral of a man who had been found dead in his house. The only people at the funeral were myself and the funeral director. This happened over 20 years ago, but it made a deep impression on me. From what I can remember the man had been dead for a number of days before he was discovered. He was not poor, the house his lived in was valued at £200,000+ even then. I do recall the emptiness of the Crematorium as I conducted the service.

Today, I feel is an opportunity to pray for those who die alone with no-one to pray for them. For all those who did not have the opportunity to make their peace with Almighty God. Also, to remember those in Purgatory who need our prayers.

Sir Jimmy Saville RIP

2011-10-30T12:14:00.001Z

In the midst of all the tributes to the late Sir Jimmy Saville, I'm wondering when the press and especially the BBC will tell people that he was a Catholic.... Just saying.

A walk from Honister Pass

2011-10-25T23:09:00.001+01:00

Today, myself and a friend went for what is called a linear walk. It meant using 2 cars. We drove from Workington to the summit of Newlands Hause, where I left my car, we then drove in my friends car to Honister Pass.

From the pass we set out to climb Dale Head. As we got started I quickly realised I'd left my camera in my friends car. I went back to the car, the camera was not there, it must have been in my car some 6 miles away - O dear. Anyway, we soon found ourselves on the summit of Dale Head - just 50 mins from the road. A 1200 foot start helped somewhat! After Dale Head we went to Hindscarth and the to Robinson. We descended to my car at the top of Newlands Hause. I then drove back to the top of Honister. I then was in a panic - my camera was not in my car - it was underneath the passenger seat of my friends car.

A rather enjoyable walk. The weather was cloudy, breezy and cool. With it being half term, it was very busy, we saw lots of people enjoying the fells.

How much for a pair of gloves!

2011-10-24T22:39:00.001+01:00

This afternoon I went to Keswick in search of some new walking gloves. My present gloves are just a touch on the small side. Keswick, being in the heart of the Lake District ( and just 30 minutes from where I live!) has 20+ outdoor shops, so plenty of choice.

In a some of the better shops they had gloves that were around the £80 - 90 mark. I must admit that if I did buy them I would expect the makers to send an assistant on the walk with me to help me put them on lol. Needless to say I wasn't tempted. It is also worth noting that the designer label craze has reached the elevated world of walking and hiking.

By the way I didn't buy any gloves, next time I suppose.

Order of Christian Funerals: the Green Book!

2011-10-22T12:59:00.000+01:00

The above contain all the rites necessary for funerals in England and Wales. After many years of use it has its strengths and weaknesses.

I do like many of the prayers that are used. I like especially the short litany used at the reception of the body the night before. ( Not that I get much chance to use it these days!) The short introductions before the final commendation and farewell are rather apt.

I am not keen on the rites both at the graveside and for the committal at the Crematorium. They are far too wordy. Why is there the need for yet more bidding prayers/ intercessions. I must admit I usually miss them out. Also the omission of the Eternal Rest at the end of Mass seem rather strange. It almost seems that the really Catholic bits have been left out!

Offering the Traditional Latin Mass - again

2011-08-16T19:50:00.000+01:00

Yesterday ( the 15th) I offered the Extra-ordinary form of the Roman Rite, for the first time in over a year. It was Low Mass for the The Assumption in our beautiful Lady Chapel. I was very pleased to see that over 60 people attended!.

For vestments I used part of a complete High Mass set that has somehow survived. The chasuable is rather good, but is need of some repair, I think some moths have had a go at it. The chalice was given by the Hanratty family some years ago. ( Photo's will follow shortly).

I made a couple of mistakes, most notably forgetting the Creed!. My altar server was only assisting for the second time, did a great job.

Although it was Low Mass, we all sang Salve Regina at the end of Mass.

Saint John Vianney

2011-08-04T12:06:00.000+01:00

Today is the feast of Saint John Vianney. I must admit that he is one of my favourite saints, not because of what he usually remembered for i.e. long hours in the confessional and difficulties with his studies. I like for different reasons.

As you may be aware, when John Vianney was posted to Ars, he was going to one of the worse and most difficult parishes in the diocese. Hardly anyone went to Mass and the parish was very poor. By then end of his stay it was one of the most famous parishes in France. He achieved this not by by having schemes and programmes, but by his complete trust in God and His Son Jesus Christ. Also he was a priest and did priestly things ( for want of a better way of putting it!) He exercised his priestly ministry in complete fidelity to Christ and His Church. In doing so he was rewarded and helped.

On his feast day, please pray for all the diocesan priests, especially those who are having a difficult time.

Anti-intellectualism in the modern church

2011-07-30T22:12:00.000+01:00

I have returned from the annual conference of the Catholic Record Society at Liverpool Hope University. It was a very enjoyable experience. I really enjoyed fellow Catholic Historians both proffessional and amateur. ( I fall into the latter category!)

There were a couple of themes underlying the conference, one was the decline in the study of history amongst many young people - something I shall return to shortly. Another was the view that there is a kind of anti intellectualism in the Church. To give but one example, a priest was refused money and time to complete his PhD ( part time) because his Bishop thought the priest shouldn't be wasting his time doing such things.

There is another example here in Workington. WE have parish journals going back to 1920. In the early days some of the articles were of a high quality especially in regard to theology and Liturgy. The last few, had no articles on the above subjects. This is true of other parish magazines I have seem. It is somewhat ironic that the more educated people have become the less in depth articles have appeared.

We seem to have gone through a period were certain Adult Education "experts" did all they could to stop using the brain/ intellect that God has given. As an eminent priest of our diocese told me "We went from theology to feelology". It all came down to how you feel about something.

Thankfully that is all dying away, but it has left many Catholicss without a solid foundation to their faith.

Sick calls

2011-07-22T19:28:00.000+01:00

This year, so far. myself and Fr Paul Swarbrick have had 9 sick calls to dying parishioners. This might not seem a lot, but it is more than I have had in my last 4 parishes combined.

Here in West Cumbria, they have still maintained the tradition of calling the priest when death is close. In fact, in most of the above sick calls, the family called the priest before the Doctor or medics. This is very heart warming for me as a priest. What puzzles me is why in other parts of the diocese, this practice is dying out or has almost died out. Part of the problem is that the children and grandchildren appear to have little idea of calling a priest when death is nigh. This is especially true when they no long practice the faith. Its very sad that we have come the situation were many Catholics are not fortified by the rites of Holy Mother Church in their last illness.

Our Summer Fayre

2011-07-16T11:52:00.000+01:00

Tomorrow is our Summer Fayre. Through the kindness of the local scouts we have a couple of tents and Marquee's set up. Judging by the weather forecast for tomorrow, we will need them!

The Fayre begins tomorrow after the 10.30 Mass. Neither myself nor Fr Swarbrick will be there for the start as we both have baptisms in different churches at 12noon!. Also there are First Communions at Harrington. Quite a busy day in prospect for tomorrow.

A busy year sacramentally - so far

2011-07-16T11:48:00.000+01:00

This year we have had 30 funerals and 30 baptisms in the 3 parishes of Workington and Harrington. These are spread between the two of here. In the immediate future we have 4 more baptisms and 3 funerals in the offing.

Back after a pause!

2011-07-02T20:07:00.000+01:00

I think I have too many pauses in my blog. My excuse is that I find it difficult to be new and original!. Be that as it may, I thought I would have a brief update of what is going on here in West Cumbria.

For the last six months we at Banklands have been looking after the neighbouring parish of Harrington whilst Fr Bede Moore OSB was ill. As it turned out, the proved to be Fr Bede's final illness. Two weeks ago the good Lord called him to himself. As Fr Bede was a Benedictine monk of Belmont, the main event was at the Abbey.

We are all now looking to the future. There is one sobering statistic. Fr Bede had two spells at Harrington. His first spell was in 1968. At that time there were 3 priests at Harrington, 1 priest at St Gregory's Workington, and 4 priests here at Our Lady and St Michaels. Now there are just 2 for all three parishes. Difficult times ahead!

Back from a holiday

2011-05-22T22:51:00.000+01:00

I am back from a short holiday on the Isle of Skye. I had a great time with my brother and we managed a few walks. However, the weather was less than clement. In fact, it rained every day. On two days it rained all day.

Skye is a wonderful place for a holiday. Even if you do not go walking, there is plenty to do and see. The scenery is spectacular and there are plenty of places to eat as well. If you ever get the chance to go to Skye go - you will enjoy it.

The English Martyrs

2011-05-04T22:49:00.000+01:00

Today, May 4th, is the feast of the English Martyrs. I have a great love for this feast for different reasons.

I was baptised and brought up in the parish of St Thomas of Canturbury and English Martyrs in Preston.

To me, the English Martyrs are an essential part of our history. These men and women, clerical and lay stood up for what they believed. Just as important, they wanted to worship as Catholics, that meant they gave their lives for the Mass.

I have always been moved by the many women and men who willingly sheltered priests at great personal risk and cost. They not only loved their priests, but also had an innate respect for the priesthood. They realised the importance and centrality of the ministerial priesthood for the Church.

It does sadden me that they are slowly being forgotten. Many younger Catholics than me have never heard of them and their witness. I think the time has come for them to be rediscovered. How that happens is another matter!

I pray that the Martyrs will be interceding for the Church in our country, that we will continue to love the Mass.

That Royal Wedding

2011-05-02T18:21:00.000+01:00

I have to admit that I enjoyed watching the Royal Wedding. The one thing that pleased me was very simple - no silly rock or pop music to ruin the ceremony. I thought the whole thing was rather dignified. I also enjoyed viewing the silly hats on show - to think that the woman paid serious money for them. More money than sense is a phrase that comes to mind.

A bit of gloom for the Octave of Easter

2011-04-25T20:16:00.000+01:00

Despite the general rejoicing for the Easter Octave, there is a bit of gloom for me. Today, my football team Preston North End were relegated from the championship. This has been coming for some time, as we have had a dreadful season.

Still, despite the above I will continue to support them. I will never sell my soul to a premiership side!

My latest purchases from CTS

2011-04-15T14:12:00.000+01:00

I ordered three books by Pope Benedict from CTS. One is Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week. The other two are The Fathers and Writers of the First Millenium and The Medieval Fathers and writers. They are transcriptions of his weekly Wednesday audiences. It goes without saying that the content is excellent. I would also add that the books produced by CTS are wonderful. Yes they are pricey, but they are hardback and superbly illustrated. Highly recommended - well by me at least!

A busy day for weddings

2011-03-10T21:46:00.000Z

I am transcribing the marriage register of St Walburges Church in Preston.

The 9th August 1930 was indeed a busy day for weddings. On that day there were 7 marriages performed in the church. At first I did wonder how they managed to do so many in one day. Then I realised I was judging by the standards of 2011 not 1930. Let me explain ...

I suspect most of the weddings were not Nuptial Mass. There is a lot of evidence in my diocese that at that time nuptial Mass was the exception rather than the rule.

The wedding service would be briefer than it is now.

Unlike today, I get the impression that only a few relatives and friends would have attended the wedding. Remember it is highly unlikely that many non Catholics would not attend.

Still seven weddings in one day is rather impressive. There are many large parishes that would not have 7 weddings in a year let alone one day these days.

A brush with cancer

2011-03-07T21:33:00.000Z

Last time I blogged I mentioned that the tumour removed from my bladder had been sent away for further analysis. Today I got the results and it was good news. The tumour was superficial ( just on the lining of the bladder) it was small and it was "low grade". IN other words although it is/was cancer it is relatively benign. There is no further treatment to be had. I have to go back for a check up in 3 months. Then another 3 months after that, the I will be monitored every 6 months for the next five years. If all goes well I will then be given a clean bill of health. They also commented that it was good that I acted so quickly after finding blood in the urine.

So, many thanks to all offered prayers for, they were much appreciated, and they appear to have worked!. I must say I was very impressed with the treatment and help I received from the NHS. All I have to do now is prepare for Lent.

Some not so good news on the health front for me

2011-02-20T21:34:00.000Z

I have not blogged for a while as I have had a tricky time health wise, let me explain.

About a month ago I was enjoying a short break. One night, just before I retired to bed, I went to the toilet and there was blood in the urine. I decided this was not good. The next day I returned to Workington, a day early, in order to get to the bottom of it.

To cut a long story short, I was eventually sent for a cyscotopy ( not sure how you spell it lol). There, they discovered a growth in my bladder. To say this was a shock would be an understatement, especially I could see it in all its glory on a monitor!. I was informed that it would have to removed as soon as possible. I was also booked in for a CT scan. I left West Cumberland Hospital a little worried.

The scan was taken shortly afterwards, thankfully there was nothing outside the bladder.

On Monday Feb 14th I went back to hospital for the operation to remove the growth. I was told the op would be in the morning, when I got there I was pleased to discover I was first on the list. I then had another surprise. I was told because of the nature of the op I could have either a general anasthetic or a local via an injection in the spine. I chose the latter!. I was in theatre at 9.30am and back on the ward at 11.30am. At 12noon I was having a glass of water and a sandwich. There was one strange moment, once I had had the injection I was paralysed from the waist down. I was also given something to make me "relax". At one point I did wonder when the op was due to start only to be told they had finished!.

I had one night in the ward and was discharged the next day at 12noon. The growth has been sent away for tests. I should know the results very soon. I was also told the growth was small, which is good news. I also know that the outlook is very good, which is also good news.

I have been helped by the prayers of all the parishioners here in Workington. If anyone still reads the blog your prayers would be appreciated to.

A first with torches!

2010-12-26T17:12:00.000Z

Today at the 10.30 Mass, most of our altar servers turned up. As they are members of the Guild of St Stephen they were to renew their commitment to serving at the altar. Thus a dozen came along. This meant we were able to have torches during the Eucharistic Prayer. The emerged just at the end of the Preface and processed to the foot of the altar steps. All very impressive.

I have been a priest 29 years and its the first time I have experienced it. It was very dignified and will be done again on high days and holidays.

Holy Week 1921 in Workington

2010-12-22T20:36:00.000Z

Below is a lengthy extract from a journal that was kept by the Benedictine Fathers here in Workington. In 1921 the Rector was Fr Clement Standish OSB who had a great interest in Liturgy. It is worth noting that Workington is not some great metropolitan centre, but a small town in the North West of Cumbria

April 9th 1921

Palm Sunday. Solemn Blessing and palms and procession, priest officiating. Music Plain Song, quite delighfully sung by the choir, the Gloria etc at the church door being particulalrly well rendered. Missa Cantata, the proper of the Mass sung by the choir and the ordinary thereof ( unaccompanied_ by "Walther". The passion, Gosepel from St Mary's York, the Turba by Vittoria, the choir attended at the Lady Altar. , but I think this would be more effective if the choir sang grouped just outside the altar rails, the Lady Altar being too limited in space for the large choir of 8 basses, 8 tenors, 7 trebles and 4 altos. Priest Fr Standish, cantor Fr Rylance and second Fr Chambelain.. The rendering of the Passion was excellent all through.

2) 462 children being present for religious instruction and Benediction at 2.30pm The idea of making the children special music for the services have beneficial results and encouraging them in greater numbers.

3) Evening Service, Stations of the Cross, Passion of St Matthew read, Benediction and distribution of palms

April 10th Stations of the Cross, Passion of St Mark 7.30pm
April 11th as above, Passion of St Luke

April 12th Wednesday Tenebrae 1st Nocturne, Christum Factus Est. Miserere Prayer, Gospel of St John read

April 13th Thursday 7.30am Holy Communion given, confessions heard Missa Cantata 8am. Large numbers of communions. Music plainchant by school children, 1st Nocturne as yesterday. Second part of Christus Factus Est. Visit to altar of repose 7.30pm

April 14th Good Friday Morning office 10am. Priest, Deacon and Subdeacon. Passion music St Marys chat York. Turba Vittoria, Lamentation music and procession Plain Chant. 12 torch bearers with canopy.
6.30pm Tenebrae 2nd Nocturne Christus Factus Est followed by a sermon. Adoration of the Cross during which the mens choir sang Bainis Parce Domine.

April 15th Morning Office music. Paschal Candle, sung and blessing of font. 7.30pm Missa Cantata. Music plain chant sung by the children, Solemn Vespers sung by the school children.

April 16th Easter Sunday Priest Deacon and subdeacon. Proper of Mass and sequence, Plain song, ordinary Ebner in parts.

Solemn Vespers of Easter Sunday. Very well attended for the first time with choir and altar choir, After Solemn Benediction congregation sang Regina Coeli. All the four ( Marian ) antiphons are now well know by the congregation to the plain chant settings,

A change of name and style

2010-12-12T16:14:00.000Z

I have now settled in to the new parish of Our Lady Star of the Sea and St Michael ( to give it its full title!). I think it is time to change the name of the blog as well.

Banklands is a well known alternative name for the parish, so I thought I'd use that for the title of the blog.

I have been made very welcome in the parish. I also seem to have brought snow and rather cold weather.

I would also add that there are two parishes ourselves and St Gregory. St Gregory's parish dates from the l960's and has a rather nice modern church. Although myself and Fr Paul Swarbrick live at Banklands, St Gregory's is still a separate parish. Both parishes have their own schools, so there is plenty to do here.

I think I'm going to be very happy here.

Pastures new for me: Workington.

2010-11-12T19:32:00.000Z

On Wednesday I had an unexpected call to see the Bishop. The upshot of my interview was a move to the parish of Our Lady Star of the Sea& St Michael Workington. This was a pleasant surprise as I rather like West Cumbria, Also, the parish priest Fr Paul Swarbrick is a friend of mine.

The second surprise is the speed of the move. I will be moving in less than two weeks time!. The Bishop would like in post by the 1st Sunday of Advent. So there is a lot to do in the next 13 days.

I am looking forward to the move, as from a selfish point of view, it is very close to the Lake District.

In union with the whole church

2010-11-09T17:12:00.000Z

On this feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica I used the Roman Canon at Mass this morning. The sentence in the title of the post is very apposite. As I offered Mass at St Monica's I was very conscious that it was being said in union with the see of Rome and all Catholics throughout the world ( not to mention the angels and saints in heaven!)

For me least, today's feast is also answer to the "congregationlism" that sadly is still to be found in some parts of my diocese. I find that those who follow that do have a narrowness of vision, all they can see is their parish doing their own thing. The beauty of todays feast is that here in Blackpool we are part of the mystical body of Christ alive in the world.

Wills and bequests in the archives.

2010-09-10T10:22:00.000+01:00

For the past week I have been sorting out the wills and bequests in our diocesan archives. I have to admit that I find them rather fascinating, especially the older ones. Here follows an example:

Sometime in the late 19th century the Whiteside family set up a fund for the training of priests. Part of the bequest was a burse to defray the costs of training a student for the priesthood. If the student received the burse he was obliged to say 1/3 of his daily rosary for the intentions of the Whiteside Family.

However, I have been more struck by the many small bequests given to various diocesan funds and charities in more recent times. Very often these were £25 or £50, from the good faithful people of the diocese. They wanted a small part of their estate to go the diocese. Overall the main beneficaries were the Ecclesiastical Education Fund and the Poor Missions fund for the diocese. It is also worth noting that these small bequest start to peter out in the 1980's.

I'm hoping that the generosity of these people will not be forgotten.

Family History anyone

2010-09-07T19:23:00.000+01:00

For the past 10 years I have been researching my family history. For me it has been a fascinating experience. I began by trying to work out who my Father's ancestors were. That side of the family was almost a closed book due to a family rift that occured sometime around the first world war. From unpromising beginnings I have found out a great deal about that side of the family. I am very fortunate in that they all hail from Preston and its surrounding areas.

What have I discovered?

well I can reveal that:

I am not descended from royalty, or an aristocratic family. Neither is there any hidden wealth, nor do I have any famous ancestors.!!

Apart from 1 Welsh ancestor all my forbears are English and about half of them are Catholics.

All my ancestors are solid working class.

The last 3 generations can be summed up as English, Catholic and working class.

My research is still very much ongoing - I wonder what more I will find out?

The pulpit in St Walburges Church

2010-08-30T19:07:00.001+01:00

Vulgar, ignorant and ....

2010-08-26T19:07:00.000+01:00

My Grandmother b1903 d 1984( God rest her soul) never used bad or foul language. However, when ever she others doing the same or behaving badly she would say "how vulgar" or "how ignorant"

But whenever she saw behaving badly or swearing in public she would come out with her greatest insult "how common"

I have a feeling she would be using them a lot these days!

A new football season begins.

2010-08-07T14:04:00.000+01:00

Today, at 3pm, my team Preston North End start the new football season with a home match against Doncaster. So will begin a season of purgatory. I say this for two reasons

1 PNE are in the championship and our great rivals, Blackpool are in the Premiership. I am in a parish in Blackpool ergo I have to endure purgatory until next May ( at the earliest)

2 PNE are not a great team if I am really honest. Also, off the field there are financial problems. A finish in mid table will be acceptable. So, every week I will have to endure the up and downs of seeing how my team get on.

One thing is certain: I have never been tempted to transfer my allegiance to another team even one from the Premiership. I will never sell my soul to support Man Utd, Chelsea etc!!

3 Masses and a bad stomach.

2010-08-02T19:37:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I was on supply in Preston. I said the 9am Mass at Sacred Heart, the 12noon at the magnificent church of St Walburge. At 2pm I offered the Traditional Latin Mass at St Monica Blackpool.

The day began well. Then suddenly, just before the 9am Mass my stomach felt off and what is more i felt very nauseoaus. After the 9am Mass I had to have a lie down hoping that things would would improve - they didn't. By 11.30 I had to inform the permanent deacon that I wouldn't preach and it would be a quick Mass!. During the Mass itself there was nearly moment of drama. During the reading of the Gospel I had sit down and really felt I was going to be sick. I was busily working out a way to leave the sanctuary in a dignified hurried manner, if such a thing is possible. Anyway, thanks be to God, it passed off.

The journey to BLackpool was not pleasant either. Somehow I managed to get through the Latin Mass. I just made it!

The strangest part of the day was how I suddenly got better later in the day. Today my stomach is still a little delicate, but at least I'm eating.

Time to revive my blog!

2010-07-31T22:06:00.000+01:00

Its been sometime since my last entry, but I have not found much inspiration lately. However, the break has been good, and intend to give my blog another go.

My work in our diocesan archives continues. I must admit that I do find it rather fascinating. All being well, in future weeks there will be some blogs from me on what I have found.

My most interesting discoveries have been in the Talbot Library in Preston. There, they have a good collection of old photographs of my diocese. Our first three bishops kept newspaper cuttings of notable events in the diocese and quite a lot of them have survived.

Just to give one example of what is in the Talbot Library: there is photo album marked "2nd Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes 1928" and contains around 50 pictures.

My bankers card has been hacked

2010-05-23T17:20:00.000+01:00

The other day I had a shock when I went to the bank to check my statement. Paid on May 11th was £232 from Paypal. Although this was welcome ( lol ) I could not remember paying that amount in. Upon further enquiry with the bank, it transpired that a similar amount was taken out of my account a week earlier. This was news to me!. The bank advised to get into contact with paypal.

About an hour later I was on the phone to paypal. To, cut a long story short, this is what had happened. Someone had set up a paypal account, paid £232 for some goods using my bank card details, and then immdiatly cancelled their paypal account. The paypal software flagged this up as suspicious or fraudulent and payed the money back into my account. Paypal then told me they were certain my bank details had been compromised, as they put it. Needless to say I immdiatly contacted my bank, who sent me a new card, with new details.

I have been very lucky in that I have not lost any money. Also, Paypal have come out of this rather well I must say.

The moral is: keep an eye on your bank account!

Cantus Passionis Domini Nostri Jesu Christi secundum Matthaeum etc

2010-05-01T10:33:00.000+01:00

The above the title page of some books I have discovered here at St John Vianneys.

They are the books that contain the plainchant for the sung gospels for Holy Week in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite. There are three volumes Christus, Synagoga and Chronista. They are very badly bound, but the texts are good condition. I am planning to photo-copy them.

I must admit that I didn't realise that such books still exist!

I nearly ended up being admitted to the stroke ward today.

2010-04-19T22:28:00.000+01:00

Since last Thursday I have been on call to Blackpool Victoria hospital. This afternoon I got a call at 2.30pm. My usual route was blocked by road works. On arrival at the hospital, I discovered that parking was almost impossible. After visiting 2 different car parks, I joined a queue for the main one. Whilst all that was going on the pager went again for another call....

I eventually found a parking space. My next problem was finding the stroke ward. I got lost in the Coronary Care Unit. Thankfully I was directed to the correct ward. An arrival I did say I thought I was going to be their next patient!

For those interested - I waited nearly 25 mins for a parking place - normal for the hosptial apparantly.

The Volcanic ash event

2010-04-17T22:28:00.004+01:00

The news is full of the ash cloud that has grounded all flights in the UK. One small thing that has surprised me is that no-one appears to have mentioned the rarity of this event. I feel, that this is one of those "once in a life time events". As I understand it, the last time such a thing happened was over 200 years ago! ( In this country that is)

A walk in the Bowland Fells.

2010-03-24T21:19:00.004Z

Yesterday - the 23rd I and friend did a walk in the Bowlabd Fells, not too far from the city of Lancaster.

We met up at Carnforth railway station, where some scenes from the film Brief Encounter were shot. I drove and parked the car near to the village of Quernmore. You can have great fun trying work out how it is pronounced! From there we made an ascent of Clougha Pike. This is not very high, but the ground is a mixture of peaty bog and heather. The going is made easier by virtue of a decent path. From Clougha Pike we went on to Grit Fell and Ward Stones. Once again, the going is very easy. This area is well known for its grouse shooting, and there were plenty of them around.

It was a decent walk, the weather was not that good. Although the cloud was well above the tops, it was a cloudy and breezy day. It rained for the last hour or so of the walk. On the way back to Blackpool I called in at Burger King for a meal.

There are some photos at http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/frpaulharrison/CloughaPikeToWardStones#

High Mass was rare in my diocese in days of yore

2010-03-20T15:05:00.002Z

The other day, in our archives I was looking at Visitation returns during the reign of Bishops Pearson ( 1924 - 39) and Bishop Flynn ( 1939 - 62)

On their Visitations the Parish was asked How often is High Mass and how often is Missa Cantata. The answers are rather revealing. I quickly looked at those parishes that has more than 3 priests and could therefore have High Mass. Just to give a couple of examples:

St Igantius a very vibrant Jesuit parish in Preston, which usually had 6 priests. High Mass was on the principle feasts only and Missa Cantata once a month.

English Martyrs an equally vibrant secular parish which also had 6 priests. High Mass was, again, only on the principle feasts of the year. Missa Cantata was offered "only seldomly"

A quick look at other parishes paints a similar picture. In other words, the great majority of Catholics in my part of the world, their experience of the TLM was Low Mass.

I will return to this when I have had a better chance to look at Visitation returns on this!

The way we were ....

2010-03-17T20:08:00.002Z

One of my duties as Diocesan Archivist is to sort out the archives stored at the Cathedral. Today I was trying to organise some correspondence in the early 60's. One letter caught my eye.

A parish priest was complaining to the Bishop about a curate being moved on and not being replaced. The Parish Priest in question went on a great length on how the parish could not function properly with 4 priests, it really needed 5.

This, of course is in sharp contrast to today. Here is my diocese of Lancaster we are in a bad way with a great fall in the number of priests serving the diocese. Despite the fit for mission process I get the impression many people do not fully realise what is going to happen in the next few years. The following, I think gives a good idea. In the next 5 years, around 14 priests are due to retire: we have 7 training to be priests. If that is not bad enough, in a few years time half the priests working in the diocese will be on the pension.

In some respects our diocese is facing its greatest crisis since it was founded in 1924. And to think, I have not even mentioned the collapse in Mass attendance!

I have been to Eccleston Square

2010-03-12T11:00:00.002Z

On Wednesday 8th of March I went to a conference at Eccleston Square. It is the headquarters of the Bishops Conference of England and Wales. It is a rather pleasing Georgian (?) building, just round the corner from Victoria railway station. I was there in my capacity as Diocesan Archivist. It was a day to look at software for archiving. It was also an excuse to meet other archivists to! The software was amazing - so was the price!!

It was a long day, as I travelled down by train. The journey was swift, 2 hours and 10 minutes from Preston including 2 stops!

All things considered it was a rather pleasant day out.

What is more, I have blogged again, I wondedr if anyone will read this after such a long absence lol.

The joys 24hr rolling news

2009-11-28T16:57:00.002Z

Last night I changed channels to get the news headlines - to be confronted with the news that the golfer Tigers Woods had been injured in a car crash. What followed was a good example of the limitations of rolling live news.

The story was billed as "breaking news" on both BBC news24 and Sky. These are in competition with each other and vying as to could get the latest update. In reality, this meant they were reliant on local and anonymous sources who appreared to give contradictory reports!. Both filled in with "and now we are joined by ..." cue various pundits and experts who actually knew nothing!. Thus an hour or so was filled with a lot of gossip masquerading as speculation. In the end it transpired that Tiger Woods was only slightly hurt.

This shows that breaking news and 24 hour news can be rather a problem especially when no-one is sure what is really going on lol

A family ancestral home

2009-11-17T19:08:00.003Z

The above is a row of weaver's cottages called Top O' the Lane near the village of Brindle which is some 10 miles SE of Preston. It is in one these cottages that my Holding ancestors were born. They were not rich, famous or titled, but weavers or farm labourers. Eventually, the work ran out and they moved to Preston in the mid 1880's. I also know from baptism records and the census that other ancestors lived in the same cottages. I am hoping to find out more abouth them in the months ahead.

Below ( I hope) is the gravestone of my gt gt grandfather Francis Holding and his wife Anne. This grave is in the Catholic parish of St Chad, South Hall, Wheelton. AS far as I am aware neither Francis nor Anne were baptised Catholic - I wonder what made them change??

Back again! - my family history is getting complicated.

2009-11-14T22:51:00.002Z

Well, I'm back after a bit of a break. I have decided that I will never be a prolific blogger - but I will try and do some blogging as the spirit moves me!

For the past 10 years or so I have been researching my family history. I began to try and discover something about my late father's family. My grandfather Harrison ( who died some 15 years before I was born) was completly estranged from his family. The reason for the rift is unknown as he never told my father what happened. The consequence being that even my father knew hardly anything about his fathers family. Over the past 10 years I have found out quite a lot, including the fact that many of my ancestors are true dyed in the wool Preston Catholics - which pleases me no end.

Quite recently I have turned my attention to my Dad's mother side the Holdings from Brindle ( which is between Preston and Chorley). I have discovered 3 other surnames associated with them viz. Fowler, Riding and Ironside. What is more they all appear to be inter-related and connected. I have a feeling I am going to have fun sorting them all out!.

Impressed and unimpressed with Dell Computers

2009-09-17T18:01:00.002+01:00

I have decided to invest in a new lap top - to replace my desk top. I decided to go for a Dell, as they had just what I wanted. The ordering was simple - delivery was another matter.

Delivery was to be between 8am and 1pm on Monday. However by 1pm no laptop was delivered. At 3pm I phoned Dell to find out what was going on. I was informed that the laptop had not been dispatched to the courier. I was not pleased, I had, in effect wasted more than half a day. I was then told they would ring me to sort out a new day for delivery. The next day, I had a funeral at 10am, and guess what, the laptop arrived. It was just as well there was someone in the house! They didn't even inform me about this.

Having said all that, I am very impressed with the new laptop. It took around 10 mins to set up and less than an hour to load all the software I use. It looks good and is good. Three years ago my desktop packed up and I dithered as to whether I should have a laptop or not. I think, with hindsight, I should have gone for a laptop. I have a feeling I am going to enjoy this machine.

St Columbas parish is 60 today

2009-09-14T12:27:00.002+01:00

On the 14th September 1949 a decree was issued by Bishop Thomas Edward Flynn, the then Bishop of Lancaster, separating St Columbas from St Patricks and making it a new parish. Fr Wilfrid Lennon ( a native of Barrow ) being the first Parish Priest.

For various reasons the celebration of this day have been low key. There is much to thank Almighty God for over the 60 years. In Mass this morning I remembered all those who had worked so hard to make the parish successful over the years. I feel we should never forget them. Many made great and little sacrifices to help the parish to grow, to build the church, and help the needy and the sick of the area. The parish has also provided several priests for the diocese.

So, today is a day of thanksgiving!

Remote preparations for moving house

2009-09-09T20:09:00.002+01:00

This evening I have given some thought to the process of moving down to Blackpool. I am at the stage of promising myself that I will have a throwing out session of things I don't really need. The trouble is, I did this last time and the time before.. Consequently, I have a lot of clutter lol. However, my first thoughts did not get very far as I fell into the trap of saying to myself "I may need that when I get to Blackpool" I have a feeling I will have to try and be a bit more ruthless.

One good thing at least I don't have any furniture to move - thank God.

Thoughts on moving parish

2009-09-07T22:10:00.003+01:00

Well its been sometime since I last blogged. I have to admit that the wind has been taken out of my sails by my forthcoming move to Blackpool.

St Columbas and Sacred Heart parishes are being linked with just 1 resident priest, so it has been decided that a new PP would be a good idea for the new linked parish. So I have been moved and been made an assistant at St John Vianney in Blackpool "as there are not other parishes available at the moment". I am still not pleased and if the truth be known rather annoyed. I am moving sometime after October 12th - but with very little enthusiasm. Normally I like the challenge of a new parish. At this time, enthusiasm is lacking. I'm sure the Holy Spirit will put a little fire into at some point lol.

I have also been given 2 jobs editor of the diocesan director and Bishops Archivist, They are right up my street - so I will enjoy those.

So, at the moment I am not too happy - but it will pass !

The parish has a rebate from Southern Electric!!

2009-08-01T19:54:00.002+01:00

The other day I was thrilled to receive a letter from our electricity supplier that they had over charged the parish and that the amount has been credited to our account. The amount in question is ....... £8.32.

I have spent the last couple of days fretting about what to spend it on!

This is how to honour the Pope! and in Preston to

2009-07-28T19:43:00.002+01:00

After the last rather 2 heavy posts I thought I would share this. It is to celebrate priestly Jubilee of Pope Leo XIII. The year is 1888 the parish of St Ignatius in Preston.

THE PAPAL JUBILEE

GRAND CELEBRATION AT ST IGNATIUS CHURCH OF THE SACERDOTAL JUBILEE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIII.

This will take place ( weather permitting) on TUESDAY JANUARY 24th 1888

The proceedings will begin at 6pm by a display of ELECTRIC LIGHT ( 3000 candle power) from the top of the spire. The light show will contunue until 10pm

At 7pm, the spire will be illuminated by Lime and various coloured lights, and the exterior of the church will be lit up by 2000 fairy lights and Chinese Lanterns.

At 7.30pm a GRAND DISPLAY OF FIREWORKS will take place from the tower.

At 8.30pm The Pope's portrait will be unfurled and illuminated.

The illuminations and demonstation will conclude by the band playing the hymn "God bless our Pope" which will be sung by a chorus of 10000 voices.

All I can add is - marevellous.

Why can't some people keep their mouths shut!

2009-07-21T21:29:00.002+01:00

This refers to my last blog entry.

It is not very often that I get angry - but last week was one of those rare occasions - read on....

When Bishop Campbell came to see me, he said he would write a letter to be read out, until then nothing should be said. On the Saturday morning before the letter was read a good parishioner came to me and asked was it true I was moving. She then went on to to say that several people in the parish knew what was happening - I was horrified, as what she told me was very accurate.

An hour later I went to St Patricks to say Mass and was greeted with the same. If that was not bad enough, I was then told that a priest of the diocese had told some people on the previous Tuesday. I was furious. What right had he to reveal the information on such a sensitive matter for the future of the parish.

One of the consequences of this is that there is now a bit of why were they told and not me. All because a couple of people could not keep their mouths shut.

I am still annoyed at this and am considering informing the Bishop about what happened.

Pastures new - again!

2009-07-21T21:24:00.002+01:00

A week last Friday I had a visit from my Bishop. The purpose of the visitwas to inform me of changes to Barrow. He has decided to move forward the merger of St Columba's and Sacred Heart to October this year as opposed to "early next decade". He also decided that myself and the PP of Sacred Heart should be re-assigned and a new man take over.

To say I was surprised would be an understatement! So, I am on the move again, sometime in early October. MOre details later lol ....

Attacked by the radio microphone!

2009-07-12T16:28:00.002+01:00

You may be forgiven what the title means or just what I am on about - let me explain.

The radio mike has an arial that is encased in plastic. Last week, the plastic coating somehow came off. Last night, before the Vigil Mass, I found the said plastic coating on the sanctuary floor. I will just add that the arial was nothing more than a thin piece of very sharp metal. Whilst replacing the plastic coating the metal arial came through the plastic and embedded itself in the second finger of my right hand - very painful and quite a bit of blood. Not the best thing to happen 7 mins before Mass began!

Having my hair cut.

2009-07-07T19:11:00.002+01:00

This morning I had my hair cut. As usual I told the person cutting my hair "My needs are simple - no2 clippers please"

I have to admit that it had been a few weeks since my last hair cut so it was getting somewhat unkempt. However, I do have deeper reason for getting my hair cut on a regular basis. I'm 52 and my hair is receding and I am somewhat thin on top. I have decided to accept this situation, there is nothing I can do about it, I have to live with it. What I don't want to happen is to be like some men of my age, who are in a similar situation to myself. who let their hair grow long and end up with pony tails. Frankly, they look ridiculous and should know better. They are a constant reminder to me of keeping my hair short.

The best walk on my holiday

2009-07-03T20:15:00.002+01:00

I have been away for a couple of weeks in the lovely Lake District. I managed a few walks, the best one was the last. The weather was just about perfect, sunny and warm all day, with a cooling breeze on the mountain tops.

This walk, with my brother Edmund, was Red Screes from the town of Ambleside and a selection of tops. The pics area at

RedscreesandDoveCrag

hope you enjoy them.

A plethora of saints today

2009-07-03T20:07:00.002+01:00

My first post for ages!

Today I celebrated the Traditional Latin Mass. In the 1962 Missal today is the feast of St Ireneus. I duly learned the Mass the other day ( some long latin words in the proper proved "challenging")In the revised Calendar today is the feast of St Thomas the Apostle. However, I did notice that in the pre 1962 missal I have, today was the feast of St Leo. All a bit confusing. One day, I will try and work out the reasons for the change of date for all these feasts.

A rather warm walk in the Lake District

2009-06-02T21:51:00.004+01:00

Yesterday ( June 1st) I drove to Ambleside in the Lake District. I walked up Scandale Valley to High Sweden Bridge. This is a rather splendid old bridge. I then went up Low Pike, then on to High Pike and on to Dove Crag. By the time I reached Dove Crag I was hot and tired ( there was no cooling breeze on the summits) so I returned to Ambleside via Little Hart Crag and the Scandale Valley.

A couple of of the photos will show an amazing wall that is on the ridge to Dove Crag. It is very old, it has no plaster to keep it together. In fact, whoever built it used the rocks around them and shaped them so the wall would be very sturdy. The wall not only climbs over very steep ground but also goes over crags as well!. I noticed several other walls on the walk. They are a silent tribute to those who built them.

The pics are at Dove Crag

I'm afraid you will have to use copy and paste to see them as I still can't work out how to get the linnk option working properly

Did they have Celebraty culture problems in Old Testament times...

2009-06-02T20:54:00.002+01:00

I rather like this quote from the end of Psalm 11 ( one of the psalms in todays Office of Readings).

"See how the wicked prowl on every side,
while the worthless are prized highly by the sons of men"

We are living in a society that appears to worship media celebs. Yet, one wonders, what have some of these people actually done to achieve to deserve such recognition?? very little in my opinion. Their reputation appears to based upon their alleged talents puffed up "the people around them" What is more, their life styles leave a lot to be desired. Yet, as I said, they have great status and occupy much space in the newspapers and magazines like Hello and OK.

It seems to me that the Psalmist was right!

Pope Benedict keeps my blood pressure under control!

2009-05-13T18:22:00.002+01:00

Well, its not what it seems...

Today I had an appointment with the practice nurse with regard to my cholesterol level - that was not too good. However, she also took my blood pressure which was 122/78, which is very good. Whilst waiting I was reading Pope Benedicts book Jesus of Nazareth. I wonder what it would have been if I had been reading The Tablet!...

Michael our Bishop

2009-05-07T09:09:00.002+01:00

Better late than never for this blog I supppose.

Last Friday ( May 1st) Bishop Michael Campbell OSA was formally installed as the 6th Bishop of Lancaster in a splendid and solemn Mass. At the the same Mass Bishop O'Donoghue retired. I thought the Mass was very well organised and very beautiful, a good mix of things old and new.

After the Mass there was a reception in the nearby Ashton Hall. During the reception Bishop O'Donoghue was presented with a cheque for £15000.

The only bad note was that during the presentation a quite a few people talked all the way through the speeches by both Bishops. The bad manners and disrespect to the Bishops was appalling in my opinion.

Baptism programmes - a cautionary tale from my family history!

2009-04-25T13:19:00.002+01:00

Anyone researching their family history will come across mysteries and puzzles - here is one from mine...

Two of my paternal great grandparents were Evan and Mary Anne Holding nee Walmsley. The lived in a village called Wheelton near to Chorley. They were not Catholics. In 1880 they married in Heapy Parish Church, 5 children followed ( one of whom died), they were baptised in the same church. Sometime between 1887 and 1890 they moved to Preston ( God's own town) and lived close the Catholic Church of St Joseph. 0n May 5th 1891 their first 4 living children were baptised and received into the Catholic Church, they had 3 more children, all who were baptised at St Joseph's. As far as I am aware, Evan never became a Catholic - his wife, Mary Anne, only converted on her death bed. I find this not only a puzzle but quite extraordinary. Why did they let their children become Catholics and not change themselves. I have only 2 possible explanation ( or guesses more like!) I do know that Evans mother was a Catholic. Also could it have been proximity to a Catholic Church that influenced them. In the end I don't think I will ever know.

This has given me much food for thought. What would have happened today. Just imagine 2 non - catholic parents going to a priest saying "we want our children baptised -but we are not going to change our religion" Would many priest, catechist etc have welcomed them, or tried to put them off. In many places, they would have gone on a course. It seems to me that we always have to ask ourselves, if we kind of make it difficult for people to have their children baptised are we sometimes denying that the Holy Spirit can indeed work in ways that are way beyond our understanding! Whenever I do a Baptism I sometimes wonder how the same Spirit will work in the lives of all the families present.

Evan and Mary Annes youngest daughter, Elizabeth is my grandmother. I, as a priest, am here because her parents, not Catholics, had their children baptised into the Church. So, maybe that is a possible explanation as to why I find it very difficult to refuse to do a baptism!

Fit for mission? marriage

2009-04-21T09:51:00.002+01:00

Just before Bishop O'Donoghue retires has produced his last document Fit for Mission? Marriage. Below is a quote which will give a flavour of its contents.

First and foremost, the Catholic approach to marriage cannot be a list of prohibitions – particularly about sex – but is a celebration of the joy of marriedlove. However, because the Church takes marriage and sexual love so seriously, there must be a clear understanding and observance ofCatholic sexual ethics. To be clear, the joy of married love is the fruit of certain conditions being
fulfilled which arise from the very nature of marriage. These conditions we call sexual ethics, the moral order written into our very being as humans.

· Secondly, men and women are hard-wired by biology, psychology and spiritual nature to thrive in monogamous, faithful, life-long marriages that are open to the new life of children. We must reject as utterly false the ‘urban myth’ current in the media and society that human beings are naturally promiscuous and that adultery is only ‘human’. The degree of suffering and heartache among couples, their extended families and children is proof that this is a lie.

· Thirdly, that God the Trinity – the intimate community of divine persons in triune unity – has revealed his optimum plan for marriage in Sacred Scripture and the teaching of the Catholic Church. The sacramental nature of Holy Matrimony is at the heart of God’s plan for wives and husbands. This plan reflects God’s nature as love. It includes the gift of divine love for the couple to realise God’s plan in their lives.’

For the full document either take a look at our diocesan web site www.lancasterdiocese.org.uk

or you can buy it the Catholic Truth Society

Always be careful what you say!

2009-04-21T09:38:00.001+01:00

As I mentioned in my last blog, last Thursday I played Bingo in St Patricks club. At the end of the proceedings the bingo caller said "Fr Paul supports Preston North End, I don't mind that as long as my team ( Cardiff City) beat them this weekend"

The result

Preston North End 6 - 0 Cardiff

I think I will be playing bingo again on Thursday lol

Tonight I played bingo

2009-04-16T22:33:00.002+01:00

For the first time in many years I played Bingo. I went to St Patricks club to join in the fun. I have always enjoyed bingo, its a game you can play with thinking about rules and all that. Then there is the ritual associated with bingo - the silly names that accompany many of the numbers - the instant silence once a game begins and so on. There were quite a good number of people playing.

I have to admit that I enjoy my visits to the club, I am always made very welcome there.

O yes - and I won £11 to!

Vatican Liturgy Chief praises Bishop O’Donoghue’s work on Liturgy

2009-04-12T22:56:00.002+01:00

More praise and thanks for Bishop O'Donoghue this time from Cardinal Llovera prefect of the Congregation for Divine worship. Here is the text in full

"Cardinal Llovera, recently appointed Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship, has written to Bishop Patrick O’Donoghue to personally thank him for his examination of the state of Liturgy in Fit for Mission? Church.

The Congregation for Divine Worship’s letter praising Fit for Mission? Church joins four others commending Bishop Patrick’s document from Vatican Congregations and Pontifical Councils, including Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Congregation for Clergy, the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, and the Pontifical Council for the Family.

Cardinal Llovera particularly highlights Bishop O’Donoghue’s identification of the ‘shadows cast over the reform of the liturgy since the Second Vatican Council:

‘This Congregation is grateful for Your Lordship referring to many of the “shadows” which have hampered the celebration of the Liturgy in recent years, and your noting the need for the light of Obedience to be shone particularly on the celebration of the Liturgy as priests and people “do not have an illusory liberty by which we think we may do what we wish” ‘ (Fit for Mission? Church, p.54).

The Prefect goes on to express the Congregation’s gratitude to Bishop Patrick for ‘repeating your expectation that all within your Diocese follow the requisite liturgical norms’.

Regarding the Cardinal’s assessment of the whole of Fit for Mission? Church, he writes:

‘The thorough-going consideration of this document, its professional presentation and the overall desire of Your Lordship’s publication to address some of the issues that confront the Church not only in Your Lordship’s Diocese, but also within England generally, make Fit for Mission? Church a timely read’.

Bishop O’Donoghue, who retires in 3 weeks time, prepares this week to meet Pope Benedict XVI in Rome and will update him personally of the impact of the Fit for Mission? Initiative. The Bishop will also tell the Holy Father of the publication, by the Catholic Truth Society, later this week (15 April) of the final Fit for Mission document Fit for Mission? Marriage Preparation Course. Today Bishop O’Donoghue had the following comment to offer:

“In the weeks leading up to the launch of my new document, Fit for Mission? Marriage: A Preparation Course I have been greatly encouraged by Cardinal Llovera’s commendation of my previous work on Liturgy. The Sacred Liturgy is always the life-blood of the Church, which must always be treated as a precious encounter between the life of God and the life of His people.

My concern is that in a Church where many lapsed and even non-believing Catholics present themselves and their children for the sacraments – for whatever reason – that the sacraments should not be cheapened or treated with disrespect, no matter how unintentionally.

Fit for Mission? Marriage sets out to respect the divine truths communicated by the Rite of Marriage and to respect the couple’s stage of Faith development. It is my hope that the approach pioneered in my Marriage Preparation Course might serve as a template for future sacramental preparation programmes that seek to meet the challenges of the New Evangelisation”.

Looks like I will be talking to myself

2009-04-11T16:48:00.002+01:00

On Maunday Thursday, before the Chrism Mass began I received the official decree from the Bishop closing St Patricks and it merging with the Columbas. It is a legal document but this short sentence did amuse me

" This decree is to be executed by the Parish Priest and Priest in Charge of both parishes"

So the parish priest of St Columba ( me) will have to speak to the priest in charge of St Patricks ( me again) to make sure the decree is published...

The advantages of having a small car

2009-04-06T23:31:00.003+01:00

Today I went to Keswick to buy some new walking boots. When I arrived in the town it was very busy. I soon realised that parking was going to be a problem. The first car park I went to was full...

The second one I visited was also very busy, but I was in luck. I was delayed as someone in a very large, new BMW 4 wheel drive people carrier was trying to park. At first she tried to reverse in that didn't work. She then tried driving straight in, that didn't work either. She then drove off to find another space. There wasn't one as it turned out lol ( i was delighted hehe)

The parking space she couldn't get was just perfect for my 8 year old Vauxhall Corsa - I was very pleased.

Just how many people did experience High Mass in the EF?

2009-04-04T13:34:00.003+01:00

In the Latin Mass pre Vatican High Mass had to be celebrated with Priest, Deacon and Sub - Deacon. Thus, this meant three priests had to be available in order for High Mass to be said - or should that be sung lol. This leads to the title of this entry.

In its history, from 1901, St Patricks never had 3 priests - so apart from the very occasional solemn celebrations, I would contend that the vast majority of the Catholics of Barrow Island and Walney never saw High Mass. The folk of Barrow Island were not alone in this. I think has consequences for the EF and especially High Mass is brought back. I think it will need a lot of explaining.

Here, in part of the world, there has been a very effective campaign in - and I will be charitable here - in sidelining the EF of the Mass. This has meant, that at the moment, there is no great demand for EF, in my part of the world. Will this stop me offering the Old Latin Mass - no way!. On the other hand, I am realistic, it may be many years before High Mass becomes part of the liturgical landscape up here.

Whats in a name for the merged parishes?

2009-04-04T13:26:00.002+01:00

Yesterday, it was brought to my attention that when the 2 parishes of St Columba and St Patrick merge a new parish is created. Consequently, it should really have a new name. I have been asked to supply one! An acceptable compromise for the new parish is St Columba and St St Patrick. I am going to announce this over the weekend. Hopefully no-one will have any strong objections. As I understand it if people do object, the we will have to choose a completly new name for the parish!! Something I do not relish.

Actually, I think the choice of St Columba and St Patrick is a good one. To me it represents continuity with the past. I'm sure there are some who think we should have a new name so we can forget the past and look to the future - not a sentiment I am comfortable with myself. I think it is good that St Patrick's parish is not forgotten.

This weeks exciting read...

2009-03-17T19:25:00.002Z

Today I have been given a very exciting document to read, a real page turner if there ever was one.....

Health and Safety policy and procedures manual for governors.

I can hardly wait to start reading.

The Bishop of Lancaster on Marriage

2009-03-17T19:20:00.001Z

My Bishop has just produced a marriage preparation course

its here at

http://lancasterdiocese.org.uk/admin/Uploads/media/35/FFMMarriagewebsite_1.pdf

I'm sure it will be very good!

Two more Catholic things that seem to have disappeared

2009-03-06T20:21:00.002Z

Here at St Columba's a weekday chapel was created c1988. It was made partly out of the old sacristy. I like it, not least because it is easy to heat in the cold weather!. I have to admit that I have a problem what to call it. Is it the day chapel, weekday chapel and so on. The other day it occured to me that in the "good old days" it would have been dedicated to a saint, not these says it would seem.

Today I had a funeral. Here at St Columbas we have no candles to go round the coffin. ( I'm sure they must have a name but I don't know it!)In fact we dont have them at St Patricks either. I would imagine that they have gone from many other parishes to.

The above are yet another reminder to me of how we losing our Catholic identity

Snow on walney - whatever next

2009-03-04T23:21:00.002Z

Today there was a rare event on Walney Island - it snowed this morning. By some peoples standards the amounts were very small - but good for us on Walney.

Out walking again

2009-03-04T23:14:00.002Z

On Monday I was out for another walk.

This time a friend and I went to the lovely valley of Longsleddale some 10 miles NE of Kendal. I parked the car at Sadgill at the head of the valley. We walked up Gatesgarth Pass to its summit. From there we turned to ascend Branstree. On the summit the weather took a turn for the worse. It rained for the rest of the walk and the mist came down.

From Branstree we went on to Tarn Crag and Grey Crag. These hills are very wet underfoot with some very juicy and mucky peat hags - very unpleasant. After Grey Crag we got lost in the mist coming down. This was not as bad as it may sound. We soon found our way back to the car.

the pics can be found here

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/frpaulharrison/TarnAndGreyCrag#

A senior moment during Ash Wednesday Mass

2009-02-25T14:27:00.002Z

This morning, during Mass I had a "senior moment"! I preached ( during the sermon the radio mike fell off). I finished the homily, as there were no bidding prayers I went straighaway to the altar to begin the offertory. For a moment I wondered why the deputy head was gesticulating at me frantically - I had forgotten to distribute the ashes - O dear!

This year, for the first time in my priestly ministry, I used ashes from the remains of last year palms. Having burned them yesterday I was somewhat sceptical of how good they would be. I had no need to worry, the results were perfect much better than the little packets that come from Hayes and Finch etc.

Finally a good plug for the school. I had a bit of interaction with the children during the homily. I asked them about Lent, Fasting and why we do it. One child said " We do it because Jesus went into the desert and fasted 40 days and nights". This is what happens when the faith is really taught in school!

My football team: an update

2009-02-24T20:55:00.002Z

Last Saturday my team, Preston North End, lost to the team second from bottom, Southampton. This was a little embarrasing given that PNE have being do so well lately. However, we were lucky in that our rivals obliged us by either drawing or losing. So, the defeat was not that bad.

Being in Barrow means that it is now impossible for me to watch PNE live at Deepdale. I have to admit that I do miss going to the games. So, I am left either listening to Radio 5 live or Sky sports news for updates - its not the same!

St Patricks, Barrow Island is to close

2009-02-23T14:00:00.002Z

The following was enclosed with Bishop O'Donaghue's last Pastoral letter, which was about Fit for Mission.

The Parishes of St Columba, Walney Island and St Patricks, Barrow Island.

Canonically merge inot a new parish on the First Sunday of Advent 2009. The church of St Patrick will then cease to be used for Sunday Mass.

The above simple statement will be the end of an era for St Patricks Barrow. It goes without saying that it will be a very sad day for all those involved with St Patricks. The parish has been in existence for well over 100 years and has a proud and honourable history. The present congregation is now very small - Mass attendance varies between 40 - 55. This masks the fact that a significant minority do not live in the parish. One of the ironies is that the parish is financially sound -it has no debts for example.

Although the Mass attendance is small, they are a great community. Although sad and upset, they are not surprised, this has been on the cards for some time. They have faced this with great equanimity. I have already decided that the parish will close on a positive note, they have much to celebrate.

On a wider note - I feel the phrase "chickens coming home to roost" comes to mind. The parish is closing mainly because of the collapse in vocations to the priesthood in my diocese. This is hardly surprising given that for a long time vocations were not promoted in the diocese. It was made worse by all the collaborative ministry nonsense that led to an undermining of the ministerial priesthood.

Also, St Patrick has been badly affected by the collapse in Mass attendance in recent years. It is said that c3000 people live on Barrow Island if 15% of those are Catholics our Mass attendance is less that 10% I still feel that the major issue facing my diocese is the catastrophic collapse in Mass attendance. And of course that something the Tablet reading Catholics don't want to talk about.

Not so Liberal Liberals

2009-02-21T22:10:00.002Z

Two blogs have made me think these past few days. First there is Tablet article on Fr Tim Finigan and then there is this http://marymagdalen.blogspot.com/2009/02/agony-of-fr-x.html from Father Ray Blakes blog.

All of this just goes to show what a thin veneer of tolerance and inclusion that the so called "liberals" and self styled "modern" Catholics have. They love to tell everyone how tolerant and respectful they are, when in fact they are nothing of the kind. They are only tolerant of people who agree with them. In many cases they are more rigid and unbending than any priest pre Vatican 2. Moreover, from my own experience, many have a contempy for good ordinary Catholics who do Catholic things. At times I have been shocked and offended by their sneering attitude.

I also feel that they can sense the tide is turning against them and they feel the need to fight back. Difficult times ahead for the church in England and Wales I fear.

Gas bill for the church - ouch

2009-02-11T15:23:00.002Z

This morning I received the gas bill for the last quarter for St Columbas church just under £2700!!. My first reaction was to check the gas meter to see if there had been a mistake - there wasn't, which is a pain.

I was expecting a big rise in the gas bill compared to last year, but not this much. I am hoping to avoid being Father Scrooge, turning the heating off and telling the good people of Walney to put extra layers on lol.

A short walk with an interesting moment

2009-02-10T13:32:00.002Z

Yesterday i went for a walk near Keswick. The plan was to go up Catbells and Maiden Moor. However, on the ascent of Catbells I had a bit of a panicy moment on a bit of normally easy rock just before the summit. Altough not icy, it was slippery so I turned back!

Instead I went off to Castlerigg stone circle and then had a look at Thirlmere reservoir.

There are some photo's to view at

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/frpaulharrison/CatbellsAndThirlmere#

I feel like a "proper" Parish Priest at last

2009-02-08T14:15:00.002Z

Its been a while since my last entry.

As I have said in my title I do feel like a real Parish Priest. Have I discovered a new form of catechesis? or am I preaching with renewed vigour? or have I increased the collection woops congregation?

None of the above in fact. This past week I have had meetings and been on the phone with a surveyor, a builder and an electician or two. St Columbas Church has a number of issues that need looking into:

Some of the wiring in the church is in a poor state, in fact some of the wiring is outdated

One of the windows lets in water when it rains and not just a spot or two either!. Actually we are not sure if the rain is coming in through the window or the roof or the brick work. Some of the other windows are cracked and need replacing. Not an easy matter given the height of the Church

4 of the gas heaters in the church are not working and cost c£1300 each to replace.

In order to sort these problems out we will have to borrow money from the diocese - so more phone calls, emails and meetings!

Oh, and our first Holy Communion programme has started and two of the families have come back to Mass.

The BBC on its high horse re being impartial

2009-01-25T12:48:00.003Z

As some of you may know, the BBC is in a spot of bother over its decision not to broadcast an appeal for humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. The BBC have said, in so many words, its a very delicate situation and they want to preserve their impartiality...

Tonight, on BBC1 there is a play " A short stay in Switzerland" that is blatant propoganda for those support euthanasia and assisted suicide. Not much impartiality there. Also the same can be said for the way they cover issues around abortion. I think the word hypocracy comes to mind.

A walk for the New Year

2009-01-06T14:43:00.003Z

Yesterday I went for a walk in the Lake District. I went up Dow Crag which is near Coniston. It was very cold and even colder on the summit - were it was very windy

The pics are here at:

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/frpaulharrison/DowCragFromSeathwaite#

Words, words, words and Baptism

2009-01-06T14:25:00.002Z

Before I begin this entry I just want to admit ( or confess hehe) that I like watching Star Trek. I will say that there are a lot of silly things in the series. For example, at some part in any episode thos would happen: a character sitting at a console would press a few buttons and say " I have pressed button A to make this space ship go faster, to make it go faster I must press button B to to mix the star ship petrol ..." and so on. In other words the character was explaining what he was doing.

I do feel that like every time a celebrate a Baptism. For example at the beginning the priest makes the sign of the cross on the baby's forehead and say

the Christian community welcomes you with great joy. In its name I claim you for Christ our Saviour by the sign of His Cross. I now trace the cross on your forehead and invite the parents and godparents to do the same

and so on through out the rite. I must admit I find it rather tedious and by the end of the ceremony I always feel I have used a lot of words. I know this is presumptious, but I wonder what the compilers of the new rite had in mind when they put it together? It is a rite that is good on explanation and teaching but not much sacredness etc. As you may have gathered I am not a great fan of the rite of baptism as it stands, too many words for my taste. Having said that, I'm not sure how I would change it.

An icy day on Walney

2008-12-31T19:14:00.001Z

As some of my friends know - not only do I have a weather recording station I also have a keen interest in the subject.

Today has been a very cold day here. In fact the temp has been below freezing all day. This is somewhat unusual given our seaside location. As I type this it is now getting misty and the temp is falling - looks like a very cold New Years Eve here.

We have a new Canon

2008-12-28T20:50:00.001Z

My good friend Fr Luiz Ruscillo has been made (?) a canon of our diocese. So hearty congratulations and prayers for him.

His uncle is also a Canon of the diocese - it must run in the family!

Catholic Caring services - the end

2008-12-20T00:27:00.002Z

Below is a letter I have received from the Bishop regarding our Catholic Caring services. There are many things I coould say, but I still the disobedience and defiance of the trust very annoying. Well, at least they can't call their work Catholics any longer - which is good news I suppose

17 December 2008

My dear Priests and People,

Catholic Caring Services

Thursday 11 December 2008 will forever be etched in my memory, because it was on that day that the relationship between the Diocese of Lancaster and Catholic Caring Services suffered an irretrievable breakdown.

This relationship – which had been forged by countless thousands of laity and clergy over more than 100 years – ended when the Trustees voted 9-1 in favour of dropping ‘Catholic’ from their title, signifying their capitulation to Government legislation on ‘same sex’ adoption with no attempt at resistance.

The Trustees rejected out of hand my repeated pleas in writing and at Meetings of the Board and with the CEO that we should seek an exemption under Human Rights & Religious Freedom Legislation, or failing this, attempt a legal challenge.

Where does this leave us as the Diocese of Lancaster?

As Bishop, I have now been forced to resign from the Board of Trustees of Catholic Caring Services because I consider such membership incompatible with my duty as a Catholic Bishop, with a responsibility to safeguard doctrine and morals, and to care for the well-being of the Catholic children and parents of this great Diocese of ours.

One of the fundamental responsibilities of a Catholic Bishop in the current climate is to protect and defend the sacrament of marriage. My insistence that Catholic Caring Services cannot have an ‘Open Policy’, that includes ‘same sex’ partnerships, rests on the fact that children develop and thrive best in the context of marriage.

The Church’s teaching on marriage rests on Jesus’ re-iteration of His Father’s revelation in Genesis, ‘Have you not read that the Creator from the beginning made them male and female and that He said to them: This is why a man leaves his father and mother and becomes attached to his wife, and the two become one flesh. (Matthew 19:4-5; cf. Genesis 2:24).

It is God’s intention that children are nurtured and raised by a loving father and mother, who become role models to boys and girls about what it means to be a husband and wife, a mother and a father. That this is seen as an unrealistic ideal by some in politics and the media shows how far our society has distorted morality.

If Catholic Caring Services truly hold that the needs of children are paramount it would do whatever possible to ensure that a child is placed with a father and a mother.

Whatever devalues marriage and the fundamental importance of a child having a mother and a father must be resisted by all Catholics and people of good will, because not only is the good of the child put at risk, but also the good of society.

This does not mean that I do not value the love, devotion and self-sacrifice of single parents, but it is also my duty to safeguard the ideal of marriage, particularly when it is under such sustained attack.

Consequences of the Trustees’ decision

I would want to make it clear that the new charity is no longer a Catholic charity and can no longer operate as an agency in the name of the Catholic Church of this Diocese (cf. Canon 300; cf. 216).

As a direct consequence of the Trustees’ decision, it is with great sadness that the Diocese will now begin the process of implementing the actions that I outlined in my letter of 5 October 2008:

a) The Charity Commission will be informed by the Diocese that the Trustees of Catholic Caring Services are no longer prepared to act in accordance with Catholic moral teaching and for that reason Catholic Caring Services is no longer regarded by the Church as being a Charity acting in the name of the Catholic Church.

b) The Trustees must now approach the Charity Commission to ask their approval of the name change from Catholic Caring Services to Caritas Care. They must also change the Objects of Catholic Caring Services, removing the reference to “the Roman Catholic Church both in this diocese of Lancaster and elsewhere in the United Kingdom”. It will be up to the Charity Commission to decide whether the Trustees of Catholic Caring Services are lawfully entitled to make such changes.

c) With deep sadness I must declare that all churches, parishes, schools and other Catholic organisations or societies are to have no formal associations with Catholic Caring Services and the new charity is no longer entitled to have access to Diocesan Collections - The Good Shepherd (Bishop’s Fund), or the Christmas Crib collections.

d) With regard to the properties in the ownership of the Diocesan Trustees, but currently occupied by Catholic Caring Services – including Tulketh Rd, Wellington Rd and Marian House, Beech Grove (all in Preston) – it will be now be necessary for the Diocesan Trustees to conduct a review of the terms of the leases to determine:

i) whether there is any potential breach of the terms of occupation

ii) whether the new charity’s responsibilities are within our Memorandum and the Articles of Association.

e) The Diocese will, of course, now need to review the receipt and usage of past and future legacies and/or bequests made in favour of Catholic Caring Services and determine whether it is appropriate for any past legacies and/or bequests to be repaid to the diocese or future legacies/bequests to be retained by the Diocese.

It pains me beyond measure to make the above decisions, and certainly, I have done everything in my power to prevent this tragic rejection of the Church’s moral teaching.

Catholics must follow the teaching of the Church

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has stated that allowing children to be adopted by persons in homosexual unions is gravely immoral. (CDF, Considerations Regarding Proposals to Give Legal Recognition to Unions between Homosexual Persons. 2003).

All Catholics have a clear obligation to abide by the moral teaching of the Church. If, in conscience, they decide that they cannot follow the Church’s teaching they should resign – as a matter of integrity – from any position of authority they hold in the Church or an agency of the Church.

In my judgement the Government is imposing a great injustice on the Catholics of this country by forcing Catholic social agencies to choose between co-operating or not co-operating with acts that are gravely immoral. It is a violation of our consciences and our religious freedom.

Though I accept that the Trustees of Catholic Caring Services have been faced with a difficult decision, I cannot accept their unwillingness to challenge this unjust law. It is this unwillingness that has left me with no choice but to make this painful decision.

Though Catholic Caring Services are involved in a whole range of valuable work with the disabled, the disadvantaged and the marginalised, how can I allow the Catholic Church to be associated with a body that has chosen a path that co-operates with actions that are against the explicit moral teaching of the Church?

Renewing our commitment to social caring

Now the diocese is faced with a pressing challenge and opportunity, because Catholic Caring Service’s decision to break with the teaching of the Church does not mean that the Diocese of Lancaster is abandoning our work with the disabled, the disadvantaged, and the marginalised. Furthermore, I am determined that we will continue to support the marvellous commitment of parents who adopt children.

As we look confidently to the future there are three positive and practical steps to take which I would recommend for immediate action:

1. The formation of a new Diocesan Adoption/Fostering Support Service with the task of positively encouraging and canvassing married couples to adopt/foster. The offer of help, pre-and post adoption, will also be in this brief. The funding of this Service will come from the Christmas Crib, Good Shepherd and other Collections etc.

2. The Diocese will take steps to increase its engagement with individuals, groups and organisations (i.e. SVP) in establishing a systematic programme of active social care in all of our parishes and deaneries. I know, too, that much is being done in this field already.

3. The Diocese will set up a Social Care Commission to develop and facilitate increased support at parish-level for all involved in the care of the vulnerable, especially children wherever they may be. They are truly the caring face of the Church!

The immediate priority for the new Social Care Commission will be the establishment and oversight of the Diocese’s new Adoption/Fostering Support Service.

Please do all you can to strongly support the Crib Collection in your parish this Christmas and send the proceeds marked ‘Adoption Support Service’ directly to:

Mr Paul Ryan,
The Diocesan Finance Office,
The Pastoral Centre,
Balmoral Road
Lancaster,
LA1 3BT

The money that people donate to this collection will be used to help improve the lives of vulnerable children and a sign, too, of support for the Diocese and its Bishops in their decision.

I would like to thank those members of the clergy and laity who have supported and advised me during some of the most difficult months of my episcopacy, including social work professionals, moral theologians and lawyers. I would also like to thank all who have offered their prayers for the resolution of this crisis. Please continue praying for the success of the work ahead of us.

With every good wish and prayer this Christmas,

As ever in Christ,

+Patrick O’Donoghue
Bishop of Lancaste

Our school nativity play

2008-12-17T21:04:00.002Z

Tonight our juniors had a nativity play in Church. It was excellent, one of the best I have ever seen. It was simple, told the nativity story. There were no gimmicks, no playing for cheap laughs, no topical references. All the children performed really well despite that fact that many of them had colds.

There is not much to say except it was great and moving experience. So well done to the staff and children of St Columbas

Rosary and Benediction

2008-12-07T20:04:00.002Z

Today, being the first Sunday of the month I had Rosary and Benediction at St Patricks. As ever I enjoyed a peaceful 35 minutes or so. There are many reasons why I like this simple idea of Rosary and Benediction.

It is rather English service. Recent research has indicates that Rosary and Benediction has its origins in 18th century England. So its not foreign Roman import has some people of a certain age would tell us. So its good to keep going our own English traditions.

I also like the simplicity of the service. It all so easy - the is no need to be creative and original. The latter 2 can be a great burden at times. There is still a mind set that says all forms of liturgy should be new, exciting, original and so on. It's that has led to all the weird and odd litugies that have taken place in the 30 years or so. I believe it is something to do with philosophies and ideas that have followed from the Enlightenmemnt in the 18th century. Anyway experts in that field will know far better than me.

So, for me Rosary and Benediction is good for the soul ( and the parish)

I wear a cassock - sometimes!

2008-12-06T22:49:00.002Z

First a small rant. I get increasingly irritated by those in the church ( of a certain age) who almost have apoplexy when they see a priest wearing a cassock. I have a say I really don't understand why they seem to think that cassock wearing is so bad. I am led to believe that they have this rather strange idea that it is a sign of clericalism ( whatever that is) o well I suppose I should leave them to their out of date views.

I wear the cassock for 2 reasons. I use the cassock for Baptisms, wedding and funeral services and Benediction. As I understand it, the alb should really be used for Mass and not other services. Also, a( modern ) alb and stole can look so naff to. A cassock and cotta is much more dignified.

I also wear the cassock on Sundays. To me, is much better than wearing a suit! Also, I was very lucky to find a a caped cassock languishing in a cupboard in St Patricks Presbytery - it fits me perfectly. I was astonished to discover that a similar cassock would cost c£400 these days.

Another TLM for me today

2008-12-05T18:39:00.002Z

This lunchtime I offered an Advent Low Mass in the Extraordinary Form. Despite making a couple of mistakes I think I am starting to get the hang of it!

Today the Mass took about 45 minutes, but I wasn't that slow ( if you see what I mean). Which raises an interesting question: I can remember serving Mass for a priest who managed to say a Low Mass in c15 mins 20 at the most. How did he do it I wonder?? I know there are some who think it is a myth that priests could say the Old Mass so quickly - believe me it isnt! the aforementioned priest wasn't the only I do assure you.

Anyway, I must say that it didn't feel like 45 minutes - the time passed without me noticing - so maybe I am getting the hang of it !

I'm visiting London tomorrow

2008-12-01T18:39:00.002Z

At the moment I am in God's own town called Preston staying with my brother Edmund. A couple of weeks ago I decided to have a day out in London and duly bought some rail tickets.

I am hoping to take in the Byzantine Art exhibition at the Royal Academy. It promises to be interesting - I just hope Virgin Trains run smoothly.

New Parish Website

2008-11-25T16:53:00.000Z

Today we have launched our new parish website. Take a look if you have time.

http://www.stcolumbas-walney.org.uk/

Built by xt3media http://www.xt3media.org/ ( whom I highly recommend)

A walk in the Lake District

2008-11-24T23:25:00.002Z

A friend and I duly arrived in Grasmere. We walked past Sour Milk Gill. You will notice two similar photos one was taken in normal mode the other in the sunset mode on my camera - there is a difference I think. ( Thanks for the idea Steve). From there we went past Easdale Tarn and made a direct ascent of Blea Rigg on a pleasant path. Once on the summit ridge we were faced with a very cold wind. On the summt you can imagine our surprise when we saw 2 deer. Sadly my pics didnt really come out. Steve had the advanatge of a zoom 10x zoom lens ( i'm not jealous honest!) I hope his photos come out better then mine.

From there we followed the ridge to Sergeant Man and into some snow. We decided against going on to HIgh Raise and followed the ridge down to Tarn Crag. The lower part of the ridge was very windy. We dropped down to Easdale Tar, We then returned to Grasmere and a welcome cup of tea and chocolate Cake.

An enjoyable and windy day.

the pics are at

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/568891639HEzahg

27 years a Priest today

2008-11-21T17:57:00.002Z

On November 21 1981 I was ordained priest by the late Bishop Foley at Sacred Heart in

Preston. All I want to do is give thanks to Almighty God for all the graces that have come my way over the years. Today I have done what is important -said Mass.

Its been a while

2008-11-18T11:23:00.002Z

I think I've had an attack of Bloggers Block!. Not been able to think of much to write these past few weeks.

Anyway - one thing has pleased me Blackpool 1 - 3 PNE. My football team have not been doing well over that past few weeks. To beat our greatest rivals at their ground was very pleasing. I intend to have an Octave of rejoicing!

Former St Columbas pupil plays for England Rugby League

2008-10-25T13:25:00.002+01:00

Back from my holidays!

Today marks the start of the Rugby League world cup. Rugby League is a sport I only become familiar with in recent times. Anyway, one of the stars of the England side is Ade Gardner, although he plays for St Helens, he is from Walney Island and was a pupil at St Columbas school - so I have more than a passing interest in how England fare. He scored 2 tries to day by the way.

It is also worth noting the historical links bewteen the Catholic Church and Rugby League. Although, I dont know the full story, but in past times quite a few Catholic parishes were heavily involved in formation of clubs like Wigan and St Helens.

I have Visitation this weekend.

2008-10-11T09:21:00.002+01:00

This weekend we welcome Bishop Michael Campbell OSA for Visitation. His programme is as follows:

Saturday:

12noon: Mass at St Patricks followed by light refreshments in the presbytery. This will be followed by a short tour of both Barrow Island and Walney.

5.30pm Mass at St Columba.

Sunday:

9:30 Mass at St Patricks

11.00 Mass at St Columbas followed by a meeting with the Parish Council

In the afternoon His Lordship will visit some of the Housebound.

Monday:

9:30 - 12noon The Bishop will visit St Columbas School.

We pray for a successful visitation especially at this important time for both our parishes.

St Ignatius of Antioch and Catholic Caring Services!

2008-10-09T21:43:00.002+01:00

In light of the disobedience and defiance of the trustees of the Catholic Caring services in my diocese I thought the following quote from todays Offic of Readings was appropiate. It is St Ignatius of Antioch writing the Philadelphians:

As children of the light of truth, therefore, see that you hold aloof from all disunion and misguided teaching; and were your bishop is, there follow him like a sheep

Every man who belongs to God and Jesus Christ stands by his bishop. As for the rest, if they repent and come back into the unity of the Church, they too shall belong to God, and so bring their lives into conformity with Jesus Christ