Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Mount Carmel is commemorated in Scripture for its beauty, and it was there that the prophet Elijah defended the purity of Israel’s faith in the living God. Towards the end of the twelfth century AD, near a spring called after Elijah, a group of hermits established themselves on Mount Carmel and built an oratory in […]
Saying Yes
I am afraid of saying “Yes,” Lord.Where will you take me?I am afraid of drawing the longer straw,I am afraid of signing my name to an unread agreement,I am afraid of the “yes” that entails other “yeses.” And yet I am not at peace.You pursue me, Lord, you besiege me.I seek out the din for […]
Spiritual Fatherhood
I found this article by Fr Dennis Billy C.Ss.R who explains Spiritual Fatherhood better than I can. Since Jesus told His disciples not to call anyone on earth their father (Mt. 23:9), some of us may be wondering why we give our priests this title. The answer requires some explaining. We obviously do not call […]
From Bishop John
As we approach the General Election Bishop John has written a letter with a few thoughts. Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The next UK general election is set for Thursday 4th July. It is a privilege to vote, and I encourage each one of us to actively participate in the process. Not just on […]
Pray for Priests
This Friday is the the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. it is a MEATY FRIDAY!!!! More importantly it is also the world day of prayer for the sanctification of priests. Pray in a special way for your priests on Friday that they will conform themselves more to Christ the Good Shepherd so […]
Carol Service
6:30pm, Sunday 15th December in St Joseph’s Church. A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols with the Diocesan String Quartet. Festive refreshments in the parish hall after the service. All welcome.
Walsingham
Our Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham takes place this Saturday 4th May. Please be assured of my prayers for you in Walsingham. I am grateful to Fr Ian Kelly who will be celebrating the Saturday Masses and hearing Confessions. BEGINNINGS The Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham was established around 1061 when, according to the text […]
Vocation Thoughts
I believe the “fluffy lambs” approach to the Good Shepherd has not served us well. We tend to get lost in Christ’s parable of the lost sheep carried home over the shoulder by the shepherd who went to find him. It all too cosy and European. This is the Middle East. Shepherds lived in rough […]
Holy Hour at St Joseph’s
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and time for quiet prayer at St Joseph’s from 4pm to 5pm on Sunday, 7th September. Concludes with Benediction. All Welcome.
Good Shepherd Sunday
Until quite recently and even today when people talk of someone “having a vocation” they usually mean he has gone off to be a priest or she has become a nun. Linked with this has been another all too popular idea. Though they rarely say so, many think that the Church is saying that Priesthood […]