St. Alban’s Monthly News · Laudato Si’ A Hot Topic for Our Times “We aim to be a loving...

St. Alban’s Monthly News The monthly magazine of St. Alban’s Parish, Macclesfield

Issue No. 147 November 2015

Laudato Si’ A Hot Topic for Our Times

“We aim to be a loving Catholic community in Macclesfield, assisted by prayer and the sacraments, proclaiming God’s Word, serving all in need.”

Pope Francis does not mince words. Nor does he shrink

from pu�ng his moral authority behind his analysis of

the world’s problems, par�cularly those which touch

the poor and marginalised. In the year when all the

world’s leaders will meet at the United Na�ons to

agree a way to combat global warming he has

addressed an encyclical to Catholics and to all mankind

on the care of our common home of humanity, the

planet earth

However his words could not be more remote from the

sort of �ps for energy saving that fill the columns of our

newspapers and magazines. Inspired by

St Francis and basing his arguments on

scripture and the words of his predecessors

he calls us to a new rela�onship with

crea�on. He calls us to renew our wonder at the work

of God’s hand.

Not for nothing does the �tle (Laudato Si’) recall the

song of St Francis: praise to God for everything in

crea�on – flowers, water, fire, sun, moon…everything.

And we are part of that crea�on, part of nature. We

have a special role in the created world, not that of

domina�on but one of responsibility.

Mankind has not always acted with the respect

required. The Pope lists many of the failings

and problems: pollu�on, loss of habitat & of

biodiversity, overexploita�on of resources,

throwaway cultures. He calls us all to an

ecological conversion.

This, he recognises, is not easy for us to achieve with-

out God. It’s a spiritual ma7er star�ng with a renewal

of wonder and a recogni�on of our interconnectedness

with all God’s creatures. Among these we all have a

special duty to the poor of the world who are o8en the

ones worst affected by environmental degrada�on and

to our children and genera�ons to come. What sort of

world will they inherit?

No easy answers are on offer. Just a �mely

challenge that mankind needs to change in

its own interest. To make a start dialogue is

necessary. We need to work together.

Indeed the Pope has set us an example of coopera�on

in wri�ng this encyclical, by taking into account the

views of scien�sts, economists, priests from developing

countries. He even broke new ground by calling on the

support of the Eastern Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch

of Constan�nople.

So Pope Francis calls us all urgently to

conversion in debate with others. At

stake nothing less than the planet on

which we live.

With this in mind the Jus�ce and Peace Group is

facilita�ng a programme of study and reflec�on on the

themes of Laudato Si’. The sessions will be held in the

Parish Centre on Tuesdays at 8pm in November and in

2016 in January, February and March .

Everyone is invited.

The dates and themes are:

Nov 24th Crea�on is a caress of God

Jan 12th The climate is a common good

Feb 16th A universal family

Mar 15th We were made for love.

Refreshments will be served at 7.45pm

It is hoped that there will be a Mass at 7pm.

For suggesons of useful websites please go

to the St Alban’s Website.

Keith Taylor

St Alban’s Monthly NewsSt Alban’s Monthly NewsSt Alban’s Monthly NewsSt Alban’s Monthly News

What is RCIA?

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a programme for non-baptised adults who want to

become full members of the Catholic Church.

We also include in our programme baptised Christians who are not in full communion with the Catholic Church

and baptised Catholics who have received the Sacrament of Confirmation.

The programme is open to anyone, of any denomination or none, whether or not they are baptised Christians who want to explore what it means to be a Catholic.

What the programme involves

A team of volunteers from St Albans Parish form the team which runs a series of weekly sessions beginning

in September each year, running until after Easter.

The ‘Enquiry Period’ runs from September to Christmas helping enquirers to develop and strengthen a relationship with God; to understand what is important to all Christians and find out more about what Catholics specifically believe. Enquirers are then invited to commit

to whether they want to continue to the next stage.

Preparation for Baptism and/or Confirmation

From January to Easter the programme considers the Mass, Sacraments and Prayer in greater detail

including Scripture reflections. Anyone wishing to go forward is prepared for formal acknowledgement within the Parish and the Diocese including a Day of Prayer with Bishop Mark Davies and The Rite of Election at

Shrewsbury Cathedral.

Meetings are held on Tuesday evenings from 7.30pm to 9pm from late September, until Pentecost in May.

If you are feeling unsure about whether the programme is right for you, feel free to contact Fr. Peter Burke at

St Alban’s (01625 423446) or Denise Volpato

HOLY FATHER’S

PRAYER INTENTIONS for November

Universal: That we may be open to personal encounter and dialogue with all, even those whose convictions differ from our own. Evangelization: That pastors of the Church, with profound love for their flocks, may accompany them and enliven their hope.

THE PARISH

ROSARY FOR PEACE

Every Wednesday starting at 6.30pm

(before evening mass) we invite you to come

along and join in… Together we CAN make

a difference!

First Saturday Devo!ons

A gentle reminder that it is the first Saturday

of the month again this Saturday, November 6th.

Star�ng at 10.30am with the Rosary, the

Consecra�on prayer and Repara�on to the

Immaculate Heart of Mary,

followed by Adora�on and confessions at 11am

and concluding with Holy Mass at 12 noon.

Look forward to seeing you. All welcome.

God bless. Love, Josie x

Monthly News Editor : Phil Read Shaw Tel: 828152 Email: [email protected]

Contributions welcome from all groups and individuals in the Parish. Copy deadline: last Monday of the month.

Advertising contact: Keith Taylor Tel: 429915 Email: [email protected] Rates £6.00 per single

insertion. (width 6cms by depth 4cms.) (£30.00 for six months.)

St Alban’s Website: This month’s and last month’s editions of the Monthly News are available at

http://www.stalbanmacc.org.uk St Alban’s Monthly News is printed by

MAIL BOXES ETC 1 Silk House, Park Green, Macclesfield SK11 7QJ

Tel 429900 Email: [email protected]

Then Contact Margaret on 07881 895540


The PARISH COUNCIL met on 8th October 2015.

The following is a brief resume:

YOUTH OF THE PARISH

We are pleased to report that we now have

new leaders for the X-Cell parish youth group

and a new Co-ordinator for our parish

Confirma�on Group.

Many thanks to our volunteers for giving their

�me and exper�se. We are always interested to

hear from anyone who may be interested in

helping out with these groups.

We are also keen to hear from any young

people who would be interested in contribu�ng

their views and ideas for the parish.

PARISH MEETING - 17th November 2015

(7.30pm mass for 8pm start)

Come along and find out more about some key

topics currently under discussion in the church.

Use this opportunity to discuss and ask your

ques�ons about these four ‘hot topics’:

Pope Francis’ Encyclical

Laudato Si’ - On Care For Our Common Home

2016 - A Holy Year of Mercy

Being A Truly Integrated Parish

The Voca�on & Mission of the Family

FEEDBACK FROM HERITAGE OPEN DAY

This was well-a7ended. Many thanks to

everyone involved in the event.

The WW1 memorial exhibi�on was much

appreciated and it was suggested that we

repeat this for Remembrance Day for example.

It was suggested that we introduce a feedback

comments book.

ALPHA COURSE

This is well-a7ended and is running well.

Many thanks for the work that has gone into

the prepara�ons and the catering.

Kirsn Bisgood-Smith

REMEMBERING THE FALLEN OF WW1

Around ten years ago, I was very fortunate to be invited to join a small group of people from Su7on Lane Ends

and surrounding districts who, on an annual basis, have undertaken a series of visits to the ba7lefields of WW1

in Northern France and Belgium. The group, who are affec�onately known as the “Su7on Pals”, set out from

the start, with the aim of visi�ng the graves and/or memorials of all those listed on the war memorial in Su7on, who fell on the Western Front during WW1.

Following the visit this year, that aim was completed.

Recently, one of the Su7on Pals – Michael Clark – inherited the war medals of Francis (Frank) Moran who is commemorated on the memorial in St Albans Church.

During the visit, which took place in October of this

year, it was Michael’s wish to lay a wreath on the grave of Frank Moran and as a member of the Su7on Pals and

St Albans parish, I was kindly asked to jointly lay the wreath with him.

This was a great honour and the photograph shows Michael and me laying the wreath on Tuesday 13th

October at Bethune Town Cemetery, Pas de Calais.

The accompanying photo-graph shows the wording on the wreath. Any war is terrible beyond belief but it is always a great honour

to lay a wreath on the grave of one who has fall-en in this way. This occa-

sion was especially moving for me, since the wreath was laid on behalf of Su7on Pals and St Albans parishioners.

Several other cemeteries and memorials were visited during our visit to the Western Front and a number of names commemorated on the memorial in St Albans church were located. These were John (Henry) Green and Richard Davies (both listed on the Menin Gate,

Ypres), Mar�n Lord and Edward McGowan (both listed on Tyne Cot memorial) and Henry Whitney (Australian Na�onal memorial at Villers Bretonneux memorial).

May their souls and the souls of all those who fall in war, rest in peace. Amen.

Paul Davenport

BIRTHDAY & ANNIVERSARY

Father Peter will be 70 on 20/12/15,

which is the 44th anniversary of his ordina�on.

There will be Cheese and Wine recep�on a8er

Sunday 6.30 mass on 20/12/15 in the Parish Centre.

The main event will be on Saturday 23/1/16

with a celebratory mass @6.30,

followed by a ceilidh and a shared supper

and Bring Your Own Drink, in the parish centre.

Everyone welcome!

Mary Loughran - Social Commi'ee


at St Alban’s

Livesimply challenges us to respond to God’s call to live simply, sustainably and in solidarity with the poor. Today we are focussing on living in solidarity with those who are suffering in areas of war around the world

As you read this article we are at the end of Disarmament Week, which started on 24th October, the anniversary of creating the United Nations. It originated from the general assembly special session on disarmament in 1978, where States were invited to highlight the danger of the arms race, propagate the need for its cessation and increase public understanding of the urgent tasks of disarmament.

So how far have we come? In 2013/14 the UK spent 7% of GDP or £49.9 billion out of a total £664.1 billion na-tional budget diverting just 3% of current US military spending could end starvation on earth.

So what about the outcome of this spending in terms of peace, protection or security? To date there is an absence of any indicator showing the outcome of the monetary value of defence for any nation in the world.

So what can we do about this, surely it is a task for our nation’s leaders? Let’s turn to Mother Teresa’s reflections on working towards peace to see what we could do each day. “The fruit of silence is prayer; the fruit of prayer is faith; the fruit of faith is love; the fruit of love is service; the fruit of service is peace.

Let us not use bombs and guns to overcome the world. Let us use love and compassion. Peace begins with a smile. Smile five times a day at someone you don't really want to smile at; do it for peace. Let us radiate the peace of God and so light His light and extinguish in the world and in the hearts of all men all hatred and love for power.

Today, if we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other - that man, that woman, that child is my brother or my sister. If everyone could see the image of God in his neighbour, do you think we would still need tanks and generals?

Peace and war begin at home. If we truly want peace in the world, let us begin by loving one another in our own families. If we want to spread joy, we need for every family to have joy.

Today, nations put too much effort and money into defending their borders. They know very little about the poverty and the suffering that exist in the countries where those bordering on destitution live. If they would only defend these defenceless people with food, shelter, and clothing, I think the world would be a happier place”.

THE BOOK FOR NOVEMBER THE BOOK FOR NOVEMBER THE BOOK FOR NOVEMBER THE BOOK FOR NOVEMBER

Located in the Parish Library. “Spirituality” - Spine Number: 236

THE JESUS I NEVER KNEWTHE JESUS I NEVER KNEWTHE JESUS I NEVER KNEWTHE JESUS I NEVER KNEW

Prepare for a surprise encounter

by

Philip Yancey

This book is a journey that aims to

expand and, for some, redefine the

common understanding of the person,

. teachings, and life of Jesus Christ.

It leads beyond familiar images we might have

about Him, stories with a halo and a serene smile,

but explores the real flesh and blood behind the myth:

the man who shocked and scandalised his

contemporaries & refused to fit their preconceptions.

Silvia G.

So peace starts with each one of us, our prayers and the small acts of service we can do each day. And if you would like to be more active in working for peace in God’s world you could come along to our Parish’s Justice and Peace Group. Where people meet each month to share their views, plan and take action to address injustices locally and around the world. There is more information in this Monthly News on the work of the group over the coming months and who to contact, or you can find more information on the St Albans website. We would love to welcome more foot soldiers working for peace. Bernadette Bailey


SUDAN UPDATE NORTH SUDAN

Baby Feeding Programme.

Last year the SVP in Khartoum fed 1,500 babies

3 times a week, provided over 35,000 medical

consultations and delivered water to tens of

thousands of displaced people.

Foster Homes for Street Children. These children were mainly refugees from

South Sudan and many have now returned there or have been reunited with relatives. The Foster Home project has also, unfortunately, become the focus of

attention from the Government as it was often interpreted as a method of evangelisation. There have recently been clear signs of persecution of

Christians and harassment by the authorities. It had also become very expensive as a large number of

staff were necessary. So, for many reasons the project has closed.

SOUTH SUDAN Civil War broke out in 2013

It is reported that tens of thousands of people have been killed and more than 1.6 million have

been internally displaced. The SVP centre at Lullugu, just otside Juba, continues to provide vocational training,for young people, a medical

centre and a baby feeding centre.

However, since the increase in fighting since March 2015, aid agencies have warned that the

country faces severe food shortages and potential famine. The SVP is caring for over 12,000

internally displaced people from Bentinue, Malakal, Bor and Kworjik. The war has driven cattle herders into these farming areas and the villages have been

destroyed.

Through the efforts of the SVP in juba, each of 2,200 households receive monthly: 50kg maize

flour, a bucket of beans, 5 litres of cooking oil, 2 packets of salt and a tablet of soap. The people in Sudan and South Sudan are still desperate for

our help in many ways. We ask you to encourage everyone to pray and continue to support our

efforts through increased public awareness and generous giving.

Edith Yates – Twinnage Secretary for

Saint Alban's SVP Conference.

X.Cell Youth Club

for fun, friends, games and tuck!

Everyone in Years 7-9

is welcome – bring your friends, meet up

with friends from primary school, make

some new friends.

27th November,

7-9pm

St Alban’s Parish Centre,

opposite the church.

£1 entry & some money for tuck.

We’ll ask you to complete a

Consent Form the first �me you come.

For more informa�on contact

Anna & Greg Hughes

01625 614406

[email protected]

If any adults could lend us a hand now

and again, please do let us know – many

hands makes light work!


xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Shrewsbury Diocese

The Catholic Children’s Society has been named as

the Diocesan point of contact. An audit is being con-

ducted of resources in the diocese.

For more informa�on.

h7ps://www.facebook.com/CathChildSociety

In Europe

Meanwhile thousands are camped in squalor out-

side Calais, 20 miles from Dover. Cafod will allocate

part of the Harvest Fast Day proceeds to suppor�ng

the work of Caritas among refugees in Europe.

In addi�on you can donate specifically to this fund.

h'p://www.cafod.org.uk/News/Emergencies-news/

Refugee-crisis-in-Europe

GLOBAL WARMING and MIGRATION

Elsewhere in this Monthly News there is an ar�cle

about the Pope’s concern about climate change.

Global warming is a good thing for us. Or is it?

Before we wallow in the idea of England becoming

a wonderful sunny place to have beach holidays and

drink local wines, please consider this comment on

a link climate change -to- war -to- mass migra�on

from Syria on a grand scale now evident in Europe.

“Faced with dwindling profits from oil exports in

May 2008, Syria's government slashed fuel

subsidies. The price of petrol and food prices tripled

overnight. The context was an intensifying and

increasingly regular drought cycle linked to climate

change.

Between 2002 and 2008, the country's total water

resources dropped by half. Millions of Syrians le8

the countryside for ci�es and swelled the ranks of

rebel forces prepared to fight the Assad regime.

Once self- sufficient in wheat, Syria became

increasingly dependent on expensive grain imports.

The food price hikes triggered the protests that

evolved into armed rebellion a8er the government

used violence against demonstrators. The rural

town of Dara, hit by five prior years of drought and

water scarcity with li7le relief from the government,

was a focal point for the civil war which broke out

in 2011.”

Source Vocaon for Jusce a publicaon of the

Missionary Society of St Columban.

Keith Taylor

WELCOMING REFUGEES

The UK government has undertaken to accept

20,000 refugees from camps in the Middle East over

the next four years.

The Hope Churches' Response to the Refugee Crisis

Round the country churches, agencies, local

authori�es are mee�ng and planning a response to

the poten�al arrival of refugees in their towns.

The call will be for assistance at many levels:

accommoda�on, clothes, food, health care, help

with se7ling into a new environment and culture.

There will be a role for individual contribu�ons as

well as those of official bodies.

The Macclesfield churches under the banner HOPE,

formerly Churches together in Macclesfield, will hold

an event aimed at crea�ng a framework for all to be

involved with welcoming the stranger in our midst, if

and when he or she arrives, It is being coordinated

by Rev Helen Byrne of Macclesfield Methodist

Church.


The Maranatha Annual Lecture

presented by

His Grace, Bishop Angaelos, OBE

General Bishop of the

Cop!c Orthodox Church in the UK

Patron of

“Embrace the Middle East”

What role does religion have in the

turbulence of the world today?

Are poli!cal and diploma!c processes

sufficient?

Is religion part of the problem,

or part of the solu!on?

Whitworth Gallery

Oxford Road,

Manchester

M15 6ER

(close to the university)

Tuesday 1st December 2015

7.00pm

Welcome recep!on with drinks provided

7.30pm

Lecture with opportunity for ques!ons

Entry by !cket only.

Standard price: £8

Students only 50p!

(Campus card/NUS card must be

presented on the night)

Tel: 0161 748 4858

Invites you to our Tasty Bites

for Children’s Rights

On Saturday 14th November

Tickets are available from Just Drop-In,

14 Duke Street, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 6UR

You can always phone to reserve yours on

01625 665079

There are 3 siLngs;

12noon, 1.30pm and 3pm.

You can choose a siLng when you

purchase your !ckets.

Adult: £7.00

Child under 10: £3

St Alban’s Monthly News

KEY STAGE 2 HOME TUITION

English and Maths.

Highly qualified, retired Primary teacher

Very reasonable rates.

Full CRB/DPS .

William Pilkiewicz B.Ed. D.A.S.E.

( Queen's University of Belfast)

01625 474695

Mobile 07926 844574

HOOLEY WATSON &

BUCKLEY Funeral Directors

Established 1888

7&9 JAMES STREET, MACCLESFIELD

Tel: 01625 422734

Email: [email protected]

PRE-PAID FUNERAL PLANS AVAILABLE

Chartered Accountants & Chartered Tax Advisers 341/343 Park Lane Macclesfield

For the full range of accounting and taxation services– ring

01625- 266552

Val Newton Childcare

Ofsted Registered

Child Minder Vacancies for 0 -14 yrs

Full or part time Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 3DY

Home: 01625 262890 [email protected] www.valnewtonchildcare.co.uk

CAVENDISH

WINDOW CLEANING CO

Expert cleaning for leaded and Georgian

windows, gutters, PVC window frames

& conservatories (including roofs).

Contact Tony Foster 07802 555520

Federation Of

Window

Cleaners

Fully insured

member

MACCLESFIELD MAINTENANCE Roof repairs ○ Re-roofing ○ Flat roofing

Chimney work ○ Pointing ○ Rendering

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GIVE YOUR HOME A FACELIFT Fascias ○ Soffits ○ Gutters

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Adeava

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Flowers for all Events, Weddings, Funerals

01625 615880 www.whiteroomfloraldesign.co.uk 9 Chester Road Macclesfield [email protected]

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