But before I go into those things I just want to ask you to help the people of Pakistan at this terrible time in their lives.  Cafod envelopes are attached to this newsletter and we will take up the extra collection next Sunday.  If you are a tax payer, please do fill in the form on the envelope so Cafod can reclaim the tax.  Maybe you are broke after the holidays but it has always been a principle of Catholic living “to give a little out of the little you have” to those less fortunate.  It brings many blessings.

The Pope will be with us in less than 2 weeks.  At the moment there are 106 of us going from Pimlico to Hyde Park for the vigil there on the Saturday (18^th). And 24 going to Cofton Park, Birmingham for the Beatification Mass on Sunday (19^th).  The Pope is beatifying Cardinal Newman.

Those going to: Hyde Park – please if you can afford it make a donation of £7 and collect your pack (bag, CD, Missal and Flyers) after Mass today or tomorrow Monday between 10am and 11am or Tuesday between 6 and 7pm from the Priests house.  On the day itself we will gather at Holy Apostles with our Leader Eric le Calvez and walk to Hyde Park as a group of pilgrims.  I will give you the meeting time in next week’s newsletter.  There are no seats so bring a fold up chair, a blanket if you think you may get cold,  and some food to eat, though there will be food on sale there too – it’s a real day out sort of pilgrimage! (One pilgrim already bought a fold up chair £2.99 – Blacks and Milletts in High Street Kensington).

There are some extra tickets available for Hyde Park.  If you want to come, email me or put a letter through my door before Monday night giving me your name, address, tel no and email address and then come and collect your pack.

When we meet on the day of the event you will be given a wrist band that you must wear and an entrance ticket.  Without these you will not get in.

Those going to: Cofton Park – please if you can afford it make a donation of £25 and collect your pack (bag, CD, Missal and Flyers) after Mass today or tomorrow Monday between 10am and 11am or Tuesday between 6 and 7pm from the Priests house.  On the day itself meet your leader Andrew Hannan at the corner of Vauxhall Bridge Road and Francis St at 3.30am!!! He will give you the wristband you will need to wear then for entry to coach and venue and you will walk to Ambrosden Avenue beside Westminster Cathedral for the coach to leave at 3.45am.  There is no entrance ticket. Again there are no seats so bring fold up chair, warm clothes and food.

For those not going to these: there is a missal with all the papal liturgies music etc in it so that you can follow everything from it on TV.  It contains the texts of all the liturgical events of the Visit, together with short forms of Morning and Evening Prayer and useful and informative essays. It will enable everyone to take part in the Visit.  For those who can afford it please make a donation of £2.  And why not get out there on the street to welcome the Pope.  The first opportunity is on the early evening of Friday 17 September when he travels from Lambeth Palace to Westminster Hall via Lambeth Bridge and Millbank. The second is on the early evening of Saturday 18 September when he is going to the Vigil in Hyde Park. This route is along Horse Guards Road, The Mall, Constitution Hill, Hyde Park Corner and Hyde Park. On Friday there will be limited space and vantage points. The Saturday route is fuller and more easily accessible.

If St Peter the Leader of the Apostles was visiting the UK we would all turn out for him.  Pope Benedict is Peter today and has the same task as Peter. Let us give him our full support, love  and prayers

Yours devotedly    Canon  Pat Browne  Parish Priest

Dear Friends,  This is to let you know that I won’t be around in the Parish during the month of September and no, I’m not having another holiday! I have been asked by my community to take part in a Vincentian Session at our Mother House in Rue du Bac, Paris. Daughters of Charity form all over the world will be taking part in this session where hopefully, we will deepen our understanding and knowledge of the lives of our Founders, St. Vincent de Paul and Si. Louise De Marillas. We will also be given the opportunity of visiting some of the places in Paris where they lived and worked. I am very much looking forward to going and will remember you all in prayer in the chapel of our Mother House where our Lady gave the miraculous medals to St. Catherine Labaire in 1830. See you all in October, please God.    Sr. Louise

Collections in August    1^st – £1099.78.      8^th – £958.50—-15^th – £807.50—22^nd – £1031.50    29^th – £839.

July Standing Orders £2968.75

Jumble and Book Sale in aid of Cancer Research on Sat 11^th Sept at 12noon

First Holy Communion 2011  All applications must be in by Thursday of this week. The first class for parents and children will be September 12^th at 3pm in the parish hall.

Confirmation for Year 10s and older teenagers.  We will offer a 6 week intensive course of Preparation beginning Saturday 9^th October leading up to the celebration of Confirmation at 6pm on Saturday 20^th November.  The Archbishop of Westminster Archbishop Vincent Nichols will preside.  All young people who are interested in hearing more about this course and/or wishing to take part should come to a meeting with their parents at 7pm on Tuesday 14th September in the parish hall.

Adults – Are you interested in the Catholic Faith?  Wanting to be baptised or confirmed or just want to hear more?   Our new RCIA group for enquirers will meet every Monday night from 8 to 9pm in the Priests’ House staring in October. Please let Fr pat know you are interested.

TOE NAIL CUTTING SERVICE  ST MARGARETS DROP IN CENTRE 1 Carey PLACE  VAUXHALL BRIDGE  ROAD MONDAY 6 SEPT    10 30 to 12   phone 0207 821 1621  there is £12  charge

Diocesan vacanciesJob title: Office Administrator, Safeguarding Dept  Hours of work: 20 hours per week, 9am to 1pm (neg) Mon – Fri   Location: Vaughan House, SW1.Closing date: 13^th Sept 2010 www.rcdow.org.uk/jobs

Have you a child for Baptism in the next few months?  If so,  there is a meeting for parents at the Priests House on Wednesday 15^th September at 7.30pm.  If you intend to come to this meeting please call 07958 320 567 and let the meeting’s leader know you are coming. Do not just turn up without letting us know first. Many thanks.

Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) Meeting will be Tue 28^th Sept (Please note change of date) at 7pm in the White Room.

CAFOD Supporters Day  Sat 11 Septr   All are welcome to the above pre Harvest energiser day, which will include a talk about of CAFOD’s partners in Rwanda by the head of CAFOD’s Africa programme.  Next Sat 11th Sept 10:00am -2.30pm, at Amigo Hall, 55 Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7JB.  book a place,  please contact 0208-449-6970 westminster@cafod.org.uk

Papal Shop Open for Business. The shop can be found at: www.thepapalvisit.org.uk/

Beginning Experience: 29^th – 31^st October 2010 at the Emmaus Centre, West Wickham.  A supportive/healing residential weekend for those whose marriages have ended through bereavement or divorce. For further information contact Nicky 01296 488289.

Celebrate Love: 25^th & 26^th September 2010 at Ealing Abbey.  A non-residential weekend for all couples seeking to renew and strengthen their marriage.  For further information contact Catherine  cathmacgillivray@rcdow.org.uk  020 7931 6064.

Retrouvaille: for hurting, heart-breaking marriages, a programme offering hope and tools for reconciliation and communication.  Contact Clive & Kathy cliveandkathyj@gmail.com   004479733 80443 for information.  (A poster for the October programme is included in Westminster Information)

In the Service of Woman – Men are Called to Greatness: annual Theology of the Body lecture with speaker Brian J Gail, Tues 14^th September 2010 in Westminster Cathedral Hall.  All welcome.  For further information contact Catherine  cathmacgillivray@rcdow.org.uk  020 7931 6064.

St Mary’s University College, Twickenham, is recruiting students to begin its successful Foundation Degree in Healthcare Chaplaincy.    This part-time two year course provides Priests, Religious and lay people with a recognised NHS qualification to be appointed as a Roman Catholic Hospital Chaplain. Supported by the Diocese of Westminster and the Catholic Bishops Conference of England & Wales, the Foundation Degree combines pastoral experience with Theological learning to equip chaplains and volunteers to work on behalf of the Church serving patients and staff within the NHS.  For more details or to enrol for October, please email Sam Chant at chants@smuc.ac.uk 

 Deeper into God:    A School of Prayer in six sessions

A series of six talks at St. Mary of the Angels, Bayswater, to help you go deeper in prayer. Each evening begins with a buffet supper, and includes an opportunity to pray in silence and to ask questions. Dates: 13 Sept., 27 Sept., 11 Oct., 1 Nov., 15 Nov., 29 Nov. from 7.30pm to 9.30pm finish. Venue, St. Mary of the Angels, Moorhouse Road, London W2 5DJ. Fr. Michael Hollings Centre, entrance in Sutherland Place. For more information, contact Mgr. Keith Barltrop at the above address; 020 7229 0487; bayswater@rcdow.org.uk, and see the notice on the parish noticeboard. For catering purposes, please let us know if you intend coming.

Adults – Are you interested in the Catholic Faith?  Wanting to be baptised or confirmed or just want to hear more?   Our new RCIA group for enquirers will meet every Monday night from 8 to 9pm in the Priests’ House staring in October. Please let Fr pat know you are interested.

First Holy Communion 2011  Please get an application form now from Fr Pat and enrol before the summer holidays.  The first class for parents and children will be September 12^th at 3pm in the parish hall. Please book your child on this before September. Do it now!

CAFOD Supporters Day Saturday – 11th September
You are invited to a CAFOD Supporters Day from 10-2.30pm on Saturday
September 11th. The day will include a guest speaker, who will tell stories of the
important work of CAFOD partners in Rwanda. CAFOD partners are working
with communities  helping rebuild lives after the genocide.
There will also be opportunity to find out about the forthcoming Harvest
Fast Day and how you can get involved.  Please contact CAFOD on 0208-449-6970 or e mail westminster@cafod.org.uk if you would like further information or to reserve a place at the
meeting, which will be held at Amigo Hall, next to St George’s Cathedral
Southwark, Westminster Bridge Road SE1. (Near Lambeth North Tube)

Podiatrist/Chiropodist available and can visit you in your home.  References as to honesty, integrity. from Fr Pat. Contact Alcinda at 07785 773 591.

No Spanish Mass in August. The next one will be Sunday 5^th September at 12.30

The Choir at 10.30 Mass are also taking the month of August off – a well deserved break after such a faithful and heavy commitment throughout the year.

Have you a child for Baptism in the next few months?  If so,  there is a meeting for parentsAt the Priests House on Wednesday 15^th September at 7.30pm.  If you intend to come to this meeting please call 07958 320 567 and let the meeting’s leader know you are coming. Do not just turn up without letting us know first. Many thanks.

Catholic?    In your late teens/twenties?
Sanctuary@Walsingham is THE International Prayer Festival of 2010.   It gives you the time and space you need to think about your faith, in amazing surroundings and a stress free environment. You can attend walks, talks, services and workshops which will make you want to explore your faith.  Don’t worry if you’re a bit strapped for cash; just give what you can afford.Who is this event for?   Young adults in their late teens/twenties who want to reconnect with God. Families are also most welcome. When is it?    Over the bank holiday weekend in August. Registration starts on the afternoon of Thursday 26 August. This five-day event finishes at lunchtime on Monday 30 August.  Why is it in Walsingham?  Walsingham is a major place of pilgrimage, housing the Roman Catholic National Shrine to Our Lady in the Slipper Chapel at Houghton St Giles. Visit the shrine website for more information about Our Lady of Walsingham and the origins of the pilgrimage centre.    http://www.youth2000.org

St Mary’s University College, Twickenham, is recruiting students to begin its successful Foundation Degree in Healthcare Chaplaincy.    This part-time two year course provides Priests, Religious and lay people with a recognised NHS qualification to be appointed as a Roman Catholic Hospital Chaplain. Supported by the Diocese of Westminster and the Catholic Bishops Conference of England & Wales, the Foundation Degree combines pastoral experience with Theological learning to equip chaplains and volunteers to work on behalf of the Church serving patients and staff within the NHS.For more details or to enrol for October, please email Sam Chant at chants@smuc.ac.uk or call 0208 240 4198.

SPEC is seeking to appoint young men and women for a year-out experience working with children and young people.  These full-time volunteers will live as part of the SPEC Community at All Saints Pastoral Centre in London Colney.  They will have a particular focus on nurturing faith in young people through dynamic retreats, using games, nature, team-building activities, art, storytelling, dance, and much more.  Full training will be provided, along with professional accreditation through the YMCA and the opportunity to study for a foundation degree in Youth Ministry.   For more information about the SPEC community and for an online application form visit www.spec.org.uk. 

Papal Shop Open for Business. Whether you are looking for mugs or t-shirts; rosaries or candles, official merchandise for the Papal Visit to the UK can now be found online on the site for the Papal Visit. The papal product lines include religious souvenirs (crucifixes, rosaries and holy cards); the official programme, clothing (baseball caps, t-shirts, jackets and sweatshirts), souvenirs (candles, memorabilia, key rings, bags, bookmarks and fridge magnets), customised parish specific t-shirts/mugs and papal visit flags to greet the Holy Father.
Co-ordinator for the Papal Visit, Monsignor Andrew Summersgill said: “We have been working with a producer of memorabilia and specialists in church and religious merchandising to come up with a range of material which will act as the official souvenirs for Pope Benedict’s visit.   These products are now available online; the merchandisers will also be present at some of the larger gatherings of pilgrims, so that people can buy their memorabilia at the pilgrim destinations.”
Any profits from the sale of merchandise will be put towards the costs of the Papal Visit.  IVS Group Ltd has been appointed as the official merchandiser for the Papal Visit.  The appointment of an official merchandiser early on in the project, will help to reduce the opportunity for piracy and bootleg memorabilia.  Only proceeds from official sales fund the Papal Visit.  The shop can be found at: www.thepapalvisit.org.uk/

Last Sunday’s Collection came to £952.00.    The week before it was £877.50. The Standing Orders for June came to £3677.15. The collection so far for Apostleship of the Sea is £252. This is from Sat 6pm and Sun 9am Masses.  We will collect today after 10.30am Mass.   Thank you

Diocesan vacancies  Job title: Assistant to Works Manager Hours of work: 21 hours per week (9am to 5pm, 3 days per week) Location: Clergy House, SW1. For further details, please visit www.rcdow.org.uk/jobs

Confirmation for Year 10s and older teenagers. We will offer a 6 week intensive course of Preparation beginning Saturday 9^th October leading up to the celebration of Confirmation at 6pm on Saturday 20^th November.  The Archbishop of Westminster Archbishop Vincent Nichols will preside.  All young people who are interested in hearing more about this course and/or wishing to take part should come to a meeting with their parents at 7pm on Tuesday 14th September in the parish hall.

Adults – Are you interested in the Catholic Faith?  Wanting to be baptised or confirmed or just want to hear more?   Our new RCIA group for enquirers will meet every Monday night from 8 to 9pm in the Priests’ House staring in October. Please let Fr pat know you are interested.

First Holy Communion 2011  Please get an application form now from Fr Pat and enrol before the summer holidays.  The first class for parents and children will be September 12^th at 3pm in the parish hall. Please book your child on this before September. Do it now!

Podiatrist/Chiropodist available and can visit you in your home.  References as to honesty, integrity. from Fr Pat. Contact Alcinda at 07785 773 591.

Anointing of the Sick Mass today Sunday 1^st August at 3pm in the Parish Hall.

 No newsletters in August – see Parish website for details of things coming up.

No Spanish Mass in August. The next one will be Sunday 5^th September at 12.30

The Choir at 10.30 Mass are also taking the month of August off – a well deserved break after such a faithful and heavy commitment throughout the year.

Have you a child for Baptism in the next few months?  If so,  there is a meeting for parentsAt the Priests House on Wednesday 15^th September at 7.30pm.  If you intend to come to this meeting please call 07958 320 567 and let the meeting’s leader know you are coming. Do not just turn up without letting us know first. Many thanks.

Catholic?    In your late teens/twenties?
Sanctuary@Walsingham is THE International Prayer Festival of 2010.   It gives you the time and space you need to think about your faith, in amazing surroundings and a stress free environment. You can attend walks, talks, services and workshops which will make you want to explore your faith.  Don’t worry if you’re a bit strapped for cash; just give what you can afford.Who is this event for?   Young adults in their late teens/twenties who want to reconnect with God. Families are also most welcome. When is it?    Over the bank holiday weekend in August. Registration starts on the afternoon of Thursday 26 August. This five-day event finishes at lunchtime on Monday 30 August.  Why is it in Walsingham?  Walsingham is a major place of pilgrimage, housing the Roman Catholic National Shrine to Our Lady in the Slipper Chapel at Houghton St Giles. Visit the shrine website for more information about Our Lady of Walsingham and the origins of the pilgrimage centre.    http://www.youth2000.org

St Mary’s University College, Twickenham, is recruiting students to begin its successful Foundation Degree in Healthcare Chaplaincy.    This part-time two year course provides Priests, Religious and lay people with a recognised NHS qualification to be appointed as a Roman Catholic Hospital Chaplain. Supported by the Diocese of Westminster and the Catholic Bishops Conference of England & Wales, the Foundation Degree combines pastoral experience with Theological learning to equip chaplains and volunteers to work on behalf of the Church serving patients and staff within the NHS.For more details or to enrol for October, please email Sam Chant at chants@smuc.ac.uk or call 0208 240 4198.

SPEC is seeking to appoint young men and women for a year-out experience working with children and young people.  These full-time volunteers will live as part of the SPEC Community at All Saints Pastoral Centre in London Colney.  They will have a particular focus on nurturing faith in young people through dynamic retreats, using games, nature, team-building activities, art, storytelling, dance, and much more.  Full training will be provided, along with professional accreditation through the YMCA and the opportunity to study for a foundation degree in Youth Ministry.   For more information about the SPEC community and for an online application form visit www.spec.org.uk. 

Some thoughts on this Sunday’s Readings from The Abbot

Monastery of Christ in the Desert

New Mexico, USA

The Book of Ecclesiastes, often called the Book of Qoheleth, is one of the wisdom books. It teaches us a lot of common sense and is very realistic about living daily life. Today we hear about vanity—that is, about the uselessness of so many things in this life, especially stress and preoccupation about what will happen to us or what we can acquire and what we can do in our ordinary life. Any stress or preoccupation is really useless—vanity in the sense of this reading.

The Gospel reading from Saint Luke also speaks about the futility of preoccupation or worry with money, inheritance or possessions. Of course, most of us don’t want to live on the street or have nothing to eat, but this is not about that. It is an over concern with what we have right now, a constant preoccupation with having enough, when in reality we already have enough.

So often we can forget the Gospel teaching that stress and preoccupation and worry don’t change reality. If we stop and think, we all realize that, at least in theory. But does such realization stop us from worrying, from stress, from preoccupations? Usually it does not. Instead we get caught up in this inner distress even though we can do nothing about it and it takes so much or even all of our energy.

We can always remember the serenity prayer (See below)  and ask to change what we can and accept what we cannot change—but often we don’t want to do that. It seems almost like a breach of trust if we give up worrying about what we cannot change!

The second reading today, from the Letter to the Colossians, can provide a path through this when it tells us: Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.

All we need to do—and it sounds so easy—is to keep our attention on that which is above and not on the things of earth! Sure, we will say! Yet it is always the answer. We are invited to put everything in our life into the context of God’s love for us and salvation in our Lord Jesus Christ. It sounds pious but is just about as simple answer as could ever be given. Trust in the Lord and place all your concerns in His hands.

May we find the Lord this Sunday as He invites us into His presence. May we come to know how to place our lives in His hands. May we come to know that all is well and all shall be well because God is Lord. He loves us and calls us to respond to His love.

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;  Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as you did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that you will make all things right
if I surrender to your Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with you forever in the next.
Amen.

This weekend we have a 2^nd collection for the Apostleship of the Sea.  They say:  “We provide practical and pastoral care to all seafarers. Our port chaplains and volunteer ship visitors welcome seafarers, offer welfare services and advice, practical help, care and friendship, according to our guiding principles of Mission, Solidarity, Welfare and Hospitality. Apostleship of the Sea in the UK is part of an international network known to the maritime world as Stella Maris.   90% of world trade is transported by ship. However the life of a modern seafarer can be dangerous and lonely. They may spend up to a year at a time away from home, separated from their family and loved ones and often working in harsh conditions.     Apostleship of the Sea relies wholly on voluntary contributions. We are only able to continue our work through the generous donations of our supporters and volunteers.

You’ll probably never meet Alphonse or anyone like him.  He is from Goa.   To most, he and other seafarers are invisible. Yet we rely on seafarers for almost everything we eat or use in our daily lives. To fulfil our demands Alphonse works away from home for up to a year at a time, facing danger, isolation, loneliness and exploitation. Without cargo and freight transport, within three weeks the UK would starve.      Who will be there for him when he comes to our shores?  Please help us to do so.

The following people have drawn tickets for the Papal Mass in Birmingham on Sunday 19^th September – Rose Gallagher, Marian O’Hara, Dan and Sandy Faltermeier, Victor and Valerie Osunde, Claudia and Mrs Penas, Clementina, Helen and Jack Higgins, Michael and Joanne Jacques, Anne Castle, Angela Hickey, Katie Peters, Tom Moran, Carlos Medina – and Andrew Hannan is the Group leader.  Fr Antonio will travel with the group and concelebrate the Mass there.

The ballot has also been held for 77 tickets for Hyde Park. It is not a Mass.  Everyone has to be in their places by 2pm and it finishes at 9pm. It is Saturday 18^th September.  Please check the list in the porch and if your name is there please send me an email or letter giving me – your title, your full name, address, telephone number, email address. This is needed for security reasons. I neeed this information by Wednesday. If you haven’t been in touch by then I will offer the ticket to the next person on the list. If you do not want the ticket let me know also. Bring some food with you and maybe a folding stool. There are no seats.  Each pilgrim is asked to pay £10 towards cost of CD, Entry bracelet and other expenses.   Yours devotedly   Canon Pat Browne     Parish Priest 

Last Sunday’s Collection came to £877.50.    The week before it was £1125.50. The Standing Orders for June came to £3677.15. Thank you

Please pray for Dora Avendano age 90 of Chaucer House, Churchill Gardens whose funeral Mass will be on Monday 26^th July at 10am.   May She Rest in Peace.

Diocesan vacancies   Job title: Assistant to Works Manager Hours of work: 21 hours per week (9am to 5pm, 3 days per week) Location: Clergy House, SW1. For further details, please visit www.rcdow.org.uk/jobs

Confirmation for Year 10s and older teenagers.   We will offer a 6 week intensive course of Preparation beginning Saturday 9^th October leading up to the celebration of Confirmation at 6pm on Saturday 20^th November.  The Archbishop of Westminster Archbishop Vincent Nichols will preside.  All young people who are interested in hearing more about this course and/or wishing to take part should come to a meeting with their parents at 7pm on Tuesday 14th September in the parish hall.

Anointing of the Sick Mass this year will be on Sunday 1^st August at 3pm in the Parish Hall.  Does anyone need a lift to get there?  Do you have a car?  Willing to pick some people up for it? Call Fr Pat on 020 7834 6965 or pimlico@rcdow.org.uk

 Adults – Are you interested in the Catholic Faith?  Wanting to be baptised or confirmed or just want to hear more?   Our new RCIA group for enquirers will meet every Monday night from 8 to 9pm in the Priests’ House staring in October. Please let Fr pat know you are interested.

Podiatrist/Chiropodist available and can visit you in your home.  References as to honesty, integrity. from Fr Pat. Contact Alcinda at 07785 773 591.

First Holy Communion 2011   Please get an application form now from Fr Pat and enrol before the summer holidays.  The first class for parents and children will be September 12^th at 3pm in the parish hall. Please book your child on this before September. Do it now!

Catholic?    In your late teens/twenties?
Sanctuary@Walsingham is THE International Prayer Festival of 2010.
It gives you the time and space you need to think about your faith, in amazing surroundings and a stress free environment. You can attend walks, talks, services and workshops which will make you want to explore your faith.  Don’t worry if you’re a bit strapped for cash; just give what you can afford.  Who is this event for?   Young adults in their late teens/twenties who want to reconnect with God. Families are also most welcome.  When is it?    Over the bank holiday weekend in August. Registration starts on the afternoon of Thursday 26 August. This five-day event finishes at lunchtime on Monday 30 August.Why is it in Walsingham?  Walsingham is a major place of pilgrimage, housing the Roman Catholic National Shrine to Our Lady in the Slipper Chapel at Houghton St Giles. It’s also a beautiful area, so look forward to strolls through the country lanes to the village of Walsingham itself and chilled-out sunsets over the rolling hills. Visit the shrine website for more information about Our Lady of Walsingham and the origins of the pilgrimage centre.    http://www.youth2000.org

Free Lending Library is now located at the back of the church in the end confessional. BOOKS* VIDEOs* DVDs Any donations to Priest House.

SPEC is seeking to appoint young men and women for a year-out experience working with children and young people.  These full-time volunteers will live as part of the SPEC Community at All Saints Pastoral Centre in London Colney.  They will have a particular focus on nurturing faith in young people through dynamic retreats, using games, nature, team-building activities, art, storytelling, dance, and much more.  Full training will be provided, along with professional accreditation through the YMCA and the opportunity to study for a foundation degree in Youth Ministry.   For more information about the SPEC community and for an online application form visit www.spec.org.uk. 

Deeper into God:    A School of Prayer in six sessions   A series of six talks at St. Mary of the Angels, Bayswater, to help you go deeper in prayer. Each evening begins with a buffet supper, and includes an opportunity to pray in silence and to ask questions. Dates: 13 Sept., 27 Sept., 11 Oct., 1 Nov., 15 Nov., 29 Nov. from 7.30pm to 9.30pm finish. Venue, St. Mary of the Angels, Moorhouse Road, London W2 5DJ. Fr. Michael Hollings Centre, entrance in Sutherland Place. For more information, contact Mgr. Keith Barltrop at the above address; 020 7229 0487; bayswater@rcdow.org.uk, and see the notice on the parish noticeboard. For catering purposes, please let us know if you intend coming.

The Pope’s itinerary in September looks like this.

Thursday 16^th Sept – arrive in Scotland and be met by the Queen then Mass in Glasgow.

Friday Morning 17^th – Event for Religious followed by event with school-children in grounds of St Mary’s College, Strawberry Hill.

Friday afternoon –Meet Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth Palace, then go to Houses of Parliament and give an address to members of civic society, then  go to Westminster Abbey for Evening Prayer.

Saturday Morning 18^th –Mass in Westminster Cathedral, then address young people on Cathedral Piazza.

Saturday Evening –Visit a home for the elderly then go to the Prayer Vigil in Hyde Park.

Sunday morning 19^th –Mass in Birmingham and Beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman.   Then home to Rome.

We have been allocated 2 tickets for the Mass in Westminster Cathedral and these have been drawn in a ballot by Bernadette Duffy and Victor Tohux.  We have been allocated 15 tickets for the Mass in Birmingham and 70 tickets for the Prayer Vigil in Hyde Park.  We will have a ballot for these this week.

I am sure we should be on the streets round Parliament and the Cathedral on the Friday evening and Saturday morning to welcome Pope Benedict, and of course nearly all of it will be televised.

 A thought from a Fr Tommy Lane on today’s Gospel about Jesus’ visit to Martha and Mary

You tell me that you do your work well, you don’t harm anyone, so you are a good Christian, although you admit that you don’t pray. I would like to ask you, “If you do your work well, you don’t harm anyone, but you don’t pray, what is the difference between you and a computer?” No difference. Computers work well, harm no one, and don’t pray. We can get so busy that we forget what life is all about. We can get so involved in pursuing the things money can buy that we forget the things money can’t buy. Jesus never said to work always, but he did say to pray always. We are not meant to be workaholics. We are sons and daughters of God since baptism. We could not be more privileged. It is a pity to see work reducing us sometimes to the level of computers.

Yours devotedly  Canon Pat Browne       Parish Priest 

Last Sunday’s Collection came to £1125.70    The week before it was £958.00. The Standing Orders for June came to £3677.15. Thank you

Confirmation for Year 10s and older teenagers.  We will offer a 6 week intensive course of Preparation beginning Saturday 9^th October leading up to the celebration of Confirmation at 6pm on Saturday 20^th November.  The Archbishop of Westminster Archbishop Vincent Nichols will preside.  All young people who are interested in hearing more about this course and/or wishing to take part should come to a meeting with their parents at 7pm on Tuesday 14th September in the parish hall.

Adults – Are you interested in the Catholic Faith?  Wanting to be baptised or confirmed or just want to hear more?   Our new RCIA group for enquirers will meet every Monday night from 8 to 9pm in the Priests’ House staring in October. Please let Fr pat know you are interested.

First Holy Communion 2011       Please get an application form now from Fr Pat and enrol before the summer holidays.  The first class for parents and children will be September 12^th at 3pm in the parish hall. Please book your child on this before September. Do it now!

SUMMER IS HERE AND SO ARE WE!   This summer there will be tea, coffee, cakes and treats for children downstairs after the 10.30 Mass at Holy Apostles. The Union of Catholic Mothers is taking over the kitchen for a month while the usual helpers take a well-deserved summer break, so that all parishioners staying in London in late July and August can still have a chance to stay after Mass and have a chat. We look forward to seeing you!

Monday Club will close on  Monday 12 th July and resume its activities on Monday 6th September.

Anointing of the Sick Mass this year will be on  Sunday 1^st August at 3pm in the Parish Hall.   Does anyone need a lift to get there?  Do you have a car?  Willing to pick some people up for it? Call Fr Pat on 020 7834 6965 or pimlico@rcdow.org.uk

Please pray for Cammilo Rosetti age 76 of Malcolmson House Tachbrook Estate whose body will be received in to church on Thursday at 5.pm and whose funeral Mass will be on Friday 23^rd July at 10.00am and Dora Avendano age 90 of Chaucer House, Churchill Gardens whose funeral Mass will be on Monday 26^th July at 10am.   May They Rest in Peace.

Very 1st Brightlights Pilgrimage – Sunday 18th July at 2pm in London Colney, AL2 1AF.  Join hundreds to walk the very route that St. Albans took from his place of arrest on the grounds of SPEC Centre to his execution spot in St. Albans where he became England’s first Saint and Martyr followed by a short service in the Abbey at 7.30pm. £8 includes walk, packed supper and coach. www.brightlights.org.uk

On Saturday 24th July, please pray and fast for the end of abortion and euthanasia. Your prayer and fasting is urgently needed. For more information contact; The Good Counsel Network on 020 7723 1740 info@goodcounselnetwork.freeserve.co.uk or see www.goodcounselnetwork.com or http://mariastopsabortion.blogspot.com/

2 Youth Team members wanted – Westminster DioceseSalary: £27,000 Hours of Work: 37.5 per week incl evening & weekends as required.    Closing Date: Friday 23^rd July 2010 Interviews: Week 26^th July. Start Date: 1 Sept (or soon after).   For a job description, person specification & application form visit our website at www.rcdow.org.uk/jobs

 SPEC is seeking to appoint young men and women for a year-out experience working with children and young people.  These full-time volunteers will live as part of the SPEC Community at All Saints Pastoral Centre in London Colney.  They will have a particular focus on nurturing faith in young people through dynamic retreats, using games, nature, team-building activities, art, storytelling, dance, and much more.  Full training will be provided, along with professional accreditation through the YMCA and the opportunity to study for a foundation degree in Youth Ministry.   For more information about the SPEC community and for an online application form visit www.spec.org.uk

My home in Ireland is about 6 miles from the site where the Battle of the Boyne was fought and that battle has been the source of much angst between Catholics and Protestants ever since  – 320 years ago.

It was fought in 1690 between two rival claimants of the English, Scottish and Irish thrones – the Catholic King James and the Protestant King William, who had deposed James in 1688. The battle, won by William, was a turning point in James’ unsuccessful attempt to regain the crown and ultimately helped ensure the continuation of Protestant supremacy in Ireland.

The battle took place on 1 July 1690 (old style Julian calendar – equivalent to 12 July ‘new style’ or Gregorian calendar) just outside the town of Drogheda on Ireland’s east coast. The armies stood on opposing sides of the River Boyne. William’s forces defeated those of James who led an army of mostly raw recruits. The symbolic importance of this battle has made it one of the best-known battles in British and Irish history. It is a key part in Ulster Protestant folklore and is still commemorated today, principally by the Orange Institution.

Given that history, when asked to take part in the service I must admit, I hesitated, but then thinking it through, decided that this was a most important gesture on the part of the Abbey authorities to even invite me to take part, let alone lead prayers.

This is a service about Peace and Reconciliation and that is what my prayers will be about.  Yes of course, many of the non-catholics there will be remembering William of Orange with affection, but that is their heritage.  Today we seek to have no more killing between Christians in these islands.  Thank God the peace process has come so far in Northern Ireland.  But no one should rest on their laurels, because there are still those who would seek to destroy that peace.

So if you are free to come to Westminster Abbey this evening then please do come and pray.  Forgiving the past gives us life for the future.  Yours devotedly     Canon Pat Browne                        Parish Priest 

Last Sunday’s Collection came to £958.50    The week before it was £1061.50. The Standing Orders for June came to £3677.15. Sunday Morning Teas and Coffees  £100.      Thank you

Please pray for Clare Wright age 81 of St George’s Drive whose funeral Mass will be at 10am  on Thursday 15^th July May She Rest in Peace.

PPC (Parish Pastoral Council)  Meeting on Wednesday 14^th July at 7.15pm in the White Room.

Confirmation for Year 10s and older teenagers.   We will offer a 6 week intensive course of Preparation beginning Saturday 9^th October leading up to the celebration of Confirmation at 6pm on Saturday 20^th November.  The Archbishop of Westminster Archbishop Vincent Nichols will preside.  All young people who are interested in hearing more about this course and/or wishing to take part should come to a meeting with their parents at 7pm on Monday 13^th September in the parish hall.

Adults – Are you interested in the Catholic Faith?  Wanting to be baptised or confirmed or just want to hear more?   Our new RCIA group for enquirers will meet every Monday night from 8 to 9pm in the Priests’ House staring in October. Please let Fr pat know you are interested.

First Holy Communion 2011   Please get an application form now from Fr Pat and enrol before the summer holidays.  The first class for parents and children will be September 12^th at 3pm in the parish hall. Please book your child on this before September. Do it now!

In our ballot tickets for the Papal Mass on Sept 18th Westminster Cathedral were won by Bernadette Duffy and Victor Tohux.

Anointing of the Sick Mass this year will be on Sunday 1^st August at 3pm in the Parish Hall.SUMMER IS HERE AND SO ARE WE!   This summer there will be tea, coffee, cakes and treats for children downstairs after the 10.30 Mass at Holy Apostles. The Union of Catholic Mothers is taking over the kitchen for a month while the usual helpers take a well-deserved summer break, so that all parishioners staying in London in late July and August can still have a chance to stay after Mass and have a chat. We look forward to seeing you!

UNION OF CATHOLIC MOTHERS SUMMER PARTY      All Catholic mothers welcome, whether UCM members or not, young or old, married, single or divorced! Come to our party, a chance to celebrate the summer, relax, chat to old friends and make new ones. Bring and share. We look forward to seeing lots of you THURSDAY JULY 15th 7PM in the White Room at Holy Apostles. For any information call Nicol Dynes 0777 4581159

ASSOCIATION OF SEPARATED AND DIVORCED CATHOLICS (ASDC) The next meeting of the Westminster Cathedral ASDC Group will be on Friday 16 July from 6.30 to 8 pm in the Hinsley Room, Morpeth Terrace.  All divorced or separated Catholics, whatever their situation, are welcome. For further information please contact Frank or Christine on 020 8422 1591.

SEPARATE TABLES     The Drama Group Committee would like to thank, all members who took part in this production for all there valiant efforts, and to the Parishioners, and friends for their support by attending the shows. This allowed the Drama Group to make a Donation of £150 to the Fr Thomas Recovery Fund.

Monday Club will close on  Monday 12 th July and resume its activities on Monday 6 th September.

SPEC is seeking to appoint young men and women for a year-out experience working with children and young people.  These full-time volunteers will live as part of the SPEC Community at All Saints Pastoral Centre in London Colney.  They will have a particular focus on nurturing faith in young people through dynamic retreats, using games, nature, team-building activities, art, storytelling, dance, and much more.  Full training will be provided, along with professional accreditation through the YMCA and the opportunity to study for a foundation degree in Youth Ministry.For more information about the SPEC community and for an online application form visit www.spec.org.uk. 

2 Youth Team members wanted – Westminster DioceseSalary: £27,000 Hours of Work: 37.5 per week incl evening & weekends as required.    Closing Date: Friday 23^rd July 2010 Interviews: Week 26^th July. Start Date: 1 Sept (or soon after).For a job description, person specification & application form visit our website at www.rcdow.org.uk/jobs

We had a ballot this week for 2 tickets for the papal Mass in Westminster Cathedral on Saturday 18^th September. They were won by Bernadette Duffy and Victor Tohux.

Each event during the forthcoming Visit of Pope Benedict XVI to England & Wales and Scotland is seen as part of one (inter)national Visit and are not ‘local’ events.  Each Diocese has been given an allocation of invitations for each event, and parish priests are to nominate people from their parish who may wish to attend one of the events.  That is what we have done here. Demand of course, exceeds the numbers that can be accommodated in seated areas as guests, or representatives, of the Diocese. 

The Pope will celebrate Mass in Glasgow, Thursday 16 September.  ‘Theme’ – Catholic faith in Scotland, and the Church’s role in social and cultural life, and in education in Scotland.  

Westminster Hall, (Parliament) Friday 17 September.  ‘Theme’ – service the Church gives to the culture and shared life of our countries and to the wider world.  The Pope will address parliamentarians and others involved with political and civic life. 

Westminster Abbey, Friday 17 September.  ‘Theme’ – the bonds that exist between all Christians and the common search for God through prayer, contemplation and beauty. 

Westminster Cathedral, Saturday 18 September, Mass.  ‘Theme’ – the life-giving power of the blood of Christ, reflecting the dedication of the Cathedral to the Precious Blood.  Christ is the unique victim, able to transform every experience of victimhood as he brings new life through his service of all as the expression of his love.  Christ is our model and the source of our hope. As I said above we have just been allocated 2 tickets.

Vigil, Hyde Park, Saturday 18 September.  ‘Theme’ – prayer, especially prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.  The Vigil anticipates the Beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman the following day.  A large proportion of young people is expected from all over the country.

Beatification, Birmingham, Sunday 19 September.  At Mass, Pope Benedict XVI will Beatify Cardinal John Henry Newman, a man renowned for his search for truth, his writing, his commitment to education, the hymns he wrote and his dedicated and faithful service as a Parish Priest. 

We are lucky in living in Central London because we will, if we want to, be abale to line the streets as he goes from one place to another.

This visit will be nothing like the one in 1982 when Pope John Paul 11 came.  He came on a pastoral visit to the Catholic community.  This visit is a State visit and the Pope is heer at the invitation of the Queen and as her guest he is invited to address her subjects in Westminster Hall (Parliament).  This is quite historic and I hope we will all get behind the visit and support the pope by our paryers and turning out to welcome him on the streets.  But more about that nearer the time.  I hope you are all enjoying the hot weather

Yours devotedly Canon Pat Browne   Parish Priest 

Last Sunday’s Collection came to £1061.50 The week before it was £1125.50. The Standing Orders for May came to £2986.275  Thank you

Please pray for Laura Dunn Victoria House Ebury Bridge Rd whose body will be taken into church on Monday 5^th July at 4.45pm and whose funeral Mass will be at 10am  on Tuesday 6^th July and  Clare Wright age 81 St George’s Drive. Funeral Details in later. May They Rest in Peace.    

Last Sunday’s Collection came to £1061.50 The week before it was £1125.50. The Standing Orders for May came to £2986.275  Thank you

Podiatrist/Chiropodist available and can visit you in your home.  References as to honesty, integrity. from Fr Pat. Contact Alcinda at 07785 773 591.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament exposed on the Altar takes place every Wednesday in Holy Apostles from after the 10.00am Mass till 12.50pm then we have mid-day prayer and Benediction. Also Saturday  evening at 5.00pm till Evening Prayer/ Benediction at 5.30pm. Come and be still for a while!

2 Youth Team members wanted – Westminster DioceseSalary: £27,000        Hours of Work: 37.5 per week incl evening & weekends as required.  Closing Date: Friday 23^rd July 2010 Interviews: Week beginning 26^th July 2010 Start Date: 1 September 2010 (or soon after).For a job description, person specification & application form visit our website at www.rcdow.org.uk/jobs

Age 8 – Elizabeth Crowdey raised £225 on last Sunday’s bikeathon and did 26 laps of a 600 m circuit. Thank you to all who sponsored her for Leukemia and Lymphoma research.

Social Group Meeting for Catholic Singles 35+ in Westminster Cathedral Hall every 1^st Sunday of the Month from 1pm to 2.30pm. 0770 606 2814

In our ballot tickets for the Papal Mass on Sept 18th Westminster Cathedral were won by Bernadette Duffy and Victor Tohux.

SVP Summer Ploughman’s Lunch on Friday 9th July, 12.30pm for 1pm start in the garden if weather is fine otherwise in the hall.  £3.50 on the door includes glass of wine or Pimm’s. There will also be a raffle. Come & join us for our annual summer gathering- good food  & convivial company guaranteed.”

Anointing of the Sick Mass this year will be on Sunday 1^st August at 3pm in the Parish Hall.

Searching for a Talented Finance Trustee    Are you a retired accountant or do you have financial skills that you would be willing to volunteer? The Irish Chaplaincy in Britain is a Catholic charity based in Camden North London, that works with vulnerable Irish emigrants.  We are seeking a new trustee to join our strong existing board of nine members. Could you help us make the best use of our limited finances in these difficult economic times? It is an exciting time to become involved with our charity! If you have a sympathy towards the ethos of faith based charities, and have key professional skills to offer in financial management then we are keen to hear from you. contact:  Philomena Cullen  -    Director on           020 7482 5528        or email: philomena.cullen@irishchaplaincy.org.uk

Calling all young adults of 16-30 yrs who are interesting in being involved in the planning and preparation of the annual diocesan young adults’ festival, Brightlights, being held at London Colney on the 16-19th July.  If you would like to help us and hopefully have some fun come along at 1pm on 13th March to our first session in Wapping info@brightlights.co.uk  or ring 07891 375179

Podiatrist/Chiropodist available and can visit you in your home.  References as to honesty, integrity. from Fr Pat. Contact Alcinda at 07785 773 591.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament exposed on the Altar takes place every Wednesday in Holy Apostles from after the 10.00am Mass till 12.50pm   then we have mid-day prayer and Benediction.    Also Saturday  evening at 5.00pm till Evening Prayer/ Benediction at 5.30pm. Come and be still for a while!

2 Youth Team members wanted – Westminster DioceseSalary: £27,000        Hours of Work: 37.5 per week incl evening & weekends as required.   Closing Date: Friday 23^rd July 2010 Interviews: Week beginning 26^th July 2010    Start Date: 1 September 2010 (or soon after).  For a job description, person specification & application form visit our website at www.rcdow.org.uk/jobs

Age 8 – Elizabeth Crowdey raised £225 on last Sunday’s bikeathon and did 26 laps of a 600 m circuit. Thank you to all who sponsored her for Leukemia and Lymphoma research.

Social Group Meeting for Catholic Singles 35+ in Westminster Cathedral Hall every 1^st Sunday of the Month from 1pm to 2.30pm. 0770 606 2814

In our ballot tickets for the Papal Mass on Sept 18th Westminster Cathedral were won by Bernadette Duffy and Victor Tohux.

SVP Summer Ploughman’s Lunch  on Friday 9th July, 12.30pm for 1pm   start in the garden if weather is fine otherwise in the hall.  £3.50 on the door  includes glass of wine or Pimm’s. There  will also be a raffle. Come & join us for  our annual summer gathering- good food  & convivial company guaranteed.”

Anointing of the Sick Mass this year will be on Sunday 1^st August at 3pm in the Parish Hall.

Searching for a Talented Finance Trustee    Are you a retired accountant or do you have financial skills that you would be willing to volunteer? The Irish Chaplaincy in Britain is a Catholic charity based in Camden North London, that works with vulnerable Irish emigrants.  We are seeking a new trustee to join our strong existing board of nine members. Could you help us make the best use of our limited finances in these difficult economic times? It is an exciting time to become involved with our charity! If you have a sympathy towards the ethos of faith based charities, and have key professional skills to offer in financial management then we are keen to hear from you. contact:  Philomena Cullen  -    Director on           020 7482 5528        or email: philomena.cullen@irishchaplaincy.org.uk

Calling all young adults of 16-30 yrs who are interesting in being involved in the planning and preparation of the annual diocesan young adults’ festival, Brightlights, being held at London Colney on the 16-19th July.  If you would like to help us and hopefully have some fun come along at 1pm on 13th March to our first session in Wapping info@brightlights.co.uk  or ring 07891 375179

Today there is a 2^nd collection for Peter’s Pence.

Morning Mass on Monday is at 11am (Funeral).  There is another Mass in the evening  at 7pm

Morning Mass on Tuesday at 10am (Children)

Last Sunday’s Collection came to £1125.50 The week before it was £808.00. The Standing Orders for May came to £2986.275  Thank you

Please pray for Joyce Bernini age 88 of Shelley House Churchill gardens whose funeral Mass will be at 11am (not 10) on Monday 28^th June and Maria Rodgers age 66 of St George’s Drive – Funeral Mass on Wednesday 30^th June at 10am.     May They Rest in Peace.

Summer Fair at Westminster Cathedral Primary School Bessborough Place on Saturday 3^rd July 11am til 1.30pm

Today – The Feast Day of St John Southworth, celebrated on Sunday 27^th June, on Thursday 24^th June at 7 pm in Westminster Cathedral Hall, Fr Michael Archer, Chaplain at the Cathedral, will give a talk on the life and ministry of St John. The new publication by the CTS of St John Southworth’s life will be available and there will also be the opportunity to view the lead coffin in which his body was found. Podiatrist/Chiropodist available and can visit you in your home.  References as to honesty, integrity. from Fr Pat. Contact Alcinda at 07785 773 591.

God bless the 2010 World Cup:
Bless those who compete, and those who watch,
Bless those who host, and those who visit,
And help all who love the ‘the beautiful game’
Grow in the love you have given us to share. Amen

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament exposed on the Altar takes place every Wednesday in Holy Apostles from after the 10.00am Mass till 12.50pm then we have mid-day prayer and Benediction. Also Saturday  evening at 5.00pm till Evening Prayer/ Benediction at 5.30pm. Come and be still for a while!

Drama Group Forthcoming Production      “Separate Tables” – Terence Rattigan’s intelligent Adult Play Friday 2^nd and Saturday 3^rd July at 7.45pm. Tickets £5 available after Masses from Sunday 19^th June.  This endearing psychological drama was successfully filmed in 1958 starring Rita Hayworth, Deborah Ker, Burt Lancaster, Gladys Cooper. David Niven and Wendy Hiller won Oscars for their performance.

Barge Trip for Disabled People.    Three hour return trip on an electric barge from Paddington Basin to Camden Lock starting at 1.00p.m.on Tuesday 6^th July.  The barge is fully accessible to electric wheelchairs.  Invitation to parishioners who are physically disabled are likely to enjoy this unusual Summer trip, they will be made welcome at no cost to them or to their carer if they wish to bring one.  Contact Fr Austin Garvey  Tel: 020 7723 7757.

100^th Anniversary of the Consecration of Westminster Cathedral – Mass at 11.30am tomorrow Monday in the Cathedral. All welcome.

Anointing of the Sick Mass this year will be on Sunday 1^st August at 3pm in the Parish Hall.

Free Lending Library is now located at the back of the church in the end confessional. BOOKS* VIDEOs* DVDs

Dear Friends,

Today Saturday,  4 young men from Allen Hall are being ordained Deacons for our Diocese.  They include Andrew Connick, the seminarian who was with us here in Holy Apostles for a year of his training.  Please keep them in your prayers.  They hope to be ordained priests next summer.

On the topic of Priesthood today, I thought you might like to see the article below by Dr Donal McKeown is Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Down and Connor. This article appears in the current issue of Le Cheile — a Catholic School Ethos Journal

These have not been easy months for anyone to admit to being involved with promoting or supporting the Catholic Church.

As I noted in a recent homily on the theme of vocations: the image of the saintly parish priest, walking his garden while saying his breviary, was first of all replaced by the idea that clergy were all more likely to be incompetent idiots like Fathers Dougal, Ted and Jack on Craggy Island. We could all laugh at that.

But now the predominant cultural image is more that, because of celibacy, clergy and members of religious orders are all potential child abusers, some just about keeping their instincts under control.

As for bishops, they are little more than a bunch of twisted, incompetent old men, well aware of evil actions among some of their colleagues but saying nothing in order to protect their power.

In that storyline of sexually-frustrated clergy, child abuse was just par for the course. The Corrupt Church was not just the home of abuse, but the cause of it.

The Church doesn’t have a problem. The Church is the problem. According to this new ideology, such a rotten body should be destroyed. And yet, for most people that I encounter, their experience of clergy bears no resemblance to either Craggy Island or the Corrupt Church model.  How might we try to read what is happening in the current situation?

Our society in general is starting to come to terms with the terrible effects of sexual and physical abuse on young children and with an awareness of just how widespread that practice is.  No one knows better than schools just how many children suffer in their domestic environments and communities.

If the Church can find a constructive way of engaging with the comparatively small percentage of child abuse that has to do with Church personnel, then we can perhaps model good practice for the rest of society.

People are genuinely hurt at the reality of both child abuse and its cover-up in the Church context. There is little value in saying – correctly – that child abuse and cover-ups were no more prevalent in the Church than elsewhere in society.  The point is that we had rightly come to expect a higher standard of behaviour and transparency from the Church than from others.

Even though we may believe that there are those who abuse the plight of the abused in order to promote other anti-faith agendas, our first priority must always be to be those who suffered.  Good Friday tells us that God’s dream for each of us cannot be destroyed by even the worst that human beings do.

Even though the vast majority of claims about Church child abuse are historical, there is still the impression that the Catholic Church in 2010 is a uniquely safe place for child abusers and a uniquely dangerous place for children.  As a Church we have failed to get the message out that Church child-protection procedures are among the best that there are. We have nothing to be embarrassed about in this context.

The Church structures that worked in the 19th and 20th centuries are not necessarily appropriate in a different cultural context.

This is much more of an opportunity than a threat. There is not the slightest bit of evidence that Catholic schools are dangerous places for young people. Indeed our emphasis on community, forgiveness, truth, grace and reconciliation are vital assets in promoting healing and hope. This is a challenging and painful time for all involved in the Church. Many people have been hurt and disappointed.

But it is also an exciting and creative time as the grace of the Holy Spirit seeks to renew the face of the earth.