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Dear Brothers and Sisters,

You will have heard over the weekend that the Government has agreed plans to open places of worship for private prayer only on Monday 15^th June.  We welcome this news as the first step towards opening our churches for the celebration of Mass and the other Sacraments.  However, not every Catholic Church will open on the 15^th June and your church may not be amongst the first group to do so.  You have shown extraordinary patience in recent weeks and I ask you to exercise your patience a little longer if you are disappointed that your church is not included in the first group.  Hopefully it will follow quickly.

The preparations of re-opening the churches in the Diocese for private prayer are well underway.  This includes obtaining cleaning materials, and necessary equipment and plans for some basic training for volunteers so that we can be confident of providing a safe place when our churches re-open from the 15^th June, with Government guidelines being fully observed.

I remind you that with the lifting of restrictions to enable our churches to open for private prayer is the first step towards fuller use of our churches for the celebration of Mass and other Sacraments and “We await that time with deep longing but with patient understanding that the protection of the health of our society, especially the vulnerable in our society is a proper cause for caution and care.”  (Cardinal Nichols, 7^th June 2020).

Yours in Christ the Redeemer,

 

Rt Rev Ralph Heskett CSsR

DIOCESE OF HALLAM

Pastoral Letter for the Feast of the Holy Family

To be read at all Masses 28/29 December 2019

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ,

This time in between Christmas and the New Year is a precious time to be spent with family and friends, but especially family, both immediate and extended. While we celebrate the life of our own families and the bonds of love and affection that bind us together, the church invites us to look to and celebrate the life of the newly formed family of Nazareth and see it as a model for our own.

The three readings chosen for today’s feast each speak to us of a different aspect of the family that we find in the life of the Holy Family of Nazareth and to which we aspire in our own family.  The readings, as one commentator suggests, speak of the significance within the family of the devotion of the father (and indirectly the mother), the devotion of children to parents and the debt of mutual love.

In today’s gospel we are reminded that the uniqueness of the Holy Family of Nazareth did not shield them from some of the struggles and dangers that are part of the human condition.  In particular, Matthew’s story which is not found anywhere else in the gospels, tells us that when Jesus was still a toddler, he and his parents, Mary and Joseph, had to flee from Nazareth to Egypt fearing for his safety. We cannot imagine what it must have been like for them to suddenly find themselves having to leave their home and flee to another country not knowing, when, if ever, it would be possible for them to return home in safety. The decision to flee, Matthew tells us, was at the instruction of an angel in a dream.  The instructions are all about the child and his wellbeing and safety which are entrusted to Joseph.   The angel doesn’t hold back and could not be more direct:

“Get up, take the child and his mother with you, and escape into Egypt and stay there until I tell you……”

We are not privy to any advice Joseph may, or may not, have been given on how he might support his family in a land he did not know. He just has to trust the angel’s message. Later in the story only when it was considered safe for the family to return home and the child’s safety was assured, Joseph is given further instructions:

“Get up, take the child and his mother with you and go back to the land of Israel, for those who wanted to kill the child are dead.”

The second reflection offered in the readings is that children owe their parents a debt of gratitude. This is beautifully and concretely stated in the first reading by its writer, Ben Sirach.  There we are reminded that honour, respect, sympathy, and kindness should be the attitudes of children towards their parents. The language of Sirach puts flesh, if you like, on the commandment of love and a reminder that the family is where love is made concrete through the words, actions, gestures, and attitudes to those closest to us.

The third aspect of family life expressed in the readings for today’s feast is that of mutual love. Paul writing to the church at Colossae paints a word picture of what a truly Christian family should look like.  The members should be compassionate, kind, gentle and patient. He exhorts them to bear with one another and forgive each other. We all know that there is plenty of opportunity in the family to exercise both! And Paul’s final point here is that the cord that holds all the different aspects of family life together is mutual love.

“Over all these clothes, to hold them together and complete them, put on love.”

In the story of the Holy Family of Nazareth God’s plan was accomplished. This is true of every family. It is in the family that God’s plan for us is worked out most of the time. Perhaps today is an opportunity to reflect on and acknowledge this simple truth.  An invitation, too, for us to be more fully present to each other and for each other in the coming year.

Precious things always need to be guarded and protected.

Bishop Ralph

Pastoral Letter read at all Masses on the weekend of 26/27 October 2019

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ

On Vocations Sunday in May, I invited, through a Pastoral Letter like this one, for men to come and meet me to find out more about becoming a Priest.  Now I am offering the same opportunity for those who would like to explore the possibility of becoming a Deacon.

There have always been men ordained as Deacons with a special emphasis in their ministry on people in need.  In the early centuries Deacons were commonplace in dioceses, assisting their Bishops in many ways according to their talents, but always modelling their lives on Christ, the Servant.   Over time, Deacons faded from view as becoming a Deacon became only a stepping stone on the pathway to Priesthood.  But more than 50 years ago the Church restored the holy order of Deacon, making it again a permanent order and open to married men.

Here in Hallam we have 15 Permanent Deacons at work across the diocese.   But more are needed, and younger.   More than half of our Deacons are now over 70, with very few under 60.   Now is the time for us to ask men already active in their parishes and with a heart for those in need, to come and see how their existing life of service can be developed and more fully given for the life of the Church.  “The harvest is ripe, but the labourers are few”.

Deacons are ordained while in full time employment. Their talents, working life, as well as their married and family life all add to the life experiences brought into ministry. This working and family experience, enhanced by the grace of ordination, places Deacons in a unique position, enabling them to become a bridge between the Church and the wider world.   Importantly, they are in a position, as ministers, to lead others in building these bridges.

So often people ask, “What does a Deacon do?”  But this misses a vital and deeper question.  Namely, what is a Deacon?  It is what a Deacon is rather than what he does that matters.   Any amount of ‘doing’ does not make a Deacon.  It is the ‘being’ that is key.  Deacons are to be “a living icon of Christ the Servant within the Church”.   So a Deacon is first to become as Christ in his servant roles, orientated to the needs of the community in which he serves.  Only then does whatever the Deacon does make sense in the context of his ordination.

That said, the ordained ministry of a Deacon has three parts: teaching, sanctifying and pastoral leadership.  Teaching is exercised by proclaiming the gospel, preaching and in catechising, especially adults at the margins of the Church.  His sanctifying office is exercised in personal prayer, the solemn administration of Baptism, as an ordinary minister of the Eucharist, in blessing (including the blessing of Marriages) and as an ordinary minister for funerals.  His pastoral role is exercised in many forms but includes his example, encouragement and servant leadership in whatever may be needed within and beyond the community he serves.

I am asking for men between 30 and 60 years of age to consider whether God might be calling them to greater ministry within the Church, especially for those in need within it and beyond.

Accompanying this letter are leaflets with very basic information about the Permanent Diaconate, but importantly, an invitation to those listening who may be interested, to meet with me on Monday 4 November at Bishop’s House, at 7.30 pm, to explore further the vocation to the Permanent Diaconate.  Wives would be most welcome to join us.  These leaflets are available today as you leave the Church, or through my office.

Yours sincerely in Christ, the Redeemer.

 

Pastoral Letter for the Year of the Word 2019/2020

Read at all Masses on the weekend of 28/29 September 2019

“Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ” (St Jerome)

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Tomorrow (Monday 30^th September) Cardinal Nichols will launch the Year of the Word, under the title “God who speaks”. This is an initiative of the Bishops of England and Wales, to promote a deeper understanding of the Word of God in the Holy Scriptures to help us all to come to a more loving, more personal relationship with Christ who is God’s living Word among us (Jn. 1,1-18).

Tomorrow is the Feast of St Jerome (347-420)) whose translation of the Hebrew and Greek of the Bible into Latin, known as the Vulgate – ‘for the common people’, was the bed-rock of the Western Church’s knowledge of the sacred texts for many centuries. Sadly, as fewer people knew Latin the sacred Word became a closed book. The Second Vatican Council emphasised the need to renew interest in the Scriptures (DV Chapter 6)¹; but for many the Bible remains a strange and scary work, that seems to have little relevance in our daily lives.

St Jerome eloquently stated that ‘Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ’. The reverse is also true: the more we know about the Scriptures the more we know Christ. In the sacred texts of the Jewish people which Jesus knew well and which we share with them, as in the books that form what we call the New Testament, we encounter Jesus. Guided by the Holy Spirit and the teachings of the Church we are led to a deeper relationship with the Lord.

Throughout this Year of the Word, which begins in earnest on the 1^st Sunday of Advent, the beginning of the liturgical year, there will be many opportunities to grow in knowledge and understanding of the Bible. The key themes of the year are: celebrating, living and sharing God’s Word.

Much is already happening in our parishes with bible study groups, prayer groups, some pursuing lectio divina or other ways of engaging with the Scriptures. Our adult formation team provides regular opportunities for biblical study around the diocese. Let us aim to have in every parish a group devoted to reflecting on God’s Word. No Mass should be celebrated without the Word being opened in a brief homily. (see Benedict XVI, Verbum Domini Part 2– The Importance of the Homily²)

Today’s readings call us to act on behalf of the poor. Amos is known as the prophet of social justice.  In the first reading he berates the wealthy who care only for themselves, as does the rich man in Jesus’ parable, who eats sumptuously every day while the poor man is eaten by the street dogs. One dresses in expensive purple, the other is purple with bruises, Lazarus’ name which means ‘God helps’, is known to the anonymous rich man and is known to God who delivers Lazarus to Paradise. We are very generous in helping the poor, at home and overseas.  For this I thank you. This clearly shows our love for our neighbour which is one of the hinges on which swings the Greatest Commandment. The other is love of God whom we encounter in the Word.

Notice in the Gospel-passage Abraham emphasises the need to know Moses and the prophets, shorthand for the Scriptures. There we see our hope for life with Christ in the Resurrection.

Christ is really present in His Word, opened and shared, as He is really present in the Eucharist, broken, poured and shared.  We must revere the Word as we do the Blessed Sacrament (DV.#21).

Dedicate yourselves to spending some time each day with the Lord in His Word, and take some of the opportunities offered in this Year of the Word.

Finally, I ask that of all of us who celebrate and try to live God’s Word also share it – with each other and with those around us.  I pray that this Year of the Word will be a chance for all of us to enter into a conversation with the God Who Speaks.

Yours sincerely in Christ, the Redeemer,

¹ Dei Verbum, the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation of Vatican II

²Verbum Domini, The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church. Pope Benedict XVI, Alive Publishing, Stoke on Trent, 2010, 95.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ,

I am pleased to have this opportunity to be with you through the written word today, Vocations Sunday.

In the gospel chosen for today’s Mass we hear the final words of Jesus in which He makes reference to Himself as the Good Shepherd.  He uses the image, to help the people catch a glimpse of who He is and the special relationship He has with them and they with Him.  We note, for example, that he is aware that the Father has entrusted to Him the whole of the human family and chosen Him as leader, protector, and nourisher.   This is a role He plays to perfection to the point of laying down His life for those entrusted to His care.

Within the family of the Church we are all called at different times in our lives to guide, to protect, and to nourish those who are placed in our care.  However, the title “shepherd” is used in recognition of those who exercise a particular role of service within the Church – sister, brother, priest, deacon, bishop.  Today, Vocations Sunday, we are asked to remember them in prayer especially and, in particular, to pray that others will join their ranks.

At the end of the homily at the Chrism Mass almost a month ago, I invited the people gathered that day to pray for three intentions.  Firstly, I asked them to pray for your priests and bishop that through our words and actions you will always experience the protection and love of the Good Shepherd.   Secondly, I invited them to remember in prayer those who are already on the journey to full time ministry that they be open to what God asks of them and the courage to follow.  And, finally, I asked them to pray that new hearts will hear the call to the priesthood and religious life here in the Diocese of Hallam.  I would like, for a moment to reflect on the third intention.

When I was growing up there was, what could be called, a vocations culture in our parishes, our schools, and in our homes.  I think that it is fair to say that this is something we have lost in recent years for a variety of reasons.  It is not necessary to list those reasons here.  Now, I believe, is the time to be bold enough to reclaim it and positively encourage our young people (and not so young!) to seriously consider priesthood and religious life!   When I was Vocations Director in the early eighties, I coined the phrase, “People have the right to be asked”.   It is no less true today.

Vocations promotion is the work of the Holy Spirit and prayer is at its heart.  If we do not ask for vocations, we should not expect vocations.  This is why I am launching a prayer campaign for vocations in the diocese today.   You will have received a prayer card on the way in to church today.  I would like this Prayer for Vocations to be recited every time you come together to pray in your parishes.   It is a very simple way for the parishes to exercise their responsibility for promoting vocations.  It would be wonderful, too, and I strongly encourage it, if the prayer were recited at home.

Finally, a word for those who are listening and maybe thinking about priesthood or religious life.  If you would like to explore further the idea that the Lord might be calling you, I invite you to meet with me at Bishop’s House, 75 Norfolk Road, next Saturday at 11 am over a coffee.   No strings attached!

In his message for today, World Day of Vocations, the Holy Father has these words for you:

Do not be deaf to the Lord’s call.  If He calls you to follow this path, do not pull your oars into the boat, but trust Him.  Do not yield to fear, which paralyses us before the great heights to which the Lord points us.  Always remember that those who leave their nets and boat behind, and follow Him, the Lord promises the joy of a new life that can fill our hearts and enliven our journey.

We ask the prayers of Mary, Our Mother of Perpetual Help and Patron of our diocese, to help us all discover the Lord’s plan in our lives as it unfolds day by day and the courage to walk in the path that He has chosen for us.

Yours sincerely in Christ, the Redeemer.

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ,

 

In late August this year, you may recall that the World Meeting of Families took place in Ireland in the presence of Pope Francis. The event was a little overshadowed by the revelations of historical child abuse cases in Ireland.  However,  I know, having spoken to some people who took part in the event, that it was an enriching experience. To gather with families from across the world to celebrate family life in its many aspects was clearly a special moment for those who took part.

 

Pope Francis took the opportunity to hear stories of families from around the world and to speak about the family.  For a few moments I would like to reflect on three of the aspects of family mentioned by the Holy Father during this time: the family as a school for holiness, the family as a model of forgiveness and the family as a model for a new alliance between the older and the younger generations.

 

The Family – a School for Holiness.

 

Today we celebrate the feast of the Holy Family.  I think we sometimes find holiness difficult to talk about.  We often think of others as holy or called to holiness but never ourselves. Indeed, we feel awkward and embarrassed when others suggest that we might be holy.  But we should not be afraid of holiness.  It is simply striving to be our best selves in our relationship with God and one another.  It is within the family that we learn the ways of holiness midst the ordinary stuff of life. It is in the family that we learn to believe and share our belief, to show acts of kindness, to speak a word of forgiveness.

 

Speaking at the Pro Cathedral in Dublin, Pope Francis said

 

It is in the home that we learn to believe, through the quiet example of parents who love our Lord and trust His word.  There in the home, which we can call “the domestic church” children learn the meaning of fidelity, integrity and sacrifice.

 

 

The Family – a Model of Forgiveness.

 

Our readiness and willingness to forgive is key to the growth of any friendship or relationship but especially within the family. In Croke Park, speaking of this important aspect of family life, Pope Francis remarks:

 

Forgiveness is a special gift from God that heals our brokenness and draws us closer to one another and to him.  Small and simple acts of forgiveness, renewed each day, are the foundation upon which a solid Christian family life is built.

 

When I was in parish ministry, each year I used to work alongside the parents of the children who were being prepared by the parish catechists for first Reconciliation and Eucharist.  I would always take the opportunity to remind them that their children would understand little or nothing about the Sacrament of Reconciliation if they do not see or experience forgiveness and reconciliation in the home. Sometimes we need to speak and hear the obvious!

 

The Family as the model for an Alliance between the Young and Old.

 

The importance of the forging a new alliance between the old and the young is something close to the heart of the Holy Father and he sees the family as leading the way in this. For example, he speaks affectionately of his relationship with his own grandmother, Rosa.  Again, speaking at Croke Park he says

 

A society that does not value grandparents is a society that has no future. A Church that is not mindful of the covenant between generations will end up lacking the thing that really matters, which is love…….our grandparents are a treasury of experience, a treasury of wisdom for the new generation.

 

Indeed they are!  Drawing on their deep reservoir of experience and wisdom, they can show the young what it is to have a spirit of gratitude for gifts received, to reassure the fearful young who are anxious about their future, to show those who are focussed on themselves that there is more joy in giving than receiving and that love is expressed in both words and actions.

 

Having been brought up by my paternal  grandparents, you can imagine that “the covenant between the generations “ is close to my heart, too, and it has given me much to be grateful for in life.

 

Today we ask the prayers of the Holy Family of Nazareth as we continue to try to make our own families schools of holiness, models of forgiveness and reconciliation and true alliances between the young and old.

 

Yours sincerely in Christ the Redeemer.