PRESS RELEASE

Embargoed until 00.01 12th June 2008
Photographs available on request

Catholic Celebs Reveal Their Beliefs

What do an ex gangster, a TV presenter, a former prostitute, an international rugby coach and an Archbishop have in common? They all feature in a new magazine which offers a contemporary presentation of Catholic life and beliefs. The publication is the brainchild of the Catholic Enquiry Office (CEO) under the direction of the Catholic Agency to Support Evangelisation (CASE) - an agency of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.

Adrian Chiles (BBC TV presenter), Shaun Edwards (Wales’ assistant rugby coach), Linda Watson (former prostitute), John Pridmore (ex gangster), and Archbishop Kevin McDonald (of Southwark) are just some of the thirty plus contributors to the 52 page glossy lifestyle magazine. Articles include: “Catholic Teaching on Sex”, “Problem Page”, “Convent Kitchen” and “Sacred Melody”. (Web link: www.life4seekers.co.uk)

Adrian Chiles, presenter of BBC TV's 'Match of the Day 2' and ' The Apprentice: You're Fired', gave the magazine creators an exclusive interview and insight into his spiritual journey; he became a Catholic at Easter 2007 and said: "There were various hurdles on my journey. I used to think: 'Is this the moment that I'll decide to become a Catholic?' Then immediately I'd think: 'What am I thinking of! This is madness!' I mithered about the decision for what seemed like ages; it was probably only months. It came to the point when I was in the pub with my eventual sponsor and he said (I can't repeat what he said because the language was so bad), but in the end, he put his beer down and said words to the effect of: 'Just get on with it. I'm sick of talking with you about it!' He gave me the kick up the backside that I needed."

The new publication features, what will appear to some, a surprising range of material and writers drawn from many fields. One of the highlights is an article about life in an enclosed Poor Clare convent near Arundel in West Sussex; access is rarely given to the life of the sisters. Sr Margaret Mary Cameron has written about her vocation, faith, life and offers recipes fresh from the 'Convent Kitchen'. Meanwhile, on a more serious note, the mother of Abigail Witchalls provides an insight into the meaning of suffering and forgiveness; Abigail was the victim of a near fatal assault in 2005.  

Bishop Malcolm McMahon, Chair of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference Department for Evangelisation and Catechesis (England and Wales), said: “The Life4seekers magazine provides an ambitious and pioneering illustration of how the Catholic Faith is rooted and finds expression in contemporary culture. It does the Church in England and Wales a great service in explaining important truths about Jesus and Catholic life in an attractive and accessible way. Do help to spread the word that it’s available.”

People who are not members of the Catholic Church may receive the magazine for free. Catholic parishes will be able to order copies for evangelistic activities at £1.95 per copy plus postage and packaging. In all cases, please contact the CEO on tel: 020 8458 3316. Or write to: 114 West Heath Road, London. NW3 7TX. E-mail: questions@life4seekers.co.uk

The CEO promotes and stimulates interest in Catholicism and annually responds to thousands of enquiries. It provides the only service of its kind in England and Wales and connects with people across the country.

ENDS

Editors

For a copy of the magazine, interviews, photographs and more information please contact Clare Ward on: 020 8 458 3316 or 0770 939 1998.

The magazine is a first edition.

Life4seekers will be launched at Waterstone’s bookshop in Piccadilly Circus, London, at 7.30pm on 12th June 2008. Members of the press are welcome and should ring / e-mail in advance of the launch to book their place as numbers are limited.

The CEO has no formal links with Waterstone’s but is hiring the shop’s facilities.

Images are available: the front cover of the magazine and a sample page (the introduction to an exclusive interview with BBC Presenter, Adrian Chiles).