'You are Peter and on this rock I will build my church' - Matthew 16:18
Sistine chapel Fresco, Pietro Perugino
The ‘power of the Church derives from this moment in the Gospels where Jesus gives the authority and power to Peter and the disciples. Today we celebrate the gift of the church and especially the Sacraments which Christ gave to the Church so that people like us could be first accepted and then retained within the Church despite our unworthiness.
Items in this week's newsletter:
CONSIDERING YOUR VOCATION AS A DEACON? :Oscott Seminary have introduced a preparatory year for men discerning a call to the Permanent Diaconate. This Propaedeutic year consists of three sessions (Friday-Saturday) and commences on 10th/11th November. The other dates for this academic year are 26th/27th January and 16/17th March. Its aim is to help candidates better understand the reality of a vocation to Holy Orders and to discern whether this is what God is calling them to. There will be Parish based pastoral elements, spiritual formation and intellectual input given through teaching, seminars and discussions. Wives of prospective candidates will also be supported during these days and are encouraged to attend. Attendance at these days does not commit an individual to beginning the formation program, but is part of the overall selection process.For further information, please e-mail Fr Peter Hart as soon as possible, or complete the Preliminary enquiry form. Application deadline is 1st November.
ORDINATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD. Deacon Ian Westby will be raised to the Sacred Priesthood on Tuesday 24th October in Stockton-on-Tees. Please keep him in your prayers. The Ordination of Deacons at Spanish Place in June was a great occasion and plans are already being made regarding priestly Ordinations next year. It is likely that our two Scottish deacons will be ordained in Scotland and I hope that we will have one Ordination Mass for the other candidates at a central location.
ORDINARIATE LAY CONFERENCE 2018. The Pastoral Council of the Ordinariate is arranging a Lay Conference to be held at Worth Abbey form 7th-9th August 2018. The theme of the conference is Being Ordinariate and it is envisaged that each Group will send 2 to 5 delegates who will return to their groups feeling ‘enthused, motivated, informed, and empowered’. Full board accommodation at Worth Abbey will cost £60 per person per night and for any wishing to go this will be covered by the Reading Mission. Full details will follow, but please let Fr Elliott know if you would like to be one of the delegates.
Kevin McNamara RIP. Jesu mercy, Mary pray.
