Sussex Catenians

25/04/2022

25/04/2022

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25/04/2022

25/04/2022

The Sadducees, annoyed that Peter and John are teaching the people and proclaiming Jesus's resurrection, have them arrested.

25/04/2022

Sometime ago, someone asked me if there was one Mass, out of the thousands I have celebrated during my ministry as a Catholic priest, that stands out from all the others? Without hesitating I said there was. “Where and when did it happen?” the person asked. “What was it that made it so special?” “It happened in what is reputed to be the Tomb of Christ, in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, in Jerusalem” I answered. “I was leading a pilgrimage group and it was the Millennium Year 2000. The Mass took place very early in the morning and I had been warned by our guide the night before that there could be no singing and no concelebration. As we journeyed through the darkness from our hotel in Bethlehem to the Holy City, I imagined the Mass would be a very hurried affair and that, afterwards, the Church authorities would quickly bundle us out. Nothing could have been further from the truth.

Having stepped down from the coach, we were led quickly through the streets towards this amazing church, as bleary-eyed shopkeepers started to open up their stores for another day’s business. When we arrived at the church door, an American priest stepped forward and asked if he and his pilgrimage party could join us for Mass? I told him of the restrictions which had been communicated to me the night before, but he had already obtained the necessary permission from the church authorities. When we arrived at the sacristy, it was clear that the Mass would not be rushed at all. There was a thurifer, cross and torch bearers and an MC. Having vested, and put incense into the thurible, the procession to the altar was able to begin. Rays of sunlight were already piercing the darkness of this incredible building, illuminating the clouds of incense which filled the air before us. And then the most beautiful, dare I say haunting, plainchant filled the air. Words still escape me when I try to describe how I felt at that incredible moment. It was surreal. But it went beyond the sheer beauty of the liturgy and its amazing setting. I felt the Presence of Jesus Christ so very clearly, in a way quite unlike anything I had experienced before or have done so since. Jesus was there among us. We were standing on hallowed ground, made holy because He Himself had walked upon it, suffered upon it, died upon it, and risen again upon it.

The altar is inside the Tomb, so at the point in the Mass when the Sacred Host is shown to the people, immediately before Holy Communion, it was necessary to step outside. As I said the words ‘This is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to His supper’ it felt as if the Risen Christ Himself was emerging from the tomb, just as He had done so on that first Easter Day. So many of the pilgrims who were gathered around the tomb for that morning were in tears. It was an incredible sight. They were completely overcome by this experience. I knew that I was not alone, in feeling the way I did. The Risen Lord has touched us all in an indescribable way.”
I have often reflected upon that beautiful Mass. In the days that followed it, before we flew home, I found myself thinking, “If nothing else had happened upon this pilgrimage other than this one experience of Mass in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, it would still have been worth coming all this way.” Of course, many other beautiful things did happen, and we were privileged to visit many more holy places, which are so dear to us as Christian pilgrims. But this was something very special, something life – enhancing, and I wanted to share it with you, as God’s “Easter People.”

25/04/2022

Our Formation Team have received some wonderful feedback following the release of our digital mission, Invited Season II, with people across our community watching last week's episode.

The second of our Invited films is out today! To watch Episode II click here: https://youtu.be/gU4DsNIpgH0

To sign up to join this Thursday evening's online Group Conversation click here: https://abdiocese.churchsuite.com/events/rerwgtid

25/04/2022

Saint Mark was a disciple of Peter, so writes his Gospel from Peter's point of view. He accompanied Paul on his first missionary journey. We give thanks to the Lord, for inspiring people like Mark, to record the events of Jesus' life for us to encounter today.

25/04/2022

25/04/2022

2022
Austria and Oberammergau
Led by Monsignor Roderick Strange
to readers of The Tablet

For more details visit: http://ow.ly/B7lX50HMu4I

To book contact McCabe on:
[email protected]

25/04/2022

Navigating the relationship between science and faith can be something of a minefield. Fr Georges Lemaître (whom I wrote...

25/04/2022

25/04/2022

Pope Francis sends his Easter greetings to Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, and prays for the people of Ukraine as they long for a “new dawn that ...

30/03/2022

Raise money, support your friends, give to a cause. Show you care.

30/03/2022

Pope Francis asked people to pray for his upcoming trip to Malta and to pray for an end to the “savage cruelty” of war. After delivering his general audience talk in the Paul VI hall on 30th March, he warmly greeted a group of children from Ukraine who are receiving assistance in Italy, and memb...

30/03/2022

This Sunday is the Fourth Sunday of Lent. In his Weekly Reflection Bishop Richard writes: "As Jesus’ followers, we are the people of a new creation. We put behind us our old ways as our new life is to be Jesus' ‘ambassadors.’ We are more than mere representatives, rather we are called to be His presence for our brothers and sisters. Others must find Him in you and in me."

Click on the link to read this week's E-Bulletin and find out more - https://mailchi.mp/1578f8caaff4/fourthsundayoflentmarch2022-4760448

30/03/2022

A glorious day of momentous grace at Our Lady’s Shrine in Walsingham, as we joined in united prayer with the Holy Father, the Bishops and entire Universal Church for the … Continue reading Reflections from Walsingham on the momentous Act of Consecration of Russia & Ukraine to the Immaculate Hear...

30/03/2022

The image was striking: a brilliant star radiating long reddish-yellow spikes of light. But it wasn’t the star that gave this photo the place of honour on the Astronomy Picture of the Day website last week.

30/03/2022

30/03/2022

The head of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church speaks about the situation in war-torn Ukraine at an online event organized by the Pontifical Oriental ...

30/03/2022

12/02/2022

In 1858 the immaculate Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous, near Lourdes in France, in the cavern called “de Massabielle.” Through this poor, fourteen-year-old girl, Mary calls on sinners to change their lives. She has inspired in the Church a great love of prayer and good works, especially in the service of the poor and the sick. See the articles in the Catholic Encyclopaedia and Wikipedia.

12/02/2022

The Sussex Snowdrop Trust posted the following

It was a pleasure to meet the High Sheriff of West Sussex, Neil Hart and his wife Ros. Thank you for spending time with us at the Walberton office to hear about the work of the Trust and the impact the Snowdrop Care at Home Team have on local families' lives. With so many worthy causes to visit in the County we are very grateful that you chose to learn about us.

12/02/2022

12/02/2022

Taking Liturgy Seriously – SSG Study Course September 2021 – June 2022 taking place via Zoom “The Church evangelises by the beauty of the liturgy.Let us ask for the personal and sincere meeting with Christ who lives in the liturgy that our lives may be a spiritual sacrifice offered to God.” ...

12/02/2022

12/02/2022

Wet Manchester Can’t Dampen Men’s Spirits In Rosary Rally. https://universecatholicweekly.co.uk/rosary-rally/

12/02/2022

Pope Francis was among those showing their support for retired Pope Benedict XVI, sending his predecessor “a beautiful letter,” according to the former pope’s secretary. Full story: https://www.catholicnews.com/retired-pope-has-full-support-of-pope-francis-aide-says/
(CNS file photo/Vatican Media)

12/02/2022

Pope Francis has paid tribute to healthcare professionals recognising that their service is more than a job, it is a mission.

12/02/2022

Last Sunday, 6th February, marked the 70th anniversary of the death of King George VI, and the accession of his eldest daughter, The Princess Elizabeth. Queen Elizabeth II is now the longest reigning monarch in British history. Many of her subjects, myself included, have never known anyone else upon the British throne. It is a remarkable milestone. The Queen was just 25 years of age when her father died, and the burden of responsibility which fell upon her shoulders that day must have been terrifying. With humility and grace, she rose to the challenge. Four years earlier, on the occasion of her 21st birthday, she had made a speech which was broadcast by radio to the peoples of the British Commonwealth and Empire. In it she said:

“There is a motto which has been borne by many of my ancestors – a noble motto, ‘I serve.’ Those words were an inspiration to many bygone heirs to the Throne when they made their knightly dedication as they came to manhood. I cannot do quite as they did.
But through the inventions of science, I can do what was not possible for any of them. I can make my solemn act of dedication with a whole Empire listening. I should like to make that dedication now. It is very simple.
I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.
But I shall not have strength to carry out this resolution alone unless you join in it with me, as I now invite you to do: I know that your support will be unfailingly given. God help me to make good my vow, and God bless all of you who are willing to share in it.”

For those of us who are People of Faith, it is hugely consoling that the Queen speaks our language. She has never made a secret of her Christian beliefs. Faith is the motivating force of her life. Each year, we eagerly await the content of the traditional broadcast she makes on Christmas Day. There is always a Christian message and, this year - a year marked with personal sadness, following the death of her husband Prince Philip - was no exception. Her words were especially touching.

“For me and my family, even with one familiar laugh missing this year, there will be joy in Christmas, as we have the chance to reminisce and see anew the wonder of the festive season through the eyes of our young children, of whom we were delighted to welcome four more this year.
They teach us all a lesson – just as the Christmas story does – that in the birth of a child, there is a new dawn with endless potential.
It is this simplicity of the Christmas story that makes it so universally appealing: simple happenings that formed the starting point of the life of Jesus – a man whose teachings have been handed down from generation to generation and have been the bedrock of my faith. His birth marked a new beginning. As the carol says, ‘The hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight’.”

In her message to mark Accession Day, it is clear that the Queen is already mindful that “a new beginning” cannot be too far away. She does not shy away from referring to “when, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes king.” She is more than aware of her own mortality. And yet cheerfully and courageously, she soldiers bravely on. Her determination and energy are truly astonishing for someone who is nearly 96 years of age, and she remains as beautiful as she did on the day she first came to the throne all those years ago. Paying his own tribute, the Prince of Wales, has said:

“The year of this unprecedented Platinum Jubilee brings an opportunity for us all to come together in celebrating the service of the Queen, by whose example we will continue to be led in the years to come.”

Truer words have never been spoken.

“Thy choicest gifts in store on her be pleased to pour, long may she reign.
May she defend our laws and ever give us cause
to sing with heart and voice ‘God save the Queen!’”

12/02/2022

Our Invited Team are delighted to share their February Reflection in this week's E-Bulletin. The focus this month is Lourdes, with the Memoria of Our Lady of Lourdes today. The Diocese has a long history of going on pilgrimage to Lourdes and we're very happy to be making the trip this year after a two-year hiatus. To find out about this, and much more, click on the link - https://mailchi.mp/da22432402c0/11february2022-sixth-sunday-in-ordinary-time-4760404