You may find these Links helpful. They connect with today's Mass and our appeal next week.
Diocesan Vocations Website
Diocesan Priesthood in England and Wales
Kiltegan Fathers
25 April 2010
Links
You may find these Links helpful. They connect with today's Mass and our appeal next week.
Diocesan Vocations Website
Diocesan Priesthood in England and Wales
Kiltegan Fathers
23 April 2010
Bishop Malcolm on BBC 'Hardtalk'
Click here to see a recent BBC TV programme where Bishop Malcolm was interviewed about the issue of abuse in the Church. I am not sure how long the link will work as the BBC usually only keep programmes on iPlayer for a short time, and, at the time of posting it was after the expiry date, though still working!
Newsletter for 25/26 April and 1/2 May - Easter 4 & Easter 5
Click here to read the bumper double issue of the newsletter!
22 April 2010
Statement by the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales
The following statement was issued by our bishops today. Printed copies will be available in Church at the weekend.
Child abuse in the Catholic Church has been such a focus of public attention recently, that we, the Bishops of England and Wales, wish to address this issue directly and unambiguously.
Catholics are members of a single universal body. These terrible crimes, and the inadequate response by some church leaders, grieve us all.
Our first thoughts are for all who have suffered from the horror of these crimes, which inflict such severe and lasting wounds. They are uppermost in our prayer. The distress we feel at what has happened is nothing in comparison with the suffering of those who have been abused.
The criminal offences committed by some priests and religious are a profound scandal. They bring deep shame to the whole church. But shame is not enough. The abuse of children is a grievous sin against God. Therefore we focus not on shame but on our sorrow for these sins. They are the personal sins of only a very few. But we are bound together in the Body of Christ and, therefore, their sins touch us all.
We express our heartfelt apology and deep sorrow to those who have suffered abuse, those who have felt ignored, disbelieved or betrayed. We ask their pardon, and the pardon of God for these terrible deeds done in our midst. There can be no excuses.
Furthermore, we recognise the failings of some Bishops and Religious leaders in handling these matters. These, too, are aspects of this tragedy which we deeply regret and for which we apologise. The procedures now in place in our countries highlight what should have been done straightaway in the past. Full co-operation with statutory bodies is essential.
Now, we believe, is a time for deep prayer of reparation and atonement. We invite Catholics in England and Wales to make the four Fridays in May 2010 special days of prayer. Even when we are lost for words, we can place ourselves in silent prayer. We invite Catholics on these days to come before the Blessed Sacrament in our parishes to pray to God for healing, forgiveness and a renewed dedication. We pray for all who have suffered abuse; for those who mishandled these matters and added to the suffering of those affected. From this prayer we do not exclude those who have committed these sins of abuse. They have a journey of repentance and atonement to make.
We pray also for Pope Benedict, whose wise and courageous leadership is so important for the Church at this time.
In our dioceses we will continue to make every effort, working with our safeguarding commissions, to identify any further steps we can take, especially concerning the care of those who have suffered abuse, including anyone yet to come forward with their account of their painful and wounded past. We are committed to continuing the work of safeguarding, and are determined to maintain openness and transparency, in close co-operation with the statutory authorities in our countries. We thank the thousands who give generously of their time and effort to the Church’s safeguarding work in our parishes and dioceses.
We commit ourselves afresh to the service of children, young people and the vulnerable in our communities. We have faith and hope in the future. The Catholic Church abounds in people, both laity, religious and clergy, of great dedication, energy and generosity who serve in parishes, schools, youth ventures and the care of elderly people. We also thank them. The Holy Spirit guides us to sorrow and repentance, to a firm determination to better ways, and to a renewal of love and generosity towards all in need.
22 APRIL 2010
Child abuse in the Catholic Church has been such a focus of public attention recently, that we, the Bishops of England and Wales, wish to address this issue directly and unambiguously.
Catholics are members of a single universal body. These terrible crimes, and the inadequate response by some church leaders, grieve us all.
Our first thoughts are for all who have suffered from the horror of these crimes, which inflict such severe and lasting wounds. They are uppermost in our prayer. The distress we feel at what has happened is nothing in comparison with the suffering of those who have been abused.
The criminal offences committed by some priests and religious are a profound scandal. They bring deep shame to the whole church. But shame is not enough. The abuse of children is a grievous sin against God. Therefore we focus not on shame but on our sorrow for these sins. They are the personal sins of only a very few. But we are bound together in the Body of Christ and, therefore, their sins touch us all.
We express our heartfelt apology and deep sorrow to those who have suffered abuse, those who have felt ignored, disbelieved or betrayed. We ask their pardon, and the pardon of God for these terrible deeds done in our midst. There can be no excuses.
Furthermore, we recognise the failings of some Bishops and Religious leaders in handling these matters. These, too, are aspects of this tragedy which we deeply regret and for which we apologise. The procedures now in place in our countries highlight what should have been done straightaway in the past. Full co-operation with statutory bodies is essential.
Now, we believe, is a time for deep prayer of reparation and atonement. We invite Catholics in England and Wales to make the four Fridays in May 2010 special days of prayer. Even when we are lost for words, we can place ourselves in silent prayer. We invite Catholics on these days to come before the Blessed Sacrament in our parishes to pray to God for healing, forgiveness and a renewed dedication. We pray for all who have suffered abuse; for those who mishandled these matters and added to the suffering of those affected. From this prayer we do not exclude those who have committed these sins of abuse. They have a journey of repentance and atonement to make.
We pray also for Pope Benedict, whose wise and courageous leadership is so important for the Church at this time.
In our dioceses we will continue to make every effort, working with our safeguarding commissions, to identify any further steps we can take, especially concerning the care of those who have suffered abuse, including anyone yet to come forward with their account of their painful and wounded past. We are committed to continuing the work of safeguarding, and are determined to maintain openness and transparency, in close co-operation with the statutory authorities in our countries. We thank the thousands who give generously of their time and effort to the Church’s safeguarding work in our parishes and dioceses.
We commit ourselves afresh to the service of children, young people and the vulnerable in our communities. We have faith and hope in the future. The Catholic Church abounds in people, both laity, religious and clergy, of great dedication, energy and generosity who serve in parishes, schools, youth ventures and the care of elderly people. We also thank them. The Holy Spirit guides us to sorrow and repentance, to a firm determination to better ways, and to a renewal of love and generosity towards all in need.
22 APRIL 2010
19 April 2010
Happy Anniversary, Holy Father
Today is the fifth Anniversary of the Election of Pope Benedict XVI. Let us pray that the successor of Peter may indeed be a rock in stormy times for the Church, that he may strengthen his brothers and sisters, and feed the flock of the Lord whom he loves.
16 April 2010
Use your Vote to make Poverty an Election Issue
CAFOD has made it easy for us to contact our candidates on issues of climate change and justice for the poor. If you click here it will take you to a page where you can enter your postcode, and bring up a suitable email on these subjects to send to our candidates. You can either edit the text, or send it as it is.
I am more than willing to provide links to other sites on election issues, as long as they are:
- not contrary to Catholic teaching
- not party political
15 April 2010
08 April 2010
General Election
We will all be aware that a General Election is imminent.
Here are some resources:
Choosing the Common Good - a document from our bishops
General Election Message from our Bishops - with links to other resources
On-line petition - declaring support for Christian values.
Here are some resources:
Choosing the Common Good - a document from our bishops
General Election Message from our Bishops - with links to other resources
On-line petition - declaring support for Christian values.
06 April 2010
Holy Week and Easter
Thank you to all who made our celebration of Holy Week and Easter such a wonderful experience. I hope you enjoy the side show of the growing light of the Easter Vigil below. You can see a bigger version of the slide-show by clicking on it.
03 April 2010
01 April 2010
How much do you know about Pope Benedict?
This light hearted video should help you if you enter a quiz competition taking Pope Benedict XVI as your specialist subject! You can double click on the video to see it in YouTube.
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