De Omnibus Dubitandum Est.

On Tuesday evening, I joined Fr. Jeff Woolnough and the parishioners of St. Peter's, Eastwood, on the occassion of the episcopal visitation and Confirmations. This was my first opportunity to meet Bishop Alan Williams myself. Confirmation is a great Sacrament, it constitutes the completion of the Sacraments of Initiation, and provides tenable link with our bishops, the successors of the Apostles. Just as Jesus Baptised with water and the Spirit, so we Baptise our Children, claiming them for Christ soon after birth, and then with the Holy Spirit at Confirmation, which recalls the laying on of hands and invocation of the Spirit wrought by the Apostles in Scripture. The biblical record tells us that converts to the faith were first baptised, and then the Apostles “laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit” (Acts 8:17). We define Confirmation as the sacrament of spiritual strengthening, in Latin, roboratio spiritualis . Our English word “robust” comes from the Latin robur...

In Chapter 1 , I attempted to lay a foundation of the history of the Shrine in order to show how my first visit to Walsingham was primarily a insight into the human divisions history has wrought in our supernatural revelation. All parties at Walsingham recognise these supernatural truths of Annunciation, Incarnation, Revelation, bitter death and sacrifice, then Resurrection. These truths are born out by the long history of pilgrimage, prayer and miracle which are an indelible part of the Walsingham story. Despite our common acknowledgement of these divine realities, our shared kerygma , koinonia , and even didache , Walsingham is physically, very divided. For a Catholic like me, the immediate question this experience begs in a place like Walsingham, is why? My overwhelming sense was of the Mother of God holding all her squabbling children together. Perhaps you might think I should have been concentrating on my prayers, but I could not help thinking of Matthew 5: 22-24  whi...

I have been on somewhat of an Anglican odyssey over the last few months courtesy of Fr. Jeff Woolnough, priest of the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham, and currently priest in charge at St. Peter's Church, Eastwood . I have been fortunate indeed to make a friend like Fr. Jeff, who has taken the time and care to really help me to understand about the journey of the Ordinariate.  I think many Catholics, like myself, have been really confused about what the Ordinariate is and what it is about, seeing it as another wave of converts from the Anglican communion, refugees from the onslaught of relativism and surrender to temporal considerations sweeping the communion and washing away Christian dogma. Many Cradle-Catholics undoubtedly harbour concerns that, in fact, they have different beliefs and different practises. I have even heard it said that the parish was being made "Anglican". As Cradle-Catholics we are often blinded to the struggle of other Christian groups b...

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...

Last Thursday was the 1189th Circle Meeting of the 19th Circle of Catenians ~ Southend-on-Sea, of which I am proud to be a member. We had a great night commencing with a fraternal meeting where we joined together in prayer for our brotherhood, community, and friends and family. This was followed by a lovely meal with an opportunity for great chat from gentlemen from all different walks of life, and topped off by the presence of two visiting priests. Fr. Aloysius Kpiebaya (don't ask me how to pronounce that—Fr. Alo seemed to suffice) is from Ghana. He is covering at Rayleigh Parish at the moment while Fr. Martin is on holiday. Fr. Aloysius listens to Fr. Jeff's Address, Alongside Brother David Micklewright. (Photo by Brother Paul Abbott, aka El Presidente) Introduction by Brother David Micklewright to Father Aloysius Kpiebaya Father Aloysius cares for a group of orphans food, accommodation, and education. In order to carry out this ministry, he has to rely on ...

On Monday we had wonderful celebration of our Parochial Feast. We were joined by our wonderful Ordinariate priests Fr. Jeff Woolnough, Fr. Lee Bennett, Fr. Bob White and their communications officer, Fr. James Bradley along with the Ordinary, Mgr. Keith Newton. What a pleasure it was to welcome them into our Parish. We had a beautiful Mass, and Mgr. Keith spoke brilliantly, mentioning the Pope's shock resignation, as well as preaching on the Gospel. There's a good explanation of the Ordinariate here along with an explanation of why it was created here . Fr. Kevin asked me to take some pictures of the occasion which you, beloved reader, are privileged to view before they are used anywhere else! Fr. Jeff from St. Peter's Eastwood who is a great friend and is much loved and respected. Fr. Lee from Benfleet. My two oldest sons, Michael and William. Fr. Kevin, our Parish Priest and Dean of Southend with Mgr. Keith Newton, the Ordinary. The Ordinary of t...