THE SOCIETY OF MARY
North-West Ward of Our Lady of Victories
NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2005
SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2005
From the Ward Secretary – R. I. McEwan
DUNWOOD HOUSE, RUSHCROFT ROAD, HIGH CROMPTON, OLDHAM OL2 7PP
01706 840607
Dear Friends,
A STORY
The King was coming to the end of his life and found it all rather depressing. Looking back he recalled sadly: “During my life, I have seen and experienced everything a mortal man can experience or grasp with his senses. But still there is something I have not seen. I haven’t seen God. How I would dearly love to before I die”.
So he called all his wise men and priests together and consulted with them. All he wished for he told them was to get a glimpse of God, and then he would die a happy man. Rewards of every kind were offered if they could make his wish come true. But they all failed and a deeper depression fell upon him.
By chance, however, a kindly shepherd in the hills heard of the King’s plight. He approached the King and said: “Sire, may I be allowed to help you?”
The King, overjoyed, was asked to follow the shepherd into the hills and rough places where he had never been before. He was amazed at what he saw and the poverty of the shepherd, he rubbed his eyes at what he hoped to see, but the shepherd calmly said, “Sire, if you want to see God, it’s your heart you have to purify, not your eyes.” The King puzzled by this made no reply. At last they reached a hill top and pointing towards the sun, the shepherd said “Look up”. The King tried to look directly at the sun, but the glare dazzled him. “Do you want to blind me?” he said.
“But my King”, the shepherd relied “This is only part of the Creation, only a small reflection of the glory of God, a tiny spark of His radiant light. How can you expect to look at God with your weak and imperfect eyes? You must begin to search for Him with eyes other than your physical ones.”
The King warmed to this idea and said, “I thank you for having opened the eyes of my mind. Now would you be good enough to answer another question? Where does God live? I have searched for Him everywhere, especially in the shrines and the temples, but I haven’t found Him.”
The shepherd pointed once more to the sky. Above them the wild birds were flying around. “Look at the birds,” he said, “see how they live surrounded by air. In the same way we live surrounded by God – so stop searching – just be still. Open your eyes and look. Open your ears and listen. You can’t miss Him.”
The King stopped and looked and listened. As he did so a peaceful expression came over his sad face. Then the shepherd added “There is something else your Majesty ought to know.”
“What’s that?” the King asked eagerly.
The shepherd led him to a deep well and stood there, looking down into the calm, deep water in silence. Growing impatient the King asked: “Who lives down there?”
“God does.” The shepherd answered.
“Can I see Him?”
“Why yes – take a look”.
The King gazed intently down into the well, but all he saw was his own reflection. Then he raised his head and said “But all I can see is myself!”
“Now you know where God lives. He lives in you. If a person has the misfortune to lose God in his heart, he may search the entire universe for Him but he will not find Him. The world, O King is God’s Temple, but the human heart is his Sanctuary.”
Suddenly it began to dawn upon the King that the simple shepherd possessed the only riches worth owning and that it was he, for all his wealth and possessions, who was the poorer of the two. So he thanked the shepherd and returned to his palace. No one knew whether the King had seen God, but they could tell that something had happened to change his heart. This was evident from the kindly way he now dealt with even the least of his servants, people who prior to this he had hardly known existed.
Isaac Newton, the great scientist once said: “I do not know what I may appear to the world; but to myself I seem to have been only a boy playing on the seashore, and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than the ordinary whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.”
REQUIESCANT IN PACE
Joyce Bates
Joyce Bates, who died during Eastertide, was a dearly–loved member of our Ward and whose passing has left us with a sense of sadness and deprivation. We are not sorry for her, but rather for ourselves, and the people of Holy Trinity Bury, because of the gap she leaves in our lives. I regret that I was only told of her death several weeks after her funeral and was therefore unable to be present - or to inform any of our members. I do hope you will remember Joyce in your prayers.
Joyce once told me that she came into contact with Holy Trinity Church, as a regular penitent because the priest appointed to her local parish church was unfamiliar with the sacrament of penance. She was clearly disappointed by what she felt was a void in his ministry but there was not a hint of bitterness. Joyce saw it all as an ongoing part of her journey of discovery and a challenge which she would face in all humility. I suppose that regular penitents are a fast disappearing phenomenon these days but her understanding of this discipline singled her out as dedicated and serious Catholic Christian. Yet this seriousness was one of purpose and intention and not of manner or demeanour, for she was a happy and joyful person, with a strong loyalty to her friends and the Church of God. With this went an ability to see the very best in everyone, and a refusal to judge or condemn. She was loved and respected by all who knew her.
Over the years Holy Trinity Bury and the SOM had ample evidence of her quiet generosity. This was almost always anonymous and it ran along side her single-minded faith and trust. Her membership of the Bury Twinning Association and her enthusiasm for German and French conversation, friendships and exchange visits remained with her to the end. She sustained wonderful friendships at home and abroad. Seldom have I known anyone so much “in love and charity with her neighbour” and “intending to lead a new life” (to quote her beloved Book of Common Prayer).
However, we remember Joyce, we must not forget that what made her the person she was and what should make all of us what we are. It is chiefly the way she endeavoured to respond to the gift of everlasting life received in Baptism, her life of prayer, her rule of life and regular sacramental confession and her nourishment for the journey of life through the Body and Blood of Christ in Holy Communion.
Our hidden life in Christ is the force which motivates every good action, prompts every kindly word, and holds us steadfast to the hope of everlasting life. The evidence of this is seen in what we are and in what we do.
We commend her to the loving care of Christ whom she strove to serve so well and that He will have brought her in “joy and felicity” to her final reward. May she rest in peace.
David Vale (priest)
As this Newsletter goes to print we have heard of the tragic death of David Vale. David was on holiday with his family in Egypt. We mourn his passing and remember before God his wife Averill and his children Joanna and Leonard. May he rest in peace
THE NW WARD AGM
The Annual General Meeting of our North West Ward of SOM will take place at 3.00pm on Sunday 24th July This might seem to be a strange time to hold our AGM. However, the Ward Committee anticipates that a good attendance at the summer party and the relaxed atmosphere will be positive ingredients for a well attended meeting. An important item on the agenda is the election of Ward officers. The agenda includes:
1. The acceptance of the Constitution of the Society of Mary. Copies of the Society’s Constitution, as amended in 2001 are available from the Secretary General whose address is shown inside the back cover of “Ave”.
2. Elections
3. Acceptance of Reports
4. AOB to be notified to the Secretary by 10/07/05
So that the AGM is not a protracted affair this Newsletter contains within it the various different Ward Officer’s reports.
Please note
All Candidates for election to the above posts must willingly give their permission. Candidates must also be nominated and seconded by members of our Ward. Nominations in writing to the Ward Secretary by Sunday 10th July
ELECTION OF A NEW WARD SECRETARY
Richard McEwan was elected secretary in 1995 following the resignation of Miss Barbara Duckworth and Fr. McCollough who moved from the area. He now feels that ten years is probably long enough to hold this post and that the ideas, initiatives and enthusiasm which he has brought to this post should be developed and carried forward by someone else. The Ward Secretary is supported by a hard working team who form the Ward Committee they meet approx. 5 times per year and comprise priests and people drawn from different parts of the NW. It is hoped that we can elect a secretary from the laity who will uphold the objects of the Society and promote it in this region. If you would like to know more about this, please speak to Fr. McEvitt or the Secretary.
RETROSPECT
Priests of the Society of the Holy Cross (SSC) spent the second week of Easter celebrating the 150th anniversary of their foundation. An International Synod and two-day Conference in London were followed by a Pilgrimage to Walsingham and a great Mass of Thanksgiving in the Albert Hall, the scene of the historic series of Anglo-Catholic Congresses begun in 1920.
SSC priests have always been active in encouraging devotion to Our Lady. Fr Hope Patten was a member, as most of the priest-Guardians of Walsingham have been. One of his close allies in the development of the Shrine was Fr Alban Baverstock, twice elected Master of SSC, who played a prominent role in SOM when it was formed in 1931 from two older confraternities. He compiled the Mary Hymn Book, was an early Chaplain-General of SOM, and editor of Ave. Today, Bishop Ladds, Fr Rowlands and most of our priests are also members of SSC.
On the Friday, over three hundred priests concelebrated the Mass in the Parish Church and then walked in procession up the High Street as the Image of Our Lady was carried to the Shrine. The next day, in the Albert Hall, the Master of SSC, Fr David Houlding, recalled that when Fr Hope Patten had been given a rousing reception there at one of the Congresses, he had replied diffidently that the praise was due not to him but to Our Lady. It was our opportunity now, Fr Houlding continued, to honour her. And as a glorious fanfare sounded, the vast congregation (over 5,000) with a thousand priests and two dozen bishops rose to applaud as the Image was borne in, accompanied by the Guardians, and placed by the Altar near the enormous SSC Cross.
The presence of the Image of Our Lady of Walsingham there was a reminder that Jesus on the Cross gave her to us as our Mother. When we stand up for Jesus in our daily life and witness, when we stand up for the truth of the Catholic Faith inspired by her courageous devotion and obedience, we are supported by her powerful prayers, and enfolded in her wonderful love.
Fr Ian Brooks NW Ward Chaplain of SOM and Parish Priest of S. Paul’s Croxteth, Liverpool
PILGRIMAGE TO LADYEWELL
Society of Mary & Forward in Faith
For a number of years now Forward in Faith in the Diocese of Blackburn has held an Annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady at Fernyhalgh, Fulwood, near Preston. This year, for the first time, the Society of Mary and Forward in Faith shared a joint Pilgrimage. The Chief Celebrant and Preacher was the Rt Rev’d Martyn Jarrett, Bishop of Beverley. Bishop Martyn had inaugurated this Pilgrimage for Anglicans when he served as Bishop of Burnley.
Our Pilgrimage on Saturday, 4th June 2005, was a truly ecumenical event. We began at noon with a Rosary Procession from the beautiful Roman Catholic Parish Church (1794) to the Shrine. Fr Alan Cook, North West Regional Dean of Forward in Faith, led the Angelus and Rosary. At the centre of the Rosary Procession was a fine statue of Our Lady which was kindly loaned for the occasion by the Salford and Liverpool RC Pilgrimage Association. It was this sharing and wonderful spirit of co-operation which was the hall-mark of a very happy occasion. Many pilgrims who walked in procession along the lanes in the June sunshine toward the ancient Shrine experienced something deeply moving and profound in their journey of faith.
On arrival at the Shrine the music in preparation for the Solemn Mass filled the beautiful grounds. At the Elevation of the Host the torch bearers were joined by a peacock whose display of brilliant plumage was timed to perfection.
One hundred and seventy eight people received Holy Communion. Following the Mass there was a lunch break and an opportunity to enjoy the grounds. There is a beautiful set of Stations of the Cross in the grounds, a new and second-hand bookshop and a gift shop, so there was something to suite everyone’s taste!
In the afternoon the Sprinkling at the Well with special provision for the sick took place. The Pilgrimage ended with Benediction given by Fr Bootle who is one of the RC Priests of the Shrine. We gained so much from this beautiful gem in the heart of Lancashire. Please encourage friends to visit the shrine.
We look forward to repeating the Pilgrimage again next year so please note the date in your diaries. The 2006 Joint Pilgrimage will take place on Saturday, 3rd June, and Bishop Nicholas Reade, Bishop of Blackburn, will Chief Celebrant and Preacher.
May we take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all those involved with the success of the Pilgrimage. We extend our special thanks to the Clergy and Staff of the Shrine for their generous hospitality.
Fr Roger Parker
North Ward Chaplain of SOM
Clerical Chairman of Blackburn Forward in Faith
Parish Priest of S. Catherine’s, Burnley.
For your prayers:for all those to be
ordained this Petertide and for the parishes where they will serve.
To be ordained Deacon:
To be ordained Priest:
REPORT OF THE WARD SECRETARY 2004-5
The NW Ward Programme for the year 2004 included nine events. This was a fairly varied programme. Most occasions were liturgical events but they all included some hospitality where members could meet together socially. They were as follows:
2004
The Lenten Devotion at S. Catherine’s Burnley
National Festival of the Society & AGM at S. Silas’ Kentish Town
The York Devotion to Our Lady of Walsingham at York Minster
The May Devotion at S. Hilda’s Prestwich
Summer Party at Dunwood House High Crompton
Pilgrimage to Egmanton, Nottinghamshire
Walsingham Devotion at S. Augustine’s Tonge Moor
Northern Festival & October Devotion at S. Helen’s Athersley, Barnsley
Festival Mass & Lunch at S. Michael’s Peel Green
2005
The Lenten Devotion at S. Catherine’s Burnley
National Festival of the Society & AGM at S. Silas’ Kentish Town
The May Devotion at S. Hilda’s Prestwich
Pilgrimage to Ladyewell
During the year the membership secretary is pleased to report a steady increase in membership during 2004-5. This includes 6 priests and thirty eight laity. An interesting trend is that two thirds of the applications are from men which is contrary to the pattern of recruitment/growth in the Church in general and the C of E in particular!
Signed on behalf of The Ward Committee
Richard I. McEwan - Ward Secretary
REPORT OF THE WARD CHAPLAIN 2004-5
Holy Family Rectory : 190 Lord Lane : Failsworth
M35 0QS :: 0161-681-3644
Dear Friends,
As you will read elsewhere in this newsletter, we are to have an official AGM! Not exactly earth shattering, I know, but nevertheless a significant event.
For many years our Ward has continued its work on a very much ‘ad hoc’ basis with the majority of the actual running being left to a few devoted individuals who have served us very well indeed. More recently we have tried to establish a working committee and I believe that this has worked rather well. We have created a pattern in which we usually have devotions before eating and then proceeding to the business of the day. The hospitality of various parishes has been a great feature of this and has helped to spread news of the Society and its work and, of course, we have grown together as a committee in a way that has not been possible for a number of years. Our meetings have often ended with the job of assembling this newsletter, which now has a print run of 250 copies for each edition and you would be surprised how far they travel. I had a conversation with a priest recently who told me he had read my letter in the last edition whilst visiting a parish 60 miles from here!
In reviewing the last year I would want to thanks all members of the committee, the parishes who have hosted SOM events and the clergy who have assisted us, not least Fr Ian Brooks and Fr Roger Parker. Without them our work simply would not happen.
So why an AGM? Well, it’s the logical progression in the development of our work and in these days of great ‘transparency’ in all spheres of life it is entirely correct that we hold an annual general meeting at which members can raise issues relevant to our work and propose, second and vote for those who will lead us in the next year – if they wish. As ever, we will combine this with our Summer Party – details of which can be found elsewhere in the newsletter.
Please keep the society, this ward and fellow members in your prayers – we are all in need them and none are wasted!
Fr Peter McEvitt
North Ward Chaplain of SOM
Parish Priest of the Church of the Holy Family, Failsworth
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Sunday 24th July - The Summer Party
Dunwood House Rushcroft Road High Crompton – from 3.00pm
This social event will be preceded by the AGM of the Ward at 3.00pm
Details from Richard McEwan 01706 840607
Saturday 20th August - Pilgrimage to Egmanton
Shrine of our Lady nr. Tuxford Notts. - 12 noon
Details: Fr. Rowlands 020 7485 3727
Saturday 1st October - The Walsingham Devotion
S. Augustine’s Tonge Moor - 3.00 pm
Details : Fr. Davies 01204 523 899
Saturday 8th October - The Northern Festival & October Devotion
S. Agnes’ Toxteth Park Liverpool - 12 noon
Details: Fr. Cook 0151 733 1742
Saturday 10th December - Festival Mass of the Immaculate Conception
Holy Family Church Failsworth - 12 noon
Details: Fr. McEvitt 0161 681 3644
NEW MEMBERS
We welcome the following new members to the Society of Mary:
Fr Neil Kelley (parish priest) S. Faith’s Crosby Liverpool
Lilian Boschi S. Paul’s Croxteth
Marianne Harding S. Paul’s Croxteth
Andrew McDonald S. Paul’s Croxteth
Lilian McDonald S. Paul’s Croxteth
Doreen McInerney S. Paul’s Croxteth
Margaret Marsh S. Paul’s Croxteth
Olive Russell S. Paul’s Croxteth
Patricia Whittle S. Paul’s Croxteth
Fr. Stephen Smith S. Catherine’s Burnley
Fr. Derek Lloyd S. Andrew & S. Margaret Burnley
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