Catholic Association Pilgrimage News

2012 CA changes

2012-01-27T09:28:00.002Z

News from the Catholic Association Trustees

New appointments to the Pilgrimage Management Team

Chief Nurse

As advised in the recent Hospitalité Newsletter, Rachel Easton has been confirmed as Chief Nurse and will be in this role for the 2012 pilgrimage. If you know any nurses who are interested in joining the Pilgrimage, please pass them Rachel's contact details - chief_nurse@catholicassociation.co.uk

Chaplain to the Sick & CA Hospitalité

The newsletter also contained the news of the appointment of Fr Antony Lester, O.Carm as Chaplain to the Sick and to the Hospitalité.

Young Helpers’ Group Leaders

Shortly before Christmas, Becky Banfield regretfully informed the Trustees that she was unable to take on the role of Leader of the Young Helpers Group. Luckily David and Judy Ball, who live in Norwich, are prepared to take on this major pilgrimage responsibility.

David and Judy are well known to the Pilgrimage, and have been coming to Lourdes as a family for many years. Judy has been the Director of Music in Lourdes for the past few years, and David has been an elected member of the Hospitalité Council since 2010 and was deputy of the ceremonies team in 2011. They can be contacted by email using young_helpers@catholicassociation.co.uk or by phone on 01603 456627.

Tangney Tours were very flexible, and held back from printing the Pilgrimage Brochure while these arrangements were finalised. Those of you who travel with Tangney Tours should receive the CA Pilgrimage brochure and booking form in the next few days.

Music Group

Before they knew about this new role, Judy had already advised the CA Trustees that she wanted to step down as Director of Music after the 2012 pilgrimage. This role will be taken by Catherine Christmas of Portsmouth Diocese, who has been part of the music group for several years. She will work closely with Judy during 2012 to enable a smooth transition, and take overall responsibility from the end of the year.

East Anglia Diocesan Director

And finally - Ian Hatfield stepped down as East Anglia Diocesan Director at the end of the 2011 Pilgrimage. This role will now be taken by two Suffolk based deacons as a job-share. During the year, supporting publicity, recruitment etc, the main responsibility will be with Rev Alan McMahon who lives in Bury St Edmunds, phone 01284 756324. In Lourdes, the group will be led by Rev Clive Brooks who lives in East Bergholt. They can both be contacted at: eastanglia@catholicassociation.co.uk

Contact details for all members of the management team can be found here.

The Trustees would like to thank all these people who are volunteering their time to organise various aspects of the Pilgrimage, and we welcome them all to the management team.

Congratulations to...

2012-01-09T13:02:00.001Z

...Victor and Anna Fauvelle on the birth of their son, Leopold Henry Fauvelle.

Hospitalité Winter Newsletter

2011-12-13T10:50:00.003Z

From Nimal Hemelge:

The Hospitalité Newsletter is now available online for you to download and print out.

View here

The hard copies through the post have started to arrive already. If you do not receive your copy through the post within three weeks and you have previously requested one, or you have moved / changed your name in the last 12 months please email me with your details as soon as possible, as our records on file for you may be incorrect / out of date.

Equally if you no longer wish to receive your hard copy through the post, or prefer to read online / print it out yourself please email me to confirm your decision. Printing the Newsletter out yourself, not only means you can print it out in colour, but of course it saves the CA Hospitalité a lot of money which means money can be better spent on other things.

This year’s newsletter has articles on our 2011 Lourdes theme, the Our Father; a wonderful reflection by Bishop Crispian; plus an article by Lourdes stalwart Nell Atkin on her experiences of travelling to Lourdes as an Assisted Pilgrim for the first time.

Our thanks go to all our contributors, including the Heads of Service and the Young Helper's Group Leader.

We look forward to seeing as many of you at the AGM (11 Feb 20112 – Sawston, see newsletter for details) as possible.

We hope you enjoy it.

God Bless,

Nimal Hemelge

Denise Phillips

2011-11-23T12:39:00.001Z

Denise Phillips who died last week, was a long standing member of East Anglia and the CA Hospitalite. Denise originally went with her son to Lourdes with the CA group - GOBS (Grand Order of Babysitters). She would divide her time between the GOBS and the main Pilgrimage working as a part of the water team. Denise also looked after all the handmaid uniforms for a number of years.

Denise had a massive stroke a few years ago, and has been seriously unwell since.

Please keep Denise and her family in your prayers.

Bishop John Jukes - Southwark

2011-11-22T15:20:00.001Z

Please pray for Bishop John Jukes who died on 21 November 2011 and who has been connected and contributed to the Catholic Association Pilgrimage a few times.

The Right Reverend John Jukes OFM Conv., S.T.L., Emeritus Bishop of Southwark was born at Eltham, London, 7th August 1923. Ordained Priest 19th July 1952. Ordained Bishop of the Titular See of Strathearn and Auxiliary in Southwark by Archbishop Bowen 30th January 1980.

His body will be received at St George's Cathedral, Southwark, on Sunday, 4th December, at 5:45 pm followed by the parish Mass at 6:00 pm. Franciscan Vespers at St George's Cathedral on Monday, 5th December, at 7:00 pm

His Requiem Mass will be held at St George's Cathedral on Tuesday, 6th December, at 12 noon

May he rest in peace

Congratulations to...

2011-11-10T12:10:00.001Z

...Rupert Bell and Insa on the birth of their daughter Franziska. She was born today in Munich weighing 3,37kg and was 53 cm long.

Rupert was Chief Brancardier from 2006 - 2010.

Congratulations to...

2011-11-08T09:51:00.001Z

...Mary (nee Dujardin) and Shane Edwards on the birth of their son Charlie James. He was born today at 5.33am, weighing 3.43kg.

Dr Derek Bedford

2011-10-24T10:20:00.002+01:00

Dr Derek Bedford died last Friday evening in Reigate Hospital about 7pm as a resulting of a worsening of a heart condition that has troubled him for some time. His family were with him when he died, and Sr Maureen had managed to visit him a few days ago.

Dr Derek Bedford has been a great supporter of the CA Pilgrimage for many, many years and is a friend to many people. He assisted Sr Maureen for a number of years in working with the hotel APs. He will be greatly missed by all his friends.

May he Rest in Peace and rise in glory.

Ellen Davis

2011-10-04T11:37:00.002+01:00

Ellen Davis (on the right hand side of photo), who was an Assisted Pilgrim on our pilgrimage, died on 2 October at a nursing home.

Ellen was a great supporter of the Carmelites and the parish of English Martyrs, Walworth. Having joined our pilgrimage in 2008, she was admitted to the Catholic Association Hospitalité as a prayer member in 2009, and was on our 2010 pilgrimage.

Sadly she was too unwell to join us this year, but always had a special fondness for Lourdes, and we remembered her in prayer at the Grotto.

Please keep Ellen and her family in your prayers.

May Ellen rest in peace, and rise in glory.

Jim Dujardin

2011-09-22T11:55:00.000+01:00

Mr James Dujardin died on 22nd September 2011.

James has been a great supporter of the CA Pilgrimage for a few years and is a friend to many people. He was both an assisted pilgrim and a helper for a couple of years.

May he Rest in Peace and rise in glory.

Living by Giving Trust

2011-09-06T11:36:00.004+01:00

From: Johan Bergstrom-Allen, Matt Betts, Stephen Daly, Dail Maudsley, and Sadie Vile

In 2010 a small group of us who have been involved with the CA for many years, set up a small charity which aims to support various causes and is currently focussed on "Living by Giving...young people new experiences".

Amongst various undertakings we have been able to support, in 2010 we sponsored a child to travel on the CA Pilgrimage with the Glanfield group and in 2011 we gave financial support to three CA pilgrimage helpers. We also provided some funding to support the gap year work of a past CA brancardier, Roy Scivyer.

If you would like to support us in fundraising for future projects like this, and also to catch up with many people you met in Lourdes, please join us for our "First Birthday Celebration" on 22nd October 2011 in London. Our event will include music, raffle, a fully stocked bar, food, and much more, and will take place at the famous St Bride's Hall in the City of London, close to the historic area of Fleet Street and the famous St Paul’s Cathedral. If you would like to attend, please book your tickets before 1st October 2011 and they will cost just £15 each. You can purchase tickets online here:http://www.bmycharity.com/1stBirthday.

Have a look at our Facebook event page and say you're coming along: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=205842466133693

We look forward to seeing you there!

More information: www.livingbygivingtrust.com

Lourdes revisited....

2011-09-05T10:33:00.004+01:00

Jimmy Burns, writer and journalist, has written in his blog about his experiences of Lourdes this year with the CA. Have a look here.

CA Lourdes Pilgrimage 2011

2011-08-30T10:10:00.000+01:00

A number of our groups and dioceses have produced a page about their pilgrimages to Lourdes with the Catholic Association this year. These can be viewed below:

CA Novena

2011-08-10T11:56:00.001+01:00

Many people find it very helpful to prepare for Lourdes by praying the nine or ten days leading up to the pilgrimage: to help you with this spiritual preparation, please click here: http://www.catholicassociation.co.uk/spirituality/novena.shtml to go to our CA novena, written by Fr Nicholas King, SJ (one of the CA's experienced brancs).

The idea of the novena is to assist all helpers to get their spiritual focus right. Lourdes itself is such a hectic dash that sometimes it may seem that we don't even have time to pray. So, try and get there with your spiritual antennae already alert and receptive; read the meditations for each day, and the suggested scripture reading, and take as much time for quiet prayer as you can manage.

Listen out for what the Lord is saying to you.

Best wishes for a safe journey,

Catholic Association Hospitalité

Bishop Crispian Hollis

2011-07-27T15:24:00.002+01:00

Please pray for Bishop Crispian Hollis, Portsmouth who has been diagnosed with bowel cancer...

From the Catholic Herald.co.uk

"Bishop Crispian Hollis of Portsmouth has announced in a letter to his clergy that he has been diagnosed with bowel cancer.

The 74-year-old bishop, who is soon to retire, had been diagnosed with the disease after a CT scan in mid-June at the Queen Alexandria Hospital, Portsmouth.

Bishop Hollis said the scan had revealed a cancer “which is probably malignant”. A biopsy and MRI scan will be carried out in early August, he said.

He has said that he would still hope to join the diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes from August 21 to 27."

See: http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2011/07/27/bishop-hollis-is-diagnosed-with-bowel-cancer/

Bishop Michael Evans

2011-07-12T09:18:00.011+01:00

The CA Hospitalité is extremely sad to announce that Bishop Michael Evans (East Anglia) has passed away after a very brave fight against cancer. May he Rest in Peace and rise in glory. The CA Hospitalité extends its condolences to Bishop Michael's family, friends and his diocese.

From BBC News (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-14118153):

The Right Reverend Michael Evans, the Catholic Bishop of East Anglia, has died in hospital at the age of 59 after a long battle with prostate cancer.

He was diagnosed with an advanced and aggressive strain in 2005 but continued his ministry throughout his treatment.

The leader of Catholics in Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Norfolk carried out limited engagements as his condition deteriorated.

He continued to work until his admission to hospital last Thursday.

Canon Evans was appointed the third bishop of East Anglia in February 2003 by Pope John Paul II and was ordained at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Norwich, in March of that year.

He was previously parish priest at St Augustine's in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

On his appointment Canon Evans said: "I was astonished to be appointed as Bishop of East Anglia, and have a real sense of my unworthiness for this responsibility, but I accepted this new ministry with a joyful though nervous 'yes'."

Seminary teacher

He became well known throughout the diocese for his teaching and set up an annual adult religious education programme.

He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Southwark in 1975, and spent two years as assistant priest at St Elizabeth's in Richmond, Surrey.

From 1977-1979 he studied for a Master of Theology degree at Heythrop College, University of London, and then returned to St John's Seminary for eight years as lecturer in Christian doctrine.

From 1985-1987 he was Vice-Rector at the seminary, with the then Monsignor Peter Smith (later the second Bishop of East Anglia, and now Archbishop of Southwark) as Rector.

A statement from the Diocese of East Anglia is expected to be made later.

PS:

Archbishop Peter Smith said: "I have no doubt that he [Bishop Michael] will be greeted by the Lord he served so faithfully, with the words: ‘Well done good and faithful servant, enter into the Kingdom prepared for you."

Please visit: http://tinyurl.com/69z83r2 for full statement.In addition, please do visit a recent interview with Bishop Michael Evans which took place after Easter 2011 in which he talked about his illness, and about finding hope in times of adversity: http://www.dayforlife.org/Day-for-Life/Video

Mary Mulligan

2011-06-25T12:33:00.001+01:00

The CA Hospitalité is extremely sad to announce that Mary Mulligan has passed away after a very brave fight against cancer. May she Rest in Peace and rise in glory.

Mary had come with Portsmouth Diocese for a number of years and was a member of the CA Hospitalité.

The CA Hospitalité extends its condolences to Mary's family and friends.

Congratulations to...

2011-06-01T13:31:00.005+01:00

Fabio and Lisa Galantini (nee Presgraves) on the birth of their daughter Katharine, who weighed 5lb 3oz.

Bella Borlase-Hendry

2011-05-19T18:47:00.001+01:00

The CA Hospitalité is extremely sad to announce that Mrs Bella Borlase-Hendry has passed away.

She died at 10am this morning on Thursday 19th May, very peacefully in the Nursing Home in Bath. She was 91.

Her funeral is likely to be at the end of the month in her parish church, St. John's in Bath, but is not settled yet.

Bella was a true stalwart of the Catholic Association Pilgrimage, and was a nurse with us for many, many years. She will be really missed by everyone who worked with and knew her.

The CA Hospitalité extends its condolences to Bella's family and friends of Bella.

May she Rest in Peace

Her funeral is likely to be at the end of the month in her parish church, St. John's in Bath, but is not confirmed.

Bella was a true stalwart of the Catholic Association Pilgrimage, and was a nurse with us for many, many years. She will be greatly missed by everyone who worked with and knew her.

The CA Hospitalité extends its condolences to Bella's family and friends at this difficult time.

May she Rest in Peace

Congratulations to...

2011-05-17T15:35:00.002+01:00

...Catherine Hobday and James Astley on their recent wedding in Much Hadham, Hertfordshire. The couple were surrounded by lots of family and friends.

Congratulations to...

2011-05-12T11:59:00.001+01:00

...Emily and James Baker on the birth of their son Gabriel David William Baker born this morning weighing 9lb 3oz.

400 years of the King James Bible

2011-05-12T11:49:00.000+01:00

This month marks 400 years since the publication of the King James Version of the Bible, for which much admiration has been expressed in this, its anniversary year. But just how much has it contributed to Christian theology and the English language? Scripture scholar and translator, Fr Nicholas King SJ describes the traditions and translations on which the King James Version drew, and clears up one or two misconceptions about the text.

View here

CA Hospitalité Newsletter

2011-05-10T16:13:00.004+01:00

The CA Hospitalité Newsletter is now available online for you to download and print out, here.

The hard copies through the post will start to arrive towards the end of next week. If you do not receive your copy through the post within three weeks and you have previously requested one, or you have moved / changed your name in the last 12 months please email me with your details as soon as possible, as our records on file for you may be incorrect / out of date.

Equally if you no longer wish to receive your hard copy through the post, or prefer to read online / print it out yourself please email Nimal to confirm your decision. Printing the newsletter out yourself, not only means you can print it out in colour, but of course it saves the CA Hospitalite a lot of money which means money can be better spent on the funding of those who need the money.

This year’s newsletter has articles on our 2011 Lourdes theme, the Our Father; plus details on Lourdes 2011; Lourdes funding; and has a whole section on how you can travel and enjoy Lourdes as a Family.

Our thanks go to all our contributors.

We hope you enjoy it.

God Bless,

Nimal

Congratulations to...

2011-05-05T20:29:00.005+01:00

two Lourdes helpers who have recently married:

Chrissie Lees and Mary Hamilton who both married their new husbands during the months of April and May....

BSP/Torchlight

2011-05-05T10:37:00.005+01:00

The Chief Brancardier would like to thank everyone who has notified him of the changes that will be happening to the BSP and Torchlight from this year.

Matt is in contact with the HNDL about the various changes, and it should not affect our normal timings too much.

If you have been out in Lourdes and seen the changes in action, please feel free to contact Matt here.

Nurses

2011-05-02T10:29:00.006+01:00

The CA Hospitalité would like to ask all members who live in any of the CA Dioceses (Clifton, East Anglia, Northampton, Portsmouth, and Southwark) to contact their local hospital chaplains and see if they would be interested in putting up a poster about our Pilgrimage, and particularly our appeal for more nurses. Please use the posters below...

Northampton Diocese

2011-04-28T10:51:00.004+01:00

Two members of Northampton Diocese have recently written for the Diocesan newspaper about their experiences of Lourdes with the diocese and the CA.

In the article, Paul Deveraux and Tracey Hemelge talk about their experiences of bringing family to Lourdes this year.

To read the full article, please view here.

HCP News

2011-04-27T11:03:00.001+01:00

Peter and Mike Tingle join Simon Gallop and Nicole Gallop Mildon as HCP coordinators following the resignation of Chris and Hillie Buller. Our thanks to Chris and Hillie as founding members for all their hard work over the years!

Families wishing to book their children in with HCP can download the form here. HCP accepts the children of helpers (handmaids, brancardier, nurses and doctors); it can also accept the children of Assisted Pilgrims on a case by case basis.

People wishing to volunteer with HCP are most welcome - please download the form here. We have a preference for people who have come with the CA as a helper at least once before and who have experience of childcare/teaching/youth groups.

Deadline for returning forms is 31 May 2011.

Please do not hesitate to contact HCP by email if you have any queries.

Phil Devlin

2011-04-26T09:18:00.002+01:00

The CA Hospitalité is extremely sad to announce that Mr Phil Devlin has passed away. He died early on Monday morning in Hitchingbrooke Hospital, Huntingdon after he had a fall at home last week where he broke a shoulder and leg. He developed a chest infection at hospital.

Phil has been coming to Lourdes since 1997, first with the GOBS Group, and then as an Assisted Pilgrim. He recently joined the CA Hospitalite as a Prayer Member.

May he Rest in Peace.

Happy Easter

2011-04-21T14:12:00.008+01:00

The Catholic Association webteam would like to wish everyone a very Happy and Holy Easter weekend.

(Photo is from the Upper Basilica and was taken by Matt Betts.)

St Benoît-Joseph Labre

2011-04-18T12:01:00.003+01:00

At various times during the CA Pilgrimage or during the Act of Consecration, we often pray to St Benoît-Joseph Labre, the pilgrim saint. Who was St Benoît-Joseph Labre? The Catholic Herald has written an excellent mini-biography of this great and humble saint, here.

Teresa Stockton

2011-04-13T11:27:00.003+01:00

The CA Hospitalité is extremely sad to announce the death of Teresa Stockton, a long standing assisted pilgrim of the CA Pilgrimage, who passed away last week. Teresa was also a Prayer Member of the Hospitalité.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

May she Rest in Peace.

CA Walsingham Retreat

2011-04-13T10:33:00.012+01:00

On the weekend of 8th-10th April 2011 members of the Catholic Association Pilgrimage went on a retreat to Walsingham, England's National Marian Shrine, which is celebrating its 950th anniversary this year.

The retreat was led by Fr Antony Lester and organised by Mrs Pat Richardson. There were over forty attendees, including several past and present Heads of Service.

The following report comes from the British Province of the Carmelites:

"With Holy Week approaching, Fr. Antony invited his fellow Lourdes volunteers to consider what their impression of "The Passion" is, and how it has been influenced by art. He spoke of "The Passion" both as the suffering and death of Christ, and of his passion as an icon of God's passionate love for every human being.

The group stayed in Elmham House Catholic retreat centre, celebrated liturgies together in the Church of the Annunciation, and visited the various different places of worship run by different denominations in Walsingham. Many enjoyed social time in the beautiful Norfolk village, and made a trip to Wells-Next-The-Sea.

On the Sunday morning the group made the traditional Holy Mile procession along the Pilgrim's Way from the village of Little Walsingham to the Slipper Chapel in Houghton St. Giles."

Our group attended during the 950th Anniversary since the shrine was founded, and the whole CA Hospitalite received a certificate to commemorate our retreat in 2011. View here.

More information on our retreat is here.

Thank you to Fr Antony Lester and Mrs Pat Richardson on providing everyone with such a wonderful weekend. Our slideshow of photos is below (thanks to Johan Bergstrom-Allen and Terri Betts for letting us use these).

Bishop Crispian receives a road honour

2011-04-04T12:26:00.003+01:00

The road outside Bishop's House, Portsmouth and St John's Cathedral was re-named Bishop Crispian Way on Sunday, to mark his forthcoming retirement after 22 years service.

The road naming was a surprise for the Bishop and was revealed to him after Mass on Sunday morning by the Leader of Portsmouth City Council, Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson. Bishop Hollis was installed as the seventh Bishop of Portsmouth on 27 January 1989.

Bishop Crispian said: 'I am overwhelmed by the honour that is being done to me by the renaming of what I might call our section of Edinburgh Rd. As far as I know, no such honour has been done to any of my predecessors and I am still at a little bit of a loss to know what I have done to deserve this honour.

'I have now lived in the city of Portsmouth for nearly 23 years and I have come to love it as my home. I have always tried to engage myself in the life of the wider community of the city and when the time comes for me to leave, I will do so with great sadness.

'But I don't want to dwell on that today. Suffice it to say that I thank the Leader of the Council and his colleagues for the honour that they do me and the honour that they do to the whole diocese at the heart of which is our great city of Portsmouth.'

Bishop Crispian is leading the CA Pilgrimage this year, and is the CA Hospitalité Patron.

Italian Fundraiser for Glanfield

2011-03-21T09:37:00.001Z

Mary Maybury has organised an Italian Night on the 16 April 2011 at the Holy Ghost Parish Centre, Luton to raise money for the Glanfield Children's Group. Tickets are only £5 per person and will include food, music, raffle and much more...

Details for Holy Ghost Parish Centre, Luton are here.

Tickets can be purchased on the door.

Congratulations to...

2011-03-07T07:30:00.000Z

....Tracey & Nimal Hemelge on the birth of their daughter, Ophelia Hope Hemelge born this morning weighing 6lb 14oz.

Nurses Reunion

2011-03-03T09:48:00.004Z

The Chief Nurse, Sue Woodford, invites all CA Nurses to a reunion in March.

There will be a Lourdes CA Nurses Reunion in Cambridge on Saturday 26th March at 11am in Our Lady and the English Martyrs Church Hall. This will be followed by Mass at 12.30pm, celebrated by Fr Simon Blakesley.

Afterwards, attendees are welcome to join Sue in town for some lunch.

If you are able to attend, please email Sue here.

Congratulations to...

2011-02-24T10:54:00.002Z

....Andrew and Sarah Sparrow on the birth of their daughter, Evelyn Lily born this morning weighing 9lb 1oz.

Stonyhurst Pilgrimage Ball

2011-02-14T17:13:00.003Z

The Stonyhurst Pilgrimage Ball is to be held on Saturday 4th June 2011 to raise money for the Stonyhurst Pilgrimage Trust.

The Ball is being hosted by The Mellows Family at their home: Keepers Cottage, Wick Hill Lane
Finchampstead, Berkshire, RG40 3PY from 7.30pm.

Tickets £50 (under 25s £35)

Dress: Black Tie

To include:

Drinks on arrival, and a Fabulous Meal with Wine!

Piano playing by the sensational Dom Hartley!

Dancing

Licensed Bar

Auction with Fantastic Prizes

Tombola

Book your tickets early to avoid disappointment!

Contact Beverley Sillitoe at association@stonyhurst.ac.uk or by telephone: 01254 827043

All proceeds to go to the Stonyhurst Pilgrimage Trust to help provide funds for assisted pilgrims, current pupils and recent OS.

See our poster here.

Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes

2011-02-11T09:40:00.007Z

Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and the World Day of Prayer for the Sick. Please pray for all sick members of the CA Pilgrimage and the Hospitalité on this very special day for them.

Lourdes TV will be showing the following ceremonies LIVE on their website here:

10am - International Mass
5pm - Blessed Sacrament Procession
9pm - Torchlight

Help the Pilgrimage

2011-02-10T13:54:00.004Z

An appeal to all our Hospitalité members and others...

One of the important commitments we make as Hospitalité members is to help promote the Pilgrimage in our homes and parishes.

For our Pilgrimage in August 2011 (19 – 26 August), the CA Hospitalité is appealing for everyone to invite any friends, family members or fellow parishioners who might want to come to Lourdes as an assisted pilgrim, or as a volunteer helper in order to help provide the support that our assisted pilgrims need.

The CA Hospitalité Council have produced a promotional poster and letter, and we would be grateful if members could place it in their local parish church, local school/university, or wherever they think people would be interested. We would also be grateful if each member could add themselves as a local contact in the space provided, so that people can enquire further; or if you would rather not be the local contact, please add your Diocesan/Group Director as the contact (click here for list).

If people contact you about the CA Pilgrimage, lots of information can be found on the CA website FAQ pages, or if they contact you to come as:

a volunteer helper, please ask them to contact us on volunteer@catholicassociation.co.uk
an assisted pilgrim, please ask them to contact their Diocesan/Group Director (click here for list)

Download the promotional poster here.

If you would like to help the Council further in their promotion, please contact us here.

Thank you for your help!

CA Hospitalité Council

CA Hospitalité AGM

2011-01-24T15:25:00.003Z

For those attending the AGM, the CA Hospitalité Secretary has provided us with the draft AGM agenda, so that attendees have the opportunity to ask questions or seek answers at the meeting.

Annual General Meeting 2011
12th February 2011, 11.00am – 12.15pm - Corpus Christi, Wokingham

President Welcome: Chris Buller
Opening Prayer and Act of Consecration: Fr Simon Blakesley.
Apologies
Secretary’s update: Nimal Hemelge
Treasurer’s update: Richard Long-Fox
Lourdes 2010 review: Read by Anna Jackson
Lourdes 2011:
· Spirituality and 2011 Lourdes Theme : Fr Simon Blakesley
· Chief Branc and Chief Handmaid: Matt Betts and Anna Jackson
· Travel Details: Matt Betts
· Chief Nurse: Sue Woodford
· Chief Doctor: Dr Adam Famer
· Young Helpers Group: Tina Walker
· Glanfield Group
· Stage
· HCP
· Music

Newsletter: Nimal Hemelge
Fundraising
Future Events
· Retreat: Pat Richardson – Walsingham

· Next AGM: 11th February 2012.
· Pilgrimage dates 19-26th August
· CA Sponsored Walk 2011
CA Hospitalité Insert: Matt Betts
Pilgrimage DVD:
BBC Documentary Production: Anna Jackson
Any other business

Followed by:

12.30pm : Mass, celebrated by Fr Simon Blakesley (CA Hospitalité Chaplain) in the Parish Church.

1.30pm : Lunch

If you still need to vote and advise your attendance/send your apology, please view details here.

Appeal from the BBC

2011-01-07T09:39:00.005Z

The BBC are putting together a documentary film project about being Catholic in the UK.

Three 60 minute documentary films are being made for BBC4 by Wingspan Productions, an independent production company, about the experience of being Catholic in Britain today. The films will be made over the coming 12 months.

Wingspan are currently planning to make one film about men, one about women, and one about children. They are researching a number of possibilities for each film but are actively considering basing the film about women around a pilgrimage to Lourdes. They would therefore like to speak to women planning to go to Lourdes in 2011, either as nurses, handmaids, or indeed pilgrims themselves.

The production company would like to speak to both seasoned volunteers and those for whom this will be their first trip; those travelling alone and also those bringing family; and both those who are devout Catholics as well as those who may be less certain about their faith but nevertheless see the value of such acts of Catholic charity or pilgrimages.

In the first instance the company are really just hoping to speak to people as part of their research; getting in touch with them in no way commits you to taking part in the programme.

If you would be interested in finding out more about this project, please contact Anna Jackson (Chief Handmaid) on Chief_Handmaid@catholicassociation.co.uk.

We would love to hear from you.

Barbara Barnes

2011-01-07T08:00:00.003Z

The CA Hospitalité is extremely sad to announce the death of Barbara Barnes (Northampton Diocese), a long standing handmaid of the CA Pilgrimage, who passed away last week.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

May she Rest in Peace.

CA Pilgrimage Calendar

2011-01-06T10:19:00.003Z

The CA webteam have recently added a new calendar to the CA website here: http://www.catholicassociation.co.uk/pilgrimage/calendar.shtml.

The calendar includes various application form deadlines, Hospitalité events, and Pilgrimage events.

If anyone has any events or dates that they would like to add, please let the webteam know here.

AGM 2011

2011-01-05T12:49:00.000Z

The Hospitalité President and Hospitalité Council would like to invite all members to our Annual General Meeting 2011.

The AGM is an opportunity for you to put forward your ideas, receive updates from the Council, to meet with your friends, to bring a little bit of Lourdes back into your daily life and much more.

The AGM hosted by the diocese of Portsmouth will be taking place at Corpus Christi Church and Hall, 60 Sturges Road, Wokingham, RG40 2HE on 12 February 2011. The nearest station is Wokingham and the Parish Church and Hall are only a 15 walk away through the town.

The AGM will start at 11 a.m. in the Keenan Rooms (Parish Hall) and attendees may arrive from 10.45 a.m. when tea and coffee will be served. Mass is at 12.30 p.m. After mass, lunch will be served in the Keenan Rooms and will cost only £15 (including wine) per person. Please email us to let us know if you will be attending at: agm@catholicassociation.co.uk. Please don't forget to vote too, more information here.

Vote!

2011-01-05T11:54:00.008Z

As you will have seen in the newsletter and in Lourdes, Andy Joyce has served his full term, and his position is up for reelection.

Three Hospitalité members have been nominated and are canvassing for your vote.

Andy Joyce
Nominated by Antony Lester and Sue Woodford.

I have been an elected member of the Council for a number of years now and have enjoyed it immensely. I wish to re-stand for election because I believe that I can build upon the work that we have already achieved and continue to promote the message of Lourdes and the Hospitalité.

My time on the Council has been enjoyable. I have helped a number of the Heads of Service over the years, and have been involved in a couple of the Preparation Days too. I find all of this rewarding and so by standing for re-election I hope that you will allow me to continue the work that I have so much enjoyed and appreciated.

Mary Lycett
Nominated by John Cribbin and Rachel Easton

Lourdes 2011 will be my sixth consecutive year with the CA, volunteering as a handmaid, and since last year, as a nurse aid.

I come with the Stonyhurst Group and have partaken in Accueil care and hotel rolling, night duties and in 2009 I was deputy team leader with James Silsbury.

Back in the UK, I have been very fortunate in obtaining a degree from The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, after partaking in my first professional show aged 13 and first professional opera aged 17.

I am now undertaking a degree in Nursing at Cardiff University and am currently in my second year. It is from my experiences in Lourdes that changed my profession, and I owe it all to the fantastic people I have met in the CA and Hospitalité.

As an elected member, I hope to further the good work of the Hospitalité by being proactive rather than just reactive, assisting the Heads of Service, to take the time to listen to people and in doing so, give people the best service I can.

Dail Maudsley
Nominated by Patrick Noble and Matthew Sharrock

This year’s Pilgrimage was my seventh trip to Lourdes. For the past four years I have worked with the Glanfield Children’s Group and I was previously a member of the Stonyhurst group for three consecutive years.

Throughout this time I have held various roles and have been involved in both rolling and working in the Accueil as a handmaid, as well as acting as a carer for children with disabilities whilst working with Glanfield.

For me, my first journey to Lourdes was a life-changing experience. It has led to my involvement in more than just the Pilgrimage each year and amongst other things I am a member of the CA web-team, I attend the AGM and help to organise various fundraising events for the CA and Glanfield Children’s Group – a black tie ball and two cycle rides from London to Lourdes to name just two.

It is the wonderful people I have met and continue to meet in Lourdes that inspire me to return each year. Some of my greatest friendships have been forged during the hard work involved and I’m proud to be able to help support that work as well as to be part of it.

In the ‘real’ world I continue the charity theme and work as Managing Editor for the Royal College of Physicians as well as planning and organising the various charity fundraising events I am involved with throughout the year.

I would like to increase my involvement with the CA and believe that by working with Heads of Service throughout the year as well as in Lourdes, and using my experiences in the Accueil as well as the Glanfield Children’s Group, as an Elected Member I can enhance working relationships and have a significant impact, bringing those within the CA closer together.

If you would like to come to the AGM and vote for one of the above candidates, please email:
AGM@catholicassociation.co.uk.

If you email your attendance and vote, payment for lunch needs to be provided at the AGM. Please send your vote and notification of attendance by 31 January 2011. Only Hospitalité can vote in this election.

Bishop Michael Evans

2011-01-02T20:34:00.005Z

Bishop Michael Evans of East Anglia has been having treatment for prostate cancer for the last five or more years. During that time he has carried on heriocally with a full diary. He has just told all those in East Anglia diocese that he now probably has only weeks to live and that he is as prepared for that as he can be, accepting it with faith as a gift of God's grace.

In a letter to the Diocese, Bishop Michael said: "In the last few weeks, the cancer has rather quickly taken control. My oncology and palliative care consultants informed me openly and honestly just before Christmas that I now probably have only weeks to live, and I am prepared for that as I can be, accepting it with faith as a gift of God's grace."

"Rather than resign, I would like to continue among you as your bishop and the father of our diocesan family until this stage of my life ends. I do not know how long that will be. I am most grateful for the ways you have cared for and so prayerfully supported me in recent years. You remain very much in my thoughts and care. As I am sure you understand, I am able to do very little, and will need to rely on others. Please can I ask you to limit any expressions of care to prayer for now, rather than anything else to which I cannot respond."

"As I live now under the shadow of death, my prayer is very much that of St. Paul that I may know something of the power of Christ's resurrection and a share in his sufferings, trusting that the Lord is with me. I pray that even now, I can joyfully witness something of the good news we are all called to proclaim." Read full letter here.

Please keep Bishop Michael, his diocese and his family in your prayers at this very difficult time.

CA Hospitalité Newsletter

2010-12-20T13:45:00.001Z

The winter CA Hospitalité Newsletter is now live on the CA website. Highlights in this issue include:

Papal visit and Lourdes
2010 Reports
Message from our new Chief Branc
Hotel Nursing
Treasurer's Report
Elections 2010
Ask Les

Please view here.

Glanfield Christmas Carol Singing 2010

2010-12-14T10:09:00.004Z

The Glanfield Children's Group and friends got together for a third year to sing carols and raise money for the group on 11 December 2010. The carol singing took place at Whiteleys shopping centre in West London and at one point the group got to meet Santa himself.

The event was organised by Matthew Sharrock who was assisted by a number of musicians and singers. After a jolly afternoon of singing the team raised an excellent £526.07 for the Glanfield Children's Group. Well done to everyone who took part. Look at some photos in our slide show below:

Volunteer helpers - 2011 Pilgrimage

2010-11-23T17:12:00.002Z

Our next Pilgrimage takes place from 19 – 26 August 2011, Each year, the Catholic Association Hospitalité of Our Lady of Lourdes is responsible for coordinating the welcome and care of pilgrims, especially our assisted pilgrims, who come to Lourdes.

If you are planning to travel independently, please view our form and further details by clicking on the link below.

Apply to be a Volunteer Helper
Further information our Pilgrimage

CA Pilgrimage 2010 - Photos

2010-10-21T12:17:00.005+01:00

Photos taken by Durand, Lacaze and Viron can now be viewed on our website in a slideshow or in folder. Please visit our photo page here. If you would not like your photo on this website, please email us ASAP, and we will remove it. Enjoy!

Thanks to Johan for collecting these photos from various shops

The CA Hospitalité Council needs you - Elected Members

2010-10-08T10:12:00.003+01:00

The Council is looking for somebody totake on one of the Elected Members positions and play a further part in the workings of the Hospitalité and our Pilgrimage to Lourdes.

If you would like to be put forward for this position you need to be nominated by two members of the CA Hospitalité.

Please send your nominations to hosp_secretary@catholicassocation.co.uk.

All nominations need to be received by 15 October 2010.

An election will then take place in the Hospitalité newsletter.

Lourdes 2011

2010-10-03T16:58:00.000+01:00

Our next Pilgrimage takes place from 19 – 26 August 2011. Each year, the Catholic Association Hospitalité of Our Lady of Lourdes is responsible for coordinating the welcome and care of pilgrims, especially our assisted pilgrims, who come to Lourdes.

Assisted Pilgrims:
If you, or a friend/family member would like to come to Lourdes as an Assisted Pilgrim next year, please contact the Chief Doctor on: chief_doctor@catholicassociation.co.uk. Our Assisted Pilgrims are those who are ill or disabled, and would like to stay at the Accueil or a hotel, and will need assistance from our team of helpers. Financial help may be available, either through your Diocesan/Group Director, or through any member of the CA Hospitalité.

Volunteer Helpers:
Men and women of all ages and backgrounds come to Lourdes as volunteer helpers to answer Mary’s request for people to ‘come in procession’, but more importantly they come in response to the command of her son Jesus to love God and to love our neighbours as ourselves (Gospel of Mark 12:29-31).These volunteer-helpers, who are pilgrims themselves, strive to encounter Jesus in each pilgrim, caring for their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. The CA Hospitalité includes doctors, nurses, and non-medical helpers: brancardiers (male) and handmaids (female).

If you would be interested, or know someone who would be interested in coming on Pilgrimage next year as a volunteer-helper, please let us know at: volunteer@catholicassociation.co.uk, and someone will be in contact with you as soon as possible. Minimum age for helping is now 17 and there is no maximum age. NB, if you are aged 17-25, you can be a part of the Young Helpers’ Group, (a supervised group staying in a separate hotel) please let us know on above email address. Although we are unable to include people under 17 as full volunteers under the terms of our insurance, we welcome enthusiastic younger people whose families are on the Pilgrimage and who are interested in coming as volunteers when they reach 17 and wish to see what volunteer work is like.

Additionally, if you have children, the CA organises the Helpers' Children's Programme (HCP), which offers a programme of activities for the children (0 - 16) of helpers working on the Pilgrimage. It is generally open from 8.30 - 12 and 2 - 6 each day and your duties can be adjusted accordingly.

Welcome to...

2010-10-01T13:22:00.011+01:00

...the following new full and ordinary members of the Catholic Association Hospitalité of Our Lady of Lourdes. All the below joined during our Lourdes Pilgrimage 2010 and were welcomed to the Hospitalité by their Head of Service, the President and Patron of the Hospitalité.

Ordinary:
Richard Arundell

Maria Bertenshaw

Aimee Dangalan

Jim Dujardin

Marivic Fabiculana

Izzie Fernandes

Steve Gill
Frances Hicks

Aran Houlihan-Burne
John Jackson
Christine Lees

Shaun Mahon

Paul Mallabone

Edward Martin

Nuala Mellows
Anna Moore

Paola Moretti

Patrick Noble
Jessica Norton
John Robbins

Christina Santiago
Sarah Sheppard
Sarah Jane Ward

Full:
Roseanne Allen

Ann Barry

Caroline Blaazer

Louise Child

Shelley Foreman

Mary Hamilton

Catherine Hobday

Chantal Hobday

Mary Lycett

Ciara Mellows

Mary Okeke

Patrick Page
James Silsbury

Applications are still open for people to join the CA Hospitalité and the form can be downloaded from here. and must be submitted to him or her by 1st January of the following year (2011), having first been signed by a Head of Service. For this purpose, Heads of Service are defined as: Chief Brancardier, Chief Handmaid, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Nurse, and leader(s) Glanfield Children's Group. Other helpers on the pilgrimage not directly in these services (such as clergy) should have their forms signed by the President of the Hospitalité. Further information on the Hospitalité can be seen here.

CA Lourdes Pilgrimage 2010

2010-09-30T11:37:00.001+01:00

A number of our groups and dioceses have produced a page about their pilgrimages to Lourdes with the Catholic Association this year. These can be viewed below:

Angela Clarke

2010-09-20T11:47:00.004+01:00

Please pray for Angela Clarke, who worked for Tangney Tours for seventeen years, who sadly passsed away on 19 September from cancer. Angela worked with countless CA Heads of Service over the years and is well known to many CA pilgrims.

Angela was taken ill a few weeks ago and deteriorated very quickly.

Please pray for Angela, her family and her friends at this difficult time.

May she Rest in Peace.

Young branc begins Dachau placement

2010-09-19T15:57:00.005+01:00

A young CA branc who travels with the British Province of Carmelites has recently started a years placement at Dachau, the Second World War concentration camp.

For more information, please read the Carmelite news story about Roy's journey, here.

(Photo shows Roy in the middle presenting a cheque to the Glanfield Children's Group)

Walsingham Retreat - 2011

2010-09-15T10:51:00.010+01:00

Every two years the CA Hospitalité holds a retreat at Walsingham - now organised by Pat Richardson.

The next CA Hospitalité Walsingham Retreat is taking place on 8th-10th April 2011, and will be given by Fr Antony Lester, O.Carm.

If you would like to attend, please fill in the form and send to Pat's address with a £20 deposit per person. Please download form here. The Walsingham retreat is a very popular event, so people should send their forms to Pat as soon as possible.

For news of the last two retreats, please view here, or to learn more about Walsingham, please view here.

Papal visit: Have immigrants saved the Catholic Church?

2010-09-12T17:15:00.006+01:00

An influx of immigrants have brought their faith into the pews of Catholic churches in the UK since Pope John Paul II's visit in 1982. Just how important are these newcomers to the Church's survival, as Pope Benedict XVI prepares to begin his tour? Former CA Chaplain of the Sick and Hospitalité has been interviewed by the BBC to discuss this question.

Fr Michael is Parish Priest for St Peter The Apostle church in Woolwich, London. Please view the BBC interview here.

Simple profession

2010-09-11T19:29:00.000+01:00

Andy with his CA friends
click on photo for a larger size

On 11 September 2010, Andy Joyce made his simple (first) profession of vows as a Carmelite friar during a celebration of the Eucharist at Aylesford Priory at 11.30am. Andy was joined by many of his CA friends, seen in the picture above.

Please pray for Andy as he dedicates himself in the service of God and neighbour.

Andy has been coming with the CA on Pilgrimage for a number of years as a nurse. Andy is also an Elected Member of the CA Hospitalité council and attends May stage with the Catholic Association.

Please feel free to leave messages for Andy below.

Image copyright Kevin Melody.net

CA Filming

2010-09-10T20:34:00.004+01:00

This year, James Silsbury - normally a branc - was filming everything about the CA Pilgrimage. Here, James talks about his work in Lourdes and for the next couple of months!

Lourdes 2010. Wow what a year. What turned out as a small chat over a beer last year turned into a reality this year as I embarked on the momentous task of filming a small documentary about the work the Catholic Association does out in Lourdes while on Pilgrimage.

I set off with my camera in one suitcase, the tripod in another, just hoping they would reach Lourdes safely. They did and the filming began almost instantly. I set myself a challenge and with a rough idea of what I wanted to film, set out capturing everything I possibly could – even if this meant getting into an interesting and slightly argumentative ‘conversation’ with an Italian stagiaire one evening!

Well, one week and 15 hours worth of footage later, I arrived back home, ready for the task of digitising the footage to the laptop. With this now done, I have set about making a rough edit of the film, trying to condense 15 hours of footage down to 15 minutes - this gives you a rough idea of the ratio!

The film should be ready by November at the very latest, although I would like to get it finished by mid October, but that may be a fantasy rather than a reality at the moment looking at the amount of footage to actually edit.

I will keep you posted of my progress and let you all know as soon as possible when it’s finished.

Ray Salt

2010-09-06T14:10:00.002+01:00

The CA Hospitalité is extremely sad to announce the death of Ray Salt, a long standing member of the CA Pilgrimage, who passed away on Friday 27 August 2010. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family.

Ray's funeral will be taking place on Thursday 9th September 2010 at St Joseph's Catholic Church, 39 East Street, St Neots, Cambs, PE19 1JU at 12pm.

May he Rest in Peace.

CA Lourdes Pilgrimage 2010

2010-08-30T13:45:00.000+01:00

Thank you to everyone who joined the Catholic Association on Pilgrimage this year.

New look for CA news

2010-08-28T10:16:00.000+01:00

The Catholic Association webteam have recently created this new CA news page, which can be accessed through our website: http://www.catholicassociation.co.uk/ by simply clicking News.

We are now using Google's Blogger to create our news page, so it's more user-friendly and easier for people to add news items to it.

We hope you enjoy the new look, please let us know what you think on m.betts@catholicassociation.co.uk

If you would like to join the CA mailing list, please visit:

http://www.catholicassociation.co.uk/website/email.shtml

Many thanks
CA webteam

Congratulations to...

2010-08-25T16:07:00.003+01:00

....Becky and John Warren-Heys on the birth of their daughter, Laura Beth Warren-Heys this morning at 02:02 weighing 6lbs 13ozs (3.1 kg).

New Chaplains of Honour

2010-08-23T14:29:00.002+01:00

Three members of the Catholic Association have been appointed a "Chaplain of Honour" by the Bishop of Tarbes & Lourdes in recognition of their promotion of the "Message of Lourdes and pilgrimage to the Grotto".

Fr. Tony Lester, O.Carm, Monsignor William Saunders of Southwark Archdiocese, and Fr. Nicholas King, S.J., of the Society of Jesus all receive the Chaplain of Honour.

The announcement was made on 12th July by the President of the Catholic Association Hospitalité, Colette Sharrock.

The citation makes reference to the three priests' work in promoting Lourdes and its spirituality by their preaching, writings, retreat-inputs, and their serviceof the sick. All three have committed themselves to Lourdes and the Catholic Association for a number of years. Fr Tony and Fr Nick are members of the HNDL and the CA Hospitalité, and work in the Accueil each year. Mgr William has been Pilgrimage Director of the CA for a number of years, and is a member of the CA Hospitalité.

Chaplains of Honour were first appointed in 1909 by Bishop Schoepfer to recognise priests who for the most part are not resident in Lourdes but who nevertheless contribute to the Shrine's pastoral life and outreach. Chaplains of Honour are presented with a distinctive insignia - a cross with Marian symbols.

Fathers Lester, Saunders and King received their new insignia at the celebration of Mass at the Grotto on 23rd August. The insignia was presented in the name of Monsignor Jacques Perrier, Bishop of Tarbes & Lourdes, by Bishop Paul Hendricks, Auxiliary Bishop of Southwark and Chair of the Catholic Association.

Photo taken by Johan Bergstrom-Allen

Maureen Quill

2010-08-20T20:16:00.006+01:00

The CA Hospitalité is extremely sad to announce the death of Maureen Quill, a long standing member of the CA Pilgrimage, who passed away earlier this year.

Maureen who lived in Harlow was a long-serving Handmaid, and adoptive mother of Chris and Clare Quill, who used to be part of the "children's ward" in the 1980s, then part of the Glanfield Children's Group.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time.

May she Rest in Peace.

Please pray for...

2010-08-17T14:05:00.002+01:00

Please pray for the following people who have died recently and who have been connected and contributed to the Catholic Association Pilgrimage for many years.

Right Reverend Mervyn Alexander DD LLD (Hon), the eighth Bishop of Clifton, died on 14 August 2010 at St Angela’s Home in Clifton, Bristol. Mervyn Alban Alexander was born on 29 June 1925 in Highbury, London, the eldest son of William and Grace Alexander. On 20 December 1974, he was made Bishop of Clifton. He was succeeded as Bishop of Clifton by Bishop Declan Lang on the 28 March 2001. He attended the Catholic Association Pilgrimage as Bishop for many years and is well known to his Diocese.

And, please pray for Fr John Dunne, former Parish priest of Our Lady Queen of Peace, Bournemouth who died last week. His parish have sent many young people and Assisted Pilgrims to Lourdes over the years, and he was very much involved in the fundraising initiatives.
May they both Rest in Peace.

Congratulations to...

2010-08-14T15:38:00.002+01:00

...Emma Gale and JP Court on their recent wedding in Norwich, Norfolk. The couple were surrounded by family and friends. Fr John Warrington gave the blessing.

Congratulations to...

2010-08-11T14:51:00.000+01:00

John and JoJo Kelly on the birth of their son, Daniel. Daniel was born on 10 August 2010.

Please keep this new family in your prayers.

Lourdes News: GPS Blunders

2010-08-04T12:01:00.002+01:00

GPS blunders see Lourdes pilgrims travel to village of Lourde.

A small, but rising portion of the six million pilgrims who flock to the world's third most visited Catholic shrine in Lourdes are showing up at another, rather less well-known village called Lourde.

See Telegraph article

Congratulations to...

2010-08-01T20:35:00.001+01:00

...Libby Ridley (nee Waddington) and husband Nelion who are now proud parents to Dominic Christopher Ridley.

Congratulations to...

2010-07-31T15:43:00.003+01:00

...Mary Dujardin and Shane Edwards on their recent wedding in Peterborough. The couple were surrounded by family and friends. The Mass was celebrated by Fr John Warrington.

Congratulations to...

2010-07-23T15:33:00.002+01:00

...John Kelly and JoJo Hickey on their recent wedding in Guildford, Surrey. The couple were surrounded by family and friends. The Mass was celebrated by Fr Tony Lester, O.Carm.

New Archbishop of Southwark

2010-06-10T15:17:00.004+01:00

Congratualtions to Archbishop Peter Smith, who was installed at St George's Cathedral, Southwark on Thursday, 10th June 2010 to become the new Archbishop of Southwark.

Archbishop Peter Smith was born in Battersea on 21st October 1943. He completed his secondary education at Clapham College and gained his degree (LLB) from Exeter University in 1966. He studied for the priesthood at St John's Seminary, Wonersh, and was ordained Priest on 5th July 1972.

His first appointment was as an assistant priest at St Francis, Stockwell (1972 - 1974). In 1977 he gained his Doctorate in Canon Law (JCD) from the Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas in Rome and became Professor of Canon Law at St John's Seminary (1977 - 1984). He was parish priest of St Andrew's, Thornton Heath, (1984 - 1985) and Rector at St John's Seminary from 1985 - 1995.

He was appointed as Bishop of East Anglia in 1995 and Archbishop of Cardiff in 2001. On 30th April 2010, the Holy Father announced that he would succeed Archbishop Kevin McDonald as the tenth Archbishop of Southwark.

Archbishop Peter is Vice-President of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales. Since 1998, he has been Chairman of the Department of Christian Responsibility and Citizenship of the Bishops' Conference.

His previous responsibilities have been as Chairman of the Catholic Truth Society (1993 - 2007) and Chairman of the Central Religious Advisory Committee (CRAC) of the BBC and ITC (2001 - 2004).

Congratulations to...

2010-05-24T21:54:00.001+01:00

...Kate McCaffrey who has just completed her first half marathon on Sunday 23 May 2010 to raise money for the CA Hospitalite. Kate has raised over £600. Well done!

Benemerenti Congratulations

2010-05-08T15:51:00.000+01:00

Special congratulations to John and Ros Hartley who have both received the Benemerenti in acknowledgement of their years of service to Catholic Church.

Congratulations to...

2010-03-15T11:02:00.001Z

...Cliona and Paul Devereux on the birth of their new baby boy, Colm Patrick Devereux. Colm was born on 15 March 2010 at 9.36am.

Muriel Shryane

2010-03-08T14:39:00.001Z

Muriel Shryane mother of Father Tony and Father Phillip Shryane passed away on Monday 8th March in her 92nd year.

There will be a Mass on Thursday 18th March at 7.30pm at Bury St Edmunds and the Requiem Mass will be on Friday 19th March at 12pm, at All Souls Church Peterborough.

Michael Gilbert

2010-02-22T14:45:00.003Z

Please remember in your prayers Michael Gilbert organiser of wheelchairs, co-ordinator at Stansted and ex-Secretary of the Catholic Association who has been coming to Lourdes for over 20 years.

He was recently diagosed as having bowel cancer and underwent a short course of radiotherapy followed by surgery. He is now recovering and thanks everyone for their prayers.

Photo (c) Matt Betts

AGM 2010

2010-02-22T14:42:00.003Z

At the recent AGM for the Catholic Association, a number of announcements were made:

Colette Sharrock, Hospitalite President, will be standing down after Lourdes 2010. Nimal Hemelge, Hospitalite Secretary thanked Colette for her stirling work over the last few years - a great example to us all. It was announced that Chris Buller would be taking on the role as President from September 2010.

The two new Elected Members were also announced. They will be David Ball (for three years) and Vicki Gale (for two years). Nimal Hemelge, Hospitalite Secretary, thanked Martine O'Meara who was standing down at the AGM for her six years of service. He also thanked James, Jane and Andrew for putting their names forward for the election.

Finally, the President, Colette Sharrock, announced that Matt Betts will succeed Rupert Bell as Chief Brancardier from October 2010.

Paschal Hemelge

2010-01-14T14:42:00.004Z

From Nimal Hemelge:

It is my sad duty to inform you that my father passed away on Saturday morning. Lourdes was his life long passion, and travelled with the CA for many years during the 80's and 90's. He instilled in me a love for Lourdes. He had returned from Hospital the night before, and the nuns in the nursing home, where he has spent the last 7 years looked after him, and got him ready for bed. During the night, he woke up, prayed with the Sister Superior and passed away. Thankfully he wasn't in any pain, and was completely unaware he was leaving us.

Now he is reunited with Hazel and joins the chorus of saints in heaven. I would be grateful if you could remember him in your prayers, and pass this news onto those that knew him.

May he Rest in Peace.

Christmas Carol Singing 2009

2009-12-19T16:34:00.002Z

Thank you to everyone who came along to the Carol Singing in London to raise money for the Glanfield Children's Group on 19 December 2009. The event was organised by Matthew Sharrock and raised lots of money for the group. Well done to everyone involved.

Archbishop of Southwark

2009-12-06T11:18:00.002Z

The Archbishop of Southwark has resigned with "great sadness" due to ill health.

Archbishop Kevin McDonald, 62, has had a triple heart bypass.

He also suffers from severe osteoarthritis which has already necessitated surgery and he may need more next year.

Archbishop McDonald, who was installed in Southwark six years ago, said: "I feel great sadness at having to relinquish my post as Archbishop of Southwark."

He added: "Although I have had to contend with illness over the last three years, this appointment has been a great grace.

"It has been a privilege to lead this great diocese and I have received a wonderful response to everything I have tried to do.

"I have also been very appreciative of the prayers of so many people while I have been ill.

"The diocese will continue to be very much in my thoughts and prayers in the time ahead."

Archbishop McDonald, who became a priest in 1974, was born in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire.

A spokesman for the Catholic Church in England and Wales said Pope Benedict XVI had accepted Archbishop McDonald's resignation on Friday.

Congratulations to...

2009-11-24T12:18:00.001Z

Hannah and Keiron (Zippy) O’Brien on the recent birth of their daughter, Lily.

Congratulations to...

2009-10-24T14:08:00.005+01:00

...Nimal Hemelge and Tracey McEvoy on their recent wedding at Corpus Christi Church, Wokingham. The couple were surrounded by many family and friends. The Mass was celebrated by Fr Tony Lester, O.Carm.

Congratulations to...

2009-10-20T16:07:00.001+01:00

..Emily and James Baker on the birth of their daughter, Isabelle. Isabelle was born on 18 October 2009.

Please keep this new family in your prayers.

Congratulations to...

2009-07-29T14:02:00.004+01:00

....Matt Betts and Terri Parry who married on 24 July 2009 at Corpus Christi Church, Bournemouth amongst lots of family and friends. The Mass was celebrated by Fr Nicholas King, SJ and Fr Tony Lester, O.Carm. It was concelebrated by Fr John Warrington, Mgr Bill Saunders, Fr Hilary Thomas, SJ, Fr Simon Blakesley, Fr Michael Flannery, SJ and others.

CA Ball 2009

2009-06-15T16:48:00.003+01:00

Thank you to everyone who attended the CA Ball 2009 to help us raise funds for Glanfield and the CA Hospitalite. It was a wonderful night and everyone had a great time.

Photo (c) Dail Maudsley

Walsingham Retreat - 2009

2009-04-26T15:10:00.006+01:00

Processing to the Slipper Chapel with the statue of Our Lady of Walsingham

Every two years the CA Hospitalité holds a retreat at Walsingham - organised with Jim Walton.

The latest retreat took place on 24 - 26 April 2009, led by Fr Simon Blakesley.

It was a beautiful sunny weekend and full of great friends – all of which made it all the more special. On Friday and Saturday, Simon discussed many of the teachings of the Church, and taught us a number of new things. Our main theme of discussion was the life of Our Lady, and how she is written about in the New Testament; we followed her life from when she first discovered she was pregnant, right up to Jesus’s death. Simon then helped us to understand
the place Our Lady has in the Catholic Church. On Sunday, we processed down to the Slipper Chapel on a glorious sunny day, led by Simon.

Thank you to Fr Simon and to Jim Walton for organising another wonderful retreat.

A message from Colette Sharrock, President:

In 1988 the first CA Hospitalité weekend retreat was held in Walsingham, instigated by David Lewis and others. Jim Walton was working at Elham House at that time and became involved in the organisation. In 1991 Jim himself then took on the co-ordination of a further CA retreat and subsequently has been organising these bi-annually ever since, with, I may, say great expertise.

At the end of this years retreat, Jim approached me to say he felt it was time to move on and hand over the reins to someone else. He will be a difficult act to follow, but if there is anyone out there who feels they might like to take on this job, please let a member of the Council know. Jim has promised to give his full help and support. Hopefully the next retreat will be in 2011, so plenty of time to prepare!

Meantime, Jim, on behalf of the Hospitalité, may I offer our heartfelt thanks for all the hard work over the past 20 years; those of us who have been lucky enough to attend these retreats, have enjoyed them immensely.

Francis Brassington

2009-03-03T14:48:00.001Z

The CA Hospitalite has just heard the very sad news that Francis Brassington passed away on 1 March.

Francis Brasington travelled with the CA for 25+ as an assisted pilgrim and was a well known figure in the Accueil. He was also a dedicated prayer member.

Lourdes was the main focus of his life and as soon as he returned he spoke of booking for next year.

He will be sadly missed by all the Hospitalite and Pilgrimage.

May he Rest in Peace.

Congratulations to...

2009-02-22T14:46:00.000Z

to Nimal Hemelge and Tracey McEvoy on the birth of their son, Raphael Ephram Hemelge born 4 February 2009.

Congratulations to...

2009-01-29T14:46:00.000Z

to Danielle and Martin Toyer on the birth of their son, Laurence Stewart Toyer born 25 January 2009.

Changes in the Pilgrimage

2008-10-08T15:45:00.002+01:00

The CA Trustees and Hospitalité Council would like to thank the outgoing Heads of Service - Sadie Vile, Frances Presgraves and Trevor Fernandes who have all done sterling work over the years. Thank you for your service.

We would also like to welcome Anna Jackson, Sue Woodford and Adam Farmer who will be taking on these roles and wish them well in the next few years.

Our Hospitalité Secretary, Matt Betts is also standing down after five years in the role, and we would like to thank him for his work. Nimal Hemelge will succeed him as Secretary from the AGM 2009.

Cycle ride to Lourdes 2008

2008-09-09T14:22:00.004+01:00

From Patrick Noble and Dail Maudsley: Well, we made it!! We just wanted to let you all know that the trip was a great success, Patrick made it to Lourdes as planned and at the moment we are on our way to raising even more than our original target! We are raising for the Glanfield Children's Group. To see the current total, click here.

That’s obviously brilliant news! So we wanted to let you know just how it went and Patrick and I have prepared a little document to outline the trials and tribulations along the way and a few photos.

Click here to view.

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