The Church in Our Times

“…“How am I committed to using these gifts God has given me, not just for my good but for the common good of the body of Christ? Apart from just going to Mass on Sundays for a few hours, do I also dedicate some time each day of the week to do God’s work as an important part of the body of Christ? How do I use the time, talent, and treasure that God has blessed me with? Do you know that making time every day to pray for people in the hospital — people in great need — can be a great commitment on your part as a Christian? Are we just comfortable existing as Christians without any commitment?...God has blessed you with many things, and He doesn’t want you to leave this world without making any impact. The earth should feel your impact, not just your existence. There is a purpose for which you were brought into this world….Don’t just exist, my dear friend; you must begin Living….”

Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 3 September 2023.  See the full article at

https://www.rcdea.org.uk/have-a-more-abundant-life-with-a-living-faith/

“…Fr Alvan Ibeh in his latest Voice of Hope series…

“Working as a priest in the parish and as a hospital chaplain, I have often been asked this common question: ‘If there is God, why is He not seeing all these sufferings, pains, and atrocities going on in the world?’. I have always answered that we live in an imperfect world, and what happens to one happens to the other….

“His plans for us are perfect, and that is why He has not given up on us despite our sinful and rebellious ways….

“Though we disobey God and thereby separate ourselves from Him, He still waits for our return. He still hears our cries for help.

“When we have done our part, we then leave the rest for God who is ever faithful to His words….”

Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 2 Oct 2023.  See the full article at https://www.rcdea.org.uk/does-god-hear-me-when-i-cry-asks-fr-alvan/

Bishop Marcus Stock … Chairman of the Catholic Education Service, said he was ‘pleased to support the new campaign launched by Catholic Union to lift the 50 percent admissions cap on new free schools with a religious designation.’

"… the cap has made it impossible for Catholic Bishops to sanction new Catholic free schools as it would lead to pupils being turned away on the basis of their Catholic faith….” 

Diocese of East Anglia, Joshua Clovis, 16 August 2023. See the full article at

https://www.rcdea.org.uk/bishop-peter-collins-backs-campaign-to-scrap-the-cap/ 

"’Without the Holy Spirit, all zeal is vain and falsely apostolic. It would only be our own, and would not bear fruit,’ Pope Francis said….’pastoral creativity, being bold in the Spirit, ardent in His missionary fire, is the proof of fidelity to Him,’ the Pope said…. The Holy Spirit ‘enlivens and rejuvenates the Church,’ he said.… ‘because He, who is harmony, always keeps creativity and simplicity together, inspires communion and sends out in mission, opens to diversity and leads back to unity.’…"

ICN, Source: Vatican News, 6 Dec 2023. Full article https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/48653

“In a short message to support Inter Faith Week, the Lead Bishop for Interreligious Dialogue, Bishop McKinney, stressed that we should promote the work that believers do collectively for the betterment of society: ‘At this moment in time, it is particularly important that people of faith join together in a spirit of friendship and respect.’…”

The Catholic Church, Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, 14 Nov 2023. Full article at https://www.cbcew.org.uk/bishop-supports-inter-faith-week/

“Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) extends its appreciation for the government's commitment to addressing key social issues outlined in the King's Speech on 7 November 2023. The emphasis on strengthening the social fabric, supporting families, and nurturing communities across the country is welcomed’… Furthermore, we welcome the government's commitment to addressing issues such as criminal justice reform and access to affordable housing….”

Independent Catholic News, Daisy Vanderputt, Source CSAN, 16 Nov 2023. Full article at https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/48498

“Faith in the Home: living our Catholic faith each day

“In our society, it seems there is no real Advent; there is only Christmas, which starts around the end of November and ends shortly after Christmas Day! For the Church, however, Advent comes first and is distinct from Christmas. Marriage & Family Life Co-ordinator, Antonia Braithwaite, explains more in a regular new column….

“[D]uring Advent … [w]e prepare our hearts and souls to be a more fitting home for our Lord, so that He can be born in a heart full of love for Him on Christmas Day. Going to confession during Advent is a supreme way of cleaning out our ‘interior house’ and starting afresh. Prayer, too, is the rope that binds us to Our Lord….”

Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 30 Nov 2023.  See the full article at https://www.rcdea.org.uk/making-the-most-of-the-advent-season/

A special event for young people (Year 7 upwards), catechists and youth leaders to be empowered to Rise Up and celebrate World Youth Sunday in their own parishes, later in the November. Amongst other activities, there will be live music, inspiring talks and good food! 

Held at St. John’s Cathedral, Norwich, 1-8pm, 11 Nov. Organized by the Diocesan Youth Service. See www.rcdea.org.uk/youth for more details.

“Caritas East Anglia will stage its first-ever Caritas Festival in Cambridge on November 4 at St Laurence’s Church…. The founder of Christian homelessness charity Emmaus UK … is the keynote speaker at 11.15am…Emmaus UK…provides home, companionship and meaningful work for over 1000 formerly homeless people in 30 Emmaus communities and three local charities are working towards setting up a residential community and social enterprise. …goal is to see an Emmaus community in every UK town and city, giving homeless people the self-respect they desire…

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“All are welcome to the Caritas Festival; drop in when you’re free or stay for longer. Mass is at 9.30am and there will be a closing liturgy at 2pm. Tea and coffee will be available all day. Venue: St Laurence’s Church 91 Milton Road, CB4 1XB

Further information about Emmaus in Cambridge is available on their website

For more information about Caritas in East Anglia see the Diocesan website.” 

Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 8 September 2023. See the full article at

https://www.rcdea.org.uk/emmaus-founder-to-speak-at-caritas-in-cambridge/  

“…The launch is during the first week of the Season of Creation when Christian communities around the world focus on valuing and protecting God's creation. And a core aspect of Columban mission is justice, peace and ecology….

“Pope Francis has told us that "because of us, thousands of species will no longer give glory to God ... We have no such right" (Laudato Si' #33).…

Website: www.columbancompetition.com/ 

Independent Catholic News, Source: Columban Missionaries, 7 Sep 2023. See full article at https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/47959  

“In his address to pilgrims …, Pope Francis thanked mothers and grandmothers who hand on the faith to children, saying the faith is passed on in one's mother tongue.

“The Holy Father gave the example of Our Lady of Guadalupe to stress the importance of transmitting the faith in one's native language, as he continued his series of catechesis on ‘the passion for evangelization.’…" 

Independent Catholic News,   Source: Vatican News, 24 August 2023. See full article at https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/47859

“A series of Caritas festivals across the Diocese of East Anglia, starting this November, has been announced by Bishop Peter Collins as a celebration of love and concern for our neighbour in action….

“’… In every deanery in the diocese over the next two years I have asked that we celebrate the ways through which the Catholic community puts faith into action via Caritas and other outreach organisations (e.g., Foodbanks). I hope that at each of these Caritas Festivals we will all be encouraged to participate….’” 

Diocese of East Anglia, Joshua Clovis, 3 August 2023. See the full article at

https://www.rcdea.org.uk/bishop-announces-east-anglian-caritas-festivals/ 

“In a letter sent yesterday to migrants gathered in Lajas Blancas, Panama, Pope Francis spoke about his own family, who emigrated from Italy to Argentina in the 1920s. Migrants are ‘the face of Christ’, whom the Church lovingly offers ‘relief and hope,’ the Pope wrote. He spoke of wanting to accompany them personally, and expressed his understanding for their situation. ‘I too am a child of migrants,’ he said, ‘who set out in search of a better future.’…”

Independent Catholic News, 22 Mar 24. Full article: https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/49399

“Are you interested only in the power of the resurrection or are you also happy to know the fellowship of Jesus suffering, asks Fr Alvan Ibeh in the latest of the Voice of Hope series…. We are all Easter people, for without the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead, we would have been lost forever.…”

Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 19 Mar 2024. Full article at: https://www.rcdea.org.uk/easter-people-know-the-power-of-the-resurrection/

“… Bishop Collins delivered a reflective message on the onset of Holy Week.…  Bishop Peter drew attention to various global crises: ‘A family is coming to terms with two of its members suffering from cancer… 130 odd people have died as a result of attending a concert in Moscow… Russia itself, of course, is showing its aggression towards its neighbour… we are all most conscious of what has, and is, unfolding in Gaza.’… In concluding his homily, Bishop Peter said: ‘But in this week, we must choose our stance. We must choose where we will stand. …There is nowhere else to go other than to Christ if we are at all to comprehend what unfolds. This is the week of choice and decision.’”

Diocese of East Anglia, Joshua Clovis, 28 Mar 2024. Full article at:  https://www.rcdea.org.uk/bishop-leads-palm-sunday-reflects-on-global-crises/

Escorted Tour.  Visit includes Knock, Galway City, Kylemore Abbey, Croagh Patrick & Ashford Castle. For details, see the flyer in the Special Notices section of the Parish Newsletter page on our website or contact Patricia or Natali on 01268 762 278 or 07740 175557 or email knockpilgrimages@gmail.com .

“We are blessed in our diocesan family with three seminarians, a student for the priesthood residing in South Africa, and a possible candidate for entry to formation in September of this year. There is also an encouraging number of other men discerning a potential vocation to the priesthood, so it is all the more vital for the future of the diocese to enable adequate financial support for the training of priests.

“The cost of training our diocesan students for the current year will amount to £92,418. I urge you to be as generous as possible in supporting the annual second collection, which last year raised approximately £20,000.” ( Donations can also be made through the diocesan website: www.rcdea.org.uk/vocations ) 

See also in the Special Notice section of the Newsletter page on this website the Prayer for Vocations and announcement of a special Day of Recollection, Saturday, 11 May, 2024, 10:30-14:30 at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Thetford for Mass, Lunch, a Talk and Adoration. 

If interested in this Day of Recollection, please email Fr Pat Clary at vocations@rcdea.org.uk

“…If you are aged 18-30, leaving school or university this summer, between jobs, or just want to do something different, then … Why not join the Ingite Team?...

“For more information and to apply please see www.rcdea.org.uk/youth ...”

Diocese of East Anglia, Ignite, 7 Apr 2024. Full article at  https://www.rcdea.org.uk/apply-to-join-the-ignite-team/

Having a big sale, on-site celebrity, or other event? Be sure to announce it so everybody knows and gets excited ab“With a background of an increasingly secular society, why do some adults still decide to join the Catholic Church? A new report by the Diocese of East Anglia Commission for the New Evangelisation throws some light on the matter. Lead researcher, Philip Kemp, reports….

“Participants’ gravitation towards the Catholic Church followed an incremental process whereby serial illuminations provided heightened appreciation of Catholic beliefs and practices. This often involved de-mystification of pre-existing prejudices or misunderstandings.

“The discovery of reverence in Catholic practices was a central illuminating experience which had a profound impact, including among those who had previously been committed Christians from a non-Catholic denomination….”

Diocese of East Anglia,  Keith Morris, 3 Apr 2024. Full article at https://www.rcdea.org.uk/why-do-adults-decide-to-join-the-catholic-church/

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Philip Kemp, our Parish Treasurer, recently undertook the research project entitled: "Why Adults Become Catholics" reported on above. It has now been published and can be accessed on the Diocesan website: https://www.rcdea.org.uk/why-adults-become-catholics-report/ .out it.

“…The Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales welcomes the declaration on human dignity, Dignitas infinita, published by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith earlier this week. In our troubled times, it is important for Christians to proclaim the inherent and unconditional dignity of all human beings, without exception, as being the basis for authentic human rights….There are many areas where human dignity is misunderstood and human rights are under attack….

“As the document explains, by proclaiming that the Kingdom of God belongs to the poor, the humble, the despised, and those who suffer in body and spirit, Jesus recognised the dignity of every person, especially those who were considered ‘unworthy’. (Dignitas infinita, 19) In our parish, civic and political life, we must, therefore, never forget the human dignity and human rights of the poor, prisoners, the sick, and those living with disabilities….”

The Catholic Church, Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, 10 Apr 2024. Full article at: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/bishops-conference-welcomes-vatican-declaration-on-human-dignity/

“…The Dominican Sisters of the Convent of St Catherine of Siena are delighted to offer hospitality for private retreats and quiet breaks in their poustinia, a small (1 person) hermitage at 153-155 Huntingdon Road, Cambridge, CB3 0DH.  The poustinia is fully self-contained and en-suite, with a comfortable sofa-bed (towels and bed-linen are provided).  Previous guests have remarked on how tranquil it is….”

Diocese of East Anglia,  Keith Morris, 5 Apr 2024. Full article at  https://www.rcdea.org.uk/marriage-celebration-new-mums-group-and-solo-retreat/

“The Diocese of East Anglia held its third Commissioning Mass for the Listening and Prayer Ministry in February, during which Bishop Peter Collins commissioned another seven Helpers to join the current team, bringing the number up to 15 Helpers. Antonia Braithwaite reports….

“This ministry was launched in our Diocese in summer 2022 and since then it has been busy meeting with people in need throughout East Anglia. The aim of the sessions are to both help people in need to feel a sense of being healed and strengthen by the prayer ministry and led closer to Christ….

“If you would like to contact the Listening and Prayer Ministry please go to:

www.rcdea.org.uk/diocesan-listening-and-prayer-ministry/

“For more information contact the Marriage and Family Life Coordinator, Dr Antonia Braithwaite mflcoordinator@rcdea.org.uk .”

Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 2 Apr 2024. Full article at: https://www.rcdea.org.uk/east-anglia-listening-and-prayer-ministry-grows/

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Do you need to talk to someone in a prayerful Catholic environment?

Whatever you are going through right now it can help to talk; it can ease the burden and help you to see the way through.

We offer a free Ministry of listening and prayer for parishioners in need.

Trained volunteers will meet with you to explore any life difficulties you are going through, to listen, to pray and to offer advice and guidance. Sessions can take place on Zoom or face-to-face.

For more information and to request sessions, please go to our webpage: https://www.rcdea.org.uk/listening-and-prayer/

“…The development of systems of artificial intelligence, to which I devoted my recent Message for the World Day of Peace, is radically affecting the world of information and communication, and through it, certain foundations of life in society. These changes affect everyone, not merely professionals in those fields….

“At this time in history, which risks becoming rich in technology and poor in humanity, our reflections must begin with the human heart.[2] Only by adopting a spiritual way of viewing reality, only by recovering a wisdom of the heart, can we confront and interpret the newness of our time and rediscover the path to a fully human communication….”

The Catholic Church, Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, 24 Jan 2024. For the full message, see https://www.cbcew.org.uk/wcd24-papal-message/

Please join the Community of Our Lady of Walsingham's Convent in Dereham on 27th May at House of the Divine Will, Neatherd Moor (NR20 4AQ for Sat Navs) between midday and 5pm for their annual open garden and house event! Teas, coffees, cream teas and a variety of homemade cakes will be on offer for a suggested donation of £5.00. Please also feel free to bring a picnic lunch.  Games for children (and the young at heart!) provided along with limited indoor seating. 

All ages welcome! Please note that, unfortunately, we do not have disabled access at this time and the ground is uneven in places. 

Email office@walsinghamcommunity.org or call the sisters on 01362 692574 for further information. They look forward to welcoming you!  

See also the poster in the Special Notice section of the Newsletter page on our website.

“The Diocese of East Anglia is currently looking for a volunteer to play a key role in caring for the historic churches in its care across East Anglia….

“The role is a voluntary one, and involves a commitment of approximately 20 days a year….[contact] Moira Goldstaub – moiragoldstaub@goldstaub.co.uk .  The job description and more details can be found here. [https://www.rcdea.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Job-Description-HCC-Secretary-RCDEA.pdf ]”

Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 16 Jan 2024. Full article at: https://www.rcdea.org.uk/opportunity-to-play-key-historic-churches-role/

“…During Lent, the Archdiocese of Southwark is releasing a prayer video a day across social media promoting much loved prayers within the Catholic Church as part of its campaign to encourage people to ‘Give Prayer a Go’…. The Give Prayer a Go campaign is available here: www.rcsouthwark.co.uk/faith/giveprayerago/. This includes a link to all the videos released so far on YouTube.”

Independent Catholic News, Source: Archdiocese of Southwark, 21 Feb 2024. Full article at: https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/49178

“Lent is a period of penitence during which we are invited to bring ourselves back onto the right path in all areas of our lives and to convert our hearts and minds to God, explains Marriage & Family Life Co-ordinator, Antonia Braithwaite, in her Faith in the Home: living our Catholic faith each day, column….”

Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 12 Feb 2024. Full article at: https://www.rcdea.org.uk/lent-is-a-time-to-bring-ourselves-back-onto-the-right-path/

“In a series about the Religious Congregations living and working in the Diocese of East Anglia, Fr Karol Porczak MS, … introduces two more communities – the Daughters of Divine Charity and the Society of Christ for Polish Migrants….”

Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 11 Mar 2024. Full article at: https://www.rcdea.org.uk/series-looks-at-east-anglia-religious-communities/

“’I was recently appointed … to become a member of the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission (IARCCUM)…. The Catholic and Anglican bishops were paired from each nation, I being united with Bishop Stephen Race of Beverely who was representing the Church of England…. The experience was intense, enlightening and fruitful. Each pairing was charged with sharing their national experience of ecumenical dialogue and cooperation. This sharing proved to be a most powerful experience…. Whatever divides the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion remains less than what unites us. The clear guiding principle of the conference and the guiding principle for all shared action is that we should undertake whatever we can together, except where there is a clear point of division that would preclude such an approach…. I ask you all to pray for … the enhancement of cooperation between the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion – internationally, nationally and locally.’”

Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 15 Feb 2024. Full article at: https://www.rcdea.org.uk/bishop-peter-reflects-on-summit-in-rome-and-canterbury/

“Over 40 Anglican and Catholic bishops convened in Norwich this week (January 30 and 31) in a joint meeting for services and group discussions about the ways in which the two denominations can work together more closely, as well as understanding each other better….”

Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 2 Feb 2024. Full article at: https://www.rcdea.org.uk/42-catholic-and-anglican-bishops-meet-in-norwich/  

“…has been explored and volunteers to help tackle the problem are now being sought, ... The new group is looking for young & older volunteers. Please contact john_simong@hotmail.com …”

Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 2 Feb 2024. Full article at: https://www.rcdea.org.uk/new-initiative-to-tackle-modern-slavery-in-east-anglia/

“Christians have always looked to Isaiah for a deeper understanding of the person and mission of Jesus. Since the early days of the Church, Isaiah has been called the fifth Gospel. In the fourth century, St Jerome described Isaiah as an evangelist.…the ‘Gospel according to Isaiah’ speaks of Christ’s miraculous birth, his suffering on our behalf, and his key role in God’s eventual restoration of a fallen world….neither Isaiah nor the New Testament writers reduced their messianic vision to ‘me and my God’. They had the bigger picture in mind: God’s glory and the redemption of the world.”

The Bible Society, Michael Pfundner, 22 Nov 2023.  Full article at https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/explore-the-bible/bible-articles/the-gospel-according-to-isaiah/

“…it is always a blessing to be able to bring joy and happiness to others.

“This should not just be to those known to us, but also to those we do not know. Kindness to those unknown to us can often open an unexpected door of blessings….

“If you are a joyful person, everyone around you will be infected but if you are always miserable, you can imagine the type of negative energy you will be spreading around…. ‘it is far better to be joyful than to be miserable’…”

Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 3 Feb 2024. Full article at: https://www.rcdea.org.uk/make-up-your-mind-to-spread-joy-this-year-says-fr-alvan/  

“Priests and deacons working in the Diocese of East Anglia are attending Safeguarding training events this February…. ‘topics include the principles of Safer Recruitment and how to run activities with children and adults at risk of abuse.…’…”

Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 14 Feb 2024. Full article at: https://www.rcdea.org.uk/east-anglia-clergy-learn-about-keeping-parishes-safe/

“…[Jan. 25] Pope Francis and the Archbishop of Canterbury … commissioned pairs of Anglican and Roman Catholic bishops from across the world at Vespers (Evening Prayer) at the Basilica of St Paul’s Outside the Walls in Rome. Marking the end of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, the ecumenical congregation drawn from various Christian traditions, prayed for the unity of the Church….”

Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 26 Jan 2024. Full article at: https://www.rcdea.org.uk/bishop-peter-commissioned-by-pope-and-archbishop/

“World Mission Sunday takes place on 22 October 2023. This global celebration of our Church and mission is coordinated by Missio, the Pope's official charity for world mission, and every Catholic community throughout the world is encouraged to take part. For 2023, Pope Francis has chosen the theme 'Hearts on fire, feet on the move'- cf. Luke 24:13-35….

"We all have a part to play in igniting God's love. This World Mission Sunday join us so that together we can set hearts ablaze with Christ's love through missionaries, like Sr Mary [in Kibera, “the biggest slum in Kenya”], and the inspiring people they walk alongside.”

Independent Catholic News, 19 Oct 2023. Full article at https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/48277