APOSTLESHIP OF THE SEA
Apostleship of the Sea (AoS), is the official maritime and welfare mission agency of the Catholic Church in Great Britain, as well as a registered charity wholly reliant on voluntary contributions. Ninety per cent of world trade is carried by ship; however seafarers often work in dangerous conditions suffering loneliness, deprivation and even exploitation.
AoS deploys chaplains and ship visitors who welcome vulnerable merchant seafarers to our shores and provides for their pastoral and practical needs – regardless of creed or nationality.
Catholic seafarers are also given the opportunity to receive the sacraments. AoS provides chaplains on board cruise ships, works ecumenically to maintain ecumenical seafarers’ centres inside ports, and collaborates with industry bodies to speak up for seafarers’ rights. AoS relies on a network of valued parish contacts and volunteers to sustain its development.
Director: Martin Foley,
Apostleship of the Sea, Herald House, Lambs Passage, Bunhill Row, London EC I Y 8LE.
Tel: 020 7588 8285.
Email: info@apostleshipofthesea.org.uk
Website: www.apostleshipofthesea.org.uk
ARCHCONFRATERNITY OF ST STEPHEN FOR ALTAR SERVERS
Diocesan Director: Rev Jonathan Mitchell, Our Lady and the Apostles, Stockport.
ASSOCIATION FOR THE PASTORAL CARE OF THE MENTALLY ILL
A national, ecumenical voluntary community based charity which seeks to offer friendship and support to those with a mental illness and their relatives and carers, by the provision of volunteer befrienders, localised branch activities and information on pastoral care. For further information contact the APCMI, The Crypt, Holy Cross Church, Cromer Street, London WCIH 8JU.
Tel: 01483 38936.
ASSOCIATION FOR THE PROPAGATION OF THE FAITH
Diocesan Director: Appointment pending
ASSOCIATION OF BLIND CATHOLICS
To enable persons with a visual impairment to lead a full and active life within the Church. The ABC offers a Daisy CD and cassette lending library and a monthly Catholic Talking Newspaper for an annual subscription of £1 , plus organising retreats and gatherings.
Assistant Secretary: Paul Questier, 58 Oakwood Rd, Horley,
Surrey RH6 7BU.
Tel: 01293 772104
ASSOCIATION OF INTER-CHURCH FAMILIES
The Association exists to support families where husband & wife are practising members of different denominations. It encourages them to strengthen their family unity whilst remaining loyal to their own Christian traditions. Local groups:-
Diocesan Contact: Mr & Mrs P. Mayles, Five Oaks, Street Hey La, Willaston, Neston CH64 1SS.
Tel: 0151-327 7196. Email: mayles@fsmail.net
Website: www.interchurchfamilies.org.uk
ASSOCIATION OF SEPARATED AND DIVORCED CATHOLICS
A federation of lay support groups to provide mutual help and spiritual support to those who have experienced the pain of marriage breakdown.
Headquarters: ASDC, c/o Cathedral House, 250 Chapel Street, Salford M3 5LL
Helpline: 0113 264 0638
Email: c.hacklett@btinternet.com
Media Contact: 01225 754320
Website: www.asdcengland.org.uk
BEGINNING EXPERIENCE
A weekend programme which seeks to help separated, divorced and bereaved people to make a gentle closure on the past and start life afresh. Weekends are held annually in the Spring and Autumn. For further information write to Kath Harding, 11 Walkden Avenue East, Wigan WN1 2DX.
Tel: 01942 246542
Email: kathharding@blueyonder.co.uk
CATHOLIC ARCHIVES SOCIETY
The Catholic Archive Society promotes and advises on listing, management and preservation of records of dioceses, religious foundations and institutions of the Catholic Church. It does not collect or store archives.
Chair: Margaret Harcourt Williams, Innyngs House, Hatfield Park, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 5PL.
Secretary: Sarah Maspero, 50A Gordon Road, Fareham,
Hampshire P016 7SP
Email: sarah.maspero@gmail.com
Website: www.catholic-history.org
CATHOLIC ASSOCIATION FOR RACIAL JUSTICE (CARJ)
The Association exists to promote the cause of racial justice both within both the Church and society at large.
Head Office: 9 Henry Rd, Manor House, London N4 2LH
Tel: 020 8802 8080.
Fax: 020 8211 0808.
National Co-ordinator: Miss Rosie Bairwall (Acting), Email: info@carj.org
Administrator: Maureen Corsi.
Website: www.carj.org
CATHOLIC FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY
Exists to help those with Catholic ancestry to research their family history in England and Wales; makes accessible official records relating to Catholic families; and publishes ‘Catholic Ancestor’ magazine and a regional newsletter. Meetings are held in various places in the Midlands and North-West regions.
NW Secretary: Mrs J Smith, 10 Irving Close, Woodsmoor, Stockport SK2 7DX
Website: www.catholic-history.org.uk
CATHOLIC GUIDE GUILD
Membership is open to all Catholic members of the Girl Guide Association and endeavours to encourage a greater appreciation of faith through Guide training with the inclusion of the Ki-Ro Scheme.
Chairman: Mrs Christina Robinson, 28 Princess Way, Wallasey.
Tel: 0151-638 7794.
Advisory Council Rep: Mrs Catherine Bedford, 27 Bristol Dr, Great Sutton, Ellesmere Port CH66 2HR.
Tel: 0151-339 9718.
Secretary: Miss Monica O’Beirne, 125 Thornridge, Stavordale Rd, Moreton, Wirral.
Tel: 0151-678 7133.
Treasurer: Post to be directed to the Chairman.
Chaplain: Vacant.
CATHOLIC HANDICAPPED FELLOWSHIP
Shrewsbury Diocesan Committee:
Diocesan Chaplain: Rev John P. Daly.
Honorary Secretary Jane Christley, 18 Rycroft Road, Meols, Wirral CH47 9RQ
Tel: 0151-632 4891
Hon Treasurer: Mr T Fitzgerald, 3 Howbeck Cl, Prenton, Wirral CH43 6TH.
Tel: 0151-652 9623.
The Fellowship exists to give practical and spiritual support to all Catholic Handicapped Persons and their families. Membership is also open to all who are willing to help by prayers and active work. Annual Diocesan Mass in Chester in Summer. Annual Diocesan Carol Service in St Catherine’s Hoylake. Contact Secretary as above for any further information.
CATHOLIC MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Formerly Guild of Catholic Doctors, membership is open to all Catholic health-care workers. It provides a forum to meet and discuss moral and ethical matters relating to health. There are branches of the association in both Manchester and Liverpool and meetings are held regularly in both cities.
Further details from: Mrs Sue Brown.
Email: rhIbrown@hotmail.com (Manchester).
Dr Raymond Ahearn.
Email: ahearnraymond@hotmail.com (Liverpool).
CATHOLIC NATIONAL LIBRARY
The Catholic National Library is a major theological and historical reference and lending library containing 70,000 books, pamphlets and periodicals. Formerly known as the Catholic Central Library based in London, we are now in larger premises at St Michael’s Abbey, Farnborough. We are able to post books to any part of the British Isles to our members, as well as answering email and phone requests. Full details on our website at http://www.catholic-library.org.uk, or brochure available on request by writing to:
Mrs Joan Bond (Librarian), Catholic National Library, St Michael’s Abbey, Farnborough, Hants GU14 7NQ.
Tel: 01252 543818
DYMPNA CENTRE
Primarily for those in church ministry or the consecrated life, who need to reflect. Offers meetings for discernment, spiritual direction, counselling and listening.
Rev Terry McGrath, The Dympna Centre, Parkside House, 17 East Parade, Harrogate HG1 5LF.
Tel: 01423 817515.
Email: thedympnacentre@hotmail.com
Website: www.thedympnacentre.co.uk
ENCOURAGE
A spiritual support group for homosexual Catholics wishing to live according to the teaching of the Church. EnCourage meets regularly and offers confidential group and personal support. Write to:
The EnCourage Trust, Box 3745, London N2 8LW or Email: wincobankuni@aol.com Website: www.encouragetrust.org.uk
ENGLISH CATHOLIC HISTORY ASSOCIATION
The Association aims to advance the education of the public in English Catholic History, including promoting interest and encouraging research into the Catholic History of England and Wales and helping to preserve relevant documents. Regular meetings and visits are arranged and members receive a quarterly newsletter.
Secretary: Miss Toni Eccles, 6 Townside, Church Street, Tisbury, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP3 6AX.
Tel: 01747 871070.
Email: toni.eccles@btinternet.com
Website: www.echa.org.uk
FAMILY HOUSING ASSOCIATION
Registered Office: Marcus House, Marcus Street, Birkenhead, Wirral CH41 3NY.
Tel: 0151-647 5000
Fax: 0151-647 5007.
Email: familyha@btconnnect.com
Chairman: Mr R Hamilton.
Secretary/Chief Executive: Mr Keith Molony.
LIFE-LIGHT HOME STUDY COURSES
To promote Catholic Adult Religious Education, a team of laity provide courses by post in the different areas of the theology of Vatican II. Courses leading to the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (formerly Catholic Teachers Certificate) are also provided. Details from: Chris Harris, “Windward”, Vicarage Rd, Napton-on-the-Hill, Warwicks CV47 8NA.
Tel: 01926 810798.
Email: lifelight@btinternet.com
MOTHERS PRAYERS OF THE SOLACE COMMUNITY
Founded in 1995 by two grandmothers to encourage mothers to meet in small weekly prayer groups (2 to 8 mothers) and pray for the well-being of their children. “Mothers Prayers” has now spread to 80 countries.
To find out more information, especially about your nearest group, please use the contact details below:
1) Mothers Prayers of the Solace Community, PO Box 416, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 6WE.
Tel/Fax: 01959 532505.
Email: office@motherprayers.org
2) Mothers Prayers Office (England and Wales), PO Box 216, Manchester M41 4AE.
Email: carolyn@mothersprayers.org
NORTH WEST CATHOLIC HISTORY SOCIETY
To promote interest in the Catholic history of the region by issuing a journal and occasional publications. Conferences are also organised. Subscriptions are £15 p.a.
Chairman: Mr J. Davies
Treasurer: Mr B.T. Fanimond, 11 Tower Hill, Ormskirk L39 2EE.
Tel: 01695-575038.
Email: brianfarrimond@mailbolt.com
Website: www.catholic-history.org.uk
Secretary: Mr J.A. Hilton, 282 Whelley, Wigan WN2 IDA.
OUT THERE – Supporting Families of Prisoners
This is a project of the Daughters of Charity offering support, information telephone contact and home visits to the families of prisoners, during the period from arrest to release, within the Greater Manchester area.
Address: 2, Birchvale Close, Hulme, Manchester MI5 5BJ
Tel: 0161-232 8986
PROJECT 2030 – THE TWENTYSOMETIIINGS AND THE THIRTYSOMETHINGS
The Twentysomethings and The Thirtysomethings groups enable young Catholics in their 20s and 30s to get together at a social and spiritual level. Events include: pilgrimages; trips; holidays; Masses; Retreats; walks and parties.
National Office:St John’s, 266 Wellington Road North, Stockport SK4 2QR
For details contact: Rev Hugh Hanley (Director) at: hugh@project2030.eu or 07530 926 497.
Websites: 20s: www.twentysomethings.eu
30s: www.thirtysomethings.eu
SOCIETY OF ST GREGORY
A national Society which works to assist priests and people to celebrate the liturgy worthily. It encourages study and active participation by organising study days, conferences and an annual Summer School for all concerned with music and worship. A journal ‘Music and Liturgy’ is published regularly, meetings are arranged for compsers.
Diocesan Representative: To be appointed
11 Belmont, Shrewsbury SY 1 1TE.
Email: judith.hall@ssg.org.uk Website: www.ssg.org.uk
SPRED (Special Religious Development)
Parish based groups which include children and adults with special needs. Our aim is to journey together in faith and love, sharing real life and spiritual experiences. These are celebrated within the group and the parish. Contact: Christine Prothero, 92 Bidston Rd, Prenton, Wirral CH43 6TN. Tel: 0151-652 2488
ST BARNABAS SOCIETY
For the assistance of clergy and religious from other denominations who come into the full communion of the Catholic Church.
Diocesan Representative: Jonathan Brown, 66 Chester Road, Anfield, Liverpool L6 4DZ.
Tel: 0151-260 1186.
Email: j.a.i .brown@bigfoot .com
Headquarters: Rev Robin Sanders, 4 First Turn, Wolvercote,
Oxford OX2 8AH. Tel: 01865 513377.
Email: secretary@stbarnabassociety.org.uk
Website: stbarnabassociety.org.uk
ST LUKE’S CENTRE (A Ministry of Wellness and Healing)
The St Luke’s Centre is a psychological and educational support centre for priests, religious women and men and candidates for ministry or religious life. We offer psychological assessments, candidate assessments, workshops, outpatients therapy, continuing care post residential treatment, consultation services and conference facilities for leadership teams and diocesan bodies. The Centre works in collaboration with the Saint Luke Institute Maryland and has the full backing of COR and the Bishops’ Conferences of England and Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
Director: Fr Gerard F Byrne, St Luke’s Centre, Danesfield, Whalley Rd, Whalley Range, Manchester M16 8BT.
Tel: 0161-226 4563 Email: info@stlukescentre.org.uk
Website: www.stlukescentre.org.uk
SURVIVE-MIVA (Missionary Vehicle Association)
SURVIVE-MIVA is a Catholic organisation which makes grants for transport to missionaries working in areas of great need.
Office: SURVIVE-MIVA, 5 Park Vale Rd, Aintree, Liverpool L9 2DG
Tel: 0151 523 3878
Fax: 0151 523 3841.
Email: info@survive-miva.org.
Website: www.survive-miva.org
VEILAUDIO
Provides a free postal lending service of audio books on cassette and CD for the blind, visually impaired and housebound. There are approximately 600 titles of a predominantly spiritual nature, plus a further 150 of a more recreational kind. The service is maintained by the Benedictines of Holy Trinity Monastery, St Mary’s Rd, East Hendred, Wantage OX12 8LF. Registered Charity No. 1108284.
Contact: The Librarian. Tel: 01235 821461; Email: veilaudio@benedictinenuns.org.uk. Website: www.benedictinenuns.org.uk
VOLUNTEER MISSIONARY MOVEMENT (VMM)
VMM recruits, prepares and sends Christians to work as lay missionaries in development projects linked with local churches in Africa and Central America.
Diocesan contact: Sam & Helen Corcoran, 7 Radbroke Close, Sandbach CW11 1YT
Tel: 01270 759154
Email: corcoran@ncla.co.uk
National Contact: Alice Davidson, Volunteer Missionary Movement, Hope Park, Liverpool L16 9JD.
Tel: 0151-291 3438.
Email: vmm@hope.ac.uk
VMM website: www.vmminternational.org
WALSINGHAM PILGRIMS
East Shropshire: Mrs Cris Jones, 23 Manchester Drive, Apley, Telford TH 6XY.
Tel: 01952 253960.