parish in print

Parish InPrint St P ius X

G U I L D F O R D C A T H O L I C C H U R C H E S L a u s t a n C l o s e M e r r o w G u i l d f o r d S u r r e y G U 1 2 T S T : 0 1 4 8 3 5 7 2 6 0 5 E : s t p i u s x @ g u i l d f o r d c a t h o l i c c h u r c h e s . c o . u k W : w w w . s t p i u s x - g u i l d f o r d . c o . u k

Issue 48 AUTUMN/WINTER 2012

Diocese of Arundel & Brighton Golden Jubilee 2015

Blessed Pope John XXIII

A Jubilee for All Fifty years ago, the Catholic Church began a meeting which would change the world as well as the Church. In October 1962, the Second Vatican Council started in Rome. All the bishops of the Church, from every country, came to Rome for several weeks to pray and discuss how to guide the Church in its mission in the modern world.

Blessed Pope John XXIII, who called the Council, said he wanted to “open the windows” and let in the Holy Spirit. And the world was certainly watching and listening to what was said.

During the Council which lasted three years, our Diocese of Arundel and Brighton was born, a new local Church. So there is a special link between these two anniversaries, and a unique opportunity.

Special jubilees should be celebrated, and reaching 50 years is always special. So Bishop Kieran Conry has invited all of us to take part in a jubilee programme for the Diocese.

For many of us, the Diocese can seem rather remote – it is in our Parish where we experience the Church and belong to a community. But sometimes it is important to remember our wider family – and for these jubilees that’s not just our Diocese but the whole Church.

The Diocesan Jubilee Programme also fits with the Year of Faith which Pope Benedict has asked the global Catholic community to observe. It invites us to come together, learn about Vatican II and deepen our faith. The aim of the programme is that we will all “come to a better understanding of who we are as Church and what we are called to do so that we will bring about real change in the communities in which we live”.

In the Guildford Catholic parishes, this is not just an opportunity to grow individually but also offers a way we can grow together as a cluster of Churches. Each parish has its own life – but we share a mission to our town, and we can gain greatly from working together, learning from each other, and sharing our gifts.

A pilot programme is taking place in which around 25 people from all three parishes are working together to adapt discussion material for Guildford, prepare to lead small groups, and plan what will happen in the Spring.

(continues overleaf)

Parish InPrint Issue 48 Autumn/Winter 2012

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(continued from Page 1)

For more information about the Diocesan Jubilee Programme, visit: www.dabnet.org

In the new year, we will start to build up towards a series of six to seven meetings in each of the three Churches, on different nights or perhaps including an afternoon. This is where the big challenge lies: We want to see whether we can gather as many people as possible – including all those who perhaps come to Church but are not involved in any activities. These meetings truly are for everyone. During the meetings, first of all we’ll get to know each other better. But we’ll also learn about the Church’s teaching on some key themes. And we will pray together, in a range of different ways.

The first part of the Jubilee Programme will focus on liturgy. Everyone has ideas and thoughts about liturgy, because it is the activity that brings us together and binds us as a community of faith. We all need liturgy at key moments of our lives – the liturgy of Baptism when a child comes into the world, of Marriage when we make a lifelong commitment, and the consolation of the Eucharist at a Requiem Mass when we lose those we love and care for.

The liturgy is the source and the summit of the Church’s life. Through the liturgy the Church offers a living sacrifice of praise to God and so receives the grace to be the light of the world and to glorify the Father in the eyes of all. The Church’s liturgy consists of the Mass, the Sacraments and other rites, and daily prayer. (from the Catholic Bishops Conference for England and Wales www.cbcew.org.uk) So if you are involved in the Liturgy in any way, or have thought about ways the Liturgy could be better, or even been puzzled about what’s happening or why things have changed, these meetings are for you!

To make this Programme work, we need a lot of help. We need people who would like to • lead a group • help with practical organisation • offer hospitality • share their specialised skills such as IT and design

We hope all the parish groups will take part and encourage others to do so. We need people to spread the word and help ensure everyone feels invited.

To get involved in the Guildford Catholic Churches Jubilee Programme, please contact the St Pius X Office T: 01483 572605 or E: [email protected]

Patricia Jones


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In this Issue Diocese of Arundel & Brighton Golden Jubilee Page 2

Year of Faith: 11 October 2012 to 24 November 2013 Page 4

Called to Serve Page 5

Introducing… Page 6 Fr Alan Sharpe Page 6 Deacon Adrian Burnett Page 6

Congratulations to… Page 7 Bill & Nick Smyth Page 7 Paul Whitbourn OBE Page 7 Michael & Julia Steele Page 8 St Pius X Merrow Page 10

Faith Journeys Page 11 Baptisms and First Holy Communion Page 11 Marriages Page 12 Farewells and Obituaries Page 13

Martin Quigley RIP Page 13 John Hall RIP Page 14

Focus on… Page 15 St Pius X Baby & Toddler Group Page 15 Lourdes Pilgrimage Red Shirts Page 16 Guildford Street Angels Page 16 St Peter’s School Green Bus Service Page 17

Social Events Page 18 London 2012 Opening Ceremony Page 18 St Pius X Parish Ramblers Page 19 Tea at Tillings Page 19 Guyana Support Group Beetle Drive Page 20

Out and About Page 21 Happiness in Hérault Page 21 Being a London 2012 Games Maker Page 23 A Visit to Auschwitz Page 25

Mass Times Page 27

Jubilee Prayer Page 28


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Year of Faith: 11 October 2012 to 24 November 2013

Christ Pantokrator in Cefalu, Sicily

It is by believing with the heart that you are justified, and by making the declaration with your lips that you are saved. May the Year of Faith lead all believers to learn by heart the Creed and to say it every day as a prayer, so that the breathing agrees with the faith. From the Pastoral Aid for the Year of Faith (www.annusfidei.va)

The Year of Faith was declared by Pope Benedict XVI through his Apostolic Letter, Porta fidei, or Door of Faith, on 11th October 2011.

This auspicious event will present the opportunities for renewed conversions, exploration and profound understanding, in its entirety and splendour, of the foundation of the Christian faith.

…Faith is a gift to rediscover, to cultivate and to bear witness to because the Lord grants each one of us to live the beauty and joy of being Christians. (Homily on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, 2010)

The Year of Faith intends to make us credible and joyful witnesses to the Risen Lord in the world today – as examples that would lead many people to the “door of faith.” This “door” opens wide our gaze to Jesus Christ, ever present among us, showing us the art of living through an intense relationship with him.

Through his love, Jesus Christ attracts to himself the people of every generation: in every age he convokes the Church, entrusting her with the proclamation of the Gospel by a mandate that is ever new. Today too, there is a need for stronger ecclesial commitment to new evangelisation in order to rediscover the joy of believing and the enthusiasm for communicating the faith.” (Porta fidei)

The following are examples of how we may encounter Christ and provide opportunities to respond to the invitation of the Holy Father to live fully the Year of Faith as a special time of grace.

• Pilgrimages to the Holy See of St Peter and of the Holy Land, the place which first saw the presence of Jesus, our Saviour and Mary, his mother

• Devotions to Mary, model of the Church – through prayers, pilgrimages, celebrations and gatherings at major Marian shrines – in recognition of her special role in the mystery of salvation

• Study and meditate upon Pope Benedict XVI’s Apostolic Letter, Porta fidei

• Intensify the celebration of the faith in liturgy and participate more actively in the Mass

• Renew commitment to the Catechism of the Catholic Faith to contribute to the deepening of Catholic teaching in our homes and families

• Communicate your experience of faith and charity to our brothers and sisters of other religions, with those who do not believe, and with those who are just indifferent to share the news of salvation which is meant for every man

Faith is the lifelong companion that makes it possible to perceive, ever anew, the marvels that God works for us. Intent on gathering the signs of the times in the present of history, faith commits every one of us to become a living sign of the presence of the Risen Lord in the world. From Pastoral Recommendations for the Year of Faith given in Rome, at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, on 6th January 2012, the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord.

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/motu_proprio/documents/hf_ben-xvi_motu-proprio_20111011_porta-fidei_en.html


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Called to Serve:

Priests Deacons

Fr Colin Wolczak

Fr Stan Mycek

Fr Alex Hill

Fr Alan Sharpe

Rev Charles Parker

Rev John Lamb

Rev Adrian Burnett

Moderator c/o The Presbytery of the Parish of St Joseph 12 Eastgate Gardens GU1 4AZ T: 01483 562704 E: [email protected]

St Pius X Who’s Who

Tony Corning

Una Corning

Sue Richardson

VACANT Angela Sharpe

Michael Wheeler

PARISH CO-CHAIRS CHOIR COMMUNICATIONS ECUMENISM

FINANCE & PROPERTY

Sarah Beresford

Rev Adrian Burnett

Kate Carter

Laura Anderson

Bartek & Kasia Bankowski

VACANT

FORMATION

LITURGY Children’s Liturgy

Extra Ordinary Ministers’ Rota

MARRIAGE & FAMILY LIFE

PASTORAL CARE

Nicolas Holst

Michael Combes

Nicolas Holst & Alex Sarama

Michael Steele

Julia Steele

Aseel Gilbert

SOCIAL CONCERNS

Fairtrade Justice & Peace Group SOCIAL EVENTS GUILDFORD CHURCHES YOUTH COORINATOR


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Introducing…

Fr Alan Sharpe I have spent over forty years as a priest in the Church of England. During that time I married, produced five children who have subsequently have given me ten grandchildren. My wife, Susan, died fourteen years ago.

I have served four parishes in the south of England – including two years in a country parish with a house for duty - but never in Surrey.

During my country period it became very obvious that I needed to become a Catholic.

Last June Bishop Kieran ordained me into the Diaconate at St Pius X. A month later he ordained me into the priesthood at Worth Abbey.

So here I am! Many thanks for your welcome and kindness to me. Fr Alan Sharpe

Deacon Adrian Burnett

After a three year journey of Formation, the big day finally arrived when I was to be Ordained a Deacon for the Guildford Catholic Churches. This day was a truly wondrous day with the support of my family, friends, parishioners, priests from around the Diocese and our very own Clergy.

Now three months on I have been asked to reflect upon for new Ministry.

Over the past three months I have been asked “Do you feel like you have changed?” I suppose I sometimes think the answer to this question is “No” but truly I know that something has really changed and I feel truly blessed to be called to this most wonderful Ministry.

Since my Ordination I have been to Lourdes and served the pilgrimage as a Chaplain, served at the Altar and provided spiritual guidance for my Lourdes Group.

My service for the Parish has started slowly, with Fr Colin breaking me in gently.

The feeling I get when I kneel for the Consecration is almost indescribable, the closeness to this most special time during the celebration of the Mass.

I have now performed a number of Baptisms and I have to admit I have been very lucky as none of the children I have Baptised have cried!

This is a most special grace that I have been granted by God and I know that I will feel for ever joined to each child I baptise.

Well the gentle breaking in is slowly coming to the end and I have started working with Fr Alan with the children preparing for their First Holy Communion and starting work with the Liturgy Committee.

I would like to say a huge thank you to my Family for all their support and to all the parishioners in the Guildford Cluster for their really warm welcome to my new Ministry.

God Bless,

Adrian


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Congratulations to…

Bill & Nic Smyth

Bill and Nic Smyth celebrated their Diamond (60th) Wedding Anniversary in October. They have three children and seven grandchildren.

Bill and Nick were married in 1952 at the Church of St Mary of Angels in Worthing, the same Church where, 10 years later, Michael and Julia Steele were married. Is it a recipe for a happy marriage?

They have lived in their present house for 51 years. Their three children all attended Catholic schools, and daughters, Frances and Nell, were married in St Pius X Merrow.

For many years Bill and Nic went to Mass at St Mary's, Rydes Hill, but in 1974 they became parishioners of St Pius X. In 1984 Bill was received into the Catholic faith by Fr Christopher Benyon.

Bill trained as a civil engineer. He designed many bridges in Scotland, Ireland and England, and won many awards.

Nic was an English teacher. She taught in local educational establishments, including 18 years in Godalming College.

Nic was an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and served on the St Pius X Parish Pastoral Team. She helped with Confirmation classes alongside Michael Combes.

Bill and Nic say:

The Parish of St Pius X is a great place to belong to all these years.

Paul Whitbourn OBE Paul Whitbourn was awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours’ List 2012, the Queen’s Jubilee Year. Last April, Paul, along with his daughter, Tasha, went to Windsor Castle to receive the OBE from the Queen.

His mother, Anne, and family are very proud and honoured for him to have received this award in recognition of his charity work in Lourdes.

Paul has gone to Lourdes most years since he was 15 years old to help with the sick pilgrims, giving up his holiday time. He has awarded a special medal from the French authorities for 25 years’ service. In the last five years or so Paul spent about three weeks during the summer season in Lourdes, returning in October to close down things for the winter.

He was at the Holy Shrine during the flooding in October, following heavy rain. A number of his local friends’ businesses have been badly affected.

So please pray for them.

Stella Whitbourn


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Michael and Julia Steele

The 6.00pm Vigil Mass on Saturday, 11th August 2012, was a very special occasion.

Surrounded by family and friends, Michael and Julia Steele celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary.

They renewed their vows and received a blessing from Fr Colin.

Michael and Julia were married by Fr Brian O’Sullivan in Worthing. In 1976 they moved to Guildford where they immediately threw themselves into Church life and helping others.

Now in his role as Dean of Guildford, Fr Colin, acting on behalf of Bishop Kieran who was away on holiday, presented Michael and Julia each with a Diocesan St Philip Howard Medal for their services to the Church. Michael and Julia, you are such worthy recipients.

Congratulations to you both and a big thank you from the Parish and the wider community for all that you do. Anne Hoye

The lead up to our parents’ Golden Wedding Anniversary was a mixture of bickering and laughter – like most families I should imagine!

We went on a family holiday to Cornwall a few weeks before the Anniversary and had a lovely time dodging the showers and falling over each other (well, there were 14 of us!).

The conversation about the music playlist for the party was hysterical – which is hardly surprising when trying to cater for the tastes of ages between 7 and 75!

The party itself was all hands on deck and I want to say a huge thank you to the parishioners who helped out behind the scenes – I won’t name names but you know who you are.

However, I will name names for best barn dancers – Anne Hoye and Norman Barber dosey-doed the night away!

The St Philip Howard Medals that they were given to our parents were a lovely gesture by the Parish.

The look on their faces was priceless – a mixture of gratitude and horror!

My Mum and Dad do what they do for others because that is who they are. They do not feel that they are extraordinary or deserve any special recognition.

However, it is about time they realised how much they are appreciated! Anne Steele


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It was in January 2012 that Paul, Anne and I became aware of how quickly Mum and Dad’s 50th Wedding Anniversary was heading towards us.

Less than a year to go and we had nothing planned. We thought about golf clubs and hotels before realising that these venues just would not do. Their celebrations had to take place at St Pius X – the Parish to which they have been devoted since 1976.

This kicked off several loud discussions. Mum wanted a barn dance, Dad wanted a disco. In the end we had both. We children threatened to put ourselves up for adoption if they played “Lady in Red” as their first dance.

I don’t think that they noticed when the Chicken Dance and the Gay Gordons were quietly dropped. Well, I ask you!

It was a fabulous weekend for them. It all started with Mass on the Saturday evening where they were surrounded by family and friends. Two of their grandchildren even did readings without having their arms broken.

The biggest surprise of the Mass was when they were called forward to receive their St Philip Howard Medals. I could only see Mum’s expression but it looked like a mixture of astonishment and embarrassment at being acknowledged in this way.

How lovely that their devotion and many quiet works had been recognised. How wonderful that it should be in front of a loving and supportive Parish.

The party afterwards was a chance for them to let their hair down. Mum had been banned from the kitchen – which looks very swish now – and so they were able to enjoy their guests and the amazing food.

They weren’t aware that I was even going to give a speech – let alone do so accompanied by their baby photos. Fortunately Dad had had a glass or three of wine before I told the assembled company of his impoverished childhood in Yorkshire.

I finally got my own back for 18 years of Sunday lunch descriptions of the famous walk to school without shoes. I swear the walk got longer each time he told us about it.

Mum’s only reaction was “that could have been a lot worse. You forgot to mention...” So I duly noted that ready for their Diamond Wedding Anniversary.

I’ve been asked to write about their married life and how it is that they have been together for so long. What are their habits like that would drive someone else mad?

Well, Mum likes to rise early, come downstairs and turn on Radio 3. At that time of day the radio likes to specialise in music which features women shrieking. It may well be a beautiful sound but to the uneducated it sounds like a bag of cats being swung repeatedly against a wall. So Dad won’t get up until the fat lady has ceased to sing.

Dad, of course, suffers from chronic Sheffield Uniteditis – a delusional syndrome in which sufferers repeatedly make excuses for a poor performance and hope, mainly wrongly, for better things in the future.

So the secret to a long and happy marriage? Invest in a good pair of earplugs. Mary Steele


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St Pius X Merrow: Mayor’s Silver Award for Access The Mayor's Award for Access is given to those who have made a positive contribution to the lives of disabled people. It is presented by the Access Group for Guildford.

The Access Group for Guildford was set up in 1978 at a time when almost no legislation existed to protect disabled people. It represents a wide range of residents and includes elected councillors and officers from Guildford Borough Council and Surrey County Council.

Since the implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act, an organisation or provider of a service can face prosecution if their premises are inaccessible to those with disabilities.

Thus all organisations must take reasonable steps to ensure that as many disabled people as possible have full access to goods, services and places of interest. Improvements are not restricted to building access, they also include the introduction of additional features such as grab rails, touch legible signs, as well as visual and audio alarm systems.

From left: Una Corning, Jenny Teagle (seated), Mayor Jennifer Jordan and Michael Wheeler

This year, parishioner Judith Coslett nominated St Pius X Merrow in recognition of the accessibility of the Church and the Hall for those who are less able, as experienced by Judith’s father who comes with her to attend Mass each weekend. Our new Jefferies Hall was both designed and built by our contractors to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act.

Jenny Teagle, Chairman of the Access Group for Guildford, visited St Pius X with her motorised scooter to evaluate the level of accessibility provided by the Parish.

At the Award Ceremony, Jenny particularly remarked on the short pew arrangement at the front of the Church. This provides specific wheelchair space for the disabled, so that they may participate more fully in the celebration of Mass, rather than having to sit at the rear or sides of the Church, where both vision and sound are less favourable.

The short pew arrangement was suggested by Fr Alex Hill, who introduced it in his last parish in London. Thank you Fr Alex!

Jenny also commented on the Quiet Room where parents can sit with their young (sometimes restless) children. The dedicated audio-visual equipment in the Quiet Room enables parents to participate in the Mass because they can see and hear what is happening on the special TV screen.

So it was with much gratitude and delight that Michael Wheeler, St Pius X Finance & Property Coordinator, accepted the Access Group Silver Award on behalf of the Parish from the Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Jennifer Jordan, and Jenny Teagle. He added that audio-visual projection is used in the Church (with a feed in the Narthex) for those who might be visually impaired and a hearing loop to help those who suffer a loss of hearing. He also spoke of the lift access, which makes it much easier for wheelchair users to move through from the main body of the Church into the Hall. We thank Judith Coslett for nominating St Pius X Merrow and the Access Group for Guildford for giving the award to us!

The other winners are:

• West Horsley Methodist Church (Gold Award for Physical Access): improvements to their Church and the fundraising efforts made to do it

• Papercourt Sailing Club (Accessible Sport): teaching disabled people how to sail

• St Saviour’s Church Trekkers Group (Community Service Work): supporting parents of children with special needs

• Grace & Flavour: distribution of freshly-grown produce to the elderly at West Horsley

• Halow: ongoing support to young people with a learning disability

The Access Group for Guildford gives advice on designing an accessible environment. For more information call Jenny Teagle T: 01483 481101.

The Parish Pastoral Team welcomes suggestions on how we might continue to improve access. Una Corning


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Faith Journeys

Think how God loves

you! He calls you his own children and that is what you are.

1 John 3: 1

Welcome to... Lex Lasco Beasley, son of Jerome & Samantha

Lily Rose Cecchi, daughter of Paul & Louise

Thomas Ludwig Langton Cobbe, son of Henry & Maria and brother of Felix and Irene

Niamh Miah Davies, daughter of Benjamin & Claire and sister of Roisin

Ethan Tavanashe Dube, son of Clive & Noreen and brother of Stephannie

Delilah Hart Felton, daughter of Daniel & Sarah and sister of George

Isabelle Sophia and Lucas James Lallemand, children of Christopher & Vania and siblings of Daniel and Lara

Joseph and Luisa Niland, children of Christopher & Neula

Zara Louise Norman, daughter of Alexander & Jessica and sister of Harvey

Lucy Erin Pink, daughter of Andrew & Katharine

Alexander Edward Sherratt, son of Richard & Eva and brother of Sofia

Annabelle Kathryn and George Henry Stemp, twins of Jonathan & Susannah and grandchildren of Barry and the late Teresa Myers

Annabelle Freya Stevens, daughter of Michael & Jacinta and sister of Sophie and Annabelle

Joseph Thomas Webb, son of Andrew & Alison and brother of Eve Emma Katherine Wheatley, daughter of Robert & Sharon and sister of Erin

Please pray for...

The First Holy Communion children who receive the Sacrament for the first time on Saturday, 8th June 2013 Milly Anderson Felix Cookson Pippa Cookson Elizabeth Cooper Oscar Dunleavy Harriet Fowler Amy Gallagher Natalia Geen Jack Goldsack Aida Hanson

Thomas Jamieson Anna Jose Edward King Annabelle Kinnes Emily Leake Sophie Livermore Annabelle Mankabady Matthew Marshall Anna McCallion Isabel Moore

Patricia Pinat Alexander Pryke Arabella Richards Linnea Roberts Sofia Sherratt Leah Tubb Isabelle-Marie van Donk Olivia Walsh Katie Yellowlees


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Our newly-wed couple Lucia Wu and James Roach who were married at St Pius X by Fr Tim Hunting on 30th June. Lucia is the daughter of Stephen and Ming.

May God bless you and

grant you joy. May he deepen your

love for one another…

Prayer Through the Intercession of Saint Pius X O God who raised up Saint Pius X to be the chief shepherd of your flock and especially endowed him with devotion to the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar and zeal for your eternal truths and a love of the priesthood and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass grant, we beg of you, that we who venerate his memory on earth may enjoy his powerful intercession in heaven through Christ, our Lord. Amen.


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Farewell to... Martin Quigley RIP 28th September 1950 – 29th July 2012

John Hall Martin Quigley Jacques Jean Louis Thorpe Pamela Bowers Thorpe Monica Walters Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen

Martin was born in Belfast to lovely parents, Maureen and Joe, the oldest of eight children and followed by Paul, Gerry, Damien, Maureen, Marguerite and Timothy.

He grew up in Belfast, loving football and sport, and from eight years old, his very own team Manchester United.

At 17 years, just before going to Queens University, he met Jacquelyn (15 years) and he studied French & Spanish for four years.

With the uncertain times in Belfast, he and Jacquelyn decided to move to Guildford in 1972 for the summer and on 12th July this year, they had been here for 40 years.

Jacquelyn got a job with Cornhill Insurance after just two weeks. Three months later Martin was still looking for a job, so Jacquelyn asked her boss if there were any jobs for him. He started work at Cornhill in London, and worked for them for 34 years.

They went back to Belfast in 1974 and got married. In 1977 a beautiful daughter, Samantha Louise was born and in 1980, along came beautiful son Gareth Bruce.

Martin worked in London, Leatherhead, Guildford and in 1989, was asked if he and the family would like to go to Hong Kong.

They went for a week to visit and decided what an opportunity, and went on to travel the world, including Thailand, Australia, the Far East and America.

Martin took ill in 1991 with Myasthenia Gravis, and they returned to the UK in 1993, but his illness and subsequent illnesses were never far away. He retired at 54 years, not able to cope with travelling.

Sam married Paul in 2007, having two beautiful boys Daniel and Callum, who Martin adored.

Thankfully Gareth married Caroline in May 2012, and Martin was able to be there. But all was not at all well.

He was the most wonderful husband, father, grandfather and brother and just too young. Manchester United was his life and friends meant everything; you all know who you are and we miss him so much.


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John Hall RIP 8th March 1930 – 7th November 2012

John aboard “Astral Music”

John, Margaret and their family moved into the Parish in the mid- 1970’s. This was a time of revival in the Church following Vatican II and they shared with the enthusiasm of the Parish the prospect of the increased involvement of the laity. Soon after joining the Parish John got involved in a proposal to redevelop St Mary of Pity, Burpham, into a complex with a small Church and sheltered accommodation for aged parishioners.

It was an example of John’s vision being years ahead of his time. (The proposal was discontinued because it was thought to be unviable.)

About this time he donated a significant sum of money to the Parish to be used for the personal development of the laity. Known as “Project Catalyst”, this fund was used for a number of small projects. But sadly we never fulfilled his intended vision. In the end the balance was used to kick-start the Stewardship programme.

John was always open to discussion and debate and particularly sought spiritual nourishment. Often he would visit various people, usually on a Monday, to discuss his thoughts or to recommend a book which had challenged him, that meant others were challenged as well.

At that time he would generously take a number of us sailing in the Solent. Unlike many skippers I never recall him raising his voice even if things were going a bit pear-shaped. On occasions he would take sick parishioners for a gentle recuperative sail.

John and Bob aboard “Gorgeous Girl”

Having been made redundant in the mid-1990’s, John was the first of two people to offer me work. This was when I really began to appreciate his astute business brain.

I think I learnt more about business from John than in my previous 30 years. For all problems or opportunities there were alternative solutions and strategies which would unfold depending which way the arguments went.

John also had foresight. In 2000 he entered into a long-term arrangement to dispose of his business, his intention being to provide an on-going income for Margaret should he die.

Only now I realise that it was probably about this time that he first became aware of his cancer.

As his illness unfolded I was more and more impressed by his good humour, stoicism and his unfailing spiritual beliefs.

Until quite recently, when I was asked, how is John? I would answer, I do not really know. He was obviously very ill, but his whole demeanour made it difficult to assess how he actually was. It was a great blessing that he retained his fertile and agile brain to the end.

John died peacefully in his sleep on the night of the 7th November 2012. He leaves his wife Margaret and their three daughters (two sons predeceased him).

Bob Durston


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Focus On… St Pius X Baby and Toddler Group Over the last eight years I always enjoyed going to the old toddler group at St Pius X with my children.

We enjoyed many fun times and missed it when it closed down prior to the Jefferies Hall being rebuilt.

It is these happy memories that inspired me to start up a new group to make use of the amazing new Hall.

I am pleased to say that the Baby & Toddler Group has so far been very successful and in its first few sessions more than 25 families have joined in the fun on a Tuesday morning.

The Group has provided an opportunity for families to come together and for new friendships to be made.

Seeing the thriving Group has been a great reward for all the hard work put into setting it up.

I am grateful for the Parish’s generous contribution and the parishioners’ kind donations, which have enabled me to get the Group up and running.

Also I have a great team who are a tremendous help. It is a privilege to be able to use the Church facilities to truly benefit the local community.

In the long term we hope to be able to give something back to the Parish!

We still need some more helpers so if you can spare some time on a rota basis then please do let me know

Anna Calvert T: 01483 835489 E: anna@pendleconnections. co.uk


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Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes: The Redshirts Before I went to Lourdes as a Redshirt I didn't believe all the stories people told me of how amazing it was and how they were so glad they had done it. I just thought it would be cool but it was a Pilgrimage so I doubted it could be that good.

And then I went and even though the bus broke down and I suffered from lack of sleep, I loved every moment of it. I even found myself voluntarily waking up before 6.00am to go and lead the Stations of the Cross, and I am not a morning person!

The people are wonderful, I mean I'd met them like two times before but already we were great friends and I'm so happy that I got to share so many experiences with them and that I'm still in contact with them now.

The week was a good mix of laughter, friendship and a fair amount of spirituality.

The highlights to me have to be going on the train with the other pilgrims and their hospitality towards us (thinking we didn't have enough food so just handing us boxes of cakes); doing the red carpet where I just got to be happy and smiley to all these people and see them smile back at you; and even practicing some French with other pilgrims!

The only sad part is the fact that I'll never be able to go again as a Redshirt and spend another week with honestly the nicest people I have met!

Just while I can I would like to thank everyone in the Parish who helped pay towards me going and those who just wished that I had a good time, the fact that our Parish has a fund to help pay towards young people going as Redshirts was definitely the envy of all the other Redshirts! Emma Tarleton

January is the time to book a place on the Diocesan Pilgrimage Lourdes in July 2013 either as a helper or a Redshirt. More details from Julia Steele on T: 503875

Guildford Street Angels

Ten past four in the morning on a wet Saturday in October and I am on my way home and looking forward to getting to bed.

No, I have not been out clubbing but am at the end of my latest turn on the Street Angels rota!

The evening has been an interesting one. I spent it firstly getting to know the members of my team.


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Each year in October the new rota for the coming year comes into effect. During the past year we have inevitably lost team members for a variety of reasons – other commitments, illness, family moves and of course some Street Angels decide that they should leave after a number of years’ of service.

So new teams are formed, incorporating our newest members, who have just completed their training and been commissioned. This evening eight of us were on duty forming four teams.

As it was a wet night the streets were quieter than usual. I was paired with Tom, one of our new SAs experiencing his first evening out.

We took the opportunity to walk right round the areas we patrol, visit each club and say hello to the door staff.

We wandered, meeting young people enjoying a night out, sometimes they wanted to chat, sometimes not. As usual we received a number of “Hello, Street Angels you helped me, my mate, my sister, my brother, etc. etc. recently and I just wanted to say thanks”.

The you is anyone of the nearly 100 SAs in Guildford taking their turn once a month on either Friday, Saturday and Monday (student) evenings.

The evening found us dealing with four separate incidents concerning extremely drunk young people. Paramedics were called for two of them and they were taken to hospital. The other two were eventually able to get home with the assistance of their friends.

The team distributed a good number of lollies, which are always being asked for, and some flip-flops, which helped save some young women from very sore feet. We also kept an eye on the station as people get stranded having missed their train. All in a night’s work! And so to bed! Monica Rowden

St Peter’s School Green Bus Service In July 2011, Surrey County Council made the decision to withdraw the funding to all schools for coaches. With 700 families who use the St Peter’s School coach services an alternative had to be found and quickly.

The Green Bus Service – a company providing exceptional customer service and state-of-the-art transportation – was recommended to the School. Soon negotiations were under way to provide a bus service in time for the start of the new school year. In September, Norman Baker MP, Parliamentary Under-secretary of State for Transport, officially launched the Green Bus Service. The Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Jennifer Jordan, and the Mayor of Waverley, Councillor Tony Gordon-Smith, were among the plethora of guests at the launch.

Also present were Graham Elwood, Surrey County Councillor for Guildford East, and Keith Meldrum, Chair of the Merrow Residents Association, who work tirelessly to reduce the traffic congestion on the local roads and supported the School’s efforts to introduce a new bus service for the students.

Robert Guinea, Headteacher of St Peter’s said: Every Green Bus will bring up to 70 students by “public transport”. This makes great sense for the environment and will go a long way to preventing gridlock on the local roads... I hope many other schools follow our example.’ Tania Cantoni


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SOCIAL EVENTS

London 2012 Opening Ceremony One of the most exciting events that this country has seen in recent years led to a great evening’s entertainment in the new Jefferies Hall on Friday, 27th July 2012.

More than 70 parishioners joined together as a community to watch the live transmission of the spectacular Olympics Opening Ceremony on our giant projector screen from 7.30pm until late.

Logo by Alexander Pettipher

The added humour of the Queen’s cameo with James Bond and her “sky dive” into the Olympics Stadium, as well as the performance of “Mr Bean”, reduced many in the audience to tears of laughter.

Photo courtesy of www.london2012.com

We shared in a lovely supper with contributions from the attendees, as well as light bites of fish & chips or pizza prepared in the kitchen by the wonderful Stella Brereton, Betty Maconachie and Maureen Durston.

It was a really great evening, with a terrific atmosphere and thank you to all of those who helped set and clear up afterwards!


One of the things that struck us most about the Olympics was the army of volunteers who took their places, as “Games Makers”.

These volunteers gave their time freely, with the briefing from the London 2012 Organising Committee to be “inspirational, open, respectful, team-focused, distinctive and have a 'can do' attitude”.

Well, it worked! It was wonderful to see smiling faces welcoming and helping those who were fortunate enough to go to any of the events, showing a very positive and different side to that painted by the newspaper headlines of the Summer 2011 riots.


Our Parish was represented in this body of volunteers by Christine and Simon Learoyd, who worked at Heathrow welcoming the competitors as they arrived into the UK; and Teresa Male who worked in the Olympic Village. (See Being a Games Maker by Teresa Male on page ?)

Christine and Simon said the experience was fantastic, even though they had some very early, bleary-eyed, morning starts to get to Heathrow before the first flights of the day arrived.

In many ways, the Games Makers represent what many parishes share already: volunteers who give their time so willingly, but whose real contribution might go unnoticed in the general hubbub of parish life. We can’t express our thanks enough to them.

Thank you also to all of those who show the real love and welcome of this Community by smiling and welcoming anyone who might be new to the Parish or a visitor. It makes such a difference when people smile and make the first approach.

The Community of St Pius X could definitely do with more like them, particularly to help those who have served for so long and might want, or need, a break.

Thus we will be leading an appeal at the beginning of Advent, as a New Year in the Church begins, to ask you what time you might be able to give as your gift to this Community, whether it be a matter of minutes, an hour or more, annually, monthly or weekly.

More people offering their time will mean that the burden is shared. Please reflect upon this – your help will be greatly appreciated! Una Corning


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St Pius X Parish Ramblers We are now almost completing our 37th year of St Pius X Parish Rambling around Surrey and the surrounding counties.

Last June 25 parishioners joined the group for walks during a weekend at Hailsham, East Sussex.

Sixteen miles were completed over the three days with some challenging escapades, direction-finding manoeuvres and cattle-inquisitive looks, capped with local refreshments at relevant hostelries during the lunchtime breaks.

In the evenings we all dined together with those of us who had been seeking more leisurely pursuits during our stay.

Michelham Priory 2012

The dates for 2013 weekend will be the 14th to16th June and will most likely be in Wiltshire.

The St Pius X Ramblers meet at the Church car park on the fourth Sunday of the month at 1.30pm during the Winter months and 2.00pm during Spring, Summer and Autumn.

Family's and teenagers are particularly welcome. Why not give it a go?

The Gentleman’s Walking Group meets at the Church car park every Wednesday at 9.30am for a 4-5 mile walk followed by a pub lunch if desired.

There is no excuse at St Pius X to miss out on exercise! George Cranstone

Tea at Tillings

Photo by Wadey James

On Monday, 6th August, twenty-five ladies enjoyed afternoon tea at Tillings, Gomshall.

Having decided what sort of tea we would all like to drink we were presented with a tiered stand of delicious sandwiches, bite size portions of quiche, pizza & dips.

This was followed by homemade cakes and scones with jam and cream. The staff couldn't have been more obliging and a good time was had by all even though our waist lines may never be the same again!


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Guyana Support Group Beetle Drive

On Saturday, 20th October, 40 parishioners joined in a fast-paced, hilarious and competitive Beetle Drive to raise funds for the Children’s Feeding Programme* at our twin parish of St Pius X in Georgetown, Guyana.

Steve Rowden helped organize the event, together with his loyal team of volunteer supporters, who set up the Hall and provided a lovely Ploughman’s Supper which helped feed the hunger of the competitive participants.

The evening was led by Chris and Phil Mitchell, whose careful organization of the table and competitors helped bring order to proceedings.

Chris, Phil and Steve

The title, Beetle Drive, does not necessarily convey the whole content of the game, though it gives a good clue! It involves tables of four people, paired in twos, who work together as a team to help build the head, body, six legs, tail, two eyes and two antennae, by throwing dice to achieve the relevant scores for each part, whilst drawing the beetle as it grows on a piece of paper.

Once a pair has drawn a full beetle and shouted “beetle”, the game is halted so each competitor can add up all the parts of their particular Beetle to reach an individual total score.

Then each winning pair moves to the next table, but change partners on arriving at the new table.

About 8 to 12 rounds are played in total, and at the end, all competitors add up their round scores to determine the winner.

Beetle!

It is fast, furious and great fun, as everyone moves around the tables, meeting new people, particularly when they realise that the faster and more smoothly they can throw the dice, without it spinning too much or flying onto the floor, means they have a better chance of building their beetle!

The overall winner, Teresa, with Phil Teresa Burby was the overall winner of the evening, with a grand total of 170 of a possible 200 total score. Many thanks to everyone who supported the event. Una Corning

*Starting at 6.00am each school morning a group of volunteers cook a nutritious meal for up to 100 children aged 6 to 14 years. On their way to school the children collect their meal from the church kitchen. Possibly their only meal for the day.

Since 1991, the generous support of parishioners raised over £35,000 for the Guyana Support Group.


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OUT AND ABOUT

Happiness in Hérault … or… the Fowlers in France! As some of you may already know, Dave and I recently took our girls, Jessica (10), Emily (9) and Harriet (7) to the South of France where we spent a year immersed in French life, culture and, of course, language. I’ve been asked to write a few words about our time away but do be warned - I am no Peter Mayle and it was not Provence!

For about ten years, we had wanted to spend a year or so in the South of France with the family we hoped we would have.

In 2011, when our little family was still at primary school, we had the chance to go so we took it. We didn’t really know where to live except that we were after a place in the sun, near the sea and sandy beaches, near-ish the mountains and near-ish an ice ink!

After a bit of homework we narrowed it down to our home, or should I say homes in: Pinet and Marseillan, 8km apart in the Hérault Département (34) in the Languedoc-Roussillon region.

Pinet is an old and beautiful village and we lived right in its centre, five paces from St Siméon’s Church with its “really pointy spire” and quirky bells. We could tell the time when we were splashing in the pool because they rang out roughly eight times an hour, just before and just after each quarter hour!

The Pinet Parish was incredibly welcoming and pretty soon after we’d arrived, they invited us all to the leaving-do of their departing priest and then to the welcoming party of their new priest.

Despite its size – and it is tiny – Pinet has more to it than meets the eye because, unbeknown to us at first, it is the home of Picpoul de Pinet, a lovely dry white wine which is delicious with the local seafood.

Although “man shall not live on bread [and wine] alone”, in Pinet with its two boulangeries and the gorgeous Picpoul, you can certainly have fun trying.

It was in Marseillan, however, that our year-long adventure really got going.

Marseillan claims to be the oldest village in France, founded at the same time as Marseille (the oldest city) and Agde (the oldest town). Its historic centre and beautiful port on the Thau lagoon, a huge expanse of saltwater which is sheltered from the Mediterranean by a strip of land, would usually be enough on their own. However, nearby, there are roughly eight kilometres of sandy beaches stretching down the Mediterranean Sea. Gorgeous.

The year was full of fun and firsts. Jessica and Emily were taught to sail in their PE lessons, we all learnt to ski and made the most of the mountains by going six times – a bit excessive but we’d never been before and would never have the chance to do it like that again.

All this activity was against a backdrop of community and belonging. Although Marseillan Parish itself was not very hands on, we got involved in whatever we could in the area and were treated warmly pretty much wherever we went: the girls’ primary school, our immediate neighbours and the wider community in our mini housing estate, Marseillan’s numerous carnivals and parades and even, simply, the Mairie (town hall) and the village shops.

Tourism there is plentiful and English-speakers are common in season, but I guess enough people got to recognise that we were doing things beyond the usual tourist activity so we were truly treated as though we belonged.

Throughout the year there are numerous events in Marseillan and in our year the Christmas activities were particularly special.

All three girls took part in the Christmas parade, in their made-to-measure angel costumes complete with halos and wings.

The village’s Nativity Scene was an equally lively affair which had been fittingly set up in the cobbled-covered mini-square just around the corner from the Church.


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The figures were all virtually life-size and many of the animals were real, although they hadn’t tried to stretch to live camels! Everyone marvelled at the donkey, goats, chickens and sheep around the crib as well as the odd wild bird who flew in to check out the proceedings!

We also had another first during our French Christmas - fireworks. The display was from the Church steeple late on 23rd December: very different, very atmospheric, especially on what was a clear calm evening.

The predictable good weather makes such a difference to people’s attitudes. Events and parties were held outdoors all the time during late Spring and Summer because they could be.

We went to a number of fêtes where trestle tables appeared in quadrangles, sports’ pitches or roads and the world sat down to eat, drink and just enjoy each other’s company.

It was a truly odd and wonderful feeling to be sitting in the middle of the road, drinking wine and sharing food with a group of strangers who were as keen to know you as you were them.

Towards the end of our stay, the five of us embarked on one of the highlights of the year for me - our mini pilgrimage to Lourdes. It was our first visit and we were not particularly sure how to best use our limited time but we had a two-day stay over Saturday/ Sunday so that we could be part of the dusk procession at 9.00 pm and the International Mass on the Sunday.

I had no idea what to expect except that it would be extremely special. It was and the sense of divine inspiration and calm which you could feel all around you within this disparate but united community made it a truly fitting note on which to end our year away.

Having returned, however, the feeling of belonging continues and at times has been quite overwhelming. We were extremely touched when we left in August 2011 by Fr Alex’s kind words at our last Mass and the Parish Blessing before we left. What a wonderful way to leave. However, our return has been no different and I continue to be surprised by the warmth and affection the Parish has shown. Not only were we spotted as soon as we returned back to mass but we continue to be greeted at church and parish events by people who ask after us and want to catch up with our news. Thank you. It’s good to be home. Susanna Fowler

A quick straw poll from the girls on their highlights in France:

Jessica • The Fête des Voisins (the

neighbourhood street party which was held “just because”)

• Winning a live chicken (which is now living with our friends in Pinet)

• The children’s lantern processions in the Marseillan night parades

Emily • Aqualand, a water-based

theme park which was pure fun

• A pool in the garden and the weather to use it

• Quite simply, the sun

Harriet • Having a best friend from

school, who lives next door

• Being an angel in the Christmas parade


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Being a London 2012 Games Maker I love sport, particularly athletics, and knew that I wanted to be part of the Olympics in some way when it was announced that it was coming to London in 2012.

In 2010, along with 250,000 other people, I applied to be a volunteer or "Games Maker" despite having no idea what it might entail!

I heard nothing more until November 2011 (by which time I had completely forgotten about it) when I was called for an interview in London.

Two weeks later I was thrilled, if not confused, to be offered a role in the Security Team. I have no idea how my teaching career and previous volunteering experience qualified me for “security”.

There were three training sessions in various parts of London but until the final session at the almost-finished Olympic Park, I still felt pretty clueless about what I was expected to do.

Then there were two trips to an enormous warehouse in Canning Town to collect my uniform and accreditation… two trips because I got lost on the first one and arrived after the Centre had closed, not an auspicious start. The sheer scale of the whole operation was astounding.

On arrival at Stratford station for my first shift, I felt very conspicuous in my “aubergine and poppy” uniform. Suddenly there were aubergine-&-poppy-clad people everywhere whizzing around purposefully, all knowing where to go!

I found my way to register at Cherry Park and was then allocated to a team of ten.

We were a very mixed bag, ages ranging from 18 to 72, and from all over the country. We were then taken through security for the first time - just like at the airport - but now as workforce. It was then I truly realized I was part of something BIG.

I remained on workforce security: checking bags, managing queues, loading bags through the x-ray machines and explaining to stroppy TV people that “yes I appreciate you are working but you still cannot take more than 100ml of liquid into the park”.

My shift started at one o’clock so a tea break at three thirty was very welcome as the flow of people through our lane had been relentless. It was then that I was first able to enter the Park proper and see it in action.

Although I had been to the Park during training, to see it now, landscaped, heaving with people and with cheering resounding from the Aquatic Centre, was stunning. I wandered around with a young student, here from India on a work placement, who just kept repeating, “It’s amazing, I can’t believe I’m here”.

I felt so elated to be part of it and so proud that, despite all the doubts beforehand, it seemed as if London 2012 really was going to be what we had hoped for… or even better.

Over the Olympics and then the Paralympics I worked 11 shifts, all of which I enjoyed immensely.

Actually I lie, on the first Friday of the Paralympics I was sent to a little-used gate on the other side of the Park. The rain was pouring, gales blowing and we checked a mere ten tickets all morning. Nevertheless, the camaraderie amongst the team of six Games Makers and the much-criticized G4S staff was great and we all had a good time.

Rarely did we have to deal with any people being “difficult”. Our partners from the Forces stepped in and sorted any arguments.

The teamwork by everyone from the highest ranking officer in the MOD to the somewhat scary looking armed police, to the youngest Games Maker was fantastic. Even London Mayor Boris Johnson came round (through the General Public’s Gate) to see how things were going and congratulated everyone.


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It wasn’t at all difficult to make an extra effort to support/help people as the party atmosphere and desire to have a good time was infectious.

As a family we had been unsuccessful in getting tickets for any event in the Olympic Park.

But during the Paralympics I was lucky enough to be given tickets on a couple of occasions (by the kind people who had spares and handed them in at the gates) to the Stadium where I saw David Weir winning one of his medals.

I directed Ken Livingstone through security but didn’t have the nerve to ask to see Boris’ ticket!

Once everyone was in we wandered to the workforce tent to have dinner and listen to the closing ceremony music whilst recalling how much we’d enjoyed ourselves.

We all agreed we’d rarely worked so hard, smiled and laughed so much and talked to such a variety of different people. The aching feet (and occasionally aching smile muscles) had been well worth it and we really had been part of the “greatest show on earth”.

Teresa Male

I screamed Peacock, Peacock with 80,000 others until we were rewarded by seeing him take gold. What a night!

People were chatting to each other on the tube and I was thanked repeatedly for my contribution as a Games Maker. I felt like I had won a medal!

My last shift was for the Closing Ceremony of the Paralympics. I was checking tickets beside the Olympic Family Gate. In swept many celebrities, all remarkably friendly (well with one or two exceptions).

Did you know… • London became the first city to host the modern Olympic Games three times (1908, 1948 and 2012)

• Prior to construction of the wave-like Aquatics Centre, an archaeological survey unearthed an Iron Age burial ground on the site and four skeletons were carefully excavated

• The roof of the Olympic Stadium is made up of 112 PVC panels which were fitted by a crack team of 23 abseilers.

• The controversial product of a collaboration between Turner-prize winning artist Anish Kapoor and engineer Cecil Balmond, the ArcelorMittal Orbit tower was built using 60% scrap metal and was bolted together by just three men. The twisted mass of scarlet steel contorts its way to a height of 115m (22m higher than the Statue of Liberty and 205m shorter than the Eiffel Tower), making it the tallest sculpture in the UK

• The 8,000 perforated circles on the 2012 Olympic torch represent the 8,000 people who carried the flame around the UK

• Each gold medal was made up of only 1.34% gold, 92.5% is silver and the rest is copper

• Synchronised swimming and rhythmic gymnastics are the only two sports in which men did not compete at the 2012 Games


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Visit to Auschwitz: 18 October 2012

“Labour Makes (you) Free”

It was an unseasonally warm morning at Auschwitz-Birkenau, Poland, on the 18th October – weather not fitting for visiting the greatest symbol of prejudice and intolerance the world has ever encountered.

I came to Auschwitz through The Holocaust Educational Trust’s “Lessons from Auschwitz” Project. The Trust plays a central role in combating anti-Semitism, racism and prejudice in our society today, their work ensuring the Holocaust has a permanent place in our nation’s collective memory.

Connor Taylor and I – students at St Peter’s Catholic School in Guildford – were part of 200 sixth form students from across the UK that flew out to Kraków Airport to witness the site of 1.5 million deaths – a number so large that it is almost incomprehensible.

To many this is just a number - viewing family pictures, children’s shoes and day-to-day objects brought home the fact that these were real people with real lives, families and careers.

Brushes of the victims

For many, the reason for being sent to Auschwitz was simply the fact they were born. One million Jews killed by the Nazis were sent to their deaths for being born into a religion they did not even choose.

Suitcases and baskets

I was horrified at the sub-human way victims were sorted and ruthlessly taken to the gas chambers as soon as they arrived at the death camp.

One of the most poignant moments was seeing thousands of Jewish children's shoes piled up, a reminder of industrial-scale child murder which led me to question how humanity can be so cruel.

Shoes of the victims

I have always been captivated by History and my particular interest in WWII can no doubt be attributed to my Polish heritage.

My grandmother was sent to the notorious Ravensbrück Concen-tration Camp during the war, while my two grandfathers fought for the Polish army at Monte Cassino and the Warsaw Uprising.

I have had the good fortune of hearing their first-hand accounts, yet I realise we cannot rely forever on their stories, as the years pass and we move further away from these significant war years.

It is for this reason that every post-16 student taking part in the visit automatically becomes a “Holocaust Ambassador”, taking the stories of Auschwitz and sharing the experience with various communities around the UK.

When there comes a time when no eyewitnesses are left, we – and future generations - will ensure that the memories are kept alive.

The Death Wall

It is our aim that awareness of the Holocaust will be augmented through the assemblies and presentations we deliver in the wider community.

For Connor and I, this will be done through educating and passing on our experience to younger year groups at St Peter’s.

I also had the good fortune to meet the Foreign Affairs Editor of the Jewish Media Group and next summer will write a series of short articles for the paper on books of Jewish History, in which I am particularly interested, beginning with a review of Simon Montefiore’s Jerusalem.


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Birkenau inmates barracks

As a Catholic, I really think this shows how different faiths can take solace in Auschwitz, uniting to promote multi-faith cohesion and together working for the same common good – the preservation of the Holocaust in the nation’s hearts and minds.

It is so important young people are continually educated about the Holocaust. Allowing the memories of these dreadful events to fade would gradually permit prejudice and hatred to rise again, as we can see from the horrors still perpetrated today.

To quote what Nick Clegg - the Deputy Prime Minister - said when he accompanied us on the trip, “Remembering what happens when warped ideologies and prejudice go unchecked is not just a history lesson but the greatest antidote today to anti-Semitism and extremism of all kinds.”

Crematorium ovens

Indeed some people say that Auschwitz will never happen again but this is impossible to determine – yet there is evidence that we have not learnt from the historical lessons of the past.

We still read in the newspapers about stories of racism, while Holocaust denial and anti-Semitic behaviour is still in existence even today. This proves the importance of the work of the Trust and is by all means something we should continue to support.

Gas chamber

It is important that we take a break from our busy day-to-day lives and do something to commemorate the victims of Auschwitz.

Customary tradition in the West is to offer a one-minute silence for the deceased. Yet if we offered just one minute for every victim of Auschwitz, our lips would remain sealed for 3 years.

Scale model of Krema II (gas chamber)

However, I implore you to do the opposite and not remain silent – keep the memory of Auschwitz alive so that we remain fully cognizant of the horrors of the past, ensuring that they will not be repeated in the future. Alex Sarama

Empty cans of Cyclon B gas

The Holocaust Educational Trust was established in 1988. Their aim is to educate young people from every background about the Holocaust and the important lessons to be learned for today, motivating them to speak out against intolerance.

By partnering with schools, universities, local education authorities and other institutions their work ensures the Holocaust has a permanent place in our nation’s collective memory.

The Trust plays a central role in combating antisemitism, racism and prejudice in our society today. “Knowledge is bigotry’s worse enemy”

“When we understand where prejudice leads, we can stop it in its tracks.”

A tour guide

To learn more about the work of the Holocaust Educational Trust visit www.het.org.uk


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MASS TIMES GUILDFORD CATHOLIC CHURCHES

www.guildfordcatholicchurches.co.uk St Pius X St Joseph St Mary Laustan Close

Merrow GU1 2TS 12 Eastgate Gardens Guildford GU1 4AZ

Aldershot Road Rydes Hill GU2 8BP

01483 572605 01483 562794 01483 573279 Saturday Vigil Mass

6.00pm

7.00pm

Sunday 9.30am* 8.00am 11.00am* 6.30pm

10.30am*

Monday 7.30pm**

9.15am

Tuesday 10.00am 10.00am

Wednesday 10.00am 9.15am

Thursday 10.00am* 7.30pm

9.15am

Friday 10.00am 10.00am

Saturday 10.00am

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available at St Pius X First Saturday of the month: 5.15 to 5.45pm

St Joseph Saturday: 11.00am to 12noon

Third Sunday of the month: 5.45 to 6.15pm

St Mary Saturday: 6.15 to 6.45pm * Refreshments are served in the Hall after Mass ** Except Bank Holiday Monday


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Prayer for the Jubilee

We stand before you, Holy Spirit, conscious of our sinfulness, but aware that we gather in your name.

Come to us, remain with us, and enlighten our hearts.

Give us light and strength to know your will, to make it our own, and to live it in our lives.

Guide us by your wisdom, support us by your power, for you are God, sharing the glory of Father and Son.

You desire justice for all; enable us to uphold the rights of others; do not allow us to be misled by ignorance or corrupted by fear or favour.

Unite us to yourself in the bond of love and keep us faithful to all that is true.

As we gather in your name, may we temper justice with love, so that all our discussions and reflections may be pleasing to you, and earn the reward promised to good and faithful servants.

We ask this of You who live and reign with the Father and the Son, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Prayer used at each session of the Second Vatican Council)

The English translation of the Prayer for Meetings from A Book of Prayers © 1982, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission.

Would you like to be the next Parish InPrint EDITOR or EDITORIAL TEAM? Your Parish magazine is printed in May and November. It is usually hand-delivered to over 500 families in the Parish. Because this is a “Parish Alive” there is never a shortage of news to publish. Support from the Parish Pastoral Team and the Parish Office would be provided. If you are interested, please contact the Parish Office: T: 01483 572605 E: [email protected]

The Arundel and Brighton Trust is a Registered Charity No 252878

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