De Omnibus Dubitandum Est.

This is one of the cries that are most commonly heard about Holy Communion for those who are divorced and remarried. I have heard it many times myself. The idea is born of a misunderstanding regarding the way in which the Church teaches that Holy Communion is medicine for the sick. A false mercy. And a theology of the Eucharist which is relativistic and causing huge problems for the praxis and understanding of many lay people today. As we run up to the synod, and considering many may have built up their hopes for a doctrinal change, perhaps it would be useful to reaffirm some basic points. I have heard the argument that the Eucharist is the most important thing someone's my life, the thing that keeps them a Catholic, but Christ came to the imperfect, not the perfect. One could argue that He didn't say at the last supper "do this in memory of me but only if you have been good, only if you went to confession today, only if you are perfect." He didn't put a con...

To be honest, not much I read on the internet really moves me any more. But this really did . Father James is a friend and priest of my diocese who has been Ordained five years this year. He has just started blogging, and his prose is rich in imagery and content. He has that wonderful knack of setting his subject matter in a temporal context which adds texture as you follow him in, and out of the frame, reflecting with him. Please add his blog to your roll and visit his page regularly!

Last night, Thursday 23rd January 2014, was Southend on Sea Catenian Association's annual clergy night. The  Catenians is an international association of Catholic laymen which aims to foster brotherly love among members, develop social bonds among members and their families, advance the interests of the members and their dependents, assist young Catholics in their choice or pursuit of a career and to establish, maintain and administer benevolent funds. Find out more here . We were honoured to be joined by some eminent local clergy: Fr. Joseph Whisstock of St. Helen's , Westcliff-on-Sea, Fr. Jeff Woolnough of St. Peter's, Eastwood , Fr. Basil Pearson of Our Lady of Lourdes , Leigh-on-Sea, Fr. Gerry Drummond of St. Teresa's , Rochford, Fr. John Corbyn of Our Lady of Good Council , Wickford, and Fr. James Mackay from Our Lady of Canvey , Canvey Island. Our illustrious and benevolent leader, EL PRESIDENTE PAUL F. ABBOTT, has, in his capacity as the circle's offi...