9th August 2020 – 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Mass during the week at

10am Monday – Friday in Clitheroe.
Wednesday 7pm Sabden
Saturday 12 noon in Dunsop Bridge.
St. Michael and St. John’s open for Private Prayer
Saturday 11 – 12

(No Sunday Masses for the time being)

Thankfully everything seemed to go well last week as we resumed weekday Mass. Thank you. Those who came appreciated being able to return to Mass and the sacraments.
Thank you for adhering to the new rules and regulations we are now asked to observe, it is so important we continue to do so.
Again, thank you to our stewards who through their generosity in volunteering make it possible for us to open our churches.

Everything is in place to help keep us all safe.
Stewards are in church from when we open the doors 30 mins before the start of Mass. Please follow their instructions. They will take you to your place and then direct you out of your bench to come forward and receive Holy Communion at the end of Mass.
Immediately after Mass has ended the church doors will be locked so that the stewards can sanitize the church.

There is still No Sunday Obligation
If you are shielding or not well you should not attend church
Space in church is restricted to:
60 people at Mass in Clitheroe
20 in Dunsop Bridge
24 in Sabden
No more that 30 can come into church for a funeral

Try and make Mass during the week your ‘New Sunday Mass time’.

http://fhaloanmichigan.org/templates/beez3/ALFA_DATA Face-coverings are now mandatory in indoor settings where people are likely to come into contact with others they do not know.
This obviously includes whenever you come into church.
So please remember to wear a face covering when in church
(unless you are exempt for whatever reason)

Feasts this week:

Monday St. Lawrence, Martyr
Wednesday St. Clare
Friday St. Maximilian Kolbe

RIBBLE VALLEY FOODBANK would like to thank all those still managing to donate food at the moment – we are very busy and your generosity is much appreciated. We are currently short of the following items: washing up liquid, washing powder/liquid, shower gel, kitchen roll, sponge puddings, chocolate and sweets, and custard, and long-life fruit juice. Our warehouse is currently open to receive donations on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10am – 12 noon, and on Friday from 9am – 11am – please call us for directions. Thank you.

info@ribblevalley.foodbank.org.uk
07849 534431

From the Archives:

Further to last weeks article about of St Joseph’s Cemetery this snippet has been found in The Preston Chronicle dated 5th February 1853 sixteen years prior to the opening of the cemetery in 1869. Looks as though they had applied initially to have the cemetery adjoining the Church.

INSPECTOR’S VISIT – The late application to the Local Board for permission to establish a new burial ground behind the Catholic church has resulted in a visit by mr Ranger, an inspector of the general board, who, on Thursday last, arrived in Clitheroe to make an enquiry into the present burial accommodation. He was waited upon by Messrs. Councillors Hodgson and Heaton, the Rev. Horrocks Cock, and made an inspection of the premises adjoining the Catholic church, and also of the Parish Church yard. A report will of course be made to the general board, and the result will shortly be heard. In all probability a public cemetery will ere long be formed, the general feeling being much in favour of one.

ST MICHAEL’S PLAYERS
RELUCTANT HEROES OCTOBER 9th – 13th 1956
PRINCIPALS IN LAUGHTER-RAISING PLAY
BRILLIANT COMEDY OF ARMY LIFE

There was a sort of Rock ‘n Roll atmosphere about The Hall, Lowergate, on Tuesday evening. The audience were rocked in their seats and rolled in the aisles with laughter at that brilliant comedy of Army life, “Reluctant Heroes.”
The laughs come thick and fast in this glorious romp which has the audience chuckling and chortling right from the word go.
But the laughs rise to shrieks of almost uncontrollable dimensions as the plot gets under way and one crazy situation succeeds another with startling rapidity.
The success of the production by St Michael’s Players was a triumph for their producer Mr John Cowman, who was making his first appearance in this difficult field.
Local audiences have seen him taking leading roles in many previous productions and playing them with superb skill.
This week they are seeing another facet of his theatrical talent and how royally they are appreciating it.
“Reluctant Heroes” is the story of three National Service recruits and the adventures that befall them in serving their Queen and country.

THE ENEMY

In the words of their mentor Sergeant “Tinker” Bell “they would be worth a couple of divisions to the enemy if the country were at war.”
Yes, they are the kind of soldier, Morgan, the quick witted Cockney, Tone, the polished and worldly-wise ex public school boy, and Gregory the gormless Lancashire lad.
The hit of the evening was undoubtedly Tom Cowman as Gregory. This was his first down-to-earth comedy role and he seized his opportunities with both hands.
To look at him was to burst into laughter and his drolleries and general air of puzzled bewilderment had the audience almost in hysterics.
Derek Rawcliffe has a wealth of facial expression reminiscent of Danny Kaye which he used to the fullest advantage to record his mingled emotions as he got out of one scrape and into another.
He never let up for a single moment and all the time positively breathed the spirit of the area around Bow Bells.
Edmond Cambien had an entirely different role as the smooth sophisticated Tone, to whom army life is a pain and a trial but for other reasons.

MAYFAIR ELEGANCE

His silks and satins and general Mayfair elegance cut no ice in the army of hairshirts “of finest Merino wool.”
As a comedy team the three of them are superb. Their antics when lights out interrupts their toilet during the first night at camp, their writhings at inoculations, their caperings when being kitted out are guaranteed to bring tears to the staidest of eyes.
And all the while they are being entreated, cajoled, bullied, bewitched and bewildered by the dear old sergeant determined to make soldiers out of them “If I have to sweat the last drop of your blood to do it.”
This was a perfect role for Norman Cawley. He plays it with all the stops out and with an unflagging zeal and eye for every possible laugh.
One could find no higher praise than to say that the legendary R.S.M. must have been meek as a lamb compared to Tinker Bell.
The supporting roles were all well portrayed. Ignatius Calvert, for instance turned in a delightful little cameo as the Captain Percy, whose somewhat incongruous appearances add to the general fun and games.

THE LADIES

Peter Fehrenbach as Sergeant Mackenzie assumes a splendid Scots accent as he shows the training battalion how things are done in the paratroopers – a process which involves no little pain and trouble to our three heroes.
He is ably supported by John Byrne who makes the most of a small role as a Scots soldier.
Derrick Hutchinson too extracts humour from another minor role as the medical orderly responsible for inoculations.
And last, but not least, the three ladies: Margaret Brown as the W.R.A.C. officer, Gloria Dennis, Ruth Haslam as Penny Raymond, and Pat Hargreaves as Pat Thompson two W.R.A.C. privates.
All of them enter the spirit of the play with zest and gusto and add to the general fun and frolic.
Their roles are not very important to the main plot, but they provide the peg on which to hang one of the funniest scenes in the play.
The girls are in danger of being found in male quarters so that on the approach of Sergeant Bell they have to hide under the beds.
The consternation and opportunities for laughter can be imagined when Sergeant Bell arrives and orders the unhappy trio to strip ready for a medical inspection.
This is one of the highspots of the whole show.
Much hard work was done behind the scenes by Mr J Bowen as stage manager, who had the assistance of Mr J Mullen and P Embery.
Décor was by Mr H Baron and Mr H Sutcliffe was house manager.

2nd August 2020 – 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

As from next Monday, 3^rd August, we will start to have Mass during the week at

10am. Monday – Friday in Clitheroe.

Wednesdays 7pm Sabden

Saturdays at 12 noon in Dunsop Bridge.

St. Michael and St. John’s Saturday 11 – 12 open for Private Prayer

(No Sunday Masses for the time being)

Hopefully all will go well, but if any problems or worries were to arise then we would immediately have to stop celebrating Mass again until things improved.

Everything is in place to help keep us all safe.

Stewards will be in the church from when we open the doors 30 mins before the start of Mass. Please follow their instructions. They will take you to your place and then direct you out of your bench to come forward and receive Holy Communion at the end of Mass.

Immediately after Mass has ended the church doors will be locked so that the stewards can sanitize the church.

Once again our thanks go to all our stewards, without their generosity we would not be able to come into church.

IMPORTANT THINGS FOR US TO REMEMBER

There is still No Sunday Obligation
If you are shielding or not well you should not attend church
Space in church is restricted to 60 people at Mass in Clitheroe
20 in Dunsop Bridge
24 in Sabden
No more that 30 can come into church for a funeral

Try and make Mass during the week your ‘New Sunday Mass time’.

“From 8^th August face-coverings will be mandatory in indoor settings where people are likely to come into contact with others they do not know”.

This will obviously include whenever you come into church.
So when we begin to once again celebrate public Mass from next Monday
please remember to wear a mask
(unless you are exempt for whatever reason)

Baptisms, weddings and Requiem Mass, can now all be celebrated in church. Again, government and church guidelines apply, things will be somewhat different to what we have been used to, but we must follow the instructions if we are to remain open. Despite these changes it is so good that we are back in church.

First Holy Communions should have been celebrated a few weeks ago, but could not go ahead. Children will be invited to make their First Holy Communion in the Autumn, but this will obviously not be in a big group, it all needs to be well thought out. I will have more information when schools reopen in September.

LATELY DEAD:

We keep in prayer all who have died recently, especially Miles Fox.

Lourdes at Home – Friday 31^st July – Tuesday 5^th August.

Services from Salford Cathedral are live streamed via Church Services TV and can be accessed via the following links: https://www.churchservices.tv/salfordcathedral

Video messages and services will be hosted on our website and Facebook page which can be accessed via these links: https://www.salfordlourdes.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/salfordlourdes

They will also be hosted on our YouTube channel which can be accessed via this link: https://www.youtube.com/c/SalfordLourdesPilgrimage/

Feasts this week:

Tuesday                     St. John Vianney
Thursday                   The Transfiguration of the Lord
Saturday                   St. Dominic

“Each time you do an action to end the scandal of homelessness you are building up the Kingdom of God and the Lord will welcome you into the home that has been prepared for you in his father’s house” – (Fr Ged Murphy, Episcopal Vicar forCaritas Salford)

Caritas Salford’s Cornerstone Big Sleep Out was replaced this year with a Big Sleep In on July 10. It almost passed me by and my sponsorship was retrospective.
An abbreviated version of the paper Home Truths: Re-Imagining a World Without Homelessness, prepared for the Big Sleep In and its associated Webinar, highlights an issue we should be concerned about and respond to.

Just six months ago, the idea of a world without homelessness was almost unthinkable. Getting any key legislation passed has always taken much time and debate. Whilst the COVID-19 virus has had an unprecedented impact on society as a whole, one thing that has been achieved is the very real sense now that key issues can be resolved in a timely manner with the right impetus.

The current pandemic has adversely affected many charities and voluntary organisations; some forced to suspend activities and some closed for good. Thankfully, all of Caritas Salford’s front-line services have continued to support the poor and marginalised during the lockdown, albeit with adaptations to implement social distancing.

During the early stages of lockdown, we were inundated with food donations, especially from local businesses, universities and large organisations seeking to avoid waste when obliged to close on 23^rd March. At the same time, there was a significant increase in demand for emergency support before local authorities were able to establish temporary accommodation and assistance to those sleeping rough. Cornerstone was providing over 100 people a day with basic food and essentials. Our services also found themselves supporting new groups of people, with furlough and redundancy causing inability of parents to feed their children and to afford the basics in life.

The national response to provide accommodation for an estimated 15,000 homeless and rough sleepers meant a reduction in the need for food parcels though some continued to come for food.

Not very far into lockdown, due to a variety of issues, 47 of Manchester’s 200 recipients of temporary accommodation ended up back on the streets highlighting an urgent need for more wraparound care and emphasising that a roof is not enough.

The Government has pledged to support rough sleepers with thousands of alternative rooms already secured. The aim is “to end rough sleeping for good” which will be greatly aided by promised funding to help those trapped in substance misuse move towards work and education. Those who experience homelessness and multiple disadvantages are not a homogenous group.

Mark Wiggin, Director of Caritas Diocese of Salford, stated recently that “the problem goes well beyond accommodation, for many people who are homeless have complex needs and are drug and alcohol dependent with the addition of mental health issues amplified by the stress and uncertainty of life…there’s a real need to re-instate services that have lost so much funding.” He and other leaders of Catholic organisations have petitioned the Government to make this happen. Asylum seekers with no recourse to public funds are often overlooked despite being some of the most vulnerable. Despite official commitment to provide funding it will not be enough if hotels close and rough sleepers return to the streets, a problem likely to be exacerbated by people who have lost jobs and homes during the pandemic, victims fleeing domestic abuse, and teenagers aging out of care.

The words I have given to the title of this piece are taken from Fr Ged Murphy’s Reflection on the theme of ‘What is Home?’ which was premiered on July 10 the day before the Prayer of the Faithful Mass on Saturday the 11^th. I like Ged’s downbeat presentation, delivered with a tone of simple humility. View the presentation by clicking here.

Finally let us join with Bishop John in his prayer for the homeless:

Jesus placed himself with the most marginalised in society. We pray for those whose home is on the streets and for those who do not know where they will sleep tonight, whether due to poverty, family break-down, mental health, addiction problems or other complex reasons. Bring them your hope in their suffering, Lord.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer.

We give thanks for all who have taken part in or supported the Cornerstone Big Sleep In, raising awareness and funds for projects to help the homeless and destitute. May we never grow indifferent to those living on the streets and let our distress be transformed into direct action, working to make a world without homelessness a reality.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer.

We give thanks for our Caritas Salford family – staff, volunteers, trustees, school Caritas Ambassadors, Parish Caritas Reps and all who support our work in any way. Today we pray in particular for those Caritas staff on the front line who, throughout the pandemic, have shown the true meaning of Caritas – Love In Action – by adapting their services to meet the needs of the most vulnerable including the homeless and destitute.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer.

On this Feast Day of St Benedict, Patron of Europe, we pray that our continent of Europe will always be a place of refuge to those needing a home and, that mindful of our Christian heritage, we will always carry out Corporal Acts of Mercy without judgment.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer.

Let us place all those in need of care and protection into the loving hands of Mary, Jesus’ Mother and our Mother, as we pray together, Hail Mary…

Anthony Brown, Parish CARITAS Rep.

FROM THE ARCHIVES:

CONSECRATION ST JOSEPH’S CEMETERY 1869

A report from the Preston Guardian:

CLITHEROE

CONSECRATION OF A NEW BURIAL GROUND – Sunday last was a great day with the Catholics of Clitheroe. The occasion was the consecration of a new burial ground. Up to this time, the Catholics were obliged to bury all their dead at Hurst Green, a distance of six miles from the town, and very great and unnecessary expense was thus occasioned to the poorer portion of the congregation. A plot of ground in the immediate vicinity of St Mary’s new burial ground, was by mere chance secured two years ago to the present pastor, the Rev.R.Cardwell. He had always felt pained that the poor of his flock should suffer so much by the necessity of removing their departed friends to such a distance. Thus, in spite of his own private feelings he was forced to use the acquired plot of land as a burial ground. He felt the inconvenience that would be occasioned to a private dwelling in the immediate vicinity, and therefore he gave them every chance of securing an exchange of land. If it had not been for this circumstance, the ground would have been used as a burial ground twelve months ago. It was clear that no great effort was being made to secure the desired effect, so that at length he was forced to use the land for the object he had in view when he purchased the ground. It is in extent a little over an acre, beautifully situated on a declivity, and it has been surrounded by a very substantially built wall. Of the 130 yards of frontage to the road leading to Waddington 60 yards have been fenced in with an iron railing. The congregation have all along shown the interest they have taken in the matter by going in scores in the evening after their day’s work to handle the spade and pickaxe and strip up the hedges, make roads, etc. This was a cause of great comfort and consolation to the revered pastor, who saw in it a desire to alleviate the necessary expense as much as lay in their power. For some time back the Catholics of the town have been looking forward to the day on which the Bishop of Salford had kindly arranged to visit them and consecrate the ground. Although it is only about three years since the bishop conferred the sacrament of confirmation in Clitheroe to 240 people, The Rev. R. Cardwell thought he would give an opportunity to those of his flock who had not as yet received the sacrament of being confirmed on the 27^th June, the day of the consecration of the burial ground. As soon as it became known that his lordship would say the eight o’clock Mass, a great number manifested a desire to receiving the holy communion from his hands. The services of two Fathers from Stonyhurst were secured, and the result was that his lordship administered the sacrament of the Eucharist to no fewer than 412 people. He assisted at the 10.30 service, and administered the sacrament of confirmation to 125 persons, most of them adults, and many of them converts during the last three years. Before administering the sacrament his lordship went into the body of the church and catechized the children. It was a source of pleasure to their parents to hear the children answer the questions put by his lordship in such a satisfactory manner. He then gave them some practical advice, and exhorted them to strive and lead good and virtuous lives, and not be led away by the wickedness of the world. The great event of the day, however, was the consecration of the burial ground. It had been arranged that the congregation should walk in procession from the church to the ground, and although the time appointed was four o’clock, the neighbourhood of the church was alive with people long before three o’clock. At four o’clock the procession moved on in the following order: – The drum and fife band, preceded by a large banner, and followed by the Guild of St Joseph, two and two, each wearing a green sash edged with white; next came the little girls from three years of age upwards; then the children of St Agnes, in white, wearing white veils instead of bonnets; the children of Mary, similarly attired, or in blue, the most attractive part of the procession; next followed the young women and married women of the congregation; after them came Col.Towneley’s band from Whitewell, who walked before the boys; these were followed by the young men and married men of the congregation. More than 40 banners of different kinds, some of them very beautiful, were carried in the ranks. Although about 1,400 of the congregation joined the procession, more than 200 others did not take any part in it. This part of the procession was followed by a carriage and pair (with an outrider), filled with ladies. They were followed by five other carriages containing the altar boys and the clergy in their robes. The procession was closed by the bishop’s carriage, drawn by four horses, with two postillions, containing the bishop in full canonicals, and his two deacons. The progress of the ground was very slow, owing to the dense crowds along the route, which was very slow, owing to the dense crowds along the route, which were variously estimated at from 6,000 to 10,000 people. The singing of the Litany of the Saints was very effectively rendered by the clergy. The singing of the congregation was not so good, owing to their being too far asunder. The ceremony of the consecration was watched with evident interest by all who assisted in it. It had been arranged that the day should be closed by solemn service in the church, but the sacred edifice would not have been able to contain anything like one quarter of those who would have joined in the service, it was thought prudent not to have one. Every Catholic of Clitheroe will long remember the 27^th June 1869, a day so full of consolation and comfort to the Catholic heart. They will now have an opportunity of frequently visiting the remains of their departed friends, and seek relief from their distress by shedding tears of comfort over their sad graves, and offer up a prayer to the God of all mercy for their eternal happiness. – After the proceedings a sumptuous dinner was given to the bands at the Brownlow Arms Hotel.

FROM THE SCHOOL LOG BOOK (GIRLS) 1886

Vacancy at Caritas Salford

Hostel Operations Manager

37 hours per week
SCP20-25 £25,295 – £28,785 per annum
Qualification bar SCP23

Closing date: Friday, 14 August 2020

To apply, please visit the Caritas website www.caritassalford.org.uk for an application pack or contact Rebecca Anderson on 0161 817 2264 or by email r.anderson@caritassalford.org.uk

26th July 2020 – 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

St. Michael and St. John’s, Clitheroe, continues to open for quiet prayer

This week: Monday – Thursday 11am till 12 noon.(Not Friday this week) Saturday 11am till 1pm.

We have now got used to a new way in how we come in to church for private prayer. Thanks to all of you for your cooperation in doing what has been asked of us, and to the stewards for all their good work which enables us to continue to keep our church open.

As from Monday 3^rd August we will start to have Mass during the week
at 10am. Monday – Friday in Clitheroe
Wednesdays 7pm Sabden
and Saturdays at 12 noon in Dunsop Bridge.
(No Sunday Masses for the time being)

IMPORTANT THINGS FOR US TO REMEMBER

There is still No Sunday Obligation
If you are shielding or not well you should not attend church
Space in church is restricted to 60 people at Mass in Clitheroe
20 in Dunsop Bridge
24 in Sabden

No more that 30 can come into church for a funeral

Try and make Mass during the week your ‘New Sunday Mass time’.

Please remember that coming to Mass will be very different from what we have been used to—Mass will be much shorter, no music or singing, we will be seated throughout Mass, there will be no bidding prayers, no long homilies, and Holy Communion will be distributed at the end of Mass after the final blessing. Stewards will direct you to where you can sit, and also out of your bench to receive Holy Communion. There will be no piety stall, no holy water and no toilet facilities! As we are all required to wear face coverings in shops and other enclosed places, you might now consider wearing one when you come to Mass!! Our team of stewards are doing a great job, and will continue to be around at all Masses to help keep everyone safe— be nice to them and please listen to their guidance and work with them. Let us do all we can to keep safe!

On the days when Mass is celebrated the church will be opened 30 mins before Mass begins. If you wish to light votive candles please do this before Mass. The church will not be opened for private prayer on the days that we have Mass.

Baptisms, weddings and Requiem Mass, can now all be celebrated in church. Again, government and church guidelines apply, things will be somewhat different to what we have so long been used to, but we have to abide by the instructions if we are to remain open. Despite these changes it is so good that we are back in church.

LATELY DEAD:

We keep in prayer all who have died recently especially Miles Fox who died on Tuesday 21^st July aged 88 years

Lourdes at Home – Friday 31^st July – Tuesday 5^th August.

Services from Salford Cathedral are live streamed via Church Services TV and can be accessed via the following links: https://www.churchservices.tv/salfordcathedral

Video messages and services will be hosted on our website and Facebook page which can be accessed via these links: https://www.salfordlourdes.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/salfordlourdes

They will also be hosted on our YouTube channel which can be accessed via this link: https://www.youtube.com/c/SalfordLourdesPilgrimage/

Feasts this week:

Wednesday St. Martha.
Friday St. Ignatius Loyola
Saturday St. Alphonsus Liguori

Newts and Catholic Social Teaching

When we were lads one of our favourite places was Cross Hill between Brungerley Park and the Cement Works. There was a small pond known as the Newt Pond. You could see the newts rising to the surface for air and in the evening they came to the edge of the water where we would catch them with a small worm on the end of a piece of string. The newt would swallow the worm and we would gently retrieve the worm and use it to catch another newt. But back home in a goldfish bowl the newts weren’t interested in the worms so we returned them to the pond.

The newts we liked best were the now rare great crested variety. Even the 6 inch females are impressive in their black coats and orange and black spotted bellies, but the males are an extraordinary sight with their long jagged crest making them look like mini dinosaurs.

The pond can still be seen on the OS map but sadly it was lost to landfill many years ago.

Now, all of the native species of newt are protected to some degree by the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 but full protection is given to the great crested newt which is also a European protected species. However in his recent “build build build” speech Boris Johnson claimed “the newt-counting delays in our system are a massive drag on the productivity and prosperity of this country”. Natural England’s Tony Juniper called on the government and planners to change their thinking to ensure environmental considerations were designed into new housing estates, as well as road and rail projects, at the beginning, rather than being a hasty “add-on” or “mitigation” at the end. “When I hear ‘build build build’, I say ‘nature nature nature’,” said Juniper. “None of this should be controversial any longer because we’ve had a succession of reports telling us that healthy nature is an asset, not a burden.”

The other day I stopped to observe progress on the Primrose Lodge Blue and Greenway Project (PLBGP) which is converting the former Primrose Mill Lodge into a public open space within the heart of Clitheroe. The project will achieve its aims by improving the habitats, providing public access, and connecting the river habitat. As a result, the site will boast a diversity of wildlife for people to explore and enjoy. The project is hoped to be one of several to convert the whole of this site into much valued green and blue space for people and wildlife, unique in its placement with an urban surrounding. The fish pass will connect 9 hectares of Mearley Brook and lead to salmon, sea trout, and eels being present not only in the heart of Clitheroe, but beyond to Worston and into the streams on the side of Pendle Hill. They will, in turn, support other wildlife such as kingfishers, herons and otters. The de-silting will create a permanent open water habitat, which will be home to wildfowl and invertebrates that will support bats and other species, as well as a significant improvement of the aesthetic value of the site.

Locally we also have the Pendle Hill Landscape Partnership which with its 4 year lottery funding will restore, enhance and conserve the heritage and landscape of Pendle Hill.
It will

re-connect people with the landscape;
re-connect people and the past;
bring together the two sides of the hill;
and create a sustainable future for the environment, heritage and for visitors’ experience of Pendle Hill.

Much is going on locally which may have seemed of peripheral and not of prime importance but during the lockdown restrictions the thinking behind these projects strikes more of a chord. The air is cleaner, we see more stars in the sky, we hear more birds singing and there seems to be more wildlife around.

Many still think that care for the environment is a peripheral part of our faith. It isn’t. It would be foolish to say that newts are more important than people but that is missing the point. In his introduction to Laudato Si’ Pope Francis cites the words of Patriarch Bartholomew who has spoken in particular of the need for each of us to repent of the ways in which we have harmed the planet; for “inasmuch as we all generate small ecological damage”, we are called to acknowledge “our contribution, smaller or greater, to the disfigurement and destruction of creation”. He has repeatedly stated this firmly and persuasively, challenging us to acknowledge our sins against creation: “For human beings…to destroy the biological diversity of God’s creation; for human beings to degrade the integrity of the earth by causing changes in its climate, by stripping the earth of its natural forests or destroying its wetlands; for human beings to contaminate the earth’s waters, its land, its air, and its life – these are sins”. For “to commit a crime against the natural world is a sin against ourselves and a sin against God”.

The Catholic Church has always taught that we own nothing and hold dominion over nothing. We are merely stewards of our environment and of what we possess. We must use them with wisdom and generosity. It isn’t easy to live a full Christian life, and in nurturing a personal relationship with God I am reminded of a conversation I once had with Fr David Glover, one time Episcopal Vicar for Cartitas: Catholic Social Teaching is the Catholic Church’s best kept secret.

Having a personal relationship with God involves caring for his creation as outlined in an examination of conscience based on Catholic Social Teaching:

Do I live out my responsibility to care for God’s creation?
Do I see my care for creation as connected to my concern for poor persons, who are most at risk from environmental problems?
Do I litter? Live wastefully? Use energy too freely? Are there ways I could reduce consumption in my life?
Are there ways I could change my daily practices and those of my family, school, workplace, or community to better conserve the earth’s resources for future generations?

Anthony Brown

FROM THE ARCHIVES:

CATHOLIC FEDERATION CLITHEROE BRANCHES MINUTE BOOK

It looks as though this group was set up in July 1907 with a meeting in the Catholic Club, (now the first floor of our Primary School) with Father Hayes in the Chair. The following Committee chosen with power to add

Father Hayes	Mr John Brown, Back King St
Mr Fullalove, Woone Lane	Mr John Thornber, WaddingtonRd
Mr Wells, 17 Castle View	Mr Alfred Ingham, Moor Lane
Mr E Ingham, Eshton Terrace	Mr Roger Holden, Pendle Road
Mr Coneron, Moor Lane	Mr R Frankland, Waterloo
Mr T Cawley, Victoria St	Mr J Walkden, 14 Salthill Road
Mr McNulty, Lowergate	Mr Norbert Dewhurst, Salford
Mr John Holden, Lowergate	Mr Thos Tressnan, Brownlow St
Mr H.Hacking, Moor Lane	Mr J O’Donnell, 28 Wilkin Street
Mr Walter Brown, Shaw Bridge	Mr E Embley, Lowergate

Secretaries: Mr E.Embley, Mr E.Ingham

Proposed and resolved to divide the town into districts and canvassed two persons in each district.

Meetings seem to have been at three monthly intervals. The July, October and December meetings were short and dealt with the By-election in November of that year. After that there wasn’t much content in the minutes until July 1908. This was held on Sunday July 5^th and reads:

‘The attendance was thin. Besides the Rev President, Treasurer and Secretary, there were 6 other members of the Committee present.

The Secretary had a letter from Mr Gregson, Secretary of the District Committee at Blackburn. In this letter Mr Gregson informed us that the admission of Ladies to the Federation was in itself lawful and in accordance with the rules, but that at Blackburn they had received no applications so far. We were also asked to use our influence against the Election of Ladies as delegates to the Central Committee.

The position of our Branch being left completely in the cold and with scarcely any information from and communication with the District Com at Blackburn was severely commented on. The possibility and advisability of our being contacted immediately with the Diocesan Com in Manchester was ………….discussed. Mr Wells (Our Treasurer) informed us of a similar case at Rossendale: but the authorities at Rossendale were told by the Diocesan Com that communications could be carried on, only through their District Com. It was thought advisable that the Treasurer and Secretary be invited to explain our grievances to the Very Rev Canon Lonsdale at Blackburn. We were informed that the Diocese had formed a general sub committee of Trade Unionists, each District being empowered to send as delegates: 2 trade unionists at the request of the Secretary for general stationary, and in view also of the publication of the new Parliamentary and Municipal lists of voters, it was resolved on the proposal of Mr Coneron seconded by Mr Parker that the Secretary purchase the required stationery and the new lists of voters. Proceedings closed with a vote of thanks to the Rev Pres

A Special meeting was held on Sunday July 19. The attendance was fairly good. Including the Rev President, Treasurer and Secretary there were 16 members of the Committee present. The object of this special meeting was to consider the invitation, by the Sub Committee of Trade Unionists at Salford, to each parish of the Diocese to send 2 Trade Unionists to a Conference in Manchester on Aug 1

On the proposal of Mr Parker, seconded by Mr Walter Brown, it was unanimously agreed upon to accept the invitation. On the proposal of Mr Walter Brown, seconded by Mr James Thornber it was resolved that Mr Clayton (Engraver to Calico Printers) and Mr Ince (of the Clitheroe Weavers Assoc) be sent as Delegates. These 2 gentlemen kindly consented to go: and reasonable expenses, at the suggestion of Rev President were very reasonably conceded to them.

Report in the Clitheroe Advertizer and Times September 1956:

OH GRANDMA, THE THINGS YOU WORE!

Fashion down the ages in parade

A delicate silk evening gown which had lain in a drawer for 50 years without seeing the light of day, was one of the many beautiful gowns worn by the Broughton Mannequins at a fashion parade “with a difference” at the Hall, Lowergate, on Wednesday afternoon 19^th September.

Of pearl grey ottoman silk with the huge puff sleeves of the period, this attractive gown was work by a former Mayoress of Preston, Mrs W.H.Wood, during her term of office in 1894-95.

When taken out of the drawer, where it had lain for half a century, it was in perfect condition – and the same dress drew much praise from an admiring audience when it appeared during the parade.

Displaying authentic costumes dating from 1816, the mannequins descended from a tastefully-decorated stage to walk along a central platform to piano music “in the quiet mood” delightfully played by Mrs Jean Calvert.

The history and a description of the various costumes was broadcast by Mrs Olga Bell, the producer of this colourful show.

RIPPLES OF LAUGHTER

But the proceedings were not wholly serious. There were moments when ripples of laughter flowed among the onlookers as they were treated to intriguing glimpses into the now rather dim past of costumes work by bashful bathers, coquettish croquet players, and even gaunt golfers – complete with putter

Even the secrets of the basic principles of the bustle and the crinoline were coyly displayed by the mannequins who lent further realism to the authenticity of their costumes with appropriate gestures and a little play-acting – such as the forbidding suffragette Mrs Pankhurst type complete with brandished umbrella.

A delightful show, well presented and one which evoked admiration for the manner in which these ladies from Broughton have transformed what started as a “little bit of fun” into such a charitable affair.

The parade was followed by a display of modern fashions.

The afternoon show was opened by the Mayoress of Clitheroe, (Mrs J.W.D.Critchley), who was thanked by Mrs C.Chatburn.

Among the audience at the afternoon show was a party of members of the Old People’s Club, who were specially invited by the organisers.

LOVELY SURPRISE

Thanks to all those who had assisted in the organisation of the show were voiced by the Rev. Fr.R.Walmsley S.J. parish priest of SS Michael and John’s R.C.Church. The show was being held for the Restoration Fund of the church.

After the show Mrs Olga Bell described the layout and decoration of the Hall as “really wonderful. A lovely surprise” a tribute which was justly earned by the volunteers who worked so hard to prepare the Hall for the show, and the men of the Parks Department, under Mr J.Hall who were responsible for the floral decoration.

Mrs A.D.Cassidy, of Clitheroe, opened the event when it was repeated in the evening.

The parade was organised by Mrs W.E.Fehrenback, Miss M.Leigh, assisted by members of the Women’s Sodality. Lighting and stagework was capably handled by Mr J.Brown.

If anyone has any interesting information for this page from past times in any of our three churches, St Michael & St John’s, Clitheroe, St Mary’s, Sabden or St Hubert’s Dunsop Bridge then please email Janet on janegg@hotmail.co.uk or janet.clegg@dioceseofsalford.org.uk

GIFT AID AND OFFERTORY ENVELOPES FOR CLITHEROE ARE NOW AVAILABLE TO COLLECT FROM THE PRESBYTERY IN CLITHEROE.

SABDEN AND DUNSOP BRIDGE ENVELOPES WILL BE AVAILABLE WHEN MASSES RE-COMMENCE THERE; UNTIL THEN THEY CAN ALSO BE COLLECTED FROM THE PRESBYTERY AT CLITHEROE

19th July 2020 – 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

I hope that you are all keeping safe and well, as thankfully I am too.

It is encouraging to see that people are coming into church for a time of quiet prayer, and that those who I have spoken to, say how much they appreciate being able to come into church again, and how safe they feel in a prayerful atmosphere. At the end of each week I have to inform the diocese of how many visits have been made during the week, we average around 120, this includes some people who call into church each day.

St. Michael and St. John’s, Clitheroe, continues to open for quiet prayer

Monday – Friday 11am till 12 noon.
Saturday 11am till 1pm.

Stewards are always around to make sure that procedures for coming into church are carried out, and to help anyone with any enquiries. Again, thank you to all our stewards for all you are doing to ensure that people are safe in church and also for cleaning after the doors are closed. Without your generosity we would not be able to open the doors.

Last weekend I appealed for more volunteer stewards, especially as we look toward being able to celebrate public Mass in a few weeks time.
Thank you to those who have volunteered these past few days, and more help would again be very much appreciated. Please let Janet or Ann Harkin or Fr. Paul know if you are able to help.

We are now able to celebrate a Requiem Mass in church, we will have our first one this coming week for Ruth Humphreys R.I.P. Again we have to follow the instructions we have been given which also states that no more than 30 people can be present at a funeral in church, so it is not open to everyone to be present, but only to those that the family have asked to join with them.

We are also able to celebrate baptisms, but again under certain conditions, and with a limited number of family present.

It is essential that we adhere to all that we are being asked to do, so that as far as we possibly can we can ensure people’s safety.

Next week someone from the diocese will be visiting our other two churches in Sabden and in Dunsop Bridge, a risk assessment will be made and we will then be informed what is possible in those churches.

Most importantly, stay safe at this time! Please remember we are in the “time of restrictions”! Just remember what we have become so conscious of during the past four months—that our Lord is with us wherever we are—at church, at home, at school, at work, and as we hear in our reading today from Romans 8:26-27,
‘The Spirit comes to help us in our weakness’.

Each day I continue to remember you at the altar during Mass, keep me in your prayers.
God bless you and your families. Fr. Paul

LATELY DEAD: We keep in prayer all who have died recently especially:

Ruth Humphreys

GIFT AID OFFERTORY ENVELOPES

The 2020/2021 envelopes are now ready to collect from the presbytery. They will also be available when masses re-commence. You may collect your envelopes personally or a friend or relation may collect them on your behalf. Social distancing etc when collecting them will apply of course.

Also, boxes are now available in church for you to place any donations you have been putting aside at home since lockdown began at the end of March. Some parishioners have been posting their offertory through the presbytery door. If you are one of those who have and who Gift Aid, did you put your number on the front of the plain envelope you used? If not please contact Janet as without it we cannot claim the tax back.
Please make any cheques payable to ‘Our Lady of the Valley’

Separate procedures for the distribution of envelopes are being arranged for Dunsop Bridge and Sabden – hopefully more on this next week

LIVE SIMPLY PONDER OF THE WEEK:

As we are coming out of lockdown, will you go back to your ‘normal’ life or will you embrace a simpler way of life? Have you looked back at the last few weeks and reflected on what was good and what was not-so-good?

CAFOD URGENT CORONAVIRUS APPEAL
Families who have been forced to flee their homes and have lost everything in places like Syria, South Sudan and DR Congo are particularly vulnerable to the virus. We have joined forces with the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) to scale up our response, ensuring that no one is beyond reach of the aid they need to survive.

Please would you donate generously via CAFOD

Website: https://cafod.org.uk/Give/Donate-to-Emergencies/Coronavirus-appeal

On behalf of OLOTV CAFOD/LAUDATO SI GROUPS

Compassion and forgiveness need humility

Somebody said to me recently that they were sick of hearing this term “the New Normal”; and yet without the “New Normal” that Bishop John has frequently referred to we will not respond to Pope Francis’ call to become a missionary church or to tackle the issue of climate change. We must become more outward looking with a compassion and forgiveness that needs humility.

The first time I heard Bishop John speak in 2015 he said: “This Pope has grounded me wonderfully”. In those words he summed up the clarity of Pope Francis’s message on how we are to live our lives. In 2013 Pope Francis issued his first apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium in which he urged the entire Church “to embark on a new chapter of evangelism”. According to the exhortation, the Church must understand itself as a “community of missionary disciples”, who are “permanently in a state of mission”. Evangelii Gaudium has been described as “the manifesto of Francis” and a “Magna Carta for church reform.” It touches on many of the themes of Francis’ papacy, including obligations Christians have to the poor and the duty to establish and maintain just economic, political, and legal orders. Different dioceses have responded to Evangelii Gaudium in different ways. For us in Salford Diocese it is the five year Hope in the Future programme led in our Parish by the Missionary Steering Team.

In 2015, Pope Francis published the encyclical Laudato Si’ concerning care for the planet. On the face of it these documents tackle two totally different subjects but reading them you realise they are two sides of the same coin and emphasise the interconnectivity of all that Jesus calls us to do. To really comprehend our obligation to the poor we have to acknowledge and respond to the threat of environmental change, and in responding to climate change we recognise that it is the poor who will suffer most if we fail to act. But Laudato Si’ goes beyond that and when Pope Francis says: “It is our humble conviction that the divine and the human meet in the slightest detail in the seamless garment of God’s creation, in the last speck of dust of our planet”, he reminds us that our responsibility extends beyond our obligation to care for the whole of humanity – we are the stewards of the whole of creation. CAFOD embraced Laudato Si’ with its Live Simply Award and we are pursuing action towards our own Parish Live Simply Award via our Laudato Si’ (Live Simply) Group.

The “humble conviction” reminds me of a homily I heard a few years ago in the small and insignificant township of Cheteck in Northern Minnesota. It gave some very practical guidance on how to practice humility and how humility is the key to the Christian way of life.

We were told that that there were three ingredients to humility:

Not thinking first and foremost about ourselves and wanting to be the focus of attention
Acknowledging and complimenting others
Thinking about others and being aware of their needs

It was a simple enough message but presented in such a way that made it clear that humility shouldn’t just be one of a number of virtues to practice, it is at the core of our faith. So what specifically did our priest in Chetek have to say about his three ingredients of humility?

Not thinking first and foremost about ourselves
Many people tend to talk rather than listen but humility should temper this inclination. Our priest didn’t dwell too long on this one but what he said later led me to quiz him more closely over coffee and pancakes. His thinking was much influenced by Francis de Sales and a particular theme was giving, or being the recipient of, hurt or offence. I looked up the relevant quotes later. They are instructive: “Be very watchful as to what can give offence to others; if you fail in this, try to repair the mischief as quickly as possible.” Another quote covers the other side of the coin too: “It is a great degree of lowliness of heart…to fear honours and flattery as much as little minds enjoy them, who easily take offence at any affront.” How often does a lack of humility make us focus on ourselves and our discomfort when someone praises us? It struck me that humility has its greatest test when someone is offended by what we do or say; or when we are offended by them.

Acknowledging and complimenting others
Humility should teach us to acknowledge praise graciously. Just as we should graciously acknowledge a compliment, so should we look outwardly to others rather than to ourselves and recognise and acknowledge them. But the key to it all is whether we think foremost about ourselves or others. If the heart is pure, so too will be the acknowledgement and we will learn to tread carefully the fine line between praise and flattery.

Thinking about others and being aware of their needs
This final point extends and embraces the other two. It is easiest to start with the people we know and like but we should think of all others and not just those closest and those we feel most comfortable with. We should think of those we don’t know particularly well or don’t particularly like and reflect on whether perhaps a lack of humility has failed us.

So as we continue with the privations of the current pandemic let us reflect on how we can practice humility. Let us prepare for a New Normal when we finally return to a freedom in which we can either resume our old ways or go forward incorporating a new way of thinking into the practice of our faith.

Anthony Brown

From the Archives

– fast forwarded this week to 1968.

Not sure which priest has written the following. Any ideas? Fr Hannan maybe?

Table-19-07-2020

12th July 2020 – 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Once again this past week we have seen a steady flow of people coming into St. Michael and St. John’s church for quiet prayer. Thank you to all for following the guidelines set out when visiting our church, and a big thank you to all the stewards who have given of their time to ensure your safety and also for cleaning the church after use. Without their generosity we would not be able to open the church.

St. Michael and St. John’s is open for quiet prayer:

Monday to Friday 11am till 12 noon.

Saturday 11am till 1pm.

We use the main doors for entering the church and the side door near the pulpit as an exit.

If you wish to light a candle then you must do this immediately before you leave church.

Once you have left church you must not come back in though the way out.

If you or any of your household present with any coronavirus symptoms then you must stay away.

As we start to look ahead to the time when we will begin to celebrate public weekday Mass, perhaps at 10am each morning, we will need more volunteers to act as stewards, again to welcome people and make sure that all procedures are being adhered to, and also directing people to where they can sit in church for Mass, directing them to receive Holy Communion, then cleaning the church after Mass. (The same will be needed when we start the celebration of Sunday Masses). Stewards will also be needed for Requiem Masses and for baptisms, both of which we can now celebrate, albeit with very small numbers present. I know that this is an awful big ask of people, but we have no choice but to do this if we are to open more, and safely remain open.

At first we were told that only people under the age of 70 could act as stewards, this has now been changed and anyone in good health can now act as a steward.

So if you would be prepared to offer your services as a steward for any of the above, weekday and weekend Mass, Requiem Masses, Baptisms, please email Fr. Paul or Janet with your name and contact details, and someone will get in touch with you.

At present we are only able to open St. Michael and St. John’s church, and we look forward to the time when we are once again able to open our other two churches in Dunsop Bridge and in Sabden.

As in recent weeks I celebrated Mass in all three churches this past week.

Thanks to everyone for all your help and cooperation in making our church a safe and peaceful place to come in and pray.

Take care and keep well, Fr. Paul.

LATELY DEAD: We keep in prayer all who have died recently especially:

Ruth Humphreys aged 95 years

Ben Leeming (husband of Joan nee Embery)

Andrew Whitwell (son of Pat)

Love in a post Covid-19 and post Vatican II World

I pulled the sheets over my head and curled up into an embryonic ball in the warmth of my bed. I was 9 years old and I couldn’t stop thinking about Hell. Along with my pals I’d stolen a bit of oil from a can in a derelict shed to help us light a fire and I was reflecting on the Hell Fire sermon we had had from the headmaster of St Michael and St John’s Primary School at morning assembly: “Think of a metal ball in the sky, bigger than anything you can possibly imagine. Once in a million, million years a bird flies past and brushes its wing against the ball. When the metal ball is all worn away eternity won’t even have started”. He moved onto the most extreme pain and the most extreme everything else you could imagine that would go on forever. I remember dear kind Miss Hayhurst who told us later that Hell wasn’t a physical place. It was separation from God.

I sometimes think being a Catholic was easier in those days. You knew the rules. You heard them at school and you heard them in the pulpit. Some of them were tough – the ones that were most difficult to talk about – but you could confess your sins and your place in Heaven was once more assured. Nowadays the rules aren’t so clear. Over 20 years ago talking to my daughter about school she said: “They don’t teach us about right and wrong”.

There were big changes in the wake of Vatican II and apart from Mass in the vernacular, altar rails removed and priests facing the congregation the emphasis was less on guilt and damnation and more on love and forgiveness. Confession changed to Reconciliation and sin became more a question of conscience than the act itself. People made up their own ethic and acted comfortably within it. Catholics educated in the arcane legalisms of Catholic transgression—is eating meat on Friday a mortal or venial sin?—found themselves as adults thinking less about whether they were breaking the rules and more about their attitudes, intentions, and ideas about how to live a Christian life. Yet even what that means – living a Christian life – isn’t clear with many Catholics leading a life of an inward looking personal relationship with God rather than the true Gospel meaning made clear by Pope Francis of an outward looking relationship of compassion with the whole of humanity.

When I look back it was easier for my parents who had enough to feed and clothe us but nothing much to spare for the poor. Apart from money they didn’t have time to do more than work and look after us children. Moreover we weren’t much aware of what was going on in the world and in any case it seemed distant and out of reach. You could even say that perhaps Pope Francis’ outward looking vision applied much less then than it does now. It was easier to be a good Catholic. Today, most of us have more than enough to live on. If outgoings are the same or more than the money coming in it’s because we spend beyond necessity. Vatican II changed the emphasis from sin to love but what also changed was the abundance of wealth and time that make it possible to translate love into action.

This last week we have seen more news items that call us to action and two in particular stand out.

Firstly, CARE, the charity that upholds the truth that human beings made in God’s image deserve to be treated with dignity and compassion, reports that a dangerous home abortion amendment to the Domestic Abuse Bill was withdrawn. CARE worked with many MPs before the debate to furnish them with the key arguments to resist this extreme amendment and thanks all who helped with their emails or letters to MPs. “Be encouraged that your help has made a real, Christian difference!” Members of our Pro-Life Group were amongst those who petitioned against the amendment and although Nigel Evans abstains on anti-abortion bills we still ensure that he hears our voice. Sadly, it’s true that democracy actually takes decision making away from us and it’s the party line that rules the way. However petitions and movements like Citizens UK are forcing Parliament to hear us and if more Catholics added their voice we could be a genuine force for the good.

Secondly the scandal of labour exploitation and potential modern day slavery in Boohoo factories in Leicester has raised the issue of ethical investment and personal complicity in what Pope Francis has described as structural sin. Many investors have removed their money from Boohoo and it is clear that the clothes we wear are made on the backs of exploited workers and reflected in the price we pray. Pope Francis, Justin Welby and Bartholomew, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople and the Orthodox and leader of 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide have all said in one way or another that the greatest sin is personal complicity and doing nothing.

Let us reflect that Love in Action – the words chosen to describe Caritas Westminster’s education curriculum – isn’t just about touching the walls of our locked churches to feel the presence of Jesus within, it’s about feeling the presence of God in the whole of the living world, accepting our complicity in structural sin and acting always with love.

Anthony Brown

FROM THE ARCHIVES:

JOB FOR THE BOY

A Comedy in Three Acts by Dennis Driscoll

The Hall Lowergate, Clitheroe, April 13^th – April 16^th 1955

“Job for the Boy”, the Lancashire comedy which the St Michael Players are presenting has special interest for local audiences.
It was written by Mr Denis Driscoll, a Blackburn man who was until recently manager of the Nelson branch of the Blackburn Trustee Savings Bank.
Many people will remember it being produced on T.V. a few months ago. Indeed, it was placed fifth by viewers among plays they liked best last year.

Characters

Patience Lomax (daughter)	Mary Dixon
Magie Lomax (mother)	Cecilia Speak
Walter Lomax (father)	Norman Cawley
Amos Entwistle (friend of Walter’s)	John Cowman
Dwight Shiner Schuleman (American)	Thomas Cowman
David Lomax (son)	Derrick Hutchinson
Lady Ariadne Crofield	Margaret Brown

Stage Manager	F.Lofthouse
Electrician	T.Smith (Senr)
Asst. Stage Managers	Miss R Jackson & P.Fehrenbach
Properties	Miss P Hargreaves
Make-up & Wardrobe	Miss E.Wright & Miss M.Tyrer
Secretary	J.Loynds
Set designed by	D.Kershaw
Business Manager	H.Sutcliffe

The report in the Clitheroe Advertiser and Times as follows:-

Clitheroe Players Shine In Lancashire Comedy

THIS “JOB” PUTS THE BLUES OUT OF WORK

Roars of laughter from an appreciative audience enjoying to the full the broad Lancashire comedy of Denis Driscoll’s “Job For The Boy” must have warmed the hearts of the St Michael’s Players on the opening night of their latest production at The Hall, Lowergate, on Wednesday.
And well they merited this spontaneous reaction to what without doubt must be one of the pleasantest jobs they have ever tackled.
The wholesome comedy, focussed on a Lancashire family’s domestic upheaval, swept through to the final curtain on a tide of laughter which flowed unceasingly from the opening scene.
No doubt, many of the audience must have seen this play on their T.V. screens – a comedy which was placed high in the list of T.V. plays most enjoyed by viewers.
The reception given to the local production was a just reward for a cast which so admirably captured the rich humours of many delightful situations.
The living room of the Lomax family’s abode, with its dresser, sofa and the ornamental knick-knacks of a typical Lancashire home, formed an effective background.
The arrival from London of the boy,” David, with a B.Sc. degree, creates a furore in the home when he announces his intention of “going down the pit” instead of, as his mother Maggie, expects, looking for a nice, clean “situation.”
Complications follow with the unexpected arrival of his titled lady friend, and an American stepson of a friend of Maggie’s.

Fitting into a role which was surely “made to measure” for him, Norman Cawley, as Walter, revelled in a perfect characterisation of an honest-to-goodness Lancashire family man, perfectly satisfied with his pope (when he eventually finds it) and his beloved hens, which he knows individually by name.
Maggie, his wife, confronted with the task of “putting up” her visitors, provides Cecilia Speak with scope for a well observed character study which rang consistently true.
As the unexpected guest of a family so obviously “Lancasheer,” Thomas Cowman as “Shiner,” survived the difficulties of having to sustain an American accent and with an attractive stage presence made a likeable figure of the Yank who captures the affections of both Walter and Maggie, and more particularly their daughter, Patience.

In the latter role, Mary Dixon, gives a wonderfully natural performance and making the most of a rich array of amusing situations adds to the comedy before she finally falls to the uninhibited advances of “Shiner.”
Margaret Brown brings a touch of the aristocracy to the scene as Lady Ariadne Crofield, in love with David and willing to give up her present manner of living for the more everyday life as the wife of a mining engineer. Her portrayal of the titled lady entering into the Lomax household busily engaged in preparing a “parlour tea” to celebrate David’s homecoming, was skilfully contrived and sincerely acted.
The “boy” himself, David was neatly played by Derrick Hutchinson, who showed himself more than equal to exacting demands of characterisation to create a natural and convincing study.
John Cowman, as Amos Entwistle, the cloth-capped friend of Walter Lomax showed a grand comedy sense and shared with Mr Cawley some of the play’s funniest moments.

Skilfully produced by Mrs M Bridge, the play reflected careful attention to detail and astute direction in the sure touch with which the humour was brought out to the full.
Praise is also due to the behind-the-scenes work of stage manager, Mr F.Lofthouse and his assistants, Miss R.Jackson and Mr P.Fehrenbach, Miss E.Wright and Miss M.Tyrer had charge of make-up and wardrobe, and others who contributed to the success of the production were T.Smith (senior, lighting, Miss P.Hargreaves, properties and Mr D Kershaw décor. Secretary was Mr J.Loynds, and business manager Mr H.Sutcliffe.

On the newsletter on 28^th June I included a report in the Advertiser and Times for a production of Cinderella from 1915 which was the earliest report I could find. I knew there were some productions prior to this dating from 1911. However a colleague of mine has found an advertisement for a production of “Castle – Spectre” from 1898. I will try and get some more information on this but in the meantime here is the advert – with some familiar names on.

5th July 2020 – Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary time

Again this past week there has been a steady flow of people coming into church for quiet prayer. It is good that we are able to open our doors and welcome people into church once again, even if it is at the moment only for one hour on weekdays, ant two hours on Saturdays. I know that those who have came along have been so grateful for this opportunity which is only possible because of the generosity of our voluntary stewards. Thank you to our stewards for all they are doing to help keep our church open and to keep all of us who come along, safe.

St. Michael and St. John’s is open for quiet prayer
Monday to Friday 11am till 12 noon.
Saturday 11am till 1pm.

We use the main doors for entering the church and the side door near the pulpit as an exit.
If you wish to light a candle then you must do this immediately before you leave church.
Once you have left church you must not come back in though the way out.
If you or any of your household present with any coronavirus symptoms then you must stay away.

A few people have been asking when we will be open for the celebration of Mass again. At this stage we are not ready, so please be patient. We will continue just to open for private prayer, before we eventually start to celebrate Mass during the week, then eventually at the weekend. But this will take time. When we do start having public Mass again, things will be different to what we have been used to. Stewards will be needed to show us to our places, then to clean the church after Mass. There will be no singing, no bidding prayers, no long sermons!!!, and Holy Communion will be distributed as you leave church at the end of Mass, with the stewards directing you out of your bench. We will remain seated all the way through Mass. Social distancing will have to be maintained at all times which means that the number of people in the church will be greatly reduced. The obligation to attend Sunday Mass does not apply in these times, so when we do start having Mass then we might all have to decide to come to Mass on just one of the days so as to give everyone the opportunity to come to Mass at some stage each week.
We will all have to rethink our familiar ways of doing things, and be generous in our response. A lot of thought and planning needs to go into all of this, but we will get there, and we have to be sure to get it right.
As Bishop John wrote to the clergy yesterday: The renewed lockdown in the City of Leicester gives us a clear reminder of the seriousness of the on-going pandemic and the lifting of just a few of the Government restrictions does not mean that we have left the dangers behind. While I sympathise with the impatience of many people to return to Mass, the crisis is not over and we need to continue to take every precaution, with the hope and expectation that we can return safely to our churches before too long.

There is much good news in today’s Gospel (Matthew 11: 25-30), which should help to sustain all of us who are anxious at this time, and perhaps particularly because of the pandemic. We’re told we can bring all our troubles to Jesus and find rest. So let us do just that, today and every day, because God will help us, he will always be there for us, he will make our burden light. We give thanks to God for his care and understanding, and patience.

As I celebrate Mass each morning in one of our three churches, I continue to remember all of you in my prayer and ask for God’s continued blessing on you and your families.
Take care and God Bless. Fr. Paul

Today’s Mass is from the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle A.

Weekdays Cycle 2
Divine Office Psalter week 2.

THANK YOU.
Mrs Jean Bentley would like to express her thanks for all the messages of sympathy, cards, prayers and mass offerings she has received following the death of her husband Dave.

THE RIBBLE VALLEY FOODBANK would like to thank all those still managing to donate food at the moment – we are very busy and your generosity is much appreciated. We are currently short of the following items: washing up liquid, washing powder/liquid, deodorants (male and female), sponge puddings, chocolate and sweets, and crisps and snacks. Our warehouse is currently open to receive donations on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10am – 12noon and on Friday 9am – 11am – please call us for directions. Thank you!
info@ribblevalley.foodbank.org.uk 07849 534431

Hear the words of Jesus and open your eyes and ears to those who suffer

If you’ve never experienced personally, or via a loved one, domestic violence, loneliness, depression or any or all those things, it’s hard to fully understand or fully emphasise with those whose lives are blighted with that kind of misery. It’s a feature of the human condition that empathy rarely comes without personal experience. Even personal experience of one type of trauma usually fails to bring empathy for something different. I remember hearing a long time ago that a person with a phobia of dogs was unlikely to have any more understanding than anyone else for someone with a phobia of cats. Yet the entirety of the gospels is a proclamation of the command to empathise with everyone.

When the picture of Alan Kurdi appeared in the newspapers people were struck by a harsh reality that had so far eluded them. In our parish, first the Clays and then many of our parishioners and local community responded with our Refugee Days Out, Refugee Come Dine with me, and English lessons. Alan Kurdi’s death has mobilised action throughout the nation but many are still blind to tragedies like Alan’s and ask: who are these refugees, where do they come from, how are they being funded?

Yet in the UK, and despite the “hostile environment”, refugees are lucky compared with many others hidden from us. In the UK there are 127,000 refugees and 45,000 asylum seekers. The latest estimate for slaves is 136,000 which is more than the number of refugees and three times the number of asylum seekers. A refugee has access to what every UK citizen is entitled to and an asylum seeker has some support and some hope. A slave has neither.

There is no slave equivalent of Alan Kurdi – no picture of the girl rescued from a London brothel whose DNA was found in finger nails embedded in the door she had tried to scratch her way out of in Belfast; or the man rescued from a newsagent’s shop in Blackburn with one leg shorter than the other because the trafficker had broken his leg and failed to take him to hospital. Yet these people ARE seen by the public or by the punters who use prostitutes caring not about whether the girls are willing or not.

Justin Welby has asked us to take off our blindfolds, open our eyes and see the crime hidden in plain sight, but more than that he says: “those who forcibly constrain, confine, traffick and enslave people will face the judgement of God for their terrible sin, yet even more serious is when we choose not to see, when as it were, we put on our own blindfolds because then we don’t see those around us held in slavery oppressed, trafficked in other people’s bars”.

Fr Gerald Wilberforce, great great grandson of William and a priest in Plymouth diocese says: “The truth is that slavery still exists. And to a large extent we are all complicit in this. We are all part of the same society and we are all responsible.”
If we care not for those born into this world, we care even less for those not yet born. Today I read on the Right to Life website that: Abortions, contraceptive devices and surgical sterilisation measures are being forced upon women in Xinjiang in an apparent attempt to limit the population of Muslim Uighurs.

At the end of last year, abortion was decriminalised in Northern Ireland which means in theory that a woman can have an abortion up to birth on request. In practice that won’t happen of course but –
• In Southern Ireland abortion is available up to birth when a woman threatens suicide;
• in China, Vietnam, Canada and eight North American states abortion is entirely decriminalised and a child can be aborted for any reason throughout the whole 9 months of pregnancy;
• 21 other North American states allow abortion up to birth when there is a risk to the life/health of the mother, in the case of rape/incest or if they baby has a possible life-limiting condition;
• Ireland, Great Britain, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Portugal, Austria, Switzerland, Russia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina allow abortion up to birth in one or more of the circumstances mentioned above;
• in Denmark and Macedonia abortions are also allowed up to birth if having a child is going to be a social/economic burden to the woman or in the case of a child pregnancy;
• a “partial birth abortion” of a live baby, fingers clenching, legs kicking, is too gross to describe.
Fr. Gerald Wilberforce whom we have seen as a champion of anti-slavery is also a champion of the pro-life movement. In 2018 he noted that: “with the passage of time we look back in horror at how we devalued human life [through slavery]. I truly believe we will look back in years to come, repent and ask forgiveness for what we let happen to the unborn child.”
Let us join Justin Welby and Gerald Wilberforce in opening our eyes and ears not only to slaves and the unborn but to all who suffer in our community and in the world.

Anthony Brown

FROM THE ARCHIVES:

Record of two meetings of the Parochial Church Council from 1946 and 1947
Minutes of a meeting held December 1946:
Present: Rev Fr Kemball, Mr Bush (chairman), Messrs. R.Briggs, T.Haslam, G.Pollard, P.Fullalove, T.Dobson, Mrs Wrigley, Mrs Fehrenbach, Miss Crompton, Miss Carter
Apologies for absence from Mr Leeming and Mrs Bush.
I. The minutes of the last meeting were accepted as read. Prop: Mr Fullalove, 2nd Mr Briggs
II. A letter from the Canteen Committee electing Mr Briggs as representative on Parochial Committee was read. It was agreed that Canteen Committee b3 asked that a representative other than Mr Briggs be elected as he already was the representative for the teachers.
III. Mr Briggs then gave a report of the Canteen, which he said was more of a social centre although the Canteen part was clearing expenses. The Balance Sheet for 6 weeks to Nov 8th showed a balance of £20. 1s. 9d. Proposed Mr Pollard 2nd Miss Carter that the report be accepted. Carried unanimously.
IV. It was reported that at the Polish Concert there was a lack of music stands and lights and shades for the orchestra. Those formerly used belonged to Mr Shaw. Mr Briggs suggested Parish get some of their own. Mr Haslam reported that stage equipment is obsolete, and advised that the whole stage be rewired. Using material from the air-raid shelters would make it less costly. Mr Briggs proposed that discussion about the matter be left to Fr Kemball and Mr Haslam. 2nd Mr Pollard and carried.
V. Mrs Wrigley reported that the Women’s Sodality wished the matter of the shortage of plates in the pot and pan room be brought up. It was suggested that Mr Leeming be approached about the matter.
VI. Mr Haslam wished for clarification of the minute regarding the Pool Fund. Min 8 1.2.46. Considerable discussion took place.
VII. Mr Haslam asked about dressing room for Pantomime. Two old dressing rooms available as part of Canteen must remain open.
VIII. Mr Haslam asked about Insurance and Compensation re. use of hall etc. Mr Dobson advised that a policy to cover all – audience, staff etc, be best. It was agreed that Fr Kemball and Mr Haslam make enquiries of Mr Marsland for approx. cost.
IX. Mr Bush tendered his resignation but unfortunately, the Secretary had left the meeting.

Minutes of meeting held January 17th 1947
Present: Reverend Fr Kemball, Mr Brown, Mr Briggs, Mrs Wrigley, Mr Fullalove, Mr Leeming, Mrs Bush, Mr Geldard and A.Crompton and Miss Brown.
1. In the absence of chairman (retired) and secretary, Mr Brown appointed temporary chairman and Miss Crompton temporary secretary for this meeting. Apologies for absence from Miss Carter and Mrs Fehrenbach (no longer representing Girls’ Club) Miss Brown welcomed to take her place.
2. Proposed Mr Briggs seconded Mr Geldard, that a letter of thanks be sent to Mr Bush for his services.
3. Mr Briggs proposed and Mr Geldard seconded, that minutes (after slight alteration and addition) were correct record.
4. Hall Secretary reported for November 5 Dances, 4 for school fund, one private. Caretakers Fees 5 @ 7/6d leaving a balance of £3. For December Balance Nil. January quiet but bookings for February.
5. Fr Kemball had been requested by Mr Luff (Bandmaster) to withhold booking a dance at the Hall on February 21st as the Borough Band, had a Benefit Dance in King Lane Hall that evening. Proposed Mr Briggs, seconded A.Crompton that the Panto Dance booked for that date be cancelled (carried unanimously).
6. Proposed Mr Briggs, seconded Mr Leeming that Annual General Meeting be held in the Hall Sunday February 2nd. Representative bodies be asked to send members to next ordinary meeting, date to be fixed at A.G.M.
7. Fr Kemball approached by U.N.A. Secretary Mr Hall to book the Hall for meeting on February 7th. Date already booked by Panto Society. Suggested that Fr Kemball contace Mr Hall to suggest alternative date, Sunday February 9th.
8. Mr Geldard re-suggested (matter brought before committee by Mr Haslam) that a central entertainments committee be formed. Mr Briggs proposed and Mr Geldard seconded that Wednesday 29th January be fixed for meeting in Library with two representatives from each body likely to use Hall for entertainment purposes. Members present guaranteed to notify those concerned.
9. Letter from Whitehall read recommended using alternative lighting facilities if cash electricity supply cut off. Candles to be placed in Hall permanently for the present or where needed.

ST HUBERT’S DUNSOP BRIDGE
August 1922 – The Rev Fr H Marshall of St Hubert’s Dunsop Bridge was a guest on the 12th August at the marriage of Prince Stephen Gustave de Croy, son of Prince and Princess de Croy and Soiree and Mlle Alyette de Pomeru daughter of the Marquis de Pomeru, Senator of the Seine Interieure and Marquese de Pomeru.

CORPUS CHRISTI JUNE 1941
There were a good number of visitors at Thorneyholme Dunsop Bridge last Sunday afternoon to take part in the annual procession in honour of the feast of Corpus Christi. A procession was formed of the cross bearer and acolytes, Knights of St Columba associated with St Michael & St John Clitheroe, children of St Hubert’s church, the girls strewing flower petals immediately before the Blessed Sacrament borne under a canopy. Other members of the congregation and visitors along with Sisters of Notre Dame (including some evacuated from Houses of the Order in distant parts of England) also took part. A route was taken across the lawns to an altar erected beneath the trees, prayers and hymns being said. The Rev Fr Ward preached a most striking sermon about the Feast and current times. Afterwards the service continued, the procession formed and wended the way back to the house chapel where another short service was held. The proceedings concluded with a hymn to Our Lady. Councillor J. Watson acted as leader, Fr Ward reciting the prayers and the Chaplain acting as celebrant.

28th June 2020 – Saints Peter and Paul

ON RE-OPENING CHURCHES:

The good news is that we can start to see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel! The Prime Minister announced that places of worship would be able to open for services once more after 4th July. But this will not happen immediately for most churches as lots of things need to be in place, and all requirements be able to be adhered to.

It is crucial to ensure that we are fully compliant in terms of social/physical distancing and to satisfy those governmental requirements which are designed to make safety paramount in public gatherings.

Bishop John wrote to the priests saying: “As I write this, we have now received the statement of Cardinal Vincent that churches may re-open for the public celebration of Mass and for other sacraments and liturgies from 4th July but we still await the directives from the Archbishops as to the practical requirements in doing so. It is important to accept immediately that not all churches will be able to open for Mass on that first day. Those not yet authorised to open for private prayer must wait until checks have been carried out.
There is no obligation for people to attend Mass at this time and the first priority for people must be safety and the avoidance of placing others at risk of contagion. Indeed, no churches will have the permitted capacity for large congregations for the time being. It would be a tragedy if, in the desire to attend Mass, we put people at risk and cause them to fall ill. The lifting of restrictions on lockdown in some other countries has not been successful and we must be patient. In all this, be encouraged to continue with prayer at home, using virtual participation at Mass where possible and strengthening that sense of “being Church” even while we cannot freely gather together. I am very grateful for people’s sensible response in these recent weeks and the energy shown in building the strength of community, personal contact and care.”

Bishop John.

St. Michael and St. John’s church is now open for quiet and private prayer.

Since we opened our doors for an hour each day, we have seen a steady trickle of people who have called in to church, and been delighted to have been able to do so.

Our thanks to the stewards, because without their help we would not be able to open, and thanks to all who have called into church, for adhering to the new way of doing things.

Once we open for Mass we will need many more stewards!

St. Michael and St. John’s is open for quiet prayer

Monday to Friday 11am till 12 noon.

Saturday 11am till 1pm.

We use the main doors for entering the church and the side door near the pulpit as an exit.

If you or any of your household present with any coronvirus symptoms then you must stay away.

I know that all of this is so different to what we have ever been used to, but needs must, and we must get this right and at the same time get used to this new way of doing things.

Over the next few weeks we will look toward opening the church for Mass first of all on weekdays, and then on Sundays, observing all the guidelines we are given and adhering to them rigidly. It is so important that we do not act too quickly and end up putting people’s lives at risk.

Yes, we do want to get back to Mass, and will do, but we must get this absolutely right, so we need to remain patient, keep praying we do get this right, and stay safe.

Will all churches open?

No, it may not be possible to open all our churches several named churches, spread around the Diocese will be open. Other churches will follow if they can fulfil the conditions for Full time security, cleanliness, social distancing and several other restrictions. For some churches it may not be possible for them to open at all, but we will ensure that churches that can open are available across the diocese.

But it is so good that we are able to come into our church again for prayer

This weekend we are celebrating the Solemnity of those two great saints, Peter our leader in faith, and Paul its fearless preacher.

Peter and Paul were both very different, and from very different backgrounds, but both called to do the Lord’s work. They kept the faith to the end.

We too are all so different, but it is the same Lord who empowers us to keep the faith; his faithfulness to us enables us to be faithful to him. The faithful witness of these two great saints speaks so clearly to us of the good Lord’s faithfulness to each one of us.

We give thanks for the gift of our faith and the witness of Peter and Paul, and as we thank God for his faithfulness to us, we pray for the grace to always remain faithful to him.

Faith of our fathers! holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death!

Have we become too pre-occupied with our concerns close to home to heed the needs of those far away?

This week I write about how one person can focus their compassion and make an enormous impact. She is called Samara Levy and works with Syrian refugees.

Over several years we sent knitwear to Syrian refugees in Turkey. The knitwear came from our parish knitters and a knitting group in Blackburn inspired by our action. Sending knitwear in suitcases became too expensive when Monarch ceased to allow our suitcases free passage and in 2018 we drove overland with a car crammed full.

With bedroom still piled high with blankets and baby wear we had to find somewhere else and turned to Samara.

Around Christmas 2013, Samara saw reports of Syrian refugee children in snow covered camps, wearing flip flops and summer clothes – the same clothes they had been wearing when they fled their homes in summer. Samara wanted to fill a lorry with clothes and shoes and the idea wouldn’t go away. Frustrated that her dream seemed impossible she prayed asking God to show her what to do. He replied: “Start collecting.”

But the difficulties of transportation remained and Samara kept praying with the question reframed in different ways. Always came the same answer: “Start collecting.” So she did.

In the end she had more than enough for a lorry, raised more money than she needed, and sent the lorry off. That one lorry turned into more than 100 lorries and containers in four years.

Hundreds of people from many different communities were involved and more than 350 churches across the UK organised collections. We took two car loads to Kendal.

When the Syrian authorities stopped the lorries coming Samara raised money for other ways of helping Syrian refugees. They provide medical and humanitarian aid via partners in Syria with a particular emphasis on orphans and widows. They have also provided four small emergency field hospitals in different locations. Samara’s aim is to demonstrate the unconditional love of God to people who are in desperate need.

I have spoken to Samara and she keeps me updated. Below is an extract from a recent email which struck me because it makes the same point about compassion that I made last week.

“How can I love him? I don’t even know his name!” This question, from an orphan at our singing group epitomises the reason we started our outreach centre.

Some of these children have been left with relatives who don’t want them, some have been abused, and all have suffered deep personal loss of at least one parent. These massive life events are deeply traumatising. The activities we run at the centre are wonderful, beautiful, challenging and fascinating, all at the same time.

The widows we work with have skills and personalities we can employ. With wages low and prices high many of the higher functioning mothers still rely on humanitarian aid to survive. By employing them we can pay a better salary – £115 per month without specialist skills – and help them while they and their children use our facilities and services. Many widows are forced to leave their children home alone while they work. Some are too young to be left alone.

We run structured weekly sessions for children including singing, music, art and crafts. Every single one was keen to do music and singing!
Our team begins each group session with a short talk about an important issue, like loving each other in spite of our differences.
As well as feeding the children we also give food parcels to the widows and guardians who are most vulnerable.
Whether a child is rich or poor, singing lifts the spirit. Music touches a part of our souls that few other things reach.

We live in a world where it is easy to hate someone you don’t know. But loving someone you don’t even know is a brand new, radical concept for many. If more of us could learn to love those we don’t know, instead of hating and judging them, the world would be a better place.

The Syrian war has been fuelled by the incitement of hatred, judgement and violence, especially towards other communities and faiths. If the cycle of violence and hate is to be broken, it needs to start in these children. They are the future of their nation, their community and the next generation.

Find out more about Samara at https://www.samarasaidappeal.org/

Anthony Brown

FROM THE ARCHIVES:

ENTERTAINMENT AT THE HALL 1911 – 1956

It is unclear as to when Shows/Pantomimes were first staged at the Hall, but what we can say for certain is that it was at least early in the 20^th Century. The first advertisement found in Clitheroe Local newspapers if for RED RIDING HOOD back in 1911, which was performed by the Catholic School Children. In January 1921 the Opera IL TRAVATORE was performed and later in that year in December CINDERELLA AND THE PRINCE was staged. THE CHATELAINE was performed in 1926.

Revues seem to have begun in 1927 with A CHRISTMAS HAMPER, followed by two more Revues in 1928 and 1929.

The more modern Pantomimes seem to have started in 1932 with a production of BABES IN THE WOOD, produced by Mrs Sherliker, followed by DICK WHITTINGTON in 1933, CINDERELLA in 1934, and ROBINSON CRUSOE in 1935. In 1936 a Revue was staged, with MOTHER GOOSE in 1937 and ALADDIN IN 1938. These carried on through the war years. No programmes for any of these productions have been found.

In 1947 the production was HUMPTY DUMPTY, the first one to be produced by Edmund Cambien, who went on to be the producer whilst still remaining one of the cast, together with Mrs Sherliker until THE QUEEN OF HEARTS in 1956, which sadly was the last one staged.

The following is a poster and report from the local paper The Clitheroe Times from 1915 relating to the production of Cinderella (CLITHEROE NEWS written in great detail – sadly something that is lacking in 2020 (Things ain’t what they used to be !!!)

THE HALL LOWERGATE

A Grand Operetta

entitled

CINDERELLA

(Words by A.J.Foxwell. Music by B.Mamsell Ramsey

Will be given by the Younger Members of SS Michael & John’s Congregation

TO=MORROW, Saturday 13th and

Monday, February 15th

Doors open each night at 7.15. to commence at 7.45

Admission: – Reserved Seats, 1/6d; Second Seats, 1/-; Third Seats, 6d

PLAN for Saturday Evening at the “TIMES’ Office

PLAN for Monday Evening at MISS EMBLEY’S, Catholic Repository, Lowergate

Tickets may be had from any Member of the Operetta or from the Secretaries,

MR J SHERLIKER, 61 Woone Lane and MR J.I.RUDD, Castle Street

SUPERB PRESENTATION AT THE HALL

The story of Cinderella is old, yet ever new. Perhaps the best known of all fairy stories, it never fails to fascinate the younger generation, and many who can no longer be accounted young find in it much to charm and admire. Much of course, depends on the telling of the story and one of the most effective ways of unfolding it was adopted at the Hall. Though necessarily elaborate it is well worth the trouble as the younger members of the SS Michael and John’s congregation convincingly proved last week-end.

These young players have a not insignificant reputation, and annually they make a venture which less ambitious people would hesitate to consider. There is nothing lacking in these performances, and the great enthusiasm of all concerned has much to do with the degree of excellence achieved. Also, the assured success has something to do with the enthusiasm. Scenery, dresses and players were alike—first rate in every detail.

In the first act, the scene is laid in the Market street. First there comes the proclamation by the Herald (Miss C Hardman) of the festivities in aid of the Princes’s birthday. The announcement is followed by the festivities and here are introduced four national dances. Misses N.Blackburn, N.Chippendale, A.Ince and M.Bailey went through a complicated movement without faltering and Misses M Sherliker and L.Sutcliffe gave a capital Irish jig. Misses E.Ward and C.Hardman were quite at ease in a Scotch reel and Misses A Turner and E.Dewhurst demurely went through a Welsh dance. All four were loudly encored. As a climax Britannia (Miss A.Latham) was effectively introduced, following which Misses Ward and C Hardman sang a pretty patriotic song

Act II, saw the story begin properly and it was carried through its well known states to its consummation with Cinderella as the bride of the Prince, to the great surprise and chagrin of her haughty step-mother and sisters. One or two further items are deserving of the highest praise. First, the beautiful floral dance by the fairies, who executed rhythmic movements with charm. Mention should also be made of the extremely effective ballroom scene, which would have done credit to a much more pretentious show. The dresses were beautiful and had obviously been selected with great card and judgment in order to make a brightly picturesque show.

Then it should be noted that the modern Cinderella concludes with ragtime. The wedding vow was made to the music and priest and all were “swinging to and fro.” The principals were all excellent Miss N Blackburn in the title role showed delightful versatility, and no fault could be found with Miss A Ince as stepmother, or with Misses L Sutcliffe and K.Dixon as daughters. The trio assumed the correct haughtiness and peevishness to perfection. To complete the family, Mr J.I Rudd as the poor baron, lived his part and his previous stage experience was valuable. Miss N.Chippendale made a correct Prince. The part became her. Miss C Hardman was a favourite as the herald, and Miss A.Jackson as fairy queen did all that was required of her without faltering. The operetta was replete with guards, pages, courtiers and citizens. All who took even a minor part did it well. All the singing was tuneful and bright. It was obvious that Misses Bennett and Chippendale and Mr R Jackson had willing and adaptable pupils and it is as certain that the trio combined initive skill and understanding with ready sympathy. The working of the scenery was judicious and effective that’s to Mr C Lockett. The other arrangements which showed considerable foresight, were a credit to the energetic secretaries (Messrs J Sherliker and J.I.Rudd) not to mention other excellent workers.

Announced for only two nights Saturday and Monday – when there were packed houses, a third performance on Tuesday was decided upon with quite satisfactory results.

A LETTER FROM THE TOWN CLERK G.HETHERINGTON, TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE, THE CASTLE, CLITHEROE, LANCASHIRE. TEL No 330 CLITHEROE

8^th October 1934

Mayoral attendance at S.S.Michael & John’s Church.

His Worship the Mayor (Mr Councillor R.Manley) has accepted the invitation of the Rector (the Rev.Fr.A.Kopp, S.J.) to attend divine service at S.S.Michael and John’s Church on Sunday evening next the 14^th instant, and trust that members and officials of the Council and its Committee will accompany him on this occasion.

The service will commence at 6.30p.m. and you are desired to attend at the Hall, Lowergate, not later than 6.10p.m.for the purpose of joining His Worship in procession to the Church.

In order that seating accommodation may be allocated it is necessary that you should inform me as early as possible whether you will be able to attend.

Yours faithfully.

G.Hetherington

Town Clerk

PLEASE: If anyone out there has anything they think would be of interest for this archive column relating to St Mary’s Sabden or St Hubert’s Dunsop Bridge please email to Janet on janet.clegg@dioceseofsalford.org.uk OR janegg@hotmail.co.uk

Thankyou

21st June 2020 – Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary time

Great News…

As from tomorrow, Monday 22^nd June, St. Michael and St. John’s church will be able to open its doors and welcome people back, for quiet and private prayer.

As you are aware whenever the church is open there must always be two stewards in the church who are able to direct people and also make sure that all the necessary requirements are being adhered to. They will also have the necessary antibacterial materials to wipe down benches as required. We have just had enough volunteers to enable us to open the church for private prayer at the following times: –

Monday to Friday 11am till 12 noon.

Saturday 11am till 1pm.

We will use the main doors for entering the church and the side door near the pulpit as an exit, and on entering and leaving you will be asked to sanitize your hands.
The doors will be left wide open during time for prayer.
A one way system will be in place inside the church.
You must keep social distancing.
Use only the benches that are not roped off.
We need to keep an atmosphere of complete silence at all times when in church.

If we are to continue to remain open, and hopefully at some future date increase the times of opening (with the help of more volunteers), it is important that we all follow the stewards directions and do what is being asked of us. By doing this we will not be putting ourselves or others at risk, and hopefully all stay safe.

If you or any of your household present with any coronavirus symptoms then you must stay away.

I know that all of this is so different to what we have ever been used to, but needs must, and we must get this right and at the same time get used to this new way of doing things.

But it is so good that we can come into our church again

Today is the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Sunday Mass readings are from Cycle B

Weekday readings are from Cycle 2. The Divine Office is from the Psalter week 4.

Feasts this week:

22nd June Saint John Fisher and Saint Thomas More: John was born at Beverley (Yorkshire) in 1469, and died at London on 22 June 1535. He was appointed bishop of Rochester and combined pastoral ministry with study and writing, especially in defence of Catholic doctrine. Thomas More was born in London in 1478, and died there on this day in 1535. An Oxford scholar and an incorruptible judge who served as Speaker and Lord Chancellor. Both were drawn into conflict with Henry VIII over his remarriage and papal supremacy. Both were imprisoned and beheaded for treason.

24^th June The Nativity of St. John the Baptist.

27th June Saint John Southworth: Samlesbury was the seat of the Southworth family, and John was born there in 1582. He trained in Douai, and returned to England in 1619, carrying out his missionary work in Lancashire. He was arrested in 1627 and imprisoned in Lancaster Castle, before being moved to London in 1630; there he was released on condition he left the country, but was found ministering to plague victims in London in 1636. Arrested again in 1654, aged 72, he was executed at Tyburn. His body lies in Westminster Cathedral.

Take care and keep well, Fr. Paul.

Building Compassion

We hear a lot about “mercy” in the bible, and in the Church, but a word that better captures the spirit of the ancient Hebrew is “compassion”. “Mercy” includes “compassion” but “compassion” is all-embracing and asks for us to understand and care for those we don’t like, those who haven’t wronged us and those we don’t even know. It isn’t easy to care for people we don’t like and it isn’t easy to feel the pain of those we have never met. Yet that is what Jesus commands us to do.

We learnt at school that God gave us free will and he commands us to use it to do what is right. Yet free will can feel so limited that we seem unable to fight our natural inclinations. As we go through life we never seem to break the patterns of weakness and transgression. It isn’t easy to feel compassion for those who have wronged us.

St Augustine taught that without God’s grace we could not prevail over the Devil. For a time and with limited success we can fight against our inclinations but without God’s grace we can’t change from “wanting” something to “not wanting” it. And even with God’s grace we have to work on it – to “flex the muscle and build up strength gradually” as a wise old priest once advised me in the confessional.

Leading a good life is all about compassion and being compassionate but first we have to understand compassion as the ancient Hebrews did; in a way that “mercy” and “love” never fully embrace. Compassion is recognising the suffering of others and taking action to help. “Action” takes compassion beyond empathy and Jesus teaches that we must have compassion for all.

During the Covid-19 lock down we have seen great acts of compassion. Hardship brings people together and Bishop John has said many times that this coming together and caring for everyone must continue as a New Normal when the lockdown comes to an end.

It was a month in Nepal in 2010, away from alcohol and living with some of the poorest people in the world, that changed me from “wanting” alcohol to “not wanting” it. When I returned to England the desire was much diminished and easy to fight. Over a few more months the desire went completely as did a habit of over 40 years. But the change in me was bigger than that. Satisfying an urge makes one inward looking and freedom from alcohol was a release in a much wider sense. I came to understand what St Augustine meant and I hope too that I became more compassionate.

A month in Nepal, trekking in the foothills of the Himalayas was a time for reflection and so too has this period of lockdown, away from the fetters and preoccupations of routines built up over years. I think we have all become more outward looking, reflected in more rather than less communication. Everyone seems to want to talk and to share more. Let us not move back.

We cannot change without the grace of God but even with the Grace of God we have to “flex the muscle” and as well as theology a little psychology helps. And when the lock-down is over we will have a head’s start.

I got the below from a recent article in The Psychologist and thought it worth sharing:

8 Practical Steps for building compassion

Learn about what compassion is, what it isn’t, and its benefits to yourself and others
Practice self-compassion. Recognise the inevitability of suffering, notice your own, and treat yourself with the same kindness, care and understanding you might treat another.
Listen with more empathy. Imagine things from another’s perspective and communicate this attempt at understanding.
Spend time during your day – perhaps during any mindfulness practice, or when travelling or working – silently wishing other people well, wishing them happiness and freedom from suffering.
In seated practice, cultivate feelings of compassion for things which are easy, for example, people you love, close friends and relatives, loved pets etc. Then extend this ‘circle of compassion ‘towards mere acquaintances and strangers. And then perhaps to people you actively dislike.
Increase your acts of kindness to others. Help people to do things that they cannot or might struggle to do for themselves. Try to be helpful, rather than harmful.
Try and shift from a self-focus to a systems-focus, recognising you as part of a much larger connected biological system in which cooperation commonly results in better outcomes.
Continuously hone your skills and abilities around noticing, approaching, alleviating and preventing suffering in yourself and others- such as non-judgement, empathy, distress tolerance, courage and technical helping skills

Anthony Brown

FROM THE ARCHIVES:

A report in one of the National Newspapers sometime in 1934 about Stanley House (not sure whether Daily Mail, Daily Express or Daily Despatch)

The Headlines – House ‘Seized’ by Couple at Night

-oOo-

CLAIM TO OWN IT

-oOo-

FURNITURE IN STREET

From our own correspondent

Clitheroe, Friday

A CROWD of several hundred people saw an extraordinary occurrence in Lowergate, Clitheroe, today, when household goods were removed from Stanley House, the former residence of Mr C.J.B.Trappes, which had been unoccupied for a long time.

The furniture was deposited in the street, and it was noticed that a feeble elderly woman was sitting on a rocking chair.

It is stated that the man who gave the name of “John Lomax” and his wife arrived in Clitheroe last night with their goods and established themselves in the house.

MAN’S CLAIM

The solicitor for the property owners’ was notified and the police were summoned, but the man declined to leave, claiming a legal right to the property as a descendant of an old Lancashire family of Lomax.

He and his wife were permitted to stay the night, but this afternoon, in the temporary absence of “Mr Lomax” who had gone to a shop in the town, his wife was led from the house and all the belongings were removed.

On his return, the man, seeing what had happened, excitedly addressed the crowd on what he considered were his rights to the property.

DEPARTURE IN CAR

He sent for his solicitor, who interviewed the representative of the property owners.

While this discussion, which lasted some time, was taking place, the woman was laid upon a couch in the street.

After the conference the claimant and his wife were taken away by a friend in a car and a van removed their goods.

**************

The following is a report from Clitheroe Advertizer and Times on 13^th November 1953:

Catholic Church Repairs Will Cost ‘At Least £5.000’

It was disclosed this week that Clitheroe Roman Catholics are faced with the task of raising at least £5,000 to repair the ravages of dry rot in the church of St Michael & St John in Lowergate.

Total cost may be as much as £10,000, the Rector Fr Robert Walmsley S.J. told a meeting of the men of the congregation on Sunday. He emphasised however that this was not a firm figure as the full extent of the damage could not yet be determined.

Evidence of damage was found some weeks ago, when it was thought the trouble was restricted to woodwork. But more extensive damage has now been revealed as a result of the survey by a diocesan architect. The rot has penetrated stonework on the north wall of the church.

Councillor C Chatburn has been appointed chairman of a committee appointed to deas with the financial problems of repairing the damage.

Said Councillor Chatburn: “At least £5,000 will be needed but an even biggar sum may be required. The full extent of the necessary repairs can be determined only as the work proceeds.”

Councillor Chatburn said a gift of £100 has already been received and members of the congregation have undertaken to make weekly contributions. Money raising contributions are being organised among them an autumn fayre on Saturday which yielded £303.

Every family in the parish is to be given envelopes to which all the wage-earning members are expected to contribute. They will be collected weekly. Secretary of the new committee is Mr P.Fullalove with Mr J Cowman treasurer.

Repair work is proceeding, but daily services are being held in the church.

Has anyone from either St Mary’s, Sabden or St Hubert’s, Dunsop Bridge anything they think may be of interest to publish under the Archives on our weekly newsletter?

Please email them to Janet on either

janet.clegg@dioceseofsalford.org.uk or janegg@hotmail.co.uk

Looking forward to hearing from you

14th June 2020 – Corpus Christi

I hope that you and your families are all keeping well at this time.

Last Wednesday, Mr. Ricky Davies (Diocese), Tony Hargan and myself, met together in St. Michael and St. John’s church (maintaining social distance) to do a Covid-19 Risk Assessment, and to see what measures need to be put in place so as to allow us to reopen our doors and enable people to come into church for silent and private prayer. As a parish we obviously have a duty of care to protect people from harm. This includes taking reasonable steps to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19 to those who enter our church building.

As I said last week, the opening of churches throughout the diocese will be a gradual process. We are among the first group of churches to be asked to open, more will eventually follow, until all churches that are considered safe to open, will do so, with the bishop’s consent.

Our meeting last Wednesday seemed to go well, and we have started the process, no church will be able to open its doors for private prayer unless it has enough ‘volunteer stewards’ with two being present whenever the church is open. I am so grateful to the 13 people who have offered their services in this essential role, more would of course be welcome.

The diocese will provide training and guidance for stewards, and we hope to be in touch with you very soon with all of this as well as all other information that will be needed.

We are moving forward as best we can, and in a way that will protect us all, including the stewards and the people who so much want to come into church to say a quiet prayer, but despite what you have read or heard on the news, we are not open yet!!

I will obviously keep you informed as and when we have any more information. For the time being we all need to be patient!

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, or as so many of us know it, Corpus Christi, is the Solemnity that we are celebrating today. Today, for me and I’m sure many others, brings back many wonderful memories of the day we received our First Holy Communion, as for me it was on the feast of Corpus Christi.

For all of us this is a day for us to remember, to give thanks, and to look forward to the time we can again receive Our Lord in Holy Communion.

Grant, O Lord, we pray,

that we may delight for all eternity

in that share in your divine life, which is foreshadowed in the present age

by our reception of your precious Body and Blood.

Who live and reign for ever and ever.

(from today’s Mass)

The Sacred Heart of Jesus. June is the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart, and next Friday is the feast.

Let us continue to place our trust in the Sacred Heart, and I’m sure we won’t go far wrong if we do!

‘Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in thee’.

Grant, we pray, almighty God,

that we, who glory in the heart of your beloved Son

and recall the wonders of his love for us,

may be made worthy to receive

an overflowing measure of grace

from the fount of heavenly gifts.

Through Christ our Lord

(from the Mass)

Lately Dead: We keep in prayer all who have died recently especially:
David (Dave) Bentley, aged 84 years
John Lawton aged 70 years – son of Barbara and the late Bernard Lawton

Take care and keep well, Fr. Paul.

The Act of Spiritual Communion, St Alphonsus

My Jesus, I believe that Thou art present in the Blessed Sacrament. I love Thee above all things and I desire Thee in my soul. Since I cannot now receive Thee come at least spiritually into my heart. As though you were already there, I embrace Thee and unite myself wholly to Thee; permit that I should never be separated from Thee. Amen.

GIFT AID ENVELOPES 2020/21:

We have had some enquiries regarding the new Gift Aid envelopes for the coming twelve months which commenced in April. All the packs of envelopes are ready for distribution. Unfortunately we are unable to issue them until we have had instructions from the diocese to do so in a safe way. Could all of those parishioners who are in touch and are keeping those members of our community who do not have access to the internet with news, please convey this message to them. Also for those of you who are putting their weekly offering aside at home, we ask you to continue doing so until we receive further instructions from the Diocese.

“When we emerge from this pandemic, we can’t just go back to what we have been doing before”

(Bishop John’s homily at the Mass for front line workers on June 5^th).

It is absolutely right that we show gratitude in this time of pandemic to all those who are working so hard to alleviate the sufferings of those who are ill. Primarily we are thinking of course of our health workers, people who are showing great courage and put themselves in danger in order to care for the sick. Because of their dedication many lives no doubt have been saved, because we celebrate and rejoice with one of the best systems in the world. So, we are right to give thanks, and to all those others who in this difficult time of exceptional behaviour and needs, have been tending to our needs by keeping supply lines open, and providing emergency services. It is right that we thank them, but I do not think we can stop there, can we?

In that responsorial psalm, the response was very clear, ‘Here I am Lord, I have come to do your will’. Might we dare to imagine what God’s will is in this time. What might he be prompting us to do and say and think about? Because it’s clear isn’t it, that when we emerge from this pandemic, that we can’t just go back to what we have been doing before and we have to face the world as it will be, changed. I think we are being prompted to think globally about so many things.

Pope Francis is very clear about this and I think it is one of the central qualities of what he teaches is that everything is connected, and you cannot see anything in isolation and say there’s a problem we will solve it. No, it is connected to so many other things. He has done wonderful things in prompting us to think globally about the environment, which is the care for our brothers and sisters and our common home, and I believe in this pandemic we are being asked to think globally about health and wellbeing, and the care we have for one another, connected with our environment but connected also with so many other issues.

We have a global problem of human trafficking, we have a global problem of modern slavery, we have a global problem of migration and refugees, and in these recent days we see that we still have a global problem when it comes to racism, that we have still not been able to accord people dignity for being who they are, regardless of their creed, their ethnicity, or their colour.

All these are problems that we need to face, and we will do so much more effectively if we do that globally, if we emerge from this pandemic thinking about the world in which we live and what we can do to make it a better place for all of us to thrive and have wellbeing.

So, let us turn this pandemic around. Yes, it is causing us so much distress, and we remember particularly the family and friends of those who have died in this very difficult time for bereavement. But let us turn it around so that we emerge with that global vision of all that we can do, of the resources that we have, and we see so much good work being done in exceptional circumstances by the volunteering that we see around us, by that care and compassion that people are showing to one another. Yes, we can build on that.

The Catholic Church has made a very big impact on our world in terms of health and wellbeing. There are over 5,000 hospitals around the world founded by the Church, there are 16,000 clinics around the world founded and funded by the Church, there are 16,300 Care Homes where people are cared for that are chronically sick and elderly. So much good work but more to be done. Can we knit those things together, can we connect those problems and difficulties and face them with our own good will and initiative? I believe that we can emerge from this with new priorities and that strength of serving one another. That service that we celebrate today in the life, the ministry, the death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ the eternal High Priest, who continues to serve us so that we might serve one another.

FROM THE ARCHIVES – Clitheroe Advertiser and Times

Pakistan Post for Clitheroe Missionary – 6^th November 1967

The Rev John Taylor youngest son of Mr & Mrs W Taylor, of 40 King Street, Clitheroe, who was ordained priest by His Eminence Cardinal Heenan in Westminster Cathedral in July, is shortly to take up an appointment as a Mill Hill missionary in the diocese of Rawalpindi, West Pakistan.

He will leave Clitheroe on January 17^th to sail from Venice two days later, and next Sunday a short mission service will be held at SS Michael & John’s Church at 3.30pm as a formal farewell to the parish.

Fr Taylor recently completed a course in the Urdu language at the Berlitz Language School, London.

He will arrive in Karachi at the beginning of February. Then will follow a 24 hour train journey inland to Rawalpindi city, where the Bishop, the Rt Rev N Hettinga, lives. The Bishop will show Father Taylor around the diocese and then give him an appointment to one of the mission stations.

John was educated at SS Michael & John’s School, Clitheroe and St Peter’s College, Freshfield and St Joseph’s College, Burn Hall, Durham (both minor seminaries of the mill Hill Missionaries). He then studied philosophy for four years at Mill Hill, London.

The diocese of Rawalpindi has a population of 13 million of whom about 50,000 are Christians. The remainder belong to the Moslem faith.

Apart from the normal parochial work among the Christian communities the work in the diocese is mainly what is called “pre-evangelisation work” preparing the ground for sowing the seed of the Gospel Message. The missionaries try to give a living witness to Christianity by preaching the Gospel by their actions rather than their words. They establish hospitals and schools, small industrial centres in poor villages, try to improve social and economic conditions, and thus show the people in practice what Christianity means.

The social and economic conditions in certain parts of the diocese can be described as a vicious circle. The people are illiterate and very poor and to better themselves they must be educated but they cannot afford to send their children to school.

The missionaries help them to build schools and provide them with teachers and, with financial assistance from Europe and America, are beginning to educate the younger generation and thus break the vicious circle.

Any missionary going to this diocese has, therefore to do educational, social and parochial work.

A number of languages are spoken in the diocese, especially in the rural areas, but Urdu and English are spoken by the literate people.

The climate is extremely hot in summer and quite cold in winder. The rainfall is rather low.

Father Taylor will get a leave in Europe after five years. He will then return for another spell of five years and so on.

Mass during the week at

10am Monday – Friday in Clitheroe. Wednesday 7pm Sabden Saturday 12 noon in Dunsop Bridge. St. Michael and St. John’s open for Private Prayer Saturday 11 – 12

Feasts this week:

From the Archives:

As from next Monday, 3rd August, we will start to have Mass during the week at

10am. Monday – Friday in Clitheroe.

Wednesdays 7pm Sabden

Saturdays at 12 noon in Dunsop Bridge.

St. Michael and St. John’s Saturday 11 – 12 open for Private Prayer

(No Sunday Masses for the time being)

IMPORTANT THINGS FOR US TO REMEMBER

“From 8th August face-coverings will be mandatory in indoor settings where people are likely to come into contact with others they do not know”.

This will obviously include whenever you come into church. So when we begin to once again celebrate public Mass from next Monday please remember to wear a mask (unless you are exempt for whatever reason)

Feasts this week:

“Each time you do an action to end the scandal of homelessness you are building up the Kingdom of God and the Lord will welcome you into the home that has been prepared for you in his father’s house” – (Fr Ged Murphy, Episcopal Vicar forCaritas Salford)

FROM THE SCHOOL LOG BOOK (GIRLS) 1886

IMPORTANT THINGS FOR US TO REMEMBER

LATELY DEAD:

Lourdes at Home – Friday 31st July – Tuesday 5th August.

Feasts this week:

Newts and Catholic Social Teaching

Report in the Clitheroe Advertizer and Times September 1956:

Compassion and forgiveness need humility

From the Archives

Love in a post Covid-19 and post Vatican II World

FROM THE ARCHIVES:

JOB FOR THE BOY

Clitheroe Players Shine In Lancashire Comedy

THIS “JOB” PUTS THE BLUES OUT OF WORK

Hear the words of Jesus and open your eyes and ears to those who suffer

FROM THE ARCHIVES:

ON RE-OPENING CHURCHES:

Faith of our fathers! holy faith! We will be true to thee till death!

Have we become too pre-occupied with our concerns close to home to heed the needs of those far away?

ENTERTAINMENT AT THE HALL 1911 – 1956

Great News…

Monday to Friday 11am till 12 noon.

Saturday 11am till 1pm.

But it is so good that we can come into our church again

Take care and keep well, Fr. Paul.

Building Compassion

“When we emerge from this pandemic, we can’t just go back to what we have been doing before”

FROM THE ARCHIVES – Clitheroe Advertiser and Times

10am Monday – Friday in Clitheroe.
Wednesday 7pm Sabden
Saturday 12 noon in Dunsop Bridge.
St. Michael and St. John’s open for Private Prayer
Saturday 11 – 12

As from next Monday, 3^rd August, we will start to have Mass during the week at

“From 8^th August face-coverings will be mandatory in indoor settings where people are likely to come into contact with others they do not know”.

This will obviously include whenever you come into church.
So when we begin to once again celebrate public Mass from next Monday
please remember to wear a mask
(unless you are exempt for whatever reason)

Lourdes at Home – Friday 31^st July – Tuesday 5^th August.

Faith of our fathers! holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death!