HUMAN EMBRYO

On September 8th, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority gave British scientists permission to create human embryos with genetic material from two mothers. This it is said, will help prevent mothers passing on lethal conditions to their offspring. Archbishop Smith of Cardiff speaking on behalf of the Hierarchy issued this statement on the following day.

"This is the latest in a catalogue of decisions with profound ethical implications made by the HFEA. Not only are there ethical questions which need very wide and searching debate, but also long term risks to be considered. "It is high time we followed the example of many other countries and set up an overarching body for the UK - a National Bio-ethics Commission. A properly constituted independent body could advise Parliament, conduct extensive public consultation and education, and provide a continuing forum for discussion and dialogue about these far reaching ethical issues. Such a body would go a long way to ensuring that we were not then regularly faced with major decisions made without adequate public consultation or debate, and which are fostering a growing public unease."

BLESSING & OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE FATHER BOB MAGNER ROOM.

40 years ago the late Father Bob Magner said: "The parish needs a room where people can meet and socialise." On Wednesday 24th August 2005 Monsignor Patrick Mulvany V.G. blessed and declared the Father Bob Magner Room at St.Charles Borromeo Church, Grange-Over - Sands officially open. Father Parker, the present Parish Priest, welcomed parishioners and representatives of other churches in Grange, the architect, Mr. Peter Nicholson of Derek Hicks and Thew, and the local main contractors, Mr. Mark Walmsley and Mr Bill Appleby. The ladies of the parish once again excelled themselves providing epicurian delicacies of gargantuan proportions! All in all, a very enjoyable and successful evening. Many thanks to everyone.

MARRIAGECARE

Blackpool and Fylde Centre is holding a Marriage Preparation course at its premises on Clifton Street, Blackpool on Saturday 8th October, 10.00am until 4.00pm. If Parishes need further application forms they are obtainable from Margaret McCann, 01253 824802. The Centre now offers a FOCCUS course as an alternative, or addition to, our original course, which works best with a group of about four couples. FOCCUS is an individual inventory, which "Facilitates Open Couple Communication, Understanding and Study "... hence FOCCUS. This new course is available to individual couples if we are unable to form a group. The first Marriage Preparation course for 2006 will be in March.

CARLISLE NIGHTSTOP

Community Projects Carlisle is a registered charity. It provides support and advice to young people aged 16-25 in areas relating to welfare benefits, money advice, housing, and homelessness. Carlisle Nightstop provides emergency overnight accommodation for such young people in homes of trained and screened volunteer hosts. One couple who have been hosting for seven years and have accommodated twenty-five young people, have now retired. Could you provide a bed, a meal, and washing facilities for a young person, perhaps once a month? If so, please contact Julie Crosby, 01228 595566.

WEST CUMBRIA DAYS OF RENEWAL

Days of prayer and worship, and sharing the gifts of the Holy Spirit at St Mary’s, Egremont; Saturdays, 17 September, 8 October, 12 November, 10 December; all 11.00am-4.00pm. Bring a lunch box to share. There will be talks, workshops on the Holy Spirit in the church today, time to meet and talk to friends old and new. There will also be a healing service and the opportunity for confession and absolution.

GOING FOR GREEN

The social responsibility forum of Churches Together in Cumbria has organised a day on the theme of Thinking global, acting local for the future of the earth, Saturday 8 October, 10.00am-5.00pm, St Thomas’ Church, Kendal. £5-00, tea and coffee provided, please bring your own lunch. Various speakers and workshops.

TERRY WAITE IN CARLISLE

Churches Together in Carlisle have arranged for Terry Waite to visit the city. The former ambassador of the Archbishop of Canterbury will speak about his exploits, Thursday 13 October, 7.30pm, Currock Methodist Church. Tickets cost £7.

HYMNATHON & CONCERT

Canon Stephen Shield will be holding two fundraising events at English Martyrs’ Church, Preston on the afternoon & evening of November 26th in aid of the Cathedral Organ Restoration Fund. Make a note in your diary! Details to follow.

NOTE TO PARISH SECRETARIES, PARISH PRIESTS AND PARISH ADMINSTRATORS
Why not email your weekly Parish Newsletter to The Voice? Some parishes already do. The Voice will be very happy to pass on items of news, initiatives and ideas, which others may well find encouraging and helpful may encourage others.