tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-368833672024-03-13T14:04:46.702+00:00Holy Ghost BlogHoly Ghost Parishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010361043560716207noreply@blogger.comBlogger137125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36883367.post-7893829963741751142011-12-04T16:27:00.003+00:002011-12-04T16:32:02.083+00:00Fr Gerard Bradley - Praying the Mass<div style="text-align: justify;">On Wednesday 30 November, Fr Gerard Bradley (Director of Spiritual Formation at St John's Seminary, Wonersh) gave this address on the new translation of the Roman Missal, and how we might enter more deeply into the mystery of the Eucharist through these revised texts. </div><br /><object height="94" width="422"><param value="http://www.divshare.com/flash/audio_embed?data=YTo2OntzOjU6ImFwaUlkIjtzOjE6IjQiO3M6NjoiZmlsZUlkIjtzOjg6IjE2MzEzNjM5IjtzOjQ6ImNvZGUiO3M6MTI6IjE2MzEzNjM5LTBlZiI7czo2OiJ1c2VySWQiO3M6NzoiMjEzMjUxMiI7czoxMjoiZXh0ZXJuYWxDYWxsIjtpOjE7czo0OiJ0aW1lIjtpOjEzMjMwMTU4MzU7fQ==&autoplay=default" name="movie"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed wmode="transparent" height="94" width="422" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" src="http://www.divshare.com/flash/audio_embed?data=YTo2OntzOjU6ImFwaUlkIjtzOjE6IjQiO3M6NjoiZmlsZUlkIjtzOjg6IjE2MzEzNjM5IjtzOjQ6ImNvZGUiO3M6MTI6IjE2MzEzNjM5LTBlZiI7czo2OiJ1c2VySWQiO3M6NzoiMjEzMjUxMiI7czoxMjoiZXh0ZXJuYWxDYWxsIjtpOjE7czo0OiJ0aW1lIjtpOjEzMjMwMTU4MzU7fQ==&autoplay=default"></embed></object>Holy Ghost Parishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010361043560716207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36883367.post-41543154365536027542011-10-21T09:32:00.002+00:002011-10-21T09:39:12.328+00:00Welcome to James Bradley...<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'bookman old style', 'new york', times, serif;font-size:85%;" ><div style="right: auto; "><span style="right: auto; ">Deacon James Bradley has joined us here at Holy Ghost parish while he continued his studies. James is a deacon with the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham, the new Ordinariate established by the Holy Father for Anglican parishes which have come into full communion with the Catholic Church. The Ordinariate is led by Monsignor Keith Newton and includes some 60 former Anglican clergy and 1,000 faithful. It was established by Pope Benedict with a special invitation Anglicanorum Coetibus, "To groups of Anglicans" so that they can bring with them their Anglican patrimony in customs and traditions and liturgy.</span></div><div style="right: auto; "><span style="right: auto; "><br /></span></div><div style="right: auto; "><span style="right: auto; "></span> </div><div style="right: auto; "><span style="right: auto; ">Deacon James is no stranger to the congregation here at Balham and was with the QUO VADIS group led by Fr Stephen at World Youth Day in Madrid this summer. And more: he played a major role in the opening ceremony welcoming Pope Benedict to Madrid, chanting the Gospel. This was televised worldwide.</span></div><div style="right: auto; "><span style="right: auto; "><br /></span></div><div style="right: auto; "><span style="right: auto; "></span> </div><div style="right: auto; "><span style="right: auto; ">Of course our parish here at Balham, while large, isn't quite as huge as that, but we are sure that James will be kept busy here and it is great to have him with us...</span></div></span>Holy Ghost Parishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010361043560716207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36883367.post-71952965515020878222011-09-16T12:17:00.002+00:002011-10-21T09:36:21.308+00:00World Youth Day 2011<a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/300968_830983412352_193105799_43540303_691164_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 720px; height: 480px;" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/300968_830983412352_193105799_43540303_691164_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:documentproperties> <o:template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:revision>0</o:Revision> <o:totaltime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:pages>1</o:Pages> <o:words>535</o:Words> <o:characters>3053</o:Characters> <o:company>Holy Ghost Parish</o:Company> <o:lines>25</o:Lines> <o:paragraphs>6</o:Paragraphs> <o:characterswithspaces>3749</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:version>12.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">A great European city in the throbbing heat of August, a vast dusty airfield with two million people congregating on it, a dramatic thunderstorm, a night vigil of prayer led by the successor of St Peter – these are some of the ingredients that made the 2011 World Youth Day utterly unforgettable.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The group of young people led by Father Stephen of this parish was a large one: its core was the “Quo Vadis” group which meets regularly and includes young people who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood or religious life, and they were joined by a substantial number of others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Hospitality in Madrid was offered by a parish on the outskirts of the city – the magnificent church of St Mary of Cana where the priest had arranged that our group could camp out in the various parish rooms for the whole of the WYD events.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Divided into groups, the young people made themselves at home, making up beds on the floor and organising themselves for showers and meals. There was daily morning prayer and Mass, and then the whole range of WYD events – talks at the “Love and Life” centre (including a superb presentation on religious freedom and the mass<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>media, led by America’s Archbishop Charles Chaput and with speakers including the head of the Knights of Columbus), confession at the Festival of Forgiveness in one of Madrid’s large and beautiful parks, an opportunity to explore some of the vast number of religious orders and new movements and charities and Catholic organisations at a Vocations Fair.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">What many pilgrims perhaps most relished was the sheer exuberance and joy at being in a city teeming with a sense of Christian love and faith. Here were two million people surging around, from every nation on earth, a multitude of languages and flags and song and experiences. Groups gathered on street corners to sing and pray, to swap flags and badges and banter, to take photographs and to cheer the Pope. Cries of “Viva el Papa!” erupted from groups large and small all the time. People sang on buses and trains and in the streets and in cafes and restaurants. People prayed the Rosary in parks and while waiting<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in the (extremely hot) sunshine for the Pope to arrive.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">And when he did come, what an outpouring of affection and enthusiasm! The crowds lining the streets and packing out the squares were huge – it was impossible to move, and the cheering and waving and rejoicing were on a massive scale. When the Holy Father spoke, however, his clear and rather gentle voice created its own sense of quiet calmness, and his words were straightforward, beautiful, and well worth hearing. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">There was a magnificent welcoming ceremony for him – at which Deacon James Bradley of the new Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham, who was part of our group, sang the Gospel. There was a poignant and moving Way of the Cross<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>using some of Spain’s most magnificent works of art showing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Christ’s walk to Calvary, brought from towns<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and cities across Spain where they have been venerated for centuries. And then, on the final two days, there was the gathering at the Cuantros Ventros airfield for the night vigil and the final Sunday morning Mass. Heat, ants, fierce sun, and then a thunderstorm gave way to immense peace when the night vigil began. We knelt together before the Blessed Sacrament, and gradually the silence spread out, from the front where the Holy Father was kneeling, through the crowds and crowds of people.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><em>"As you return home, take back with you the good news of Christ’s love which we have experienced in these unforgettable days. Fix your eyes upon him, deepen your knowledge of the Gospel and bring forth abundant fruit!"- </em><em><span style="font-style:normal;mso-bidi-font-style: italic">those were Pope Benedict’s words at the final gathering.<o:p></o:p></span></em></p> <!--EndFragment-->Holy Ghost Parishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010361043560716207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36883367.post-35980102444150605002011-04-12T16:00:00.006+00:002011-04-12T16:29:03.706+00:00Mary's Meals collects 120 backpacks!<div style="text-align: left;">Last Sunday we welcomed Lizzie Hastings from Mary's Meals to receive the backpacks which the parishioners have kindly assembled over this period of Lent. She gave a word of thanks, and was very impressed with the number we had collected so far, and she later met ith some young people from the Ignition group who have led this project.</div><div><br /></div><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pnm94kk2b-Y/TaR4iWQyuKI/AAAAAAAAAPI/TcO1OmqVeGw/s320/IMG_4372.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594729168587896994" /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0dNdvo6LoH0/TaR6Pfh1q6I/AAAAAAAAAPQ/MeJGMGDkvFI/s320/IMG_0845.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594731043681053602" />Several of our Ignition group arrived at the church this morning to help pack the backpacks into large white sacks which will then be collected and shipped off to the children in Africa<div><br /></div><div>The final count of backpacks is the astounding number of 120!! Well done and a huge thanks to everyone who took part in this project.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-np0szWza0dY/TaR6zGd5fOI/AAAAAAAAAPY/hhEb4ufCkSU/s320/IMG_0847.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594731655428930786" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Please visit http://www.marysmeals.co.uk/ to see how you can continue to help support this worthwhile charity.</div>Holy Ghost Parishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010361043560716207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36883367.post-17993427244996474092011-04-12T15:37:00.005+00:002011-04-12T15:46:00.129+00:00Frassati Society Hike<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6qmzaAkcEdE/TaRys__vHwI/AAAAAAAAAOo/lOmkL_f9cr8/s320/DSCF0016.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594722754519572226" /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Saed95GdO4E/TaRzg20FxbI/AAAAAAAAAPA/tVastgHbdNQ/s1600/DSCF0008.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Saed95GdO4E/TaRzg20FxbI/AAAAAAAAAPA/tVastgHbdNQ/s320/DSCF0008.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594723645408003506" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CIN829U2GDs/TaRzRBA6VDI/AAAAAAAAAO4/wLSA6_Qu854/s1600/DSCF0020.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CIN829U2GDs/TaRzRBA6VDI/AAAAAAAAAO4/wLSA6_Qu854/s320/DSCF0020.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594723373268227122" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rwfoY79aspE/TaRy8Nx01bI/AAAAAAAAAOw/A6bTOPoGBQI/s1600/DSCF0024.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rwfoY79aspE/TaRy8Nx01bI/AAAAAAAAAOw/A6bTOPoGBQI/s320/DSCF0024.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594723015917360562" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 128); font-family:tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-size: 12px; font-family: inherit; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; ">On Saturday 9th April 2011, 20 young adults from the parish who are involved in the Frassati Society, embarked on a 12 mile hike across the North Downs in Surrey.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-size: 12px; font-family: inherit; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; ">We began our journey at Guildford stopping in Gomshall for a leisurely pub lunch. We had the pleasure of a visit from Fr Stephen who managed to squeeze us into his busy weekend at the seminary before continuing for the final 5 miles to Dorking. The day was enjoyed by all and the glorious weather made it all the more perfect!</p></span>Holy Ghost Parishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010361043560716207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36883367.post-80311584917340260092011-04-05T11:30:00.004+00:002011-04-07T14:46:10.635+00:00Mother and Tots Quiz Night - Huge success!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9lcPrHKmsww/TZ3HTVAkv4I/AAAAAAAAAOg/ESe2gMFyATE/s1600/mother%2Band%2Btoddler%2Bquiz.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9lcPrHKmsww/TZ3HTVAkv4I/AAAAAAAAAOg/ESe2gMFyATE/s320/mother%2Band%2Btoddler%2Bquiz.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592845447135018882" /></a><br />On Friday 1st April the Mother and Toddler group organised the 'April Fool Quiz'. Participants were invited to 'leave your brains at the door' for the quiz with a difference! The event was held at the Oliver Plunkett Club on Nightingale Lane to to help raise funds for the Mother and Toddler group.<div><br /></div><div>60 keen quiz-goers enjoyed a fish and chip supper and live entertainment, including a raffle with fabulous prizes! Everybody had a fantastic time and the group are delighted to have raised nearly £500.</div><div><br /></div><div>The money raised will go towards the purchase of children's books for the church, toys, and other equipment to support the Mother and Toddler Group that meets every Thursday morning from 10.30 - 11.30am in the Visitation House. For more information contact emmapurnell@hotmail.com.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Holy Ghost Parishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010361043560716207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36883367.post-10757653845098538252011-04-03T16:34:00.004+00:002011-04-05T11:50:27.261+00:00Catholic Underground<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YRmXgg5ULK0/TZsB-RVKccI/AAAAAAAAAOY/gQAkuXz7Lpo/s1600/CU%2Bphoto.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YRmXgg5ULK0/TZsB-RVKccI/AAAAAAAAAOY/gQAkuXz7Lpo/s320/CU%2Bphoto.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592065531626287554" /></a><br />Last Saturday the Catholic Underground team returned once again to the parish, this time with a variety of entertainment including singer, Alena and stand up comedy, music and drama by Rise Theatre. The evening drew a good crowd of young people. As with every Catholic Underground event, the evening opens with a Holy Hour in the church with music led by the Fransiscan Friars of the Renewal. This part is always so beautiful, and for myself it's often the best part of the evening. Here, we are invited to spend time in prayer with our Lord before the Blessed Sacrament, join with the Church in Evening Prayer and receive the Sacrament of Reconcilation. The evening then continues in the school hall with live entertainment. A wide variety of young people attend, some who are active in their faith, and others not. Many of those who attend Catholic Underground for the first time and who might not be so active in the faith do so because they have been invited and encouraged by their Catholic friend. For most, this is probably their first experience before the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament and I have heard several different stories of how the Lord has moved very powerfully in the hearts of these people and for some it has even prompted a return to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Please look up the Catholic Underground Website and think about inviting some of your friends to their next event. <a href="http://www.catholicunderground.co.uk/">http://www.catholicunderground.co.uk/</a>Holy Ghost Parishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010361043560716207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36883367.post-85161787736947919412011-02-07T14:05:00.010+00:002011-02-07T15:03:31.753+00:00T3: Take on the challenge...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/TVAHfLzWBBI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/egxy2ZQU8Tc/s1600/IMG_0843.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/TVAHfLzWBBI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/egxy2ZQU8Tc/s320/IMG_0843.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570960971382785042" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/TVAHNFAdAII/AAAAAAAAAOI/iEIMIfSlKpk/s1600/IMG_0839.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/TVAHNFAdAII/AAAAAAAAAOI/iEIMIfSlKpk/s320/IMG_0839.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570960660321075330" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/TVAGnWs6b-I/AAAAAAAAAOA/P6YehESpdb8/s1600/IMG_0838.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/TVAGnWs6b-I/AAAAAAAAAOA/P6YehESpdb8/s320/IMG_0838.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570960012235927522" /></a>...of the Great Egg Drop at last Friday's session. The idea was to create a container which would support an egg and prevent it from smashing when dropped from a height of 8ft. Limited materials were supplied and the groups did exceptionally well! No crack in sight...<div><br /></div><div>Come and join us each Friday (7pm - 9pm) as we continue with the T3 series (it's not too late to come along!!). Each week we have dinner followed by a fun team activity, then we watch the following chapter of the Teen Timeline and round up with a time of prayer!</div><div><br /></div><div>Friday 18th February will take a different format as we will have a special viewing of The Human Experience with popcorn, ice-cream... the works. I'd suggest having a meal beforehand!</div><div><br /></div><div>Check out the trailer:</div><div>http://www.grassrootsfilms.com/thehumanexperience/</div><div><br /></div><div>Contact laura@hgbalham for any questions you may have!</div>Holy Ghost Parishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010361043560716207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36883367.post-16158608604689711642011-02-02T12:38:00.008+00:002011-02-02T16:39:16.168+00:00Frassati Society - Sunday Soup Kitchen<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/TUlp41NeTAI/AAAAAAAAANg/dhwA1Kf7zRw/s1600/missionaries%2Bof%2Bcharity.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/TUlp41NeTAI/AAAAAAAAANg/dhwA1Kf7zRw/s320/missionaries%2Bof%2Bcharity.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569098839297510402" /></a><br />On Sunday, a group of young adults from the parish and others involved in the Frassati Society visited the Missionaries of Charity to help serve Sunday lunch at their Soup Kitchen at Elephant and Castle.<div><br /></div><div>We arrived to a packed dining hall of homeless men, with sisters and various volunteers running around doing different jobs. We quickly got stuck in - serving the meal, washing up, making tea, preparing dessert, offering seconds, and then setting up the tables ready for the second sitting. At least 100 men were welcomed and received a good home-cooked meal that afternoon.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Missionaries of Charity were established in 1950 by Mother Teresa of Calcutta and adhere to the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, with an addition of a fourth vow, to give 'Whole-hearted and Free service to the poorest of the poor.'</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Calisto MT';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div>In London, the sisters run their soup kitchens every day of the week except on a Thursday where this day is reserved for rest and prayer. If you have any free time during the week and would like to volunteer, please have a look at their weekly schedule which you can find here:</div><div>http://www.homelesslondon.org/details.asp?id=UK14637</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Holy Ghost Parishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010361043560716207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36883367.post-44920400459175363942011-01-19T14:50:00.004+00:002011-01-19T14:59:43.713+00:00Youth Activities<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Over the last few months, there have been lots and lots of different youth activities within the parish... Here are photos of just some of them...</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>The Confirmation Retreat</i></b></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/TTb7WOVDIDI/AAAAAAAAANE/ZpVBeY_OQJ8/s1600/youth%2B2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/TTb7WOVDIDI/AAAAAAAAANE/ZpVBeY_OQJ8/s320/youth%2B2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563910748884901938" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/TTb7VwDyj5I/AAAAAAAAAM8/Jpn1bff5E0s/s1600/youth%2B3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/TTb7VwDyj5I/AAAAAAAAAM8/Jpn1bff5E0s/s320/youth%2B3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563910740759449490" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/TTb7VlIkMOI/AAAAAAAAAM0/VFm6vT6FgWw/s1600/youth%2B1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/TTb7VlIkMOI/AAAAAAAAAM0/VFm6vT6FgWw/s320/youth%2B1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563910737826689250" /></a><br /><div><b><i>Ignition Winter Wonderland Trip </i></b>(Ignition is a group for years 7 and 8 - it involves catechesis, prayer, time for fun & growing in friendships)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/TTb77rgGD_I/AAAAAAAAANU/lp54qQBtO5I/s320/youth%2B5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563911392371019762" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/TTb77X7wMLI/AAAAAAAAANM/n--hb6JqbQQ/s320/youth%2B4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563911387118317746" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></div><div><br /><br /></div>Holy Ghost Parishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010361043560716207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36883367.post-19188026803387903292011-01-19T11:29:00.004+00:002011-01-19T14:48:01.739+00:00Frassati Society<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/TTb4gXX9M0I/AAAAAAAAAMs/DV9h1LIKdHs/s1600/frassati%2Bmeal%2B3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/TTb4gXX9M0I/AAAAAAAAAMs/DV9h1LIKdHs/s320/frassati%2Bmeal%2B3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563907624576824130" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/TTb4f8M2etI/AAAAAAAAAMk/2zSwMIpo26E/s1600/frassati%2Bmeal%2B2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/TTb4f8M2etI/AAAAAAAAAMk/2zSwMIpo26E/s320/frassati%2Bmeal%2B2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563907617282489042" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/TTb4fMmMCQI/AAAAAAAAAMc/CRXeotq9JMY/s1600/frassati%2Bmeal%2B1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/TTb4fMmMCQI/AAAAAAAAAMc/CRXeotq9JMY/s320/frassati%2Bmeal%2B1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563907604503857410" /></a><br />Sunday evening saw the first meeting of the newly launched Frassati Society. This is a society for young adults, combining community, service of the poor and prayer. 25 young adults met for Adoration before the evening Mass, after which we hosted a (very packed!) dinner. Between courses, Fr. Agustin Conesa spoke to us on Jesus' teaching of the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12). Bl Pier Giorgio Frassati is known as the "man of the beatitudes" - someone in whom the Beatitudes are radiantly personified. Each month, the speaker will be giving teaching on each of the Beatitudes. The next few monthly meetings are...<div><ul><li><b>Sunday 20th February,</b> Mgr John Armitage - "Blessed are those who mourn"</li><li><b>Sunday 20th March</b>, Fr. Emmanuel Mansford - "Blessed are the meek"</li></ul><div>Lots of the Frassati members will be committing to some regular, practical service of the poor. Many are planning to go and help out the Missionaries of Charity in serving a meal to the homeless on Sunday afternoons. If you would like to get involved, please contact Luke de Pulford on lukedepulford@gmail.com. And join us in praying the prayer for the courage to be great....!</div><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 12.0px Corbel; color: #310076"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Heavenly Father, </span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 12.0px Corbel; color: #310076"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Give me the courage to strive for the highest goals, </span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 12.0px Corbel; color: #310076"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">to flee every temptation to be mediocre.</span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 12.0px Corbel; color: #310076"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Enable me to aspire to greatness, as Pier Giorgio did, </span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 12.0px Corbel; color: #310076"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">and to open my heart with joy to Your call to holiness.</span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 12.0px Corbel; color: #310076"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Free me from the fear of failure.</span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 12.0px Corbel; color: #310076"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I want to be, Lord, firmly and forever united to You.</span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 12.0px Corbel; color: #310076"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Grant me the graces I ask You through Pier Giorgio's intercession, </span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 12.0px Corbel; color: #310076"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">by the merits of Our Lord Jesus Christ.</span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 12.0px Corbel; color: #310076"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Amen.</span></b></span></p></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Holy Ghost Parishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010361043560716207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36883367.post-77450753271433558042010-11-26T10:36:00.002+00:002010-11-26T11:11:23.930+00:00Parish Mission begins TODAY!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/TO-Vo9M2V3I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/SAfKTfS4KBY/s1600/ESM%2Bmissionaries.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/TO-Vo9M2V3I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/SAfKTfS4KBY/s320/ESM%2Bmissionaries.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543814197172131698" /></a><br />Today, we are excitedly awaiting the arrival of the thirty young people from the Emmanuel School of Mission in Rome! They will be with us at Holy Ghost for ten days, until 5th December, leading our Mission - "Come to Me - let not your hearts be troubled". There has been a lot of work, preparation and build-up to the Mission and we will bring you regular updates on all the activities through the Blog.<div><br /></div><div>Why are we having a Mission? There are two main reasons: Firstly, to evangelise those who don't have any or little contact with the Church. Secondly, to re-energise us in our faith as a parish. All of the events of this week will be about these two aims. </div><div><br /></div><div>Street evangelisation is a particular charism of the Emmanuel Community and this week the missionaries will be on the streets of Balham each day (particularly around Balham Station and Clapham South Tube station) engaging people in conversation. Evangelisation means proclaiming Christ - and the beginning of Advent is the perfect time to speak to people in an attractive and inviting way about the Good News of salvation. People will be invited back to the Church for the main evening event of the day, or to pray in the Church at any point during the day. Street evangelisation is about spreading the true joy of Advent, and inviting people to think about what meaning this time of year has for them. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Tonight </b>the missionaries will be holding an <b>Evangelisation Training event</b> at Holy Ghost School, Nightingale Square, <b>from 8pm. </b>All are invited to come and meet them and learn about how to evangelise!</div><div><br /></div><div>Keep tuning in to hear the latest news from the Mission.....!</div>Holy Ghost Parishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010361043560716207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36883367.post-90739718823364844732010-05-02T07:33:00.002+00:002010-05-02T07:46:49.940+00:00Resurrecting the Blog<div style="text-align: justify;">It's been a long time since we posted anything on the parish Blog - partly because we prioritised other things but mostly because we ran out of things to say! Recently, however, we have been thinking about the whole question of effective communication: there is so much happening in the parish and yet most of our parishioners are simply unaware of what we do. Many of our activities rely on the generosity of our parishioners in their weekly giving. Without their support we would simply be unable to do all the things we do. It seems a good idea to try to find new ways of communicating our life and good news.<br />Recently we reformatted our parish newsletter. We've moved from an A4 folded to A5 format, to an A3 folded to A4. It is a bit more cumbersome for those who want to stuff it into their back pocket but it does greatly increase the amount of space available to us. It means that we have now been able to incorporate a "This week at the Holy Ghost" column with a day-by-day listing of all our talks, catechesis, and other activities. We also have space for a featured spotlight each week. This week for example we focus on "Christian Initiation", explaining what RCIA is and announcing the commencement of a rolling 'pre-catechumenal' or enquiry course that will continue throughout the year on a six-weekly cycle. This course will lead into the RCIA classes which begin in September.<br />Another new feature is the "Defending a Culture of Life" column which advertises Natural Family Planning and also important life issues. We have currently, for example, a little piece on the Westminster Declaration and another on the General Election.<br /><br />The resurrection of the Blog is part of our effort to communicate effectively. The plan is not to simply repeat what you can read in the newsletter. Instead we want to give a greater insight into what goes on at our events. For example, rather than simply advertise the 'Echoes' course we are currently running, we could give a more detailed account of what is covered in each session. More than that, however, the Blog may be a useful tool for pulling together comment on wider issues affecting the life of the Church. We can provide links to other good articles or informative pieces.<br /><br />So... watch this space!<br /></div>Holy Ghost Parishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010361043560716207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36883367.post-24348082974580011542008-05-19T10:31:00.000+00:002008-05-19T10:32:17.263+00:00Fisticuffs at Forum Christi!On Sunday 18th May, Fr Behruz Rafat spoke to Forum Christi on "The Joyful Mysteries and the Gospel of Life". He gave a brief summary of John Paul II's teaching in the encyclical Evangelium Vitae, and then gave a meditation whilst we prayed the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. He suggested that as a follow-up to his talk, we read the whole encyclical for ourselves (download from <a href="http://www.vatican.va/" target="_blank">www.vatican.va</a>)After the talk we went for supper in the Nightingale. The evening ended with Fr Marcus beating Gavin in boxing on the new Wii games console.Holy Ghost Parishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010361043560716207noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36883367.post-26756813804807589042008-05-19T10:29:00.001+00:002008-05-19T10:31:54.142+00:00Day with Mary 2008<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/SDFXCEWYyuI/AAAAAAAAAH0/YI37Tk2UhJQ/s1600-h/IMG_0022.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202034737628629730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/SDFXCEWYyuI/AAAAAAAAAH0/YI37Tk2UhJQ/s400/IMG_0022.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Holy Ghost Parishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010361043560716207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36883367.post-72922563928626280832008-05-19T10:27:00.001+00:002008-05-19T10:29:04.095+00:0040 Years after Humanae VitaeOn Sunday 11th May, Fr Marcus spoke to Forum Christi on "The Church, Contraception and the Culture War". He explained a number of arguments that we can use to explain the Church's teaching, and gave examples of statistics that can be used to destroy the argument that the Catholic Church's ban on condoms has been responsible for the spread of AIDS in the developing world.Holy Ghost Parishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010361043560716207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36883367.post-52410649167393116842008-05-19T10:25:00.000+00:002008-05-19T10:27:22.717+00:00Royal Albert Hall - Keeping the FaithOn Friday 9th May, the Keep the Faith groups met at the Royal Albert Hall. After games of football and rounders and a picnic in Hyde Park, they attended the Film Harmonic concert. Music from a number of film scores and television series were played, including Jurassic Park, Gladiator (Fr Marcus' favourite) and Chariots of Fire.Holy Ghost Parishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010361043560716207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36883367.post-66448391021101511202008-04-29T21:40:00.000+00:002008-04-29T21:41:32.787+00:00Pilgrimage at Forum ChristiOn Sunday 27th April, Gareth Thomas spoke to Forum Christi on "The Road to Compostela". The talk began with some images of the pilgrimage, which was followed by discussion of the historical background, and reasons for present-day pilgrims completing the journey.Gareth will be making his own pilgrimage over the next couple of months, walking all the way from Balham to Santiago de Campostela. To keep track of his progress you can log onto his blog <a href="http://whizz-kidz-pilgrim.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://whizz-kidz-pilgrim.blogspot.com</a> which is already showing details of his preparations, and which he will keep up as much as possible on the journey.Holy Ghost Parishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010361043560716207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36883367.post-34264605119348019442008-04-29T21:38:00.003+00:002008-04-29T21:40:46.972+00:00<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/SBeV2I3i04I/AAAAAAAAAHs/KJQTP_wfHF4/s1600-h/IMG_0010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194785452521083778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/SBeV2I3i04I/AAAAAAAAAHs/KJQTP_wfHF4/s400/IMG_0010.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/SBeVtY3i03I/AAAAAAAAAHk/idTUT5XAlgU/s1600-h/IMG_0009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194785302197228402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/SBeVtY3i03I/AAAAAAAAAHk/idTUT5XAlgU/s400/IMG_0009.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>On Saturday 26th April, the Confirmation group made a retreat to the Carmelite Priory at Aylesford in Kent. The visit began with a tour of the site, including prayers at the relics of Saint Simon Stock. Fr Marcus celebrated Mass in one of the chapels, and then after a short break to visit the shop and tea rooms the group prayed the rosary in the Rosary Walk. After lunch, Sr Hyacinthe gave a meditation and there was the opportunity for confession. Shortly before leaving Aylesford each member of the group was presented with a brown scapular, and was encouraged to wear it. The group then travelled to Purley for ten-pin bowling. Competition was fierce - and that was just the adults! After a sausage and chips supper, it was time to return to Balham. Thankyou to Fr Marcus for arranging the trip, and to Sr Chiara, Sr Hyacinthe, Sarah and Clare for accompanying us.</div></div>Holy Ghost Parishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010361043560716207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36883367.post-73997272548448122162008-04-21T10:00:00.000+00:002008-04-21T10:01:01.544+00:00Free 2 BecomeOn Sunday 20th April, Sr Camilla Oberding spoke to Forum Christi about discernment. She described discernment as "A process whereby a person grows in the self-awareness and freedom necessary in order to make choices according to God's spirit." She talked about some of her own experiences, and about the work her community does in helping young people discover their call in life.<br />For more information, see <a href="http://www.free2become.org/" target="_blank">www.free2become.org</a>Holy Ghost Parishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010361043560716207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36883367.post-31618149151866860882008-03-17T10:49:00.002+00:002008-03-17T10:57:19.805+00:00Christians in the Holy Land<a href="http://www.rcsouthwark.co.uk/media/jandp_06_5.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.rcsouthwark.co.uk/media/jandp_06_5.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>On Sunday 16th March, John Pontifex, Head of Press and Information for Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), spoke to Forum Christi about The Christians of the Holy Land – Past, Present and Future. John gave us first-hand accounts of the situation that is faced by Christians living in Bethlehem and the surrounding areas. Christians are facing persecution from the growing Islamist and Jewish communities, and significant numbers of Christians are leaving the area. Bethlehem is also suffering because many Christians there rely on tourists visiting and buying their products, and due to violence in the area there has been a huge decrease in tourism. One of the ways in which ACN is helping is by buying olive wood products from workers in the area, and selling them around the world. John concluded his talk by discussing the current situation in Iraq, particularly in light of the recent kidnapping and death of Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho.For more information on the work of Aid to the Church in Need, or to make a donation to their work, see <a href="http://www.acn.org.uk/" target="_blank">http://www.acn.org.uk/</a></div>Holy Ghost Parishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010361043560716207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36883367.post-27672025366856195702008-03-15T14:35:00.002+00:002008-03-15T14:41:21.187+00:00The English Cardinals<a href="http://www.blogger.com/bp0.blogger.com/.../OTtxbZ5l_BQ/s400/NJS.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 38px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="276" alt="" src="http://www.blogger.com/bp0.blogger.com/.../OTtxbZ5l_BQ/s400/NJS.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.familypublications.co.uk/images/English-Cardinals-RGB.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 111px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 169px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="416" alt="" src="http://www.familypublications.co.uk/images/English-Cardinals-RGB.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>On Sunday 9th March, Fr Nicholas Schofield talked to Forum Christi on The English Cardinals (which is also the title of a book he has recently co-written with Fr Gerard Skinner). The talk was a look at some of the 50 English cardinals that there have been over the years, and included some well- known names, for example Cardinal Wolsey and Cardinal Newman, as well as lesser known figures. Fr Nicholas began by explaining that there are three types of Cardinal - Cardinal Bishops, for example Cardinal Arinze; Cardinal Priests, who lead the churches in their country, for example our own Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor; and Cardinal Deacons, who are theologians working for the Vatican, for example Cardinal Avery Dulles. (All three names mentioned above came and preached/spoke in Oxford University Catholic Chaplaincy during my time there. CV) Fr Nicholas began by talking about the Mediaeval English cardinals. The first one, although largely forgotten, was Robert Pullen. The second was Nicholas Breakspear, who is better known as Pope Adrian IV, the only English Pope (so far). Cardinal Wolsey is more widely known than any of these, although the popular view, as exemplified by his portrayal in "A Man for all Seasons", was described by Fr Nicholas as "perhaps a little unfair". Fr Nicholas described the Cardinal Duke of York, Henry Stuart as his "favourite cardinal". Cardinal Stuart lived like a king, and is even claimed by some to have been King Henry IX of England, Scotland and Wales.The talk then moved on to the Reformation cardinals, of whom the most well-known is probably the only English Cardinal to be martyred - St John Fisher. He (unlike Wolsey) refused to sanction King Henry VIII's divorce. Other cardinals mentioned in this section included Reginald Pole - the last Catholic Archbishop of Canterbury, and a relative of Henry VIII; and William Allen, who founded an English college in Douai to train seminarians. His legacy lives on today in the seminaries of Allen Hall in London and Ushaw in Durham.Since the Catholic hierarchy was restored and new dioceses established, the Archbishop of Westminster has been the head of the Catholic church in England, and every Archbishop of Westminster has been made a cardinal. The first of these was Cardinal Wiseman, and the latest is Cardinal Murphy O'Connor. In modern times there have been other English cardinals, for example Cardinal Newman. Most of the recent cardinals are buried in the crypt of Westminster Cathedral, with their red hats hanging above them. Apparantly tradition has it that when the hat falls, it signifies the cardinal's soul being released from purgatory. All the hats are so far still hanging.</div></div>Holy Ghost Parishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010361043560716207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36883367.post-26209503262154021462008-03-15T14:30:00.002+00:002008-03-15T14:35:26.851+00:00Our Lady of Fatima<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/R9vei6-zfII/AAAAAAAAAHc/-iSZPVv9trA/s1600-h/keep+the+faith.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177976888122113154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/R9vei6-zfII/AAAAAAAAAHc/-iSZPVv9trA/s400/keep+the+faith.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/R9veCq-zfHI/AAAAAAAAAHU/-98yrWoUfYQ/s1600-h/DSCN1207.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177976334071331954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_Lc89YCdju_Q/R9veCq-zfHI/AAAAAAAAAHU/-98yrWoUfYQ/s400/DSCN1207.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Over the last two weeks the Heralds of the Gospel have visited the parish to talk to some of our groups of young people. They brought with them a statue of Our Lady of Fatima, which had been crowned by the Pope. Br Aldo Leone explained what happened at Fatima, and encouraged the youngsters to pray to Mary to intercede for them. The rosary was prayed. The sessions ended with games for the younger groups, and a meal for the older ones.</div></div>Holy Ghost Parishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010361043560716207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36883367.post-57099958866111278742008-03-03T11:01:00.001+00:002008-03-03T11:09:13.047+00:00An Introduction to St Thomas Aquinas<a href="http://www.saintaquinas.com/thomasparch.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.saintaquinas.com/thomasparch.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>On Sunday 3rd March, Fr Bruno Witchells spoke to Forum Christi on "An Introduction to St Thomas Aquinas". He gave us a brief summary of St Thomas's life, from his birth in 1224, through being educated by Benedictines, and later Dominicans (whom he joined, although with initial disapproval from his family), to his death aged 49 in 1274, and his later canonisation in 1323, and instituition as a Doctor of the Church. Fr Bruno explained that the part of St Thomas's life that made him a saint was his thought, which shows us something of the mind of Christ. He then took us through a number of parallels between St Thomas and Pope Benedict XVI. He recommended reading GK Chesterton's "The Dumb Ox" as a good introduction to St Thomas, and "Salt of the Earth" (Paul Seeward and Joseph Ratzinger) as an introduction to the theology of Joseph Ratzinger/Pope Benedict XVI.</div>Holy Ghost Parishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010361043560716207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36883367.post-66835639932470936662008-02-25T13:00:00.000+00:002008-02-25T13:02:12.949+00:00Virtue and ViceOn Sunday 3rd February Fr Marcus spoke to Forum Christi on the topic of 'The Seven Deadly Vices and their Antidotes'. He began with a descripton of the four cardinal virtues (fortitude, temperance, prudence and justice) and the three theological virtues (faith, hope and charity). The talk then moved on to the vices (pride, envy, anger, sloth, avarice, gluttony and lust), which were illustrated by both a picture by Hieronymous Bosch, and a box of chocolates. There was also audience participation, as we were asked to contribute examples of each of the vices in today's world. Fr Marcus left us with the comforting thought that even the saints struggled to achieve all the virtues in this world. After all, if you thought that you'd got there, that would be the vice of pride!Holy Ghost Parishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010361043560716207noreply@blogger.com0