In or Out?

The Bishops of England and Wales have issued a message for the forthcoming Referendum. It runs as follows:

Reflecting on the forthcoming vote, we recognise the historic nature of this referendum and its implications for future generations. The outcome will have consequences for the future not only of the United Kingdom, but for Europe and for the world.

In our view, three things are essential:

• that we pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit;
• that we all inform ourselves of the arguments on both sides of the debate;
• that we each exercise our vote with a view to the common good of all.

The coming together of European countries in the aftermath of a catastrophic war was designed to bind together former combatants and the contribution of the European project to peace in Western Europe should be recognised. Pope Francis reminds us, in his address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg on 25 November 2014, that the ideals which shaped this European project from the beginning were peace, subsidiarity and solidarity. In the Treaty of Rome, trade was harnessed to peace. The peace achieved in Western Europe shows indeed how "our problems can become powerful forces for unity" (par 5). Our decision in the referendum should thus be taken in the context of how best we can promote justice and peace.

Our focus needs to be above all on the human person. We need to build a Europe "which revolves not around the economy but around the sacredness of the human person, around inalienable values" (par 37). We all have a responsibility to keep the dignity of the human person at the forefront of the debate. We must ask ourselves, in the face of every issue, what will best serve the dignity of all people both within Europe and beyond.

This referendum therefore is about much more than economics.

We must not forget the profoundly religious roots of European nations; that Europe has a two thousand year-old Christian culture that has shaped the continent and is a dynamic spiritual, moral and intellectual resource as we address the future. As Pope Francis reminds us, we need continually to ask ourselves: who is my neighbour? In response to grave challenges, we are called to be generous and welcoming to all others, especially the most vulnerable.

Each person will have their own views about the best political framework in which to realise these ideals. We acknowledge the justifiable concerns that many people have in relation to the European Union, its institutions and the implications of increasing integration.

This referendum is an opportunity to reflect on those values we cherish as a nation and as Catholics. High among these values are mutual respect and civility, vital in this national conversation about the very future of our nation within the world.

Prepare and Act

Before voting, ask yourself the following question:

How in the light of the Gospel, can my vote best serve the common good?

As you vote, you may wish to use this prayer:

"Lord, grant us wisdom that we may walk with integrity, guarding the path of justice, and knowing the protection of your loving care for all".

Holy Door

Gathering at the Martyrs Memorial

The Year of Mercy was inaugurated by Pope Francis. As part of the year, he asked every diocese throughout the world to establish a Holy Door. In crossing the threshold of this Door, the faithful are invited to open the door of their own hearts to God's mercy.

Last weekend, parishioners from St Joseph's joined about one hundred parishioners from other parts of the Diocese. We began our day by gathering at the Martyrs Memorial, and remembered those who cried out for God's Mercy as they were dragged up the hill and butchered on the hillside for their faith. 

We then formed a procession and prayed the Rosary, asking Our Lady to accompany us and to help us to understand the mercy of God, who stooped down into our world and took on our flesh, so that we may enter into His life.

Arriving at the Holy Door

Passing through the Door, the faithful gathered in the main body of the Cathedral. We sang together, professed our faith together, and listened to the Word of God, before taking the opportunity for confession.

It was a very blessed day, the sun shone, and more importantly, our hearts shone as we experienced the goodness of God's mercy.

The Deanery Clergy in all their finery!

Abaseen Foundation

Last night we were delighted to be able to host Helen Bingley and Jabien who came to speak to us about their work with the Abaseen Foundation. 'Abaseen' means 'Father of the rivers', a reference to the great river Indus whose source is found in the mountains where the Abaseen Foundation works in NW Pakistan.

The Abaseen Foundation seeks to make a difference to the marginalised communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhira. This part of Pakistan is to all intents and purposes 'stateless' with no welfare or education provision for the people. To the outside world, we think we know about this area and identify it with Taliban and Al Queda, but beneath this designation, lie a whole nexus of forgotten tribes and refugees from this war-torn area, many of them ophans from the conflict. In their poverty, whole families and children as young as 6 are caught up in indentured labour at the brick kilns with no hope of redemption. To give us an idea of the situation here, Helen shared with us some troubling statistics: average mortality age of 38 years old, 3% female literacy rate, and almost complete lack of medical care. Currently 67% of the children are severely malnourished with the associated effects of stunted growth and diminished cognitive function.

Deep in discussion.

The Foundation is seeking to alleviate the situation with the establishment of a hospital, water pumps, education with sports and vocational training, and food. In the recent earthquake, the Foundation was able to help with co-ordinating relief to isolated villages.

Helen and Jabien helped to open our eyes to this part of the world, to the troubling realities that we are not separate from, especially in light of our involvement in the military campaign in Afganistan which has left so much dislocation. We thank them for their wonderful work and inspiring witness.

Year of Mercy in Piccies

Hospice Masses

Just before Christmas last year, we celebrated Mass in the Hospice, inviting especially all those who had lost loved one's through the course of the year, and anointing the sick in our midst. It was a very well attended event, and we were made very welcome by the Hospice. Many of those attended asked that from time to time there would be other such celebrations.

With this in mind, there will be a Mass on Tuesday 26 July at 7pm on the feast of Ss Joachim and Anna. These saints were the parents of Mary and grandparents of Jesus, and in this Mass we will be celebrating and praying especially our grandparents. On Tuesday 18 October at 7pm on the feast of St Luke, who was a physician by trade, and emphasised the mercy of God in his Gospel, we will pray for the doctors, nurses, staff and patients of the Hospice. And on Wednesday 21 December at 7pm, the shortest day of the year, we will have once again, a Mass for the bereaved, for all those who have lost loved ones through the year. 

This year the Hospice is celebrating its 30th Anniversary, and we would like to remember the pioneering efforts of the likes of Sr Aine and Sr Callistus and the other sisters who helped to get the Hospice off the ground, and create the very special atmosphere of the place. Everyone is very welcome to attend the above celebrations of Mass and the refreshments and gathering afterwards. Our thanks once again to everyone at the Hospice for making us so welcome.

Welcome to Philip

Welcome to Philip Wrigley who has joined the parish and will be with us till the Summer, in preparation, God willing, for seminary. Philip was born and raised in Carlisle and has been working these past years in Preston Hospital as a technical support officer, maintaining the hospital computer systems. Before arriving here, Philip has spent seven months on a pastoral placement in Workington. During his time here, Philip will work in the schools, visit parishioners and help out in the parish and at the university.