the parish magazine for newark’s catholic community …holytrinitynewark.org.uk/church/holy...

• From the Editor’s Desk

• Over to You

• Parish Diary

• Tales from the Bus Run

• Faith, Life and Work

• Roderick Howlett’s im-pression of Pope Benedict’s visit

• Friends of Holy Trinity

• Report on the Parish Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

• Now & Then

• Book End

The Parish Magazine for Newark’s Catholic Community

HOLY TRINITY NEWS Biuletyn parafii Najświętszej Trójcy w Newark

Issue 15 Christmas 2010

From the Editor’s Desk

This issue is very much a special edition. Naturally, there is a major report with many photos on the recent parish pilgrimage to the Holy Land, which we hope you will enjoy. Even if you weren’t able to be with us be assured you were all constantly in our prayers. Regular features are also included.

This issue is the 15th (how time flies!). Sadly, it may also be the last. The current editorial team has decided it is time to hand over to whoever is willing to pick up the reins for the future. We would like to thank the many people who have contrib-uted to Holy Trinity News and trust that you all have found this parish magazine of interest. You will remember that Fr Michael recently passed out a sheet calling for volunteers for the many forms of service that our Catholic community here in Newark provides. Amongst the many worthwhile possibilities listed was an involve-ment with this magazine. We have enjoyed our involvement and wish the publica-tion well. So, it's truly 'Over to you'.

OVER TO YOU

Christmas 2010

I hope you enjoy the stories in the

following pages. It has been an

exciting end to the year; Pope

Benedict has been on an Official

Visit to the UK, John Henry

Newman has been beatified and

the Holy Trinity Pilgrimage to the

Holy Land has been a resounding

success.

The whole idea was the brainchild

of Philip Tallon who took on all the

organization in collaboration with

yours truly. He looked the ideal

British Explorer as he engaged with the Israeli authorities at Heathrow and Tel Aviv Air-

ports. His distinctive white hat was definitely needed. He led us to the important holy

sites in Jerusalem and Galilee. The sun shone each day reaching temperatures of 35c.

We consumed plenty of bottled water. Our fellow parishioners and friends who were not

able to join us were remembered in our daily Masses. Philip and Elsie Corcoran have

taken responsibility for the production of Holy Trinity News during the past four years.

They are now handing on the baton to others. I thank them for their dedication to this

task. Elsie will be close by to pass on her wisdom while Philip is relocating to the North

East to be nearer his family. We wish him Bon Voyage and hope that his new community

will welcome him aboard. Philip is leaving us with high praise from those who know him

and I trust that he will soon immerse himself in parish life among St Aidan and Bede in the

territory of Lindisfarne.

I wish all our readers a Joyful Christmas with Peace and Happiness in the New Year.

Fr. Michael O’Donoghue (Parish Priest)

śyczymy wszystkim W e s o ł y c h Ś w i ą t

BoŜego Narodzenia

oraz Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku!

Issue 15 Holy Trinity News

PARISH / CENTRE DIARY

DECEMBER 10 to EASTER 11

Sunday 12 December 3.00pm Mass in Polish Wednesday 15 December Luncheon Club – Christmas Lunch Thursday 16 December Beaumond House Patients’ Christmas Lunch (Centre) Sunday 19 December Baptism of Seth Peter Livsey 2.30pm Carol Service, Outpatients’ Newark Hospital Wednesday 22 December 2.00pm Christingle in church SCHOOL CLOSED FOR HOLIDAYS

Friday 24 December 6.00pm First Mass of Christmas Christmas Eve Parish Family Party, Centre Carols followed by Midnight Mass Saturday 25 December 10.00am – Mass Sunday 26 December 10.00am – Mass Friday 31 December New Year’s Eve Party, Centre (check Fr M) 6.30pm – Mass Wednesday 5 January 11 School Inset Day Thursday 6 January Feast of the Epiphany School re-opens to children

Sunday 9 January Feast – The Baptism of Christ 3.00pm Mass in Polish Thursday 13 January 10.00am - Class Mass in school (Y3) Saturday 16 January Parish Dance – with Norman Stevens Thursday 20 January 10.05am – non-Eucharistic Service in School (Y 1/2) Sunday 23 January 3.00pm Newark Emmaus Trust and Churches Together Service Thursday 27 January 10.00am - Class Mass in school Friday 28 January Cantores Mobiles – Concert in the Centre Thursday 3 February 10.05am – non-Eucharisitic Service in School (Y 1/2) Monday 7 February Parish Pastoral Team meets Thursday 10 February 10.00am – Class mass in School (Y6) C W L Annual Luncheon 6.00pm – Service of Reconciliation (FHC) Saturday 12 February Parish Dance (act tbc) Sunday 13 February 3.00pm - Mass in Polish Thursday 17 February 10.00am – Class Mass in school (Y4) Friday 18 February School breaks up for half-term Monday 28 February School re-opens

Saturday 5 March 7.00pm Mass – Nottingham Boys Choir & Michael Overbury Tuesday 8 March Shrove Tuesday Wednesday 9 March Ash Wednesday Sunday 13 March First Sunday of Lent 3.00pm Mass in Polish Thursday 17 March St Patrick’s Day – School Mass 9.30am Evening Mass St Patrick’s Dance with John White Thursday 24 March 10.05am – non-Eucharistic Service in school (Reception / Y1) Sunday 27 March British Summertime begins Sunday 3 April Mother’s Day Saturday 9 April Parish Dance with Martin Higgins Sunday 10 April 3.00pm Mass in Polish Saturday 16 April Andrew Goddard marries Verity O’Brien Lovell Sunday 17 April Palm Sunday

Holy Week

Thursday 21 April Maundy Thursday Friday 22 April Good Friday Sunday 24 April Easter Sunday

Looking Ahead:

Sundays 15 and 22 May First Holy Communion

A few years ago, before it became not "cool" any more, my two

daughters, Megan and Bethan, used to accompany me on the

mini bus to take the elderly people to Mass every Sunday morn-

ing. On the way to Mass, the ladies used to like to chat and catch

up on each other's news over the past week, and on the way

back I would put on a tape and they would all have a sing-song.

The tape was of old music hall songs, and one included the line:

"Roll me over in the clover, lay me down and do it again." All the

ladies used to have a good giggle at that one. One of them lived

at the care home down Strawberry Hall Lane, and on a priestly

visit one day, the subject of the mini bus cropped up over a cup

of tea. "You know that Tony Smith, Father?" "Indeed, I know

him very well." "He drives the mini bus for us on Sunday morn-

ings, and his two daughters open the door for us and put the steps down. It's the highlight of my week, Father."

"Ah, lovely." "And on the way home," she leaned over, conspiratorially, "he plays us dirty songs."

---oOo---

Unfortunately, we don’t have a picture of Jim Durney, who was out of the country during the photo-shoot (sounds good, doesn’t it?) , but Jim writes :

As I have only driven the bus for the last two something years, I haven’t had sufficient time to build up much in the way of anecdotes. However, Tony must have thousands of stories, seeing as he has been driving the bus since it used to be drawn by oxen.

The one occurrence I can think of out of the ordinary was one Sunday morning we called to the home of one of our “regular customers” but couldn’t get an answer at the door. I phoned the house on my mobile but couldn’t get a reply either. This was unusual as if anybody is going to be away they contact Geoff Courtney in advance. Geoff rides “shotgun” on the bus and is in charge of security, finance and communication. Naturally, we were a little concerned not to get a response but resolved to press on with collecting the other people and maybe find out any news of the lady at Mass. As it turned out, we discovered from a relation at the church that she was fine but had been taken into hospital the previous evening and kept in overnight for observation. Tony Smith and I thought we should pay a quick visit to the lady in hospital after I’d finished my bus round. So upon completion, I drove back to Tony’s house. I could tell that Tony was a bit surprised to see me turn up in the bus; he expected, like any sensible person, that I would arrive in my own car. However, when he heard my explanation, he was rather impressed: My thinking was that since the mini-bus says “AMBULANCE” in big letters on the front, I could park the bus in one of the ambulance spaces at the front of the hospital for free rather than having to ‘pay and display’ in the visitors’ car park. On the strength of this forethought and action, Tony immediately bestowed on me the title “Honorary Yorkshireman” for services to financial constraint. “Ee ba gum, it wur reet champyun!” says I in my Irish accent.

One of the other things I like doing is filling out the journey log form in the bus folder. Each Sunday I’m on I try and think of a (hopefully) witty description to put under the “Journey” heading, e.g. “Mass Exodus”, “Mass Cruise”, “Papal Tour”, “Catholic Crusade”, “Roman Holiday”. I’m running out of ideas, so if anybody could suggest more along this

line, I’d appreciate it.

Driving the bus is a good laugh and I look forward to it every 3

weeks. One of the perks of the job is you get a reserved parking

space outside the presbytery. Not bad on a Sunday morning.

---oOo---

Our third intrepid drive is Steve Foster, who writes :There are

many stories I could tell, some sad, many funny, but I feel that as

all the passengers in question still attend the Mass run, I’d prefer

not to embarrass anyone. However, I have lots to say about how

I feel about driving the bus.

(continued over)

Tales from the “Bus Run”


It is now nearly 3 years since I had my rather interesting assessment

test to drive the Age Concern mini bus. I remember being taught

everything from how to use all three foot pedals to drive and what they

are for then to the more important stuff of driving a vehicle so much

larger than a normal car. On a serious note, it is really important to

understand that anything that happens to the bus and its passengers

is the responsibility of the driver. However, it is great fun and each

Sunday when my turn comes round I really look forward to the morn-

ing.

I pick up the bus at 9.00 a.m. and start the circular trip, first picking up

Geoffrey Courtney, then moving on in turn to all the passengers.

Everyone is so happy that the bus is available. There are lots of

greetings and small talk; all these lovely people would find it difficult to attend Mass regularly without our help. I

must admit that, when I drive, we do get to church a bit early but, hey, more time to say your prayers. I really don’t

like to be late! On the way home the atmosphere is so different - we are all more at ease and conversation flows;

everyone is more jovial - the Mass has obviously uplifted everybody.

Geoff is the silent helper. He is there every week (not just 1 in 3) and without him the poor old bus driver would be

run ragged. He helps everyone on and off the bus, helps people to their seats in church and tidies away the Mass

sheets. He is such a great help and I think all the drivers would like to say ‘thank you’ to him.

NOW FOR THE APPEAL : One final thought is to encourage anyone else who wants to participate in this voluntary

team to get in touch with any of the drivers (at least one of us is always at 10 a.m. Mass).


A Quiet evening. My husband went out for a meeting; there was nothing on T.V. So I decided to spend the hours happily pampering me! First I checked the hot water, there seemed to be plenty there, I would have a lovely leisurely bath, and also wash my hair, I’d put a beauty mask on my face, a truly horrible sight, (I don’t like to do it when he’s about as it gives him a terri-ble fright) I’ll have a manicure and paint my nails, and perhaps I’ll do my toes, But they do seem to be a long way away; I’ll just see how it goes. I like to read while I’m in the bath, so I’ll bring my book in too, And a gin with ice and tonic, to make a nice long brew. Now all I want is the bath salts, then I go in a shut the door I put the light and the heater on, I didn’t want anything more. And down in the bath, just sitting there, with eight hairy legs spread wide Was the most enormous spider that anyone has ever spied! I left the bathroom, I left my book, I left my gin as well, I tumbled quickly down the stairs; my legs had turned to jell. Two hour later my husband returned to find me watching T.V. “I thought” he said in a nonchalant way “there was nothing on to see”. Rosemary M Pratt.

More pictures from the Christmas Fayre

The Irish

dancer’s

stall

The all-important

caterers

And the

equally

important

customers


Faith, Life and Work

A conversation between Robert Beall and Christine Fisher

Robert Beall is integrated into the life of Holy Trinity Parish as much as it is possible for any one individual to be. He is Chairman of Holy Trinity School Governors, Chairman of the Community and Partnership Centre Management Committee, a member of both the Parish Pastoral Team and the Finance Committee. Anyone in the Parish will know his face, a benign presence at all Parish functions, calmly and quietly doing his best to ensure smooth running. Together with his brother, John, he runs the successful family timber merchants business and, in his spare time, he is husband to Tina, father and fellow rail enthusiast to Tommy.

Robert’s deep involvement with the life of the parish began early when, aged sixteen, he attended a meeting of the football team in the school. A secretary was needed and he was given the distinct impression that his name was on the job sheet…… he served as secretary and then treasurer of the club for seven or eight years.

It goes without saying that parish priests are experts in spotting willing talent. Fr Stappard spotted Robert and asked him to join the old social club committee to help with the entertainment. Robert was willing, so long as he didn’t have to have anything to do with the bar…. In deciding to help he followed in his father’s footsteps. Jack Beall had helped to start the a teenage youth club on Sconce Hills and later helped run the social club in Parliament Street. His advice to his son, studiously ignored by Robert, was, ‘Don’t get involved!’ Predictably, when there was difficulty in covering bar duties, Robert agreed to help being unable to see others struggling if he thought he could make a difference.

In 2001 he was asked to be a school governor. After much thought he accepted and has really enjoyed having an input to the life of the school. He has helped to oversee the development of the new nursery and refurbishment of the school. In 2008 he became the first lay chair of governors, with all the responsibility and liabilities that go with that role.

The ‘parish priest antennae’ again fixed on Robert in 2002, when Monsignor Dazeley needed backing for the devel-opment of the new centre. In his capacity as Chairman of the Social Club Committee Robert had chaired meetings that were often fractious, where protests about the proposed development were well aired. The challenge he accepted, both as an honour and a responsibility, was to chair the committee overseeing the new development and build of what is now the Community Centre. He was on site everyday, overseeing and troubleshooting. He derives great satisfaction from the fact that the building and development project was delivered to the Parish ahead of sched-ule and within budget.

Robert gives time to the Parish every day. He takes his role as Chairman of the Community Centre very seriously and likes to support the staff working there. He is most complimentary about the trust and cooperative ways of the committee and works closely with the Parish Priest, Fr. Michael O’Donoghue, Julie Nicholson, Jeff Saunders and Hilary Robinson. He is planning to have a photo of management team displayed in the Centre as an acknowledge-ment of the contribution made by all its members.

Robert met his wife, Tina, at The Briars. Like Robert she was actively involved in the life of her parish in Derby. In the early days of their relationship they did a sponsored walk together with Jimmy Saville. From the outset they knew that they were right for one another and were married by Father Michael in 1991. Their son, Tommy, was born early and Robert has happy memories of changing his first nappy while Tommy was still in the incubator. Ever practi-cal Robert asked for sticky tape to anchor the plastic bag to the side to collect the soiled nappy – much to the relief of the nurse who had thought he wanted it to fasten the nappy securely to the baby!!

Talking to Robert it is clear that here is much in his life to celebrate and be proud of. It delights him that comments about the Community Centre are so positive, that it offers all that was in the old centre plus lots of additional facilities and services. He is proud of the success of the project and is quick to acknowledge the help he has had from his fellow Management Team members. Julie’s experience in running conferences has been particularly useful and he is grateful for her mentoring and training for his ‘front of house’ role. The Management Team now helps and advises other parishes who wish to do the same,.

On a personal level – family health issues have absorbed much of his emotional and mental energy. When things don’t go according to plan – he snaps inside but manages to remain outwardly calm. He is quick to acknowledge the help that he gets from others, his family and friends, is generous in his praise of family and colleagues and happy to use what gifts and reserves he has to help others. (continued over the page)


From his trusted and privileged position at the heart of parish life, Robert has observed several of our Parish Priests at close quarters and makes some interesting comments on their individual working styles. It is clear that he has worked well with all of them and his observations are affectionate. He remembers Fr. Stappard’s meetings as marathons. Monsignor Dazeley’s, on the other hand, were to time and to the point; during the building of the Community Centre his early morning phone calls to Robert were clear and precise, then he left Robert to get on with it. Calls from Fr. Michael are more likely to be later in the day. Robert feels he has blossomed with the trust placed in him by successive parish priests and is honoured by this trust.

There is nothing in his life he would change. He has been happy throughout, at school, in the Church, in the com-munity, as a single man and as a married man and father, he is happy. His advice to a young person would be con-trary to what his father told him. He would say, ‘Get involved. You won’t regret it. The more you do the greater the satisfaction and the more enjoyable it is.’ Robert gives us a picture of the parish as an extended family; he is at the heart of it.

For the future he wants to see the parish, the community centre and the school flourish and grow and looks forward to playing an active part in raising funds for the new school development.

Holy Trinity’s Christmas Tree at the Christmas

Tree Festival at St. Mary Magdalene’s. The

Festival is held each year and churches and other

organisations are asked to decorate a tree with a

particular theme - this year it was “The Light of the

World”.

Our ‘decorators’ are (l to r) Lorna Gordon,

Margaret Lathlane, Lena Cree and Mary Lister.

Hazel, Larry and Ricky Jacobs Mary Ginnelly and Peggy Cashin

Irish coffees doing well! ‘Mine Host’ Jeff Saunders

The Christmas

Fayre where

we raised

about £2,000

The Bottle Stall - everyone’s favourite


The Pope’s Mass at Cofton Park Roderick Howlett presents his impressions of the Pope’s visit

55,000 pilgrims travelled through the cold, dark, drizzly night, all aiming to attend a monumental Mass, a cornerstone for the Catholic Church in England and Wales in the new millennium. Even, after seemingly endless rain, the pilgrim’s hearts remained unperturbed, determined to participate in the great Mass. Within two hours, and the pre Mass live Radio 4 programme, ‘Sunday Worship’ in full swing, the rain still persisted. However, notwithstanding this dull weather, the atmosphere was concentrated, constantly an-ticipating, yet reflecting, on the imminent arrival of the Pontiff. Nothing was left unseen - even as Pope Benedict approached, we could witness his descent on huge screens – and the beautiful reality of this historic event became apparent. And so, after hours of rain, through the clouds, the helicopter holding the Pope descended on Birmingham, closely followed by a few pleasant rays of sunlight. The persistence of the pilgrims had been rewarded. Then followed the awaited appearance of the Pope, sheltered in his aptly named Popemobile, a handful of distinguished figures accompanying him. After Benedict had passed just metres from some of our group, he went inside to robe for Mass. During this period, something quite spectacular happened - com-plete silence and a vigil like reverence observed by 50,000 people. It was not asked for; it simply felt right. The entire Mass itself was all rather more slick than 1982, a very contemporary Altar, and the face of the new beatus - John Henry Newman, unveiled electronically for the first time. Pope Benedict chose an interesting word during his homily to describe the day - ‘auspicious’. In doing so he referred, of course, to the beatification, but, less expectedly, the anniversary of the Battle of Britain. This victory, a sign of hope for the future of humanity and, more literally, a sign of hope for Britain. He also referred to the history of Britain’s martyrs and considered the dedication of the Catholic community, per-haps subtly giving support to Christians in this increasingly secular society. It was a day which personified Newman – as Fr. Gregory Winterton appropriately says of the Cardinal – “his gift of friendship, his self sacrifice and his patient endurance.” I’m sure all of those in attendance at Cofton Park will await eagerly the calling for John Henry Newman to be called a Doctor of The Church.

SUMMER FAIR Saturday 16th July 2011

Thank you to all who donated items for the Summer Fair. We

are all in agree-ment that it was a great success this year

and we are already planning for 2011! If you have any ideas

for new attractions, or know anyone who can help then please

email us of [email protected]. We want to make 2011 the

best yet and are grateful of your continued support. We

raised an amazing £3000.00 in 2010 and that’s all thanks to

you!

We do also need help on the day - If you are willing and able

to look after a stall, help with face painting (the more the

merrier here, it’s really popular with the kids!) or help out on

some of the attractions we would be very grateful. Even just

for 1 hour! Amongst other things there will be, BBQ, Bar,

Live Entertainment, Games, Tombola's , Raffles, Win A Day

At Eden Hall, Crafts, Bouncy Castles, Bungee Run, Go Carts,

Ice Creams & Tuck Shop, Face Painting and much more.

Everyone is welcome so please ask family and friends!

Friends of Holy Trinity Who We Are and What We Do

FOHT is a registered charity, run by a group of parents and

teachers who, year on year work voluntarily to raise vital

funds to purchase much needed resources and equipment for

the children. By holding events such as Race Nights, Fashion

Shows, Disco’s and the Summer Fair we raise around

£10,000 each year, and that is with thanks to your generos-

ity and support! We hold our meetings each month and wel-

come everyone along. We hope that by reading this newslet-

ter, becoming involved and attending the events, you will

continue to help us to support our children through their

time at Holy Trinity School.

We are always looking for new fundraising ideas, and if you

would like to get involved—either a little or a lot— then

please get in touch!


At 7-o-clock on a dark November morning, 34 people

boarded a coach to take them to Heathrow airport at the

start of their pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The group con-

sisted of people originally from a variety of countries:

England, Ireland, Scotland, Ghana, the West Indies,

America and Poland. We all had the same desire - to fol-

low in the footsteps of Jesus.

The flight

was fortu-

nately un-

e v e n t f u l

and we

landed at

Ben Gurion

airport to be greeted by temperatures well in the 70’s F. (sorry, I

can’t get to grips with Celsius). We were whisked off to our hotel in

Jerusalem where there was a meal awaiting us and our first taste of

Israeli food which, to be honest, was very little different from what

we’re used to.

But it was a bit humbling to think that we were living the psalm:

“And now my feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem” -

we were and it was very exciting.

Our first full day and we visited the Mount of Olives. I don’t

know what I expected, certainly not the built-up area with hous-

ing and businesses, not in the least Biblical. That is, until you

look out over the Kedron Valley back toward Jerusalem and see

the Mount of Olives cemetery with its hundreds of graves, some

having been there for a thousand years, many still used by fami-

lies being buried with their ancestors. The sun shining on the

golden dome of Al Aqsa mosque is a reminder of the mixture of

faiths and cultures in this amazing city. This mosque is the third

holiest site in the world to Islam and is called the Dome of the

Rock (right)

There were many places that made a great impression on me,

and I’m sure on everyone, but the most unforgettable was the

Garden of Gesthemane (left). The Garden is actually in two sec-

tions situated on either side of a road. The part we were in is

looked after by the Franciscans and, as you can see from the

photograph, is just bare earth with olive trees, some of which are

over 1000 years old. We learned that an olive tree never dies, it

simply puts out new shoot and widens, which is why it is used in a

symbolic way so often in the Bible. The Garden is situated near

a busy and noisy traffic intersection but it is full of peace and tran-

quillity. We paused for prayer and listened to a reading from the

Bible and then we were able to go off alone and find a place in

which to pray and contemplate our surroundings. The noise

from the traffic just faded away and I think it was one of the most

peaceful times I’ve ever experienced - certainly one of the most

moving, to be in the very place where Jesus suffered his Agony. You would think that there might be a feeling of

great distress there but, in fact, I found it very peaceful. And (almost contradicting) I have to say that tears were not

far away, if you really tried to put yourself in Jesus’ place. I was sorry to leave. Of all the places we visited, this

left the most lasting impression and every Maundy Thursday in my future will mean so much more.

Group picture taken at the Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem

The Parish Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

Mount of Olives Cemetery

The Garden of Gesthemane

The Dome of the Rock - Al Aqsa Mosque


Not being a lover of heights, I really hadn’t realised exactly how high we were until we commenced our journey down

he Mount of Olives. It was very, very steep. The lady in the pink hat is our wonderful guide, Hanne (or Hannah or

Anna). She is Danish, originally Christian but had converted to

Judaism; her husband is Jewish.. So, there we were, a microcosm of

how people should live together, in a land so divided by religion and cul-

ture. Hanne (a Danish Jew), our driver Osama (an Arab Israeli Muslim),

assisting a bus full of Catholics! If only the world would work that way!

Hanne is a remarkable lady, and an absolute fount of knowledge about

Judaism, Israeli history and Christianity (although sometimes there were

small but vital disagreements about the New Testament, e.g.

Jesus’ relationship to James - Hanne has him as Jesus’ brother (son of

Mary), whilst we know he was a cousin. However, these were few and

far between.

Hanne has lived in Israel for 43 years and has raised a family there. Originally from Denmark, she converted to

Judaism and has lived and absorbed the Israeli culture for so long now that she, I’m sure, sees herself as Israeli; in-

deed she may well have taken Israeli citizenship. Certainly her leanings are very much in favour of a Jewish Israel.

And yet she and Osama - and I get the impression that they are old work colleagues - work together and respect

each other with no cultural or religious problems. In fact they couldn’t have done more for us in every respect. Dur-

ing our time on there, on the Friday, Osama had time off for the Muslim holy day and we didn’t expect him back until

the Sunday, but there he was on the Saturday morning with his refrigerator full of iced water! What a star and how

necessary! Unfortunately I don’t have a picture of Osama but I have to say that he was really very nice!

It was not too difficult for us to forget the strained relations that exist between Israel and Palestine, but it was brought

home when we

went to Bethle-

hem. At the

border, we had

t o c ha n ge

buses and

Hanne had to

hand over her

role to a Pales-

tinian guide -

her Jewish

faith meant that

her safety in

Palestine could

not be guaranteed! But our new guide was a charming man who told

us that he was the contact for his village being twinned with St. Albans! At one point our bus was boarded by some

gun-carrying young men who strolled very full of themselves down the length of the bus and out the back door, just

checking! The picture above right is of the wall that separates Israel from Palestine. We could see on the hillsides

where the wall marched on like a miniature Great Wall of China.

We went shopping in Bethlehem and were taken to a shop that sells items made by local Christian craftsmen. There

we were taken in hand by a very handsome young man who spoke very good English and told us that he has a sister

living in Leeds. The world certainly is a small place. There were some beautifully made items in olive wood (what

else) and wonderful jewellery and icons, pictures, crucifixes, rosaries, just about everything religious you could think

of and lots of non-religious as well. One thing that can be a bit tiresome in Israel is that generally two currencies are

used - US dollars (preferably) or Israeli shekels. When paying for an item you are asked which currency you are

using, so both need to be carried all the time, apart from getting near the end of your holiday when it’s best to get rid

of the shekels.

Our visit to the Church of the Nativity was another unforgettable experience, particularly as we were specially invited

to take part in the candlelight procession that the Franciscan monks hold each day. We processed down to the

Grotto where Jesus was born and joined in the prayers and hymns (language permitting).. (continued over)

Hanne and Kathy O’Donnell

The dividing wall


Then we went through the main part of the church, where there is renovation work being carried out (see picture).

Ancient mosaics have been recovered and the flooring below is part of the origi-

nal floor which is being preserved.

Our Mass was said in a

cave chapel at the

Fields of the Shepherds

where, traditionally, the

Angels appeared to the

shepherds. This was

so moving that not a few

tears were shed. It’s

hard to keep your equi-

librium on such occa-

sions. In fact, all the

Masses we had during

the pilgrimage were very

memorable.

We went to the Church of St. Catherine, and visited Ein Karem, where St. John the Baptist was born and where

Mary visited Elizabeth There was so much to see and take in that sometimes it seemed a little like overkill, yet we

would not have wanted to miss anything.

The Stations of the Cross on the Via Dolorosa are largely just marked by plaques and it’s quite difficult to pray

amidst all the hustle and bustle in the area, which is a major shopping street built on a narrow, steep hill. The steps

take a bit of climbing. Hand carts are used by the shopkeepers to get their wares up and down and there are spe-

cial triangular shaped stones set in the steps at ’wheel widths’ which smooth their passage. We English are well

known for our love of fish and chips but didn’t expect to be hailed as we went past the shops with “Hey, feesh and

cheeps!”. Our reputation goes before us!

The Nativity Grotto and the Manger - pictures by unknown Israeli photographer

Typical shops (not the Via Dolorosa)

We were advised, via our Holy Land “A Pilgrim’s Companion”, not to

be unduly upset by the seemingly casual attitude of the area, but to

use it to remember that that is how it would have been when Jesus

was carrying his cross along the Via Dolorosa - there would have

been dozens and dozens of people around, peering at him, comment-

ing on his situation, fingers pointing, cat calling, people crying and

praying - and to a certain extent it worked. But it would have been

nice (and extremely unusual - if it ever happens at all) to have been

able to complete our Way of the Cross in peace and quiet. But we

were walking up a very busy street with hundreds of people and hand

carts brushing passed, not to forget “feesh and cheeps”.


We finally reached the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the

traditional site of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, with its

life size figures of Our Lady, St. John and St. Mary

Magdalene. Pilgrims can see the “original rock face of Cal-

vary through the glass panels on either side of the altar, as

can be seen the fissure caused by the earthquake when

Jesus died”. (from The Holy Land, a Pilgrim’s Companion - CTS Chris-tian Shrine Series).

We stood in awe at the wonderful depictions of the life and

journey of Jesus - the work involved which must have been

undertaken by loving hands in order to produce these life-

like and sincere images. See the Crown of Thorns on the

ceiling of the Church, quite beautiful but heart rending, since you know you

are standing in the place where Christ died

Sometimes it can be difficult to try and place yourself at the time when all

this happened, but it’s necessary to shut yourself off from everything around

you so that, if only for a minute, you can be

there! It really brings it home!

To the left is a (not very good) picture of the

Tomb of the Resurrection - I’m sure others

will possibly have much better pictures, but it

gives an idea of what it is like and just how

many pilgrims are there at any given time.

There was so much to see and take in - it’s

not possible to mention everything we saw;

in fact I sometimes look at my photographs

and ask myself which church I’m looking at!

I don’t know how many churches we visited

but it was a large number. If I didn’t have my

guidebook beside me to keep check I could

be putting in the wrong pictures to go with

the words.

The Chapel of Ecce Homo -

Behold the Man

Tomb of the Resurrection

Although it wasn’t part of our itinerary we went one evening to the Wailing

Wall. I really can’t describe how it feels - a wall is a wall, but this one is very

different. A quote from Wikipedia “The Western Wall or Wailing Wall is lo-

cated in the Old City of Jerusalem at the foot of the western side of the Temple

Mount. It is a remnant of the ancient wall that surrounded the Jewish

Temple’s courtyard and is one of the most sacred sites in Judaism outside of

the Temple Mount itself”. It is some 187 ft. high and has a further 17 courses

located below street level. When you see the devout behaviour of the people

who come to pray, people of all ages, you might wish that some of our own

could behave with such dignity. The wall is the last part of the Temple that

was attacked by the Romans and consequently means an enormous amount

to the Jewish people. The sexes are segregated by a fairly ordinary fence

and there are lecterns scattered around for resting Bibles etc. on. When you

have finished your prayers it is customary to leave the wall walking backward,

although I don’t think there is a definitive distance involved, before walking

away normally. A number of us wrote out prayers which, according to cus-

tom, we tucked in between the stones - God is God regardless of where or

when. It was a wonderful and very moving experience and I think all of us

were grateful for the opportunity to visit there.

Prayers at the Wailing Wall

Issue No. 15 Holy Trinity News

We visited Masada, a mountain with the ruins of a settlement at the top. It was there that 960 Jewish defenders

(the Zealots) committed mass suicide rather than become Roman slaves in 73 CE. The settlement is approached in

two ways - you can either take a very long trek up to the top or, as most people do, go by cable car. There were

three in our party (me being one) who didn’t go up as we all share a fear of heights and my stomach did flips just

standing and looking up! Those who did go said we wouldn’t have had a problem but my stomach told me different.

Another trip we made was to the Dead Sea and quite a number of us put on our swimsuits and went in. It’s a very

weird feeling, not being able to sink (praise the Lord, as I’m a poor swimmer) and there’s no tide. This is the lowest

We were warned beforehand not to get our faces wet (salt in the eyes is enormously painful), not to splash and not

to stay in more than 20 minutes max. as we would come out looking like prunes! It’s not just salt that keeps you

afloat but all the other minerals as well. Sorry, there are no pictures of this - wouldn’t wish to scare the children!

We visited the Holocaust Museum at Yad Vashem, which was so moving. Although we didn’t have a lot of time

there we went into a great hall with a large fenced off area in which the floor is made up of 6 million pieces of marble

mosaic, one for each Jew killed in the concentration camps. I hadn’t realised just how many camps there were, but

the names of each one was integrated into the flooring, about 16 I think, and there is an eternal flame kept burning in

remembrance. It was hard not to weep and even harder when we went into the Children’s Memorial. On entering,

you were walking into blackness and were told to keep hold of a handrail on the right, as there was no light to guide

you. In the first part there was a huge screen with about 12 faces of children who had died and as you moved on,

the walls were mirrored to reflect tiny pinpoints of light, one for each dead child. The man who designed it had origi-

nally wanted to use just one candle but he couldn’t get the effect right, so he used five and these with the mirrors

reflect the lights so that it is like walking through the night sky. As you go, the names, ages and places of origin

were spoken and apparently it takes a full week for all the names of the children to be read - really heartbreaking..

We saw and experienced so much more that it would take

weeks to write about it. We had a boat trip on the Sea of

Galilee and visited Capernaum, celebrated Mass on the top of

Mount Tabor - the traditional site of the Transfiguration, (a

hair raising journey by taxi with my eyes closed), went to

Nazareth to see the Basilica of the Annunciation, a visit to

Mount Zion to see the Upper Room (which is not the original

one and therefore is not looked after by any of the three main

Christian churches, consequently it is not open all the time

and we were unable to go in). The Mount of the Beatitudes

was another

wonderful experi-

ence. We saw

people being

baptised in the

River Jordan

(see below).

We had Mass in the desert at a

place called “The Hotel of the

Samaritan” but in fact it is not a ho-

tel at all, but a place of refreshment

during long journeys. We had

Mass there under a purpose built

shelter. The desert we passed

through is not as I imagined - it’s

made up of stones, rocks and, of

course, sand.

We visited the Golan Heights and

passed Bedouin ‘villages where

there were just very poor tents or

rough huts, and some appeared to

Preparing for Mass at the Church of the Transfiguration

The Church of the Annunciation

Issue No. 15 Holy Trinity News

be four poles supporting a blanket type covering. Apparently some of the Bedouin have been settled in villages and

have integrated very well, but others just want to continue their own nomadic lifestyle; unfortunately, the areas they

wander through are getting smaller and smaller each year.

On the evening before we left Israel, we had an alfresco meal at our hotel and were then entertained by some of our

talented pilgrims. Margaret McDougald performed some monologues which were truly hilarious, (well done,

Margaret), Fr. Michael gave a rendering of “Danny Boy” and then, assisted by yours truly and Kathy O’Donnell, sang

“Enjoy yourself, it’s later than you think”. Tony Smith did his stand-up comedian bit, which was very funny but keep

the day job, Tony, and then joined in with two of the other ‘boys’ - John Taylor and Shaun Reid - in an energetic ren-

dering of “Blue Suede Shoes”, complete with female backing group. But I don’t think X-Factor need worry just yet!

Our last

evening

in

Tiberias.

The cabaret

was excep-

tional (as

ment ioned

above) but

no profes-

s i o n a l s

need be

w o r r i e d .

A m a t e u r

was the

order of the

day. But

there was

some sur-

prising tal-

ent!

Last word : This pilgrimage was a totally un-

forgettable experience. I would not have

missed it for the world! It was Christianity

as it was and should be lived. Elsie Corcoran

Tony Smith writes :

I never knew what the Holy Spirit was. It was just another part of the Catholic faith that I went along with because I

had been brought up that way by my parents in Bradford in West Yorkshire. And then I found out. My wife came

home one night and announced that she wanted to become a Catholic.

I felt an astonishing rush going through me of pure happiness, and then burst into tears on the spot. The Holy Spirit

does that. And He's not left me alone for the last ten years. So going to the Holy Land was not such a good idea.

As it turned out, I only made a complete fool of myself on about four occasions.

But it was like walking through Heaven — it was a wonderful and totally moving experience, and it completely sealed

my relationship with Jesus.

If you want to know where we went and what we saw over eight days, then read the itinerary. You name it, we went

there. It was hectic but it was amazing.

What we experienced will live with us for ever, and we were truly blessed to be able to walk in the footsteps of

Jesus. I cried, but I wasn't alone. And, after visiting the Holy Land I feel I never will be.


The Sea of Galilee

Fr. Michael

with a re-

markable

lady -

Catherine

Byrne, who

kept up

with us al-

most all the

way every-

where. Just

a couple of

times she

couldn’t

manage.

Left : Salt

sculptures

from the

Dead Sea.

Wonder

which one is

Lot’s wife?

Right : Val

Gordon and

Philip Tallon

Enjoying the view

Yours truly and Wendy Bishop


Follow the man with the rose!

I’m sure it’s in here somewhere ….

Forget the X-Factor, dear. Just drink your

juice!

Holy Trinity’s answer to the Titanic!

Fortunately our boat didn’t sink on the

Sea of Galilee.

The rejected concubine?

A lonely mountain

goat. Apparently

we were fortunate

to see it . It could

have been alone

having lost a

contest to win a

mate so he was on

a quest to find

another.

The two gentlemen on the left are members of the UN peacekeeping

force whom we met on the Golan Heights.

High on the mountain top over the road to the left is a number of

buildings with satellite dishes and other technology. Hanne, the

guide, said if we asked her what it was she would say that it was a

factory for straightening bananas, and told us that under no circum-

stances should we take photographs.

But these two gentlemen had no difficulties being photographed!

It really makes you aware of the difficult situation in that area, what

with policemen with guns, security guards with guns (Bethlehem)

and these two, who both had guns slung on their shoulders.

The Bosun’s mate (on the Sea of Galilee)

A few ‘funnies’

but we won’t

identify the sub-

jects - whom

you’ll all proba-

bly know any-

way.

Just be kind to

them next time

you see them.


Ian Ayling CORGI Registered Gas Engineer

Gas appliances installed and serviced

Tel : 01636 679798

MASS TIMES

Saturday (Vigil Mass) : 7.00 p.m.

Sunday : 10.00 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.

Holy Days of Obligation and weekdays:

varies - see weekly newsletter

Parish Contacts

Holy Trinity Catholic Church

Boundary Road, Newark,

Notts.

NG24 4AU

Tel. & Fax : 01636 704936

Parish Priest : Fr. Michael

O’Donoghue VF

[email protected]

www.holytrinitynewark.org.uk

Parish Secretary :

[email protected]

Centre bookings: 605423

htcpcentre:yahoo.co.uk

Now and then

In the 1950’s words like ‘ecumenical’ and ‘Churches Together’ were in the distant future.

I well recall as a young Wolf Cub in 1952 getting in the wrong procession at a St.

George’s Day parade. I ended up with the Protestants and Methodists instead of the

Catholic Scouts and Guides. Here in Newark the late Canon Kingsnorth told the con-

gregation in our church in Parliament Street that he was the first Rector of St. Mary Mag-

dalene to preach at a Roman Catholic Mass in Newark since the Reformation - this was

as recent as 1971. How times have changed!

At the Padley Pilgrimage on a sunny Derbyshire Sunday in July, the preacher at the

Mass was Archbishop Vincent Nichols. A special welcome was given to Bishop Jack

Nicholls, the retired Anglican Bishop of Sheffield. Both these distinguished clerics were

visiting Padley for the first time. The Archbishop looked forward to the visit of Pope

Benedict, which he described as “remarkable”. The leader of the Church in England

and Wales contrasted the martyrs of Padley in 1588 when Queen Elizabeth the First

reigned, to the greeting from Elizabeth the Second, which the Pope would receive (and

did), in September.

When the travelling priests, Nicholas Garlick and Robert Ludlam, were martyred they

were not the first or last to suffer for their faith. The Archbishop was surely right to look

back to those dark days; when he predicted a remarkable Papal Visit he was also right

to look forward. Frank Goulding

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PRAYER FOR THE MIDDLE EAST

Almighty Father, the Cradle of

Christianity - the birthplace of Christ,

your Son - is now overshadowed by

suffering. Persecuted but never forgot-

ten, your children carry His cross, cling-

ing to the Faith their forefathers held so

dear. Grant us light and strength to

help them in their hour of need and

console them with the Resurrection

hope of Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

BOOK END

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