Chrism Mass: Eavesdropping

 Chrism Mass: Eavesdropping

Today we celebrated the Chrism Mass where all the priests of the Diocese including those working in our Diocese from other countries gathered together to renew their vows of ordination.  Below is Bishop Paul Swarbrick speaking to his brother priests and allowing the people (laity) to eavesdrop!

Bishop Paul Swarbrick, Bishop of Lancaster talking to his brother priests

This Mass is very special because the Bishop also blesses the oils that will be used for the sacraments for the coming year.  We'll share more of that next week, but for now the Bishop incensing the altar at the start of Mass.

Bishop with two deacons incensing the altar 

Getting ready to welcome a new fisherman

On 24th July 2013 Deacon Stephen Talbutt shared with the parish his calling and vocation to the priesthood in our post Wednesday Word of Witness.  Since then Stephen has been studying for the priesthood at St Mary's College, Oscott.

Stephen Talbutt receiving the Bible

On Tuesday 10^th March 2015, with nine other 2nd year students at Oscott College, he received his first ministry, that of Lectorate (reader). During the services the Bishop of Leeds  stressed that it was not just a stage on the way to priesthood but a ministry in its own right and brought with it the challenge to read and pray daily on the Word of God and to live it for the rest of life. 

On the 24th June 2018 Stephen, along with seven other seminarians were ordained into the ministry of Deacon. We remember all of these men who have responded to God's call.

Deacon Stephen Talbutt
and 2 other newly ordained deacons

During his time of preparation Stephen has regularly visited the Cathedral and served at Mass.  Recently serving at the Mass of the Lord's Supper 2019 where he assisted Bishop Paul as he washed the feet of parishioners a reminder that we are all called to follow Jesus' example of loving and serving one another.

Mass of the Lord's Supper 2019

And for the past two years he has been sharing the Good News with his Catholic scripture reflections with the fitting image for his wordpress site, that of a fish. A symbol for Jesus and a reminder that he said to the disciples that he would make them fisher's of men.

And so now on the day before his ordination as a priest we remember Stephen Talbutt in our prayers.  

Stephen Talbutt: Twitter Page

University Crib ... where is Jesus

Today we share the crib from Lancaster University ... this was taken before the term had finished, so before Christmas. If you look closely you'll see some people are missing ... who?

Lancaster University Crib, 2018

Yes, its Jesus, who wasn't placed there till Christmas.  

And waiting at the side, beginning to make their journey was the wise men ...

Wise men on a journey to pay homage to Jesus

On Christmas eve, at the Midnight Mass, Deacon Jim carried the baby Jesus into church to be placed in the crib which Bishop Paul Swarbrick then blessed.

Deacon Jim carrying the Baby Jesus - Christmas 2018

Gaudete - Rejoice

Deacon Stephen

The third Sunday of Advent is known as Gaudete Sunday, we light our pink candle and rejoice in the Lord ... 

On Sunday Deacon Stephen joined us and wore the rose / pink vestment of a deacon. This colour vestment is only used on two days in the church year, do you know when the other day is?
His vestment is different from the priests, it has a square shape, and is known as a dalmatic a sign of service. 
As one of the ministries of a deacon he read the Gospel and dismissed us at the end of Mass. He then went to take Holy Communion to someone unable to join us ... we remember all those who are sick at this time and those caring for them.

Please remember Stephen in your prayers as he continues his preparation for ordination in 2019. 

First impressions

Steve sends us his first impressions and experience of his first weekend on placement:

It was with slight nervousness that I traveled from Barrow to Lancaster on Saturday morning. I think we are all somewhat nervous at new experiences and challenges. There was no need for me to be nervous. Fr Andrew met me and the kettle was immediately boiled for a much needed coffee with Fr Andrew and Fr Stephen then we were off to the Cathedral for Benediction and prayer for the parish. What a lovely way to start my visit, sat with the Lord. There was also the opportunity afterwards to meet those present and I was made to feel very welcome, as I was throughout the weekend.

Adoration at the Cathedral

Lunch was next and then Fr Stephen gave me a whistle stop tour of the parish in his car. I can remember most of what we looked at, but will I be able to find my way round? I have some serious doubts. Note to self: SATNAV must come with me next week.

I next attended the 6:30 mass at the Cathedral, again with the opportunity to meet parishioners afterwards. Day 1 of my placement finished and I have to admit that my nerves were easing and I was really starting to enjoy the experience.

Sunday morning I was up and off to mass with Fr Andrew at St Thomas More. A lovely mass, with lots of young families was completed with tea, coffee, biscuits and toast! I have never had toast after mass. Must mention it to the parish priest in Barrow!!

Cathedral Baptistery

Not much time then to get back to St Peter’s for the end of the 10:30 mass and again the opportunity to meet more people, this time at the back of church and then in the centre for refreshments. The warmness of everyone I met over the weekend was amazing! Thankyou all so much.  

Next I had the wonderful opportunity of attending a Christening which Fr Stephen was presiding over. Christenings are always very special, but just a few people present in the beautiful Cathedral made it very special.

I then had a few hours to myself before going to the Rosary, Vespers sung and Benediction in church. I have a very special devotion to the rosary. I have only witnessed Vespers being sung a few times and it always seems a beautiful way to pray.

I was given the opportunity next of going into the bell tower. This was so exciting for me! I had never been able to do this kind of thing before and jumped at the chance. Lots and lots of steps (60 I am told, although I am sure it is more like 600!!) later and there I was in the bell tower struggling to get my breath, but still excited. I can’t say I really understood all that went on, but it was a completely new experience for me (and, yes, I did get to ring a bell!!) 

A view from the Cathedral Tower
 with Jim Wood Cathedral's Permanent Deacon

Then it was down the 60 steps again and into 6:30 mass, again with the opportunity to meet parishioners afterwards, then in my car and off home again.

I found the weekend so very, very enjoyable and now look back on my nerves with a smile on my face. The warmth of everyone over the whole 2 days was fantastic and I am looking forward so much to my next four weekends!

Welcome to Steve Donnan

Steve Donnan

This weekend we welcome Steve Donnan who is on placement in the parish for the next five weekends. Here are a few words of introduction from Steve: 

“My name is Steve Donnan and I am a parishioner of St Columba’s Parish on Walney Island. I am 47 years of age and have been married to Karen for almost 25 years and we have two grown up children, John and Sarah. I have just finished studies for the second year of Deaconal formation which I am undertaking with the Scottish formation programme in Dundee. As part of my formation I have been asked to spend 5 weekends on placement at the Cathedral. I am really looking forward to this opportunity and look forward to meeting parishioners at the Cathedral and serving them.”

In the coming weeks Stephen has agreed to send us details of his weekend visits a chance to learn more about the role of a Deacon and no doubt hear more about what is happening within our parish and learn more about his home parish St Columba.

St Columba's Walney Island - Steve's Home Parish