O Sacrament most Holy

Altar for solemn exposition

O Sacrament most holy, O sacrament divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine

Solemn exposition continues tomorrow after the 10.30 morning mass until vespers at 4.40.  This is an ideal time to spend a few moments in front of the Blessed Sacrament. 

Tomorrow is also the feast of The Most Holy Body & Blood of the Lord - known as Corpus Christi, a solemnity in which we hear part of John's Gospel known as the Bread of Life discourse. We will say together the Gospel Acclamation 

I am the living bread which has come down from heaven, says the Lord. Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever. John 6: 51-52

Solemn Exposition 20th to 22nd June

Monstrance

Solemn exposition will take place between Friday 20th June and Sunday 22nd June. This is an ideal opportunity for quiet personal prayer and reflection.  There is a sign up sheet at the back of the Cathedral for people to sign up so we can make sure there is always a watching presence in front of the Blessed Sacrament.  
Friday 
Exposition will begin at 9.30 am and finish with a simple Benediction at 6.00 pm
Mass at 12.15 
Saturday 
Exposition will begin at 9.30 am and finish with a simple Benediction at 6.00 pm
Sacrament of Reconciliation 11.00 am to 12.00 noon and 17.45 pm to 18.15
Mass at 12.15 
Anticipated Mass 6.30
Sunday 
Exposition will begin after the 10.30 am mass at 11.30 am and conclude with Vespers and Benediction at 4.40 pm

Monstrance

Outside Mass, the Blessed Sacrament will be taken from the tabernacle, where it is normally kept and placed in a monstrance. A monstrance is designed to 'show' the Blessed Sacrament.  For further information about the history of the monstrance click here 

Bishop sends thanks ...

Thank you to the many people who helped to make the Mass and confirmations go smoothly.  Catechists supported by their priests who helped prepare those getting confirmed, Deacons who came to serve during the Mass, our MC and servers, Organist and the choir, flower arrangers, welcomers, Cathedral parishioners who printed the service sheets, prepared the altar, lit the big seven, took photographs and arranged refreshments for our visitors. 

In the newsletter this week, Bishop Michael Campbell writes:
Please could you pass on my sincere thanks and congratulations to all involved across the deanery and in the respective parishes in the preparation for and in the liturgy of Confirmation in the Cathedral this evening – a splendid celebration and great example of how when parishes work well together great things can be achieved.
With every good wish and prayer – especially for the Confirmati of each parish of the Lancaster & Morecambe Deanery,
+Michael G Campbell OSA (Bishop of Lancaster)

Confirmation: St Peter's Cathedral and St Thomas More

Today we remember the young people of our own parish St Peter and St Thomas More who were confirmed last week during the Feast of Pentecost. 

Confirmands from St Peter's Cathedral and St Thomas More Parish
with Bishop Michael Campbell and Fr Steve Pearson, Cathedral Dean

Trinity Sunday
Today as we celebrate the Feast of the Trinity, and are reminded of the relationship between Father, Son and Holy Spirit. As part of our parish preparation programme, St Peter's Way, we talked about our image of God, shared ideas about Jesus as man and Jesus as Son of God, we also captured words about who God is to us see below to see what images we chose. When we pray we often use images of Father, Son or Holy Spirit, what would you include in your 'Trinity' of images?

God is ... video

Saint Lidwina: 14th June

Saint Lidwina 1388-1433

Feast Day: 14th June

Patronage: ice-skaters and the chronically sick. 
Lidwina was born in Schiedam in Holland. While playing on ice at the age of 15 she broke a rib. From that time onwards, she had difficult walking, headaches and violent pains in her teeth. By the time she was 19 both legs were paralysed and her vision was disturbed. Over the next 34 years, Lidwina's condition continued to deteriorate, although with apparent periods of remission, until her death at the age of 53. Despite her pain and disability she had a great gift for prayer and contemplation and the ability to heal others. Because of these gifts some thought her under the influence of malign spirits. But she was greatly revered by many holy men, and several accounts of her life were written, including Vita Lidewigis by Thomas à Kempis. On the morning of Easter Day 1433, she was in deep contemplation and saw a vision of Christ coming towards her to administer the sacrament of Extreme Unction. Two days later, on 14 April, she died. Lidwina's grave quickly became a place of pilgrimage after her death and in 1434, a chapel was built over it. In 1615 her relics were taken to Brussels, and returned to Schiedam in 1871. On 14 March 1890, Leo XIII officially canonised Lidwina.

Confirmation: St Joseph’s Kirkby Lonsdale and St Mary’s, Hornby

Today we remember confirmands from two parishes whose parish priest is Canon Liuz Roscillo.  Yesterday learned about St Joseph the worker.  Today, a second St Joseph. 

  

Confirmands with Bishop Michael Campbell and
Canon Liuz Roscillo

Did you know, there is weekly exposition on a Friday evening 6.30 to 7.00pm at St Mary's, Hornby? 

St Mary's, Hornby

St Joseph's, Kirkby Lonsdale

© Photographs copyright Alexander P Kapp and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

Mary and Joseph
Today we show a stained glass window in the Lady Chapel, showing Joseph and Mary.  It celebrates the Feast of the Presentation.

Mary and Joseph, as obedient Jews, went to the Temple to give thanks for their 'first-born male child' - Jesus. Being poor, they brought the offering as the Law required of them 'a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons' - they can be seen in the basket by Mary's knees.

In the same way, the confirmands parents have brought their children to Church for Baptism, the first sacrament of initiation.  On Sunday they were confirmed which was the third sacrament of initiation. 

Confirmation: St Joseph’s, Lancaster

Today we remember the confirmands from St Joseph's, Lancaster.  Fr Jim Burns, served in the Cathedral a few years ago, is now their parish priest.  

Confirmands St Joseph's, Lancaster with one of their catechists
and Bishop Michael Campbell

St Joseph's Skerton

St Joseph's, Skerton
viewed from tower at Lancaster Cathedral

Our confirmands have come from across the Lancaster Deanery, St Joseph's Lancaster is located the other side of the river Lune.  Here a photograph of St Joseph's, Lancaster taken from the tower at the Cathedral. Taken on a winter day with the snow covered hills overlooking Morecambe bay.  To see other images from the tower see city, coast and countryside or Episcopal views I  and Episcopal views 2 the original Cathedral blog.

At the confirmation Mass there were confirmands from two parishes dedicated to St Joseph.  Within the Cathedral there are many stained glass windows of St Joseph.  Below an image of St Joseph carrying a lily a symbol of his virtue and holiness.

St Joseph pray for us.

Confirmation: Our Lady of Lourdes, Carnforth

Today we remember the confirmands from the parish of Our Lady of Lourdes and St Mary's, Yealand.   

Confirmands with Bishop Michael Campbell
Canon John Gibson parish priest of Our Lady of Lourdes and Dean
and their catechist Kate

Our Lady of Lourdes 

Our Lady of Lourdes is one of two patrons of the diocese.  At the back of the Cathedral there are two hangings of the two patrons of the Diocese of Lancaster.  Also behind the Bishop you can see details of his motto.  See read more about our patron see the Year of Faith post 'Our Lady of Lourdes' 

To find out more visit the website of Our Lady of Lourdes and learn more about their Angels of Mercy and links with Romania.

Confirmation: Lancaster University and St William of York, Pilling

Today we remember the adults confirmed on Sunday they came from the Chaplaincy at Lancaster University and St William of York, Pilling.    

Confirmands Lancaster University and St William of York, Pilling
Fr Bernard Partington, Bishop Michael Campbell and Fr Paul Embery
Sisters of Mercy (right)

St William of York, Pilling

Lancaster University
Chaplaincy

This year the university celebrates its 50th Anniversary, the Chaplaincy is dedicated to St Thomas More and is one of two chapels in the University Multi-Faith Chaplaincy.  For more information about Catholic Chaplaincy 

In contrast, St William of York, Pilling was built in 1891.  For details of the history of St William of York and parish website

Confirmation: Blessed John Henry Newman

During the coming week, we will be sharing group photographs for each of the parishes whose young people and adults were confirmed at the Feast of Pentecost and using this to learn more about the saints and parishes.  Today our newest parish, Blessed John Henry Newman which was formed on Sunday 2 December 2012 with the merger of Holy Family & St Patrick, and St Mary's Morecambe.

Confirmands with Bishop Michael Campbell and Canon Dunstan Cooper

In the Education Mass, In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI visited England he came to beatify Blessed John Henry Newman.  In the Education Mass that year, Bishop Michael shared a famous passage from Cardinal Newman about the role of the laity:

“I want a laity, not arrogant, not rash in speech, not disputatious, but men and women who know their religion, enter into it, who know just where they stand, who know what they hold and what they do not, who know their creed so well that they can given an account of it, who know so much of history that they can defend it.” (Idea of a University)

Something for our new confirmands to think about as they begin to get involved in their parishes and looking out for ways they can fulfil their mission as adult members of the Church.

To find out more about Blessed John Henry Newman Parish 

Feast of Pentecost - Deanery Confirmation

Confirmands on steps of St Peter's Cathedral, Lancaster
Feast of Pentecost - 8th June 2014

On the Feast of Pentecost, confirmandi from eight parishes in the Lancaster Deanery gathered with their families and friends at the 6.30pm mass to receive the sacrament of confirmation Bishop Michael Campbell.

Blessed John Henry Newman, Morecambe

Lancaster University Chaplaincy

Our Lady of Lourdes, Carnforth

St Joseph’s, Lancaster

St Joseph’s Kirkby Lonsdale

St Mary’s, Hornby

St Peter’s Cathedral and St Thomas More’s, Lancaster

St William of York, Pilling

 The day marked the end of parish preparation programmes and was the third sacrament of initiation for those being confirmed.  During the service they renewed their Baptismal Promises and said 'Amen' something their parents and Godparents had said on their behalf when they were baptised. 

We'll be posting group photographs for each of the parishes over the coming days. 
Photograph courtesy of www.sepiamemories.com

Feast of Pentecost

Triptych of the Sacraments of initiation made by Confirmation group

Today we celebrate the feast of Pentecost.  At the 6.30pm evening mass, 45 young people and 7 adults from the University and parish of St William of York will be confirmed. The Bishop will concelebrate mass with priests from throughout the deanery and anoint each of the confirmanti who will be presented to him by their sponsors.  

At the back of the Cathedral, the display cabinet Inspire includes materials used in the Confirmation Programme St Peter's Way and created by the confirmation group.  Why not have a closer look at the Triptych of the Sacraments of Initiation and some of the shoe boxes created showing the lives of the saints chosen by some of our young people.

Learn more about the saints Augustine, Claudia, Ketari, Sebastian, Simon, Verena

And the names of our confirmandi are listed on the flames a symbol of the Holy Spirit.

Come Holy Spirit bring us your gift of goodness

Today one of our new parishioners, Rubin Michael shares memory of her confirmation.  

I was about 10 years old when I got confirmed. I would say that I was rather too eager to receive my Communion and my Confirmation as my brother received His sacraments the previous year. ... I remember being very excited and going daily for my classes at my Parish. As my Parish priest had told me to pray individually in my heart and welcome the Holy Spirit, I would spend some time every day in prayer invoking the Holy Spirit for the great day of my Sacraments.It was a great experience to recall my day of Confirmation as 30 others too were being confirmed and I was even more excited as I was going to see our Bishop for the first time. I was so overjoyed to be a confirmed Christian and receive the Holy Spirit. I was dressed in a lovely white dress and a pretty white headband. I felt like a real Princess in the attire as I was walking the procession entering the Church welcoming our Bishop into the Church. I could see the excitement in the whole church and it was being celebrated with music and angelic singing. And as I personally received my Confirmation by the Anointing with the Holy Oil (of chrism) and a pat on my cheeks (something some of our older parishioners may remember from their confirmation) by the Bishop which I recall from the Pictures taken at the occasion, I would say that I was just so thrilled and felt a strong sense of peace and joy in me.Once the services were over, I remember that we all went home along with my friends and relatives and were treated with yummy Indian food that my mom cooked for us. I was just on cloud 9 jumping around with my cousins in the house and had a great time together.  I thank my parents and my Parish priest Fr. Lazarus who departed to His Eternal destination for having put in me the seed of faith to grow in my Life. 

Fruit of the Holy Spirit - Goodness
Scripture reading 2 Thessalonians 1:11

Let us give thanks to the Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead to save us all.  We ask you send your gift of goodness to us.  Help us to be like your saints in heaven and renew us by your power with your goodness that we may have the courage to share your Good News.

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

For a past post about What is a novena? and a link to a novena from St Charles Borromeo Church 
For a link to a full  target="_blank">novena to the Holy Spirit
 that focuses on the the Holy Spirit and sainthood.  We will use these themes for our own simple reflection.   

In view of this we also pray continually that our God will make you worthy of his call, and by his power fulfil all your desires for goodness, and complete all that you have been doing through faith 2 Thessalonians 1:11

Come Holy Spirit bring us your gift of self-control

When we look at the lives of the saints we see human beings who like us faced life's challenges.  If they made mistakes, or lacked self-control or failed to follow Jesus they realised the importance of trying again.  The Cathedral confirmation programme follows the life of St Peter, we see the window of Peter denying Jesus and later speaking out to the people at the feast of Pentecost.     

Fruit of the Holy Spirit - Self-control
Scripture reading Galatians 5: 22-23

Let us give thanks to the Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead to save us all.  We ask you send your gift of Self-control to us.  You are faithful to us.  Help us to be faithful to you in our daily prayer and how we live our lives and remember that Jesus promised to be with us always, until the end of the age. 

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

For a past post about What is a novena? and a link to a novena from St Charles Borromeo Church 
For a link to a full novena to the Holy Spirit that focuses on the the Holy Spirit and sainthood.  We will use these themes for our own simple reflection.   

As people throughout the Lancaster Deanery prepare for their confirmation on Sunday we offer a video from Fr Robert Barron who talks about the fruits of the Holy Spirit including self-control.   If you are short of time then the section on self control starts at about 10 minutes.

Come Holy Spirit bring us your gift of gentleness

What is gentleness? Sometimes it is known as meekness.  The saints have a lot to show us about this virtue and fruit of the Spirit.  To read more about saints whose lives or writing helps us to understand the power of gentleness 

"Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength." SaintFrancis de Sales

Fruit of the Holy Spirit - Gentleness
Scripture reading Philippians 4:5

Let us give thanks to the Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead to save us all.  We ask you send your gift of Gentleness to us.  We remember Mary Magdalene who gently anointed your feet and then wiped them with her hair. Help us to treat our friends and family with gentleness and understanding and follow the example of all your saints. 

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

For a past post about What is a novena? and a link to a novena from St Charles Borromeo Church
For a link to a full novena to the Holy Spirit that focuses on the the Holy Spirit and sainthood.  We will use these themes for our own simple reflection.  

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:5

Come Holy Spirit bring us your gift of faithfulness

Can you remember what are the gifts of the Holy Spirit and which are the fruits of the Holy Spirit?  Recently Pope Francis spoke about the gifts of the Holy Spirit, listen to his message on the video below or via this link. 

Fruit of the Holy Spirit - Faithfulness 
Scripture reading Romans 8: 24-25

Let us give thanks to the Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead to save us all.  We ask you send your gift of Faithfulness to us.  You are faithful to us.  Help us to be faithful to you in our daily prayer and how we live our lives and remember that Jesus promised to be with us always, until the end of the age. 

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

For a past post about What is a novena? and a link to a novena from St Charles Borromeo Church 
For a link to a full novena to the Holy Spirit that focuses on the the Holy Spirit and sainthood.  We will use these themes for our own simple reflection.   

Come Holy Spirit bring us your gift of kindness

Today our video lists the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and offers simple explanations for each gift. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are renewed for us at Confirmation.  We pray for all who will be confirmed on this feast of Pentecost.


For a colouring sheet of the gifts of the Holy Spirit so you can start to make some flames ready for Pentecost.

Fruit of the Holy Spirit - Kindness
Scripture reading  Colossians 3: 12

Let us give thanks to the Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead to save us all.  We ask you send your gift of kindness to us.  Jesus treated everyone, even sinners with kindness and understanding, by the power of the Holy Spirit may we learn to treat other people with kindness  

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

For a past post about What is a novena? and a link to a novena from St Charles Borromeo Church
For a link to a full novena to the Holy Spirit that focuses on the the Holy Spirit and sainthood.  We will use these themes for our own simple reflection.  

Come Holy Spirit bring us your gift of patience

“Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them– every day begin the task anew.”  St Francis de Sales

Today a song about waiting patiently and serving the Lord. Dor  link to video While I'm waiting - John Waller and link to the lyrics.

Fruit of the Holy Spirit - Patience  
Scripture reading Romans 8: 24-25

Let us give thanks to the Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead to save us all.  We ask you send your gift of Patience to us.  Help us to learn to wait patiently and to place our hope in you.  Please give us the patience of the saints who are now with you in heaven. 

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

For a past post about What is a novena? and a link to a novena from St Charles Borromeo Church
For a link to a full novena to the Holy Spirit that focuses on the the Holy Spirit and sainthood.  We will use these themes for our own simple reflection.   

Come Holy Spirit bring us your gift of peace

Last week during his visit to the Holy Land Pope Francis spoke to young and old about the importance of peace.  The following video shows 10 of his top phrases talking about the importance of peace.

For a past post about What is a novena? and a link to a novena from St Charles Borromeo Church
For a link to a full novena to the Holy Spirit that focuses on the the Holy Spirit and sainthood.  We will use these themes for our own simple reflection.  

Fruit of the Holy Spirit - Peace  
Scripture reading  Matthew 5:6

Let us give thanks to the Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead to save us all.  We ask you send your gift of Peace to us.  Saints by their example show us how to make peace and follow Jesus' call to be peacemakers.  Holy Spirit help us to bring peace to the people around us and to be at peace with ourselves.

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.