Thoughts on Redefining Marriage (but less on same-sex marriage)

This is an image of a beautiful couple... isn't it?! They are some of my friends from Youth 2000 UK. I've written this post as a response to something someone wrote on my fb page when I put a link up about a Bishop's response to the governments plans to enforce legislation in this country that redefines marriage, by legalising same-sex marriages. 
His words that struck me were "That's disgusting". And I thought to myself, that only about 2-3 years ago, I'd have given the same reaction. But I don't now! "Why" is that - I asked myself?! My response to my why follows:

... until I actively became interested in WHY the Church teaches what she teaches. I used to question "Why is she being so ignorant of contraception? What is the big deal about cohabitation - everyone's doing it? If two people REALLY love each other, why shouldn't they get married?".

The answer to this is very wide in spectrum, but I will just summarise only 3 points of what I discovered here...

1. Most people (even Catholics who go through a marriage prep course) DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT LOVE IS ALL ABOUT.
2. Marriage is a SACRAMENT
3. There is a CHASTE life to be lived in marriage between the couple.

Addressing point 1: Most people do not understand what love is all about

Love is not just some fuzzy feeling. Or words that you promise to someone. Love isn't self-seeking (but many of us seek pleasure for 'myself' in sexually active relationships). Love is a mutual self-giving... not just of your whole soul... but your whole body as well. Part of your body is the gift of your fertility. Love and Marriage are a) FREE = given without force. b) TOTAL = there is nothing of yourself that you hold back from the other (that is soul and body). c) FAITHFUL = a trusting exclusive committed relationship which INCLUDES God that is binding through the vows until death. d) FRUITFUL = all genuine love bears fruit. Another word for love is charity. Just as when you show charity (or love) to someone in need - their joy is a fruit of your charity. The nuptial union (i.e. sex) was Divinely Designed to bear fruit. There are only 5 possible fertile days in a woman's cycle... and couples are invited to know more about the woman's cycles if they wish to respect God's gift of their fertility but wait for the right time to have a child. Many of my Catholic couple friends I know use the Creighton Method to manage their family sizes naturally. This is NOT the same as contracepting. So as well as intimate bonding with your spouse, expect that one of the fruits of love-making is the love of a child!
Love is also willing the supreme and ultimate good of the others' soul. So, if my friend told me he intends to steal something, then in love, it is only right for me to inform him that his choice will have very negative consequences that cause others hurt, pain, unnecessary worry etc. In the end, I say it because I only will his good, rather than his bad. Same with love between a couple. God has entrusted a man's journey to heaven into the hands of his wife, and his wife is entrusted, by God, to reach heaven through her husband.

Addressing point 2: Marriage is a Sacrament

Marriage is not just some piece of paper that you sign as a binding agreement. It is a sacrament that is otherwise called the sacrament of matrimony. Marriage was always meant to be a sacrament. In other words, marriage, as all the other sacraments of the Church, communicate the spiritual reality of grace it signifies. Do you understand much about Baptism? It is a sacrament which places an indellible mark on one's soul, claiming him/her to Christ. In Baptism, you live a life of a Christian, IN Christ. First Holy Communion... again... a sacrament. Places an indellible mark on the human soul, to consume Christ and be one IN Christ. Same thing for the sacrament of Confirmation, except you receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit so that you may live more fully IN Christ. It is to deepen your relationship with Christ. So what's my point about marriage and this sacrament business? Hopefully you see the picture here, as marriage is one of seven sacraments in the Church... marriage is a union between two people, IN Christ. That's not what you see in the movies these days, or in society in fact. The Sacrament has been taken OUT of marriage in today's culture. People have taken CHRIST out of marriage both outside and within the Church... and it is this utter lack of understanding about the sacrament of marriage that makes the government's actions extremely erroneous. Who is someone to change the definition of MARRIAGE (aka matrimony)? A civil partnership is NOT the same as a marriage. P.S Matrimony means "motherhood".

Addressing point 3: Chastity for all

All people within the family of the Church are called to live chastely - that includes married couples. For this, you'd need to understand what chastity means. Chastity is the virtue that orients sexual desire toward the supreme value of the person and the truth of self-giving love. Just as the nuptial union is Divinely Designed to bear fruit, so are our bodies Divinely Designed to "feel" both physically and emotionally. In the act of sex, both physical and emotional passions rise to an indescribable ecstacy. Many people (even within the Church) don't realise that this ecstacy is a foretaste of the continual ecstacy of heaven (which is why I don't get how someone doesn't think heaven is someOne worth gaining!) St. Teresa of Avila was a primary saint who experienced this in her prayer. Was this ecstacy oriented in the right way? Yes! Yet, she lived a chaste life. Within marriage, sex isn't something you just have when you're feeling aroused - although your body is giving you a big indicator that you could share it with your spouse. But what happens if spouse is at that time of the month? For her own good, hubby needs to make the ultimate sacrifice... and put it away! Also, if you wish to manage numbers of children without disrespecting your fertility, then chastity is the best way of looking at doing what is best for the other. Chastity isn't about don't's and 'rules', but about freedom from lust - which very easily enslaves many of us - as lust only transforms our intention to love, into intention to self-satisfy.

Where does that leave people who have same-sex attraction and want to get married?

Just like all my single "straight" friends, my gay friends are also in need of support and genuine love from the Church. We all (and that includes myself as a single person) need to build friendships and relationships that can help us to live chaste, and we need to be able to support each other and find avenues where we are able to express the gifts of our bodies for the good of the whole Church. At the moment, you can find lots of groups that help with people's differing needs, but very few can be found to support the need for love of our gay brothers and sisters. How do we go about helping them to feel loved by God? How do we help and support dating couples remain within the chaste love of God and His commandments during their dating time together? How do we help ourselves and our gay friends live by the commandments and the Church's teachings? Would support groups satisfy their need? I've had conversations with some of my gay friends about this, because it is important for us to remain united for love of each other, and we really need to support one another. What's a good way forward with this here in London for gay Catholics, is now my biggest question on this topic?

If anyone has constructive comments, please feel free to share.

I'm not interested in those comments that attest to me being homophobic, because I know I'm not... so don't bother if you are thinking to comment down that route.

In abandonment to Our Lord Jesus Christ, and Our loving Mother, Mary.

Prayer for the Holy Souls on All Souls Day | Novena Day 9

This picture is directly linked to a wonderful blogpost which very briefly invites people to pray for the Holy Souls. It isn't Theological, and expresses the key reason why, in Charity, we pray for those who have departed before us. Please visit it: http://padrescottsolt.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/pray-for-holy-souls-in-purgatory.html

So on this Feast of the Commemoration of the Dead (All Souls), I invite all who read this post to pray for all those departed before us. 

Lux æterna luceat eis, Domine, cum sanctis tuis in æternum, quia pius es.
Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis, cum Sanctis tuis in æternum, quia pius es. Amen.

[And in English:
May everlasting light shine upon them, O Lord, with your Saints forever, for you are kind.
Grant them eternal rest, O Lord, and may everlasting light shine upon them, with your Saints forever, for you are merciful.
Amen]

Novena Day 9

Great are all the sufferings of the holy souls: the fire, the grief, the darkness, the uncertainty of the time of their deliverance from prison; but the greatest of all these sorrows is this, that these holy souls are separated from their divine Spouse, and deprived of His beatific vision.

Prayer: O my God! How was it ppossible that I, for so many years, have borne tranquilly the separation from Thee and Thy holy grace! O infinite Good, how long-suffering hast Thou shown Thyself to me!  Henceforth, I shall love Thee above all things. I am deeply sorry for having offended Thee. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance and do not allow that I should ever again fall into sin.
Have compassion on the holy souls in purgatory. I pray Thee, moderate their sufferings; shorten the time of their misery; call them soon unto Thee in heaven, that they may behold Thee face to face and forever love Thee.

O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession, and pray for us also who are still in danger of eternal damnation.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
O most sweet Jesus, have mercy on them!
On Thy spouses have compassion,
on these suffering children Thine;
make these holy souls partakers
of Thy happiness Divine.
Amen.

Prayer of St. Gertrude the Great, to release 1000 souls from Purgatory
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, 
in union with the masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in Purgatory, 
for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, 
those in my own home and within my family. 
Amen.
--------------------------------------------------

All 9 days of this novena found on my blogposts have been extracted from Susan Tassone's "Praying in the Presences of Our Lord for the Holy Souls" and is a novena by St. Alphonsus de Ligouri.
Susan's writing on the Holy Souls are all worth purchasing and reading, and I highly encourage you to buy her materials from any worthy supplier. The ISBN for this particular book is 978-0-87973-921-8.

Prayer for the Holy Souls | Novena Day 8

Another bitter sorrow of these souls is caused by the reflection that God had distinguished them by so many graces not granted to others, and that they compelled Him, by their sins, to condemn them to these sufferings, and that they had deserved hell, but were pardoned and saved only by the mercy of God.

Prayer: O my God! I also am one of these ungrateful beings, having received so much grace, and yet despised Thy love, and deserved to be cast by Thee into hell. Thy infinite goodness has spared me until now. Therefore, I now love Thee above all things, and I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee. I would rather die than ever again offend Thee. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me and, at the same time, on the holy souls suffering in purgatory.


O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.


Our Father...
Hail Mary...
O most sweet Jesus, have mercy on them!
On Thy spouses have compassion,
on these suffering children Thine;
make these holy souls partakers
of Thy happiness Divine.

 
This has been extracted from Susan Tassone's "Praying in the Presences of Our Lord for the Holy Souls" and is a novena by St. Alphonsus de Ligouri.
Susan's writing on the Holy Souls are all worth purchasing and reading.

"Halloween" - introducing belief in the secular world?

Image source: Michael Halcomb's
blogpost on halloween:
http://michaelhalcomb.blogspot.co.uk/2011
/10/rethinking-halloween-christian.html

Hallow

Ok. When we pray the greatest prayer that we have been taught, which is the Our Father, we pray:
"Our Father, who art in heaven, HALLOWED be thy name".

Yup. Hallowed. Sounds close enough to the word "halloween" to take this freaky celebration as linked, in some way, to Christianity.

So what's this halloween stuff all about? Like, REALLY all about? And why do I have an issue with it (enough to write a blogpost about it)?

In the YouCat, #519 teaches that to "hallow" or to "treat God's name as something holy means to place him above everything else". It then goes on to say that "to hallow God's name means to do justice to his reality, to acknowledge him, to praise him, to give him due honour, and to live according to his commandments.

Oblivious

I dunno about you, but I rarely see God's name, his army of angels and saints, or the Church that Our Lord Jesus Christ died for, acknowledged or honoured during this 'night of fright'. In fact... quite the opposite. On the streets tonight, we'll see groups of children and teenagers glorifying the devil, demons and witches in their apparel - and it's not the worst of it that they're most likely oblivious to doing this.  The worst of it, is that halloween has become such a joke, that people tend to think demons and witches, and the devil himself is a joke. I would really like for everyone to meet an exorcist, to discover how much of a joke demons ARE NOT! So I stress my point: it's probably not so much that children & teens are allowed to go around wearing devil costumes and freaking each other out with ghoulish 'tricks' or the yuckiest 'treats' that can be bought out of Poundland. The idea of dressing up, or eating sweets and chocolate, is a pretty fun thing - and it's good to encourage this in moderation. But they need to be educated on what exactly they are representing when they do this at halloween, and the reality of it.

Belief

I watched this freaky movie the other night, called The Skeleton Key with Kate Hudson - really well made movie about a young and upcoming nurse, who goes into a home to care for an elderly man. However, there has been a history of voodoo in that place, and the 'wife' of the elderly mute is a spirit who has lived hundreds of years, transferring from body to body, and this young nurse is her next victim. When this spirit has gotten into the body of the nurse, [thus getting to my point], she says this: "It gets harder every time. They just don't believe like they used to. Gotta get 'em all riled up." When you lose faith, or belief, then your vision of the bigger picture of life becomes narrower.

Consider your eyesight. You can see objects or people nearly 180 degrees around the front of your peripheral. Having faith in God is pretty similar to that, in that the spectrum of belief is wide - one tends to believe in the devil, his demons and bad angels, and voodoo, and witchcraft. Of course... these are all things of the spiritual world that very few of us are well connected to. When you don't believe, that spectrum is narrowed - your eyesight is then only what you can see right in front of you.

Mockery

One could argue that you've gotta dangle the bait in front of the preys eyes before the prey can act... is that what halloween is about then? Could the purpose of halloween be a good thing in the end? Could it help children and teens understand the reality of evil? I believe in the way we do it today, no. Like I mentioned, it's become a joke - a mockery. And mockery is neither good, true, real nor kind. And a second 'no' because if parents and teachers don't educate the kids on this stuff, then the message or the reality of evil is lost. When I look at the fake blood on people's faces, I think and reflect on the real blood of the Christ mocked after His scourging during His Passion. Not much has changed, right?

Solution

I know of an awesome Catholic family, so God-fearing, and beautiful witnesses to the faith (the father was one of my lecturers @ SPES), who actually go around with candles on trick or treat night dressed as angels, and granting the peace of Christ to anyone who opens the doors. I mean... imagine if all Christian families did that on "trick-or-treat"night. Wow... there'd be competition with it becoming a "peace night" on certain streets of the States!

As for me, I plan to give little bags of sweets out, but will include a little slip calling the child/teen to holiness, and a miraculous medal. And I'll be surprised if my front door doesn't get egged tonight!

Anyways, in ancient Catholic tradition, we celebrated the feast of All Saints (all God's holy people who have left this world) as "All Hallows" on the 1st November. That would... errr... be tomorrow. Today is thus, in ancient terms, "All Hallows Eve" which is where the term "Halloween" comes from. It is meant to be (and if you pray the Divine Office, you'll see), a great celebration of holiness. A "holyween"!

So as my conclusion, my issue with people celebrating halloween is that, like Christmas, people have COMPLETELY MISSED THE POINT!! If you don't truly believe in God and his army of HOLY angels and saints, then you don't truly believe in the devil, and his army of demons and invokers. My advice: go and read up about it, and then see what your heart is thirsty for. Please God that won't be the fake blood of vampires but the Eucharistic Blood of Christ upon the altar of the Church.

Prayer for the Holy Souls | Novena Day 7

A further great sorrow of these holy souls consists in their ardent desire for the beatific vision. Slowly and painfully the moments of their purgatorial imprisonment pass by, for they love God deeply and desire to be delivered from their sad prison in order to praise Him forever.

Prayer: O God, Father of Mercy, satisfy this ardent desire! Send them Thy holy angel to announce to them, that Thou, their Father, art now reconciled with them through the suffering and death of Jesus, and that the moment of their deliverance has arrived.


O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
O most sweet Jesus, have mercy on them!
On Thy spouses have compassion,
on these suffering children Thine;
make these holy souls partakers
of Thy happiness Divine.

This has been extracted from Susan Tassone's "Praying in the Presences of Our Lord for the Holy Souls" and is a novena by St. Alphonsus de Ligouri. 
Susan's writing on the Holy Souls are all worth purchasing and reading.

London to World Youth Day, Rio 2013! #JMJ

CLICK TO ENLARGE :)

Prayer for the Holy Souls | Novena Day 6

The holy souls are, indeed, comforted by the recollection of the passion of Jesus Christ, and the Holy Sacrament of the Altar, since they know they are saved by the passion of Jesus Christ, and have received, and still receive, so much consolation from Holy Masses and Holy Communions. Nevertheless, they are greatly pained by the recollection of their ingratitude for these two gifts of love of Jesus Christ.

Prayer: O my Divine Redeemer, Thou didst die for me on the Cross, and have so often united Thyself with me in Holy Communion, and I have repaid Thee only with ingratitude. Now, however, I love Thee above all things, O supreme God; and I am more grieved at my offenses against Thee than any other evil. I would rather die than offend you again. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and at the same time, on the holy souls in purgatory.

O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
O most sweet Jesus, have mercy on them!
On Thy spouses have compassion,
on these suffering children Thine;
make these holy souls partakers
of Thy happiness Divine.

This has been extracted from Susan Tassone's "Praying in the Presences of Our Lord for the Holy Souls" and is a novena by St. Alphonsus de Ligouri. 
Susan's writing on the Holy Souls are all worth purchasing and reading.

Prayer for the Holy Souls | Novena Day 5

Another great suffering is caused these holy souls by the ignorance of the time of their deliverance. They are certain of being one day released, yet the uncertainty of the time when their purgatorial term will have ended gives them great pain.


Prayer: Woe to me, unhappy being, if Thou, O Lord, had cast me into hell; for from that dungeon of eternal pain there is no deliverance. I love Thee above all things, O infinite God, and I am sincerely sorry for having ever offended Thee again. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and, at the same time, on the holy souls in purgatory.

O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
 
Our Father...
Hail Mary...
O most sweet Jesus, have mercy on them!
On Thy spouses have compassion,
on these suffering children Thine;
make these holy souls partakers
of Thy happiness Divine.

This has been extracted from Susan Tassone's "Praying in the Presences of Our Lord for the Holy Souls" and is a novena by St. Alphonsus de Ligouri. 
Susan's writing on the Holy Souls are all worth purchasing and reading.

Prayer for the Holy Souls | Novena Day 4

The pain that still more afflicts these holy souls, the spouses of Jesus, is the thought of having, during life, displeased by their sins that God whom they so ardently love.

Some penitents have felt so much pain and sorrow in thinking of having, by their sins, offended so good a God, that they died of grief. The souls in purgatory understand, far better than we do, the claims that God has to our love; they love Him with all their strength. Hence, at the thought of having offended Him during life, they experience pain that surpasses all other pain.

Prayer: O my God! Because Though art infinite goodness, I am sorry with my whole heart for having offended Thee. I promise to die rather than ever offend Thee more. Give me holy perseverance; have pity on me, and have pity on those holy souls that anguish in the cleansing flames of love, and who love Thee with all their hearts.


O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
Our Father...
Hail Mary...
O most sweet Jesus, have mercy on them!
On Thy spouses have compassion,
on these suffering children Thine;
make these holy souls partakers
of Thy happiness Divine.

This has been extracted from Susan Tassone's "Praying in the Presences of Our Lord for the Holy Souls" and is a novena by St. Alphonsus de Ligouri. 
Susan's writing on the Holy Souls are all worth purchasing and reading.

Prayer for the Holy Souls | Novena Day 3

Another great pain of the holy souls is caused by the hideous vision of their guilt, for which they now suffer. In this life the hideousness of sin is not seen as in the life to come; and this is one of the greatest sufferings of purgatory.

Prayer: O my God! Because Thou art infinte goodness, I love Thee above all things, and repent with my whole heart of my offenses against Thee. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and, at the same time, on the holy souls suffering in purgator.

O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.



Our Father...
Hail Mary...
On Thy spouses have compassion,
on these suffering children Thine;
make these holy souls partakers
of Thy happiness Divine.

Prayer for the Holy Souls | Novena Day 2

The second pain which causes these holy souls much suffering, is the time lost in life, when they might have gained merits for Heaven, and the thought that they are unable to repair this loss, because the time of life and merit is passed.

Prayer: Woe to me, unhappy being, so many years have I already spent on earth and have earned naught but hell! I give Thee thanks, O Lord, for granting me time even now to atone for my sins. My good God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee. Send me Thy assistance, that I may apply the time yet remaining to me for Thy love and service; have compassion on me, and at the same time, on the holy souls suffering in purgatory.



O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
O most sweet Jess, have mercy on them! 
On Thy spouses have compassion, 
on these suffering children Thine;
make these holy souls partakers
of Thy happiness Divine.

This has been extracted from Susan Tassone's "Praying in the Presences of Our Lord for the Holy Souls" and is a novena by St. Alphonsus de Ligouri. Susan's writing on the Holy Souls are all worth purchasing and reading.

Prayer for the Holy Souls | Novena Day 1

Manifold are the sufferings which those blessed souls must endure, but the greatest of all is the reflection that their sins in life are the cause of their present torment.

O Jesus, my Saviour, I have so often deserved to be cast into hell; how great were my sufferings if I were now cast away and obliged to think that I, myself, had caused my damnation! I thank Thee for the patience with which Thou has endured me. My God, I love Thee above all things and I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee because Thou art infinite goodness. I would rather die than offend The again. Grant me the graces of perseverance; have pity on me and at the same time on those blessed souls suffering in purgatory.


O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
O most sweet Jesus, have mercy on them! On Thy spouses have compassion, on these suffering children Thine; make these holy souls partakers of Thy happiness Divine.

This has been extracted from Susan Tassone's "Praying in the PResences of Our Lord for the Holy Souls" and is a novena by St. Alphonsus de Ligouri. Susan's writing on the Holy Souls are all worth purchasing and reading.

Interior Recollection - a necessary disposition for obtaining a loving devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ

So it's First Friday today, and I usually have a great devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. But today, I found myself so pre-occupied! I got too busy for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament - which is like... ritual for me on a First Friday.

And it caused me to reflect on the concept of Interior Recollection.

I have this beautiful little red book all about Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, written by Father Croiset, S.J. who was Rector of the Jesuit College at Lyons and about whom St. Margaret Mary Alacoque claimed: "By means of a book of Father Croiset, a Jesuit,devotion to the Sacred Heart shall everywhere be spread."

He neatly prepares his pupils for devotion to the Sacred Heart by describing the disposition we must be, in order to obtain this devotion. The first disposition, is a great horror of sin. The second is a lively faith. The third is a real desire to love Jesus Christ. And the Fourth, I shall share with you here: Interior Recollection. Fr. Croiset S.J says:

"The Fourth Disposition in which we ought to be if we are to taste the full sweetness of this devotion, and obtain all its fruit, is that of interior recollection. It is not in a state of disturbance that God makes His presence felt: and a mind habitually dissipated by a crowd of idle thoughts is not in a likely state to hear the voice of Him Who does not communicate Himself to the soul, nor speak to the heart, except in solitude.

This interior Recollection is the foundation of the entire spiritual edifice of souls; so much so, that without this it is impossible to rise towards perfection and attain to a closer union with God, Who dwells only in peacefulness of the spirit and in the retirement of a soul freed from the entanglement of external affairs. And it may be asserted that the commonest source of our imperfections is this want of recollectedness, and that a man little given to interior reflection is never very devout. "Whence comes it," said a holy man, "that so many pious persons, who have such good intentions, who devote themselves to good works, and who appear to be doing all that is necessary to make themselves saints, nevertheless get so little profit from their prayers, Communions, and reading, and after so many years' practice of all the exercises of the spiritual life [by this Fr. Croiset means the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises], rarely show that they have at all benefited by them? How is it that their passions are still so strong, and that their defects are just what they always used to be? The only reason is their want of interior recollection. These persons are too unreserved, too anxious to talk about themselves and their feelings. Hence, countless faults escape their notice, a thousand thoughtless speeches, spurts of ill-temper, unrestrained impulses, and acts whose motive is purely natural. All this would not befall them, did they but keep a constant watch upon the regulation of their interior conduct, with a view to uproot their passions and self-love."

This disspation of pious souls is often the result of one of the most cunning wiles of the devil, who turns to his own account their practice of good works, by obliging them to fritter their energies abroad, and for this purpose to quit the trenches, so to speak, where they were sheltered from his darts. A soul, drawn by a certain inexplicable gratification to be found in the throng of exterior actions, beguiled by the specious pretext of doing much for God, wastes her strength and insensibly loses that union with God, and that sweet sense of His presence, without which we may toil so much, but make so little way. A dissipated soul (a soul that allows itself any number of disctractions), is like a lost and wandering sheep, which soon becomes a prey to the wolf. It is not easy for us, after this vagabondage, to re-enter into ourselves, fo besides that the preference for God is a grace not always at our own disposal, the soul is no longer able to rid herself of the numberless exterior objects which absorb her attention; she has lost the taste for spiritual things by too long a sojourn, as it were, in a foreign land.

My God! What does not a soul lose by incessantly wasting herself abroad, on exterior things! what inspirations and what graces she renders unavailing, and of what favours does she not deprive herself, by a want of interior recollection! "I must," says a great servant of God, "choose one of two things: either to become an interior man, or else lead an impotent and useless life." Without this recollectedness, far from fulfilling God's designs, we shall not even know what they are; and we shall never reach the degree of holiness our state of life demands, much less attain perfection.

In fact, a man who is not of a recollected spirit, wanders hither and thither, nowhere finding repose; seeks eagerly all sorts of things, without finding satisfaction in any; whereas, were he to re-enter within himself, he would find God in the stillness; he would enjoy God, Who by His presence would replenish hiim with such abundance of good things that he would no more wander elsewhere, seeking wherewith to fill the void of his desires. This, with regard to interior persons, is what we can daily see. We imagine their fondness for retirement, their unwillngness to live outside of themselves as it were, to be the result of melancholy. It is nothing of the kind. It is because of the delight they take in their inward converse with God; and, the unspeakale sweetness with which they are filled, makes the amusements and pleasures the world has to offer appear so paltry and so wearisome, that they regard them with disgust. To those who have once tasted what God is, and what spiritual things are, everything that suggests the bondage and contagion of flesh and blood appears insipid; and it may be affirmed that none but interior persons have a true delight in God, and know by experioence what is meant by the sweetness of virtue. They possess Faith, Hope and Charity, in so sublime a manner, that nothing is able to disturb these virtues, within them. Insensibly they find themselves raised above all human creatures, and remain always in the same equal state of mind, immovable in God. From all that they see and all that they hear, they take occasion to rise towards God; and it is God alone Whom they see in His creatures, even as they, who from long gazing at the sun, seem still to see it, whatever may be the objects which afterwards meet their eyes.

And it must not be supposed that this recollectedness has the effect of making people idle. A truly interior man is active, and renders more services to the Church in a single day, than a hundred persons who are not so could render her during many years, although they possessed more natural talents than he; not only because disspation of mind is a check to the fruits of zeal, but because a man who is not at all interior, and nevertheless labours much, is, at best, a man who works for God, whereas, by means of recollection, it is God Himself Who works in the inward man: this man working only by God, and in accordance with the influence and guidance of the Holy Ghost.

Being occupied with external things is no hindrance to inward recollection, provided that these things are of obligation; and we may very well maintain recollection during action. The greatest saints, who have had the most communication with God, and who, in consequence, have been most recollected, have often been the most unsparing of their trouble in regard to outward matters. Such were the Apostles and apostolic men who have laboured for the salvation of their fellow-men; and, provided that our employments are the fittest means of promoting our constant union with God. 

But we must only, as it were, lend our mind to these outward occupations; not give them our heart. God alone must be the spring and groundwork of all our actions, and it is a sign that we are doing them for God, if we can quit them without reluctance, if we continue them without anxiety and chagrin, and if we can bear to be interrupted in them without anger or impatience. This, I repeat, is a sign that we are doing them for God, and not from motives of self-love.

But, in our actual conduct, how different are our intentions from such purity as this! If we dislike what we have to do, how many false reasons we find for dispensing ourselves from doing it; how many excuses for putting it off and then, with what apathy and indifference we accomplish it! If, on the other hand, it fits in with our liking, we feel a delight which at once produces dissipation. The mere dread of not succeeding makes us anxious and unhappy. "
Fr Croiset then goes on to describe 11 means of obtaining interior recollection.

2 great testimonies on the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul

Mates Br. John the Baptist and Trevor share their testimony and relationship with St. Peter, whose feast, along with St. Paul, it is today! These guys are real witnesses to our faith. One being religious (Franciscan Friar of the Renewal - CFR), and one being lay, we're all pretty much the same age, and all have a passion for Christ that the world could use with some of... especially here in London!

St. Peter and St. Paul founded the legacy of what is the Roman Catholic Church today. Let's look to them today and ask for their intercession that the Lord be with His Church today and always. Hear what Br. John the Baptist and Trevor have to share about them:

http://www.totus2us.eu/The_Saints/Totus2us-The_Incredibles-St_Peter_the_Apostle.mp3

Ruth Davies, is the amazing woman that runs the website Totus 2us! Aimed for young people to hear different perspectives and experiences of the faith lived out by other young Catholics, this website is worth checking out regularly because it is regularly updated with some awesome content to inspire and motivate us in this test of endurance in the faith.

I hope to one day write a blogpost especially about this website. Ruth is always so busy trying to interview others, I think it would make a nice change to interview her about all her work one day soon!

LONG LIVE THE BRIDE OF CHRIST... THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH... AND HER LEGACY!

SS Peter & Paul: ORATE PRO NOBIS

"The more a soul is consecrated to Mary, the more it is consecrated to Jesus Christ"

"If you put all the love of all the mothers into one heart it still would not equal the love of the Heart of Mary for her children."         St. Louis de Monfort

A Solemn Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Most Holy Virgin Mary, tender Mother of men; to fulfill the desires of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the request of the Vicar of your Son on earth, we consecrate ourselves and our families to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, o queen of the most holy rosary, and we recommend to You, all the people of our country and all the world.

Please accept our consecration, dearest Mother, and use us as you wish to accomplish your designs in the world.

O Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, queen of the most holy rosary, and queen of the world, rule over us, together with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, our King. Save us from the spreading flood of modern paganism; kindle in our hearts and homes the love of purity, the practice of a virtuous life, an ardent zeal for souls, and a desire to pray the rosary more faithfully.

We come with confidence to you, O throne of grace and mother of fair Love. Inflame us with the same divine fire which has inflamed your own Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart. Make our hearts and homes your shrine, and through us, make the Heart of Jesus, together with your rule, triumph in every heart and home.

Amen.

"HE must increase, but I must decrease" (Jn 3:30)

JOHN THE BAPTIST -
How could this great saint inspire young Catholics in the way we live?

Ok... so it has been around 9 months since I last posted on my blog! I will have to explain it all on another blogpost in the future! But for the meantime, I couldn't pass up on this opportunity to talk a little about John the Baptist, whose feast we celebrated yesterday.

In case you don't know, we're approaching the launch of a "YEAR OF FAITH" starting October. Like the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. John the Baptist is a pretty awesome model of faith to follow, and by his example, there is always something new we can learn and adopt into our way of living!

Let me take 3 things that strikes me about St. John the Baptist, and share with you how he inspires me.

1) The man was fearless! It doesn't seem that he was ashamed or afraid of anything. Remember... John the Baptist (I'll abbreviate from hereon 'J the B') faced execution by beheading (Mt 14:10), after he told Herod that he was wrong to commit adultery with his brother's wife Herodias (Mk 6:18), after he lived and preached in the wilderness wearing "clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey" (Mk 1:6)... could you imagine what his reputation must have been like?! How does this inspire me? Well... he was a bit mad. And rather outrageous! Which I both like and admire. He knew what he was about; he knew what God called him to do: to prepare the way for Jesus and eternal life. He did it in complete faith, remaining faithful to the Truth, living in full hope of the Messiah's mission. He served humanity in charity by baptising them... readying them for their salvation.

2) Simple living was his trend! He ate locusts and wild honey. And wore... hair! Need I say more? Sometimes I just think... if every single mobile phone owner put their mobile phones away on the same day for just one day, we'd all learn something of what it means to live simply.

3) He never failed to proclaim the truth; always bearing witness to that living Truth. From Elizabeth's womb, J the B rejoiced with joy at the presence of his Lord (Lk 1:41). Do you not think that the attention he received because of his outrageousness could have tempted him to become prideful and attempt to overshadow Jesus, who at this point hadn't yet made a name for Himself? Jesus ministry and preaching only began after His baptism, which was ministered through J the B. If he wanted to, J the B could have decided not to baptise the Messiah, thus changing the outcome of what the Scriptures prophesised. Instead, he said the very poignant phrase "HE must increase, but I must decrease" (Jn 3:30). He came to prepare the way for Jesus, as the greatest of prophets, calling all to repentance. Big word: repentance. That's a word for another blog post altogether. But look here at the point I make... J the B put himself last. He died to himself, and put Christ first. Perhaps one of the key aspects of repentance, is to acknowledge and embrace a humble state of being. For most young people today, I'll rephrase that to mean: be less selfish, and think less of the "I" and more of the "you".

This is not an easy concept to grasp, because it takes a while to even recognise that we think so much in terms of "I want", "I like", "I wish", "I don't", "I hate", "I am". These aren't necessarily bad directions to be thinking, but they could be if we turn them into words or actions which close off the gift of charity and love we are called to offer others by God.

The nativity of St. John the Baptist is the only saint's birth date, other than the Blessed Virgin Mary's, that the Catholic Church celebrates. Taking place 6 months before Christmas day, when in Europe, the days begin to get shorter (a great analogy for the idea of J the B decreasing, to make way for the Lord), there is something uber special about this day. It's forever marked as a feast of one who we can learn to love, and be inspired by. So what are my tips?

a) Be fearless (yet prudent) in proclaiming the faith! Don't worry about what your mates will think about you... if they were really your mates, they would be interested in what you live your life for.

b) Detach yourself from overspending on things what you don't really need. Think about this one... unselfishly.

c) Try spend a day thinking about all the others around you, and how your presence impacts them. It wouldn't hurt to put a smile on everyone's face... trust me, you'll find it quite a rewarding task. Get this nailed, and the year of faith will become attractive to you.

How on earth does 'no meat on Fridays' bring me closer to Christ?!

So, you have probably all heard by now, that as of TODAY, the Catholic Bishops Conference of England & Wales wish to bring back the practice of holy abstinence.


WHAT on earth does that mean?!
Holy abstinence is the practice of 'abstaining' (which means to restrain oneself) from doing or enjoying something. In this particular case, we will, by the grace given from God, abstain from meat on Fridays.


What is the difference between abstaining and fasting?
Some people go further than abstaining from meat on Fridays, and make a sacrifice of not eating anything for a whole 24 hours. If you are more of the hardcore type, fasting might be right up your alley! But the Church of England and Wales only require an abstinence from meat on Fridays.


What does abstinence have to do with God?
Let's first remember that we are body, soul and spirit (1 Thes 5:23). Our bodies (our material selves) are fed by food. Our souls (our immaterial selves such as all that we feel, our emotions, our thoughts) are fed with love. Our spirits (the part within ourselves that connects/relates directly with God), are fed with prayer.
Abstinence affects all three dimensions of ourselves. When we abstain from meat, we don't feed our bodies with that type of food. That's a rather simple statement, and is, in a sense, the easiest concept to understand about abstinence. The more difficult concept to get around is the link between abstinence and our souls and spirits. I don't know about you, but for me, I thoroughly enjoy eating meat. It tastes yummy, and it fills my tummy! When someone enjoys doing or eating something very much, it takes will power, and a strength of character not to do or have it. Take this deeper, and one may realise that this is an exercise for the soul. Abstaining helps one to 'love' their self-pleasure less. And this is the vital link between you, abstinence and God. For in loving yourself less, you begin to place someone else first: God. By depriving oneself from something pleasurable (in this case, to eat), we are able to begin to make reparation (in other words, to repair the damage) that our sin has done for our own souls and spirits. This is a surface level description of temporal punishment and can be considered a penance.
We're all wounded people, and each have our weaknesses that could be instrumental in us causing sin. When we sin, we take steps away from God. Abstaining from a pleasurable food like meat helps us remember that we desire to make it up to Him after we've said sorry (at Confession). Abstinence isn't only applicable to food, it could be applicable to other things that we take pleasure from, for example TV or facebook, but the Church in England and Wales are encouraging us to abstain from meat.


Why would some people abstain and fast by choice?
It's a really beautiful thing to want to be united in prayer and abstinence every Friday. Together, we ask the good and merciful Lord to bless the Church abundantly for this commitment made by His people. The tremendous gift of abstinence draw us closer to God on a personal level by coming face to face with our weaknesses and temptations (Rom 8:26). Prayer helps us to overcome weakness and temptation because it directs our spirits to rely and trust in God's power to strengthen and bless you through any trails. This practice, in a mystical sense, as the mystical body of Christ unites us in Christ's sufferings on calvary and during His passion. After a while, you learn to love this sacrifice, because you know that it's the one time of your week that you are doing something for God.


Tips for abstaining from meat every Friday
1) Don't beat yourself up if you fail on the first occasion! This practice may take months to get used to. Having said that, just because it might take someone else months, it might only take you weeks - so you're encouraged to make as great an effort as you can!

2) It might help if you dedicate your abstinence for a particular intention. For example, maybe you are having a difficulty with a friend - you could offer your sacrifice of meat for a healing in that relationship. Or maybe you wish to be generous, and offer your abstinence for a sinner you have never before met. Dedicating your abstinence for something, or offering it on behalf of someone else helps you take this more seriously, and helps you remember to continue the abstinence throughout the day.

3) If you're right outside KFC or Nando's, and you can smell the chicken wafting from inside the restaurant, you may very well be faced with temptation. Firstly, if you really take this seriously, it makes sense to make an effort to tell your friends about what's going on, and that you need to mooooooove awaaaaay from KFC! Secondly, that smell is going to linger on your mind. And the best way to overcome these temptations is through prayer. Jesus was tested in the desert with temptations from the devil (Matt 4:1-11), and overcame these temptations with fasting and prayer.

4) Get yourself used to fish! Fish is even more yummy for your tummy, if you know how to cook it with some tasty mouth-watering recipes! Try it! Likewise, get yourself a good vegetarian recipe book... there are some amazing dishes you can make which doesn't contain meat or meat stock! HAPPY NO-MEAT COOKING!!

Upcoming events that Catholic youth and young adults may be interested in June - July 2011

"I shall ask the Father, and he will give you another Paraclete to be with you forever, the Spirit of truth whom the world can never accept since it neither sees nor knows him but you know him, because he is with you, he is in you." Jn 16-17.

Hello all! 

Really sorry that this has come so late - it's been a busy time, and as a result I've missed out on the first week of June's events. However, there is LOTS going on, especially that we're so close to Pentecost, and I seriously recommend you definitely check out what's good in the hood! Stuff from art, to fashion, to flash mobs, to balls, to pro-life prayer vigils, to festivals, to pilgrimages and many more. These are some great opportunities to meet other young Catholics (and Christians altogether) and make new friends, building an even bigger and more connected community, firm in the faith!


God Bless you during these summer months! Claz.



UPCOMING EVENTS THAT CATHOLIC YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS MAY BE INTERESTED IN 


Wednesday 8th June 2011, 19:00: Covent Garden Prayer Group (weekly prayer group)
Thursday 9th June 2011, 19:00: Soul Food (weekly prayer group)
Thursday 9th June 2011, 19:30: John's Gospel
Thursday 9th June 2011, 19:30: God and the multiverse: a response to Stephen Hawking
Thursday 9th June 2011, 19:30: Fashion's DNA: is spirituality the wellspring of fashion?
Friday 10th June 2011, 18:30: Open Source | the crossroads of theology and technology
Friday 10th June 2011, 21:00 Pentecost Mass and night vigil
Saturday 11th June 2011-13 June 2011: Chartres Pilgrimage 2011
Saturday 11th June 2011, 09:00: Dance Flash Mob (rehearsal)
Saturday 11th June 2011, 09:30: Escaping.Societies.Corruption | Christian graffiti and contemporary beats exhibition
Saturday 11th June 2011, 11:00: Psalm surfing with Graham Kendrick
Saturday 11th June 2011, 11:00: Life & Soul | Flash mobs, prayer, games, chat and fun
Saturday 11th June 2011, 11:00: Living Stones Prophetic Art Workshop
Saturday 11th June 2011, from 11:00: SIKU - The manga Bible workshops
Saturday 11th June 2011, 12:30: Fashion Speaks
Saturday 11th June 2011, 13:00: Jesus in HD (High Definition) | A cool view of the Gospel
Saturday 11th June 2011, 15:00: Knowing God better through His Word | Precept Ministries UK
Saturday 11th June 2011, 15:15: RISE Theatre | Comedy Workshop
Saturday 11th June 2011, 15:30: Be Fit
Saturday 11th June 2011, 19:00: Pentecost 2011 | Life in the Spirit
Sunday 12th June 2011, 12:00: Introduction to Modern Natural Family Planning (NFP)
Wednesday 15th June 2011: Pro-life writing and video competition (40 days for life)
Friday 17th - Sunday 19th June 2011, 15:30: Verbum Dei Retreat
Friday 17th - Sunday 19th June 2011, 16:00: Invocation 2011
Friday 17th June 2011, 19:30: RISE Theatre | Soldier to Saint
Saturday 18th June 2011, 13:00: The message of Our Lady of Fatima
Saturday 18th June 2011, 15:00: Third Saturday Netherhall afternoon of recollection for male students
Saturday 18th June 2011, 17:00: Youth 2000 Ball
Friday 17th - Sunday 19th June 2011, 16:00: Invocation 2011
Wednesday 22nd June 2011, 19:30: TenTen Theatre | The Jeweller
Thursday 23rd June 2011-25th June 2011: Spirit in the City | Catholic Evangelisation Festival
Saturday 25th June 2011 - 26th June 2011, from 09:00: Celebrate Brighton | Catholic Family Conference
Saturday 25th June 2011, 09:15: Prayer outside Ealing abortion clinic
Saturday 25th June 2011, 10:00: Speaker training day for sex and relationships education
Monday 27th June 2011, 19:30: St. Edmund Campion Relic Mass & Veneration
Wednesday 29th June 2011, 19.30: Paschal Uche talks at Westminster Cathedral
Friday 1st July 2011 - 4th July 2011: Brightlights Catholic Young Adult Festival 2011
Saturday 9th July 2011, 09:00: Prayer Summit 2011
Saturday 17th July 2011, 09:00: Prayer outside Woodford Green abortion clinic w/ Bishop Thomas McMahon



Covent Garden / Corpus Christi Prayer Group Wednesday evenings between 19:00-21:00 and then to the Coal Hole for socialising
Corpus Christi Presbytery, Maiden Lane, WC2E 7NB.
For young adults who live and work in Central London seeking to deepen their prayer and spiritual life. It's a great opportunity to top-up on your faith, hope and love of God in fellowship with each other which concludes with social time a nearby pub. Includes music ministry, prayer, Mass on first Wednesdays, confessions, rosary and contemplative prayer. 

Soul Food Thursday evenings between 19:00-21:00 and then to the Lukin for socialising
St Charles Borromeo Church, Ogle Street, London, W1W 6HS
Soul Food is a Catholic charismatic prayer group for young adults. We meet at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Central London every Thursday from 7 to 9pm for worship, teaching and faith sharing. Most people who come are in their 20s or 30s, but everyone is welcome.
A night at Soul Food starts with praise and worship, followed by a talk or Bible based teaching on a particular theme. This is usually followed up with a time of response such as prayer ministry, small group discussion or faith sharing, individual prayer and meditation or Eucharistic Adoration.
For more info, visit http://soulfoodgroup.org/ 


John's Gospel Thursday 9th June 2011, 19:30-21:30
City Temple, Holborn Viaduct, EC1A 2DE
This is an exciting one-man dramatic presentation of the Gospel of John. Come along for this must-see drama exploring the Gospel.
Free entry
Sorry, I don't have any contact info for this event.


God and the multiverse: A response to Stephen Hawking Thursday 9th June 2011, 19:30
The London Institute for Contemporary Christianity, St. Peter's, Vere Street, W1G 0DQ
Christians in Science and the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion host this evening of examining Hawking's claims and exploring whether, in the context of modern cosmology, it still makes sense to speak of God as Creator.
Revd Dr Rodney Holder, the speaker, holds degrees in mathematics and theology as well as a PhD in astrophysics, making him the ideal person to discuss the theological implications of modern cosmology and the multiverse theory.
Tickets start at £4
For more information and/or to book, visit www.faraday-institute.org or call 01223 741281.


Fashion's DNA: is spirituality the wellspring of fashion? Thursday 9th June 2011, 19:30-20:30
London College of Fashion, University of the Arts, 272 High Holborn, WC1V 7EY
Does faith impact what we choose to wear? How can religious belief be articulated through our garments? Can ancient religious texts continue to impact fashion? And is the fashion industry intrinsically anti-faith?
Join us for a lively conversation exploring these and other issues, hosted by Revd Joanna Jepson (London College of Fashion) alongside partners from the Bible Society Arts Programme and the London Fashion Network.
Free tickets are available in advance only.     

For more info, contact j.jepson@fashion.arts.ac.uk 


Open Source | the crossroads of theology and technology Friday 10th June 2011, 18:30-21:30
The London Institute for Contemporary Christianity, St. Peter's, Vere Street, W1G 0DQ
Beautiful things happen when we share. Open Source is a forum dedicated to connecting people who meet at the crossroads of technology and theology. So expect deep insight from people who dabble in doctrine and major in robotics, geniuses who write philosophy during the week and design software at the weekend. This is a chance to explore the digital future stretched out before us and an opportunity to connect and network with other gadget lovers, digital marketers and media moguls. Not enough for you? We’ll also have input from great speakers and a panel plus a chance to chat and share ideas over food.
Keynote presentation: 

The Church after Google: Anna Robbins, London School of Theology
How is the digital revolution impact our thinking about faith? The way we do church? What are the implications for established and mainstream denominations? Senior lecturer in theology and contemporary culture at London School of Theology, Anna Robbins explores and provides fuel for a follow up panel debate.
Talks available: 

- Separately coming together in 2012: Tim Plyming, Project Executive with the BBC 2012 coverage
   What does mass broadcasting mean in the digital age and what are the opportunities for Christian  communities?
- The Bible as augmented reality: Pete Phillips, Codec
   Can the Bible act as an augmented reality layer for as we see to live authentically biblical lives in a digital world?
- Who are we? Exploring the people we are online: Andrew Graystone, TheMediaNet
   We’ll discuss the relationship between the “you” you are online and the “you” you see in the mirror.
- “There is no such thing as a failed experiment, only experiments with unexpected outcomes.”: Andrew Jackson, Christian Aid
   The fall of offline content and rise of online
- Being Salt & Light in an (online) world: Bex Lewis, Big Bible
   Encouraging and enabling more Christians and churches to be able to be included in the digital space, therefore facilitating the creation of positive Christian materials online.
Panel Discussion & Hosts: 

All speakers will participate in a panel discussion at the end of the evening.
Hosted by Huw Tyler (Share Creative), Jason Gardner (Fuse) and guests.
Tickets cost £8.50 inc. food & wine/beer 

For more information, visit www.pentecostfestival.co.uk/opensource or call 08444 771000


Pentecost Mass and night vigil Friday 10th June 2011, 20:00
St. Patrick's RC Church, 21 Soho Square, London, W1D 4NR
Following an extremely successful and blessed re-opening to this very beautiful church, a Pentecost Mass is taking place on the named evening, followed by a talk given by Fr. Angelus Houle. If you haven't been to the church since its reopening, then definitely take some time out of the hustle and bustle of the West End and absorb the peace and sanctuary St. Patrick's has to offer you! The Pentecost mass is a great opportunity for this… so for more information, contact Edna Dos Santos on 0207 434 9965, spes@stpatricksoho.org or www.sohope.blogspot.com


Chartres Pilgrimage 2011 Saturday 11th June 2011-13 June 2011
Begins at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, ends at Cathedral of Notre Dame de Chartres.
The Chartres Pilgrimage is a walk of prayer and penance to the glory of God and Our Blessed Lady. A three-day walk of 70 miles, makes this the largest pilgrimage of its kind in Western Europe, both in the distance covered and in the number of pilgrims. The pilgrimage included singing hymns, chanting the Rosary, open air Masses, all night adoration – the whole experience touches the soul and fills pilgrims with grace. You come away with a joy at being Catholic, and good friends who you have shared something very special with. People from all walks of life come along, and no one regrets this amazing experience. The camping and walking is not for the faint hearted! But it all adds to the experience. Masses are in the Old Rite (Latin), so it’s also a good way for people to learn about a Mass that they might not know about.
The pilgrimage is organised into chapters which walk under the patronage of a saint. The three British chapters are: Our Lady of Walsingham, led by Jamie Bogle and Francis Carey, St Edward (Youth/Juventutem) led by Michael Heinser and St Alban (Youth/Juventutem) led by Grace Readings.
More information can be found at the following link: www.chartresuk.blogspot.com or call Grace Readings on 07817 974018


Dance Flash Mob (rehearsal) Saturday 11th June 2011, 09:00-10:30
Rear Hall, Waterloo Action Centre, 14 Baylis Road, SE1 7AA
The Christian Dance Fellowship are organising a flash mob dance to take place on the streets of London on the Saturday afternoon of Pentecost Festival. The dance will incorporate a few styles including contemporary and ballroom. All are welcome, please wear clothes that are easy to move in.
The performance takes place during the Life & Soul day event… see below.
Both are free! For more information, email dot@emergingculture.co.uk


Escaping.Societies.Corruption | Christian graffiti and contemporary beats exhibition Saturday 11th June 2011, 09:30-17:00
The Culture Zone, Waterloo Action Centre, 14 Baylis Road, SE1 7AA
E.S.C. graffiti crew return with an exhibition of new works by artists Sea4, Neak and Form7 with a theme of [Escaping.Societies.Corruption]. Come prepared to see a vivid range of graffiti on a variety of media set to a sonic canvas of soulful contemporary beats, provided by resident DJ, Dr.J. Expect to hear a broad spectrum of soulful music ranging from funk, hip-hop, Latin and African vibes through to dubstep and drum ‘n’ bass. There will be opportunities to purchase works by the artists. If last year is anything to go by, there’ll definitely be a buzz south of the river – don’t miss out.
Free. See www.pentecostfestival.co.uk for more info!


Psalm surfing with Graham Kendrick Saturday 11th June 2011, 11:00-12:30 (repeated @ 13:30)
Chapel, Methodist Central Hall, Westminster, SW1H 9NH
Graham Kendrick takes you Psalm Surfing; riding the waves of God’s word on improvised melodies of the moment, releasing the heart to worship and pray with imagination and creativity. This is for everyone from the committed to the curious, musical and not so musical – the singers and musicians lead and make it easy for you to follow, or you can just sit and soak up the atmosphere and be spiritually refreshed. No sunscreen required.
Free. See www.pentecostfestival.co.uk for more info!


Life & Soul | Flash mobs, prayer, games, chat and fun Saturday 11th June 2011, 11:00-16:30
Meet @ Wesminter Central Hall, Westminster, SW1H 9NH
Do you love the hustle and bustle of chatting to new people and getting involved in sports and arts activities on the streets? Do you love the idea of getting involved with flash mobs around the capital city about issues of justice? Are you excited about celebrating the birth of the Church with people who may not know about Pentecost? This will be a day of fun, worship and prayer on the streets of London as we creatively engage missionally with passers-by. The day includes seminars, where organisations will teach various mission styles; flash mobs, prayer walking, signing petitions for people living in poverty, juggling and the All Pervasive game (www.pentecostfestival.co.uk/all-pervasive). We will provide you with everything you need for the day including your very own festival t-shirt. All you need to do is email to let us know you’re coming, get to Westminster Central Hall, bring a packed lunch and buy yourself a travel card for the day: dot@emergingculture.co.uk . See www.pentecostfestival.co.uk for more info!

Living Stones Prophetic Art Workshop Saturday 11th June 2011, 11:00-17:30
Broadbent Room, Methodist Central Hall, Westminster, SW1H 9NH
Prophetic artist, Scott Moles invites you to come take part in the prophetic art workshop; using acrylics, pencils and pastels, come along and create your own God-inspired pieces of art. The workshop will be free of charge, any donations towards materials would be very welcome.
Free. See www.pentecostfestival.co.uk for more info!


SIKU - The Manga Bible workshops Saturday 11th June 2011, see below for workshop titles
Aldersgate Conservatory, Methodist Central Hall, Westminster, SW1H 9NH
11:00-13:00: Making the Bible more dynamic (for youth workers)
13:15-15:00: A journey of Discovery for youth, using the Liquid Manga Bible Swat book interactive study methods.
15:00-17:30: Live Art & Narrative Preaching
Free. See www.pentecostfestival.co.uk for more info!


Fashion Speaks Saturday 11th June 2011, 12:30-14:00
Dance Hall, Waterloo Action Centre, 14 Baylis Road, SE1 7AA
This fashion show, whilst exploring themes such as culture and ethical trading, promises to be an exciting, entertaining event filled with music, colour, performances and of course fashion from a range of designers presented on the runway. Not to be missed!
Free.  See www.pentecostfestival.co.uk for more info!


Jesus in HD (High Definition) | A cool view of the Gospel Saturday 11th June 2011, 13:00-17:00
Library, Methodist Central Hall, Westminster, SW1H 9NH
This event aims to show London that Christianity is more powerful and contemporary than what it looks. And the gospel can be seen in HD (High Definition).
We want to share a message that being a Christian is cool and actual, without losing the faith. Come and join us in this High Techno event for Jesus. There will be lots of drama, singing and dance performance.
Free. See www.pentecostfestival.co.uk for more info!


Knowing God better through His Word | Precept Ministries UK Saturday 11th June 2011, 15:00-17:30
Maurice Barnett Room, Methodist Central Hall, Westminster, SW1H 9NH
This interactive, practical seminar might just change the way you read the Bible! Leave with a free Precept resource to start studying on your own or in a group right away.
Please note, that this is not a Catholic reading of the Bible, but it might help you if you are already solid in your Bible study, and wish to look at other methods of study.
Free. See www.pentecostfestival.co.uk for more info!


RISE Theatre | Comedy Workshop
Saturday 11th June 2011, 15:15-16:00 

Rear Hall, Waterloo Action Centre, 14 Baylis Road, SE1 7AA
A lively & energetic workshop giving a taste of how RISE Theatre uses comedy and improvisation to create their original scripture based sketches. Not to be missed.
Free. See www.pentecostfestival.co.uk for more info!


Be Fit Saturday 11th June 2011, 15:30-17:00
Dance Hall, Waterloo Action Centre, 14 Baylis Road, SE1 7AA
A fun aerobics-dance workshop lead by Cath Lyden (qualified aerobics coach and dance instructor). An energetic, rhythmic form of worshipping God using upbeat praise and dynamic moves.
Free. See www.pentecostfestival.co.uk for more info!


Pentecost 2011 | Life in the Spirit Saturday 11th June 2011, 19:00
02 Arena
A night to worship and celebrate with Christians from many other denominations! Performers include Tim Hughes, Gary Clarke, Tribe of Judah plus loads more!
Tickets from about £14
http://www.pentecostfestival.co.uk/o2/ for more info & to book


Introduction to Modern Natural Family Planning (NFP) Sunday 12th June 2011, 12:00
The Immaculate Conception, 11 Church Hill, Epping, Essex, CM16 4RA.
Beginning with 12 noon Mass, NFP expert Dr Olive Duddy will explain all the advantages of NFP and how it works. This would be of particular interest to married couples, to biology students, and those hoping to understand the injustice of contraception better… but all are welcome to gain knowledge of what the Catholic Church approves on this 'difficult' subject.
Free. For more info, contact Deacon duncan, or Dorothy Whitehouse on 01992 577173.


Pro-life writing and video competition (40 days for life) Sunday 15th May 2011
No Location
Writing competition: you have to write an article of no less than 400 words, beginning 'I am pro-life because...' The prize is 500 pounds.
Film competition: you have to make a short film of a few minutes, and upload it onto Vimeo, Youtube, or some other video channel. It should be pro-life and inspirational. The prize is a brand new ipad.
Visit www.40daysforlife.com/london for more info!


Verbum Dei Retreat Friday 17th - Sunday 19th June 2011, 15:30
Verbum Dei Retreat Centre, Nunnery Lane, Carisbrooke, PO30 1YR, Isle of WightGod is TRINITY and we are created by HIM? What does that mean for our daily lives?
Is love possible? Why does it attract us so much? And why does it seem so challenging at the same time? These are some of the questions we'll be trying to find answers to.
With talks, group sharing, music, reflection and time to enjoy the beautiful countryside!
For more information on what the suggested donation is, please email verbumdei.lon@gmail.com


Invocation 2011 Friday 17th - Sunday 19th June 2011, 16:00
Oscott College, Chester Road, Sutton Coldfield, West Mids, B73 5AA
This national festival is aimed at young men and women aged 16-35, who are looking to deepen their relationship with Christ and who are searching for the knowledge and tools to develop their own personal formation, discernment and understanding of God’s will for their lives, for some this may mean being open to the possibility of a vocation to the priesthood or religious life. The event will provide “Fellowship, Catechesis, Confession and Adoration” with time for prayer, quiet reflection, and discernment through Keynote speakers, interactive workshops and life-changing services, above all the opportunity to encounter the Lord. We hope that you will also take the time to find space and enjoy conversation, accompanied by inspiring priests and religious, who will journey with you sharing their wealth of experience and providing witness to their lives and vocation.
The weekend costs £50 which includes all meals - all you need to bring is a tent!
http://www.invocation.org.uk/Programme.html for more info


RISE Theatre | Soldier to Saint Friday 17th June 2011, 19:30
Blessed Sacrament Church, 157 Copenhagen Street, London, N1 0SR
An impactful new one-act play… It's the year 2020 and London is in crisis. As Christians are forced into hiding and rioting hits the streets, a soldier strikes an unlikely friendship with a fugitive - a friendship that could cost him his life.
Soldier to Saint brings to life the inspirational true story of Saint Alban, England 's first Christian martyr. A compelling tale of courage, friendship and sacrifice.
Entry is free although donations on the evening would be much appreciated.
To secure your tickets please contact Kee by email: kee@risetheatre.co.uk or call 07789603077


The message of Our Lady of Fatima Saturday 18th June 2011, 13:00-17:00
Westminster Central Hall, Storeys Gate, London, SW1 9NH
Pro Ecclesia hosts Father Paul Kramer who will be the main speaker at the Faith of our Fathers Fatima Conference 2011, speaking on the message of Fatima as delivered by Sr. Lucia. It is a message that all Catholics ought to be open to hearing.
Cost is £10. For more info, please call 01372 454160


Third Saturday Netherhall afternoon of recollection for male students Every third Saturday of the month, 15:00-18:45
Netherhall House, Nutley Terrace, London NW3 5SA
An afternoon of recollection consists in spending an afternoon in prayer helped by different meditations and talks throughout the afternoon. Meditations and talks are given on central themes of the Catholic faith. Recollections are free of charge. Those that wish to have dinner afterwards may do so. Dinner is £3.50. For more information please contact Pablo on: pablohinojo@gmail.com and on 0207 472 5720.
Netherhall is an intercollegiate halls of residents in Hampstead. The spiritual activities are entrusted to Opus Dei. It is open to everyone but the halls have a Catholic ethos. The idea of the residence is to try to give an all-round development to students. In addition, every Wednesday from 8:00-9:00pm the Chaplain holds talks that deal with basic aspects of the Catholic faith such as morality, Creation, or aspects of Salvation. More information regarding activities and information about the house can be found on the wesbite: http://www.nh.netherhall.org.uk/. For more information about Opus Dei please visit: http://www.opusdei.org.uk/


Youth 2000 Fundraising Ball Saturday 18th June 2011, 17:00
The Thistle Hotel, Bryanston Street, Marble Arch, London, W1H 7EH
One of the UK's top youth evangelisation ministries are holding a prestigious ball to raise money for the Walsingham Prayer Festival during the bank holiday weekend of August. Put on your best frocks and your crisp tuxes and hit the party to raise money for this fantastic apostolate! The evening will include a drinks reception, 3-course dinner, private DJ & dancing, raffle ticket prizes to be won, the legendary Youth 2000 talent auction & prizes for the best dressed table of the evening! Please extend this invitation to your family, friends, colleagues & parish community.
Tickets are £60 per person. For more info, visit http://www.youth2000.org/content/summer-black-tie-fund-raising-ball


TenTen Theatre | The Jeweller Wednesday 22nd June 2011, 19:30
The Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, London, WC2H 7BX
Ten Ten Theatre in association with Spirit in the City presents 'The Jeweller' by Martin O’Brien, directed by Paul Jepson, based on “The Jeweler’s Shop” by Karol Wojtyla.
The play is a powerful and moving portrait of love and responsibility, marriage and breakdown, human frailty and divine influence, from the mind of one of the most influential figures of the 20th Century, here given a contemporary, engaging angle.
Tickets £10 (£7 concs) and for more info, visit www.leicestersquaretheatre.com, email boxoffice@leicestersquaretheatre.com or phone 08448 733433.


Spirit in the City | Catholic Evangelisation Festival in the West End of London Thursday 23rd June 2011-25th June 2011
West End of London: 4 main Catholic churches involved.
Events start on Wednesday 22 June in the evening with the theatre performance of 'The Jeweller' based on the play by John Paul II, Thursday and Friday continues with prayer celebrations, Eucharistic adoration, street evangelisation, talks by David Wells and Fr. Ian Matthew OCD, and processions. The final, 'big day out' on Saturday is in Soho Square, taking over the public garden for the all day celebration: stage entertainment programme, workshops, confessions, prayer opportunities in the church, welcoming people and street evangelisation.
Free.
If you're available, the team are in real need of volunteer help to ensure a smooth running of this festival. Please contact Anne-Marie Salgo by email: info@spiritinthecity.org or tel: 020 7025 1596 or visit www.spiritinthecity.org.


Celebrate Brighton | Catholic Family Conference Saturday 25th June 2011 - 26th June 2011, from 09:00
Cardinal Newman Catholic School, The Upper Drive Hove, East Sussex, BN3 6ND
Celebrate Brighton is a non-residential weekend for the whole family. Young and old alike have joined together in a vibrant and faith filled atmosphere to celebrate the love of God. Since 2008 there have also been regional weekends, and Celebrate returns to Brighton for the fourth time!
Our speakers will be Celebrate regulars John Vaughan-Neil and David Matthews, and Alice Hall (Sion, Catholic Community for Evangelism). There will be a wide range of workshops available on both days, drama from RISE, praise and worship, opportunities for Confession. and we will celebrate Mass together on both days. Good News Books will also run a bookshop. There will be youth streams with their own activities and workshops:
Creche (Ages 0-2) Parents to accompany child
Little Fishes (Ages 3-5 Preschool)
Heavenly Host (Years Reception, 1 and 2)
Fired Up! (Years 3, 4, 5 and 6)
Neos (Years 7, 8 and 9)
Obadiah’s Octogon (Years 10, 11, 12, 13 and up to age 18)
For more information: visit the Celebrate website www.celebrateconference.org or contact Nick and Helen Wells on 01273 680654, brightoncelebrate@f2s.com or brighton@celebrateconference.org


Prayer outside Ealing abortion clinic Saturday 25th June 2011, 09:15 - 13:00
Ealing Abbey, Charlbury Grove, Eadling, W5 2DY
'The Helpers' as I call them is an international pro-life group founded by Msgr. Philip Reilly whose main apostolate is prayer vigils at abortion facilities. The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal often lead these prayer vigils. The next vigil is at Marie Stopes Ealing abortion centre. Bring some mates with you and venture a little out of your comfort zone to pray for those who are contemplating and/or involved in abortion.
For more info: 020 8252 3109, info@hgpi.co.uk & www.hgpi.co.uk


Speaker training day for sex and relationships education Saturday 25th June 2011, 10:00-16:00
114 Mount Street, London, W1K 3AH
Want to know…
- How to develop your own presentation
- How to answer questions
- Latest statistics and medical information
- Pedagogical techniques
- Importance and style of education (stories, style, humour and knowledge blindspots)
- Information about the best resources (DVDs, articles and websites)
… for sex and relationships education on a Catholic context?
Run by Matthew Nichols and Robert Colquhoun, we invite you to take part in a fun and interactive training day for anyone interested in how to give sex and relationship education talks. Enjoy a series of dynamic speaker presentations and the chance to practise your presentation skills.
£25 For entire day (lunch not included)
Please RSVP: 07947698195

St. Edmund Campion Relic Mass & Veneration Monday 27th June 2011, 19:30
St. Edmund's RC Church, 213 Nelson Road Twickenham, Middlesex TW2 7BB
On this evening, a relic of Saint Edmund Campion will be at St. Edmund's church in Whitton. A Jesuit priest who was martyred for refusing to denounce his Catholic Faith, he was hung, drawn and quartered at Tyburn on 1st December which is when his feast day is. This would be of particular interest to anyone who regularly seeks intercession from St. Edmund, and even anyone who belonged to Campion house at St. Mark's Catholic School.
Free. For more information, contact Peter Oliver on peterjoliver2000@yahoo.co.uk


Paschal Uche talks to young people at Westminster Cathedral Wednesday 29th June 2011, 19.30
Westminster Cathedral Hall. Ambrosden Avenue, Behind Westminster Cathedral, SW1P 1QW
Paschal greeted Pope Benedict XVI on behalf of young Catholics on the occasion of his visit to Britain. He will offer a reflection on the visit of the Holy Father and his message to the younger generation.
Recommended donation £5.
The event is hosted by the Young Friends of Westminster Cathedral; contact email young.friends@mail.com.


Brightlights Catholic Young Adult Festival 2011 Friday 1st July 2011 - Monday 4th July 2011
The Friars, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7BX
Brightlights is an annual Catholic young adults festival welcoming hundreds of young adults every year from all traditions and backgrounds. This summer festival, full of music, challenging workshops and seminars, international speakers, sacred spaces and moving liturgies, welcomes you with its special chilled out atmosphere.
Performers include Edwin Fawcett, Faith Child, Crossbeam, the Austin Francis Connection, Ooberfuse, Charley Pinfold (of RISE Theatre), Rajko and many more!
Costs range from £15-£145 (from day ticket to weekend accommodation and meals tickets)
For more information, or to get involved with the festival email info@brightlights.org.uk, visit http://www.brightlights.org.uk/index.html, or call 0845 805 7010.

Prayer Summit 2011 Saturday 9th July 2011, 09:00-17:15
Emmanuel Centre, 9-23 Marsham Street, Westminster, SW1P 3DW
A day-conference for everyone that will include teaching, times of prayer & worship. If you have ever felt that your prayer life could be more disciplined, joy-filled and effective then this conference is for you.
Premier is holding this event as we feel that prayer is key to the fruitfulness of our Christian lives. We invite you to join us for what promises to be an exciting and powerful day.
Why should I come?
- Receive teaching on Prayer from a wide range of gifted speakers including Julie Anderson, Ian Cole, John Ryeland, David Shosanya and Olave Snelling
- Spend time in intercession with hundreds of other Christians
- Worship God in a prayerful and reflective setting, led by Dave Bilbrough
- Take time out with God and focus on communication with our creator
Cost: £20 per person if booked before 18th June.
http://www.premier.org.uk/prayersummit.aspx for more info and to book


Prayer outside Woodford Green abortion clinic with Bishop Thomas McMahon Saturday 17th July 2011, 09:00 - 13:00
St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, 557 High Road, Woodford Green, IG8 0RB
'The Helpers' as I call them is an international pro-life group founded by Msgr. Philip Reilly whose main apostolate is prayer vigils at abortion facilities. The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal often lead these prayer vigils. This vigil is at Marie Stopes Woodford Green abortion centre. What a blessing that with the Friars, Bishop Thomas McMahon will be leading the vigil. Bring some mates with you and venture a little out of your comfort zone to pray for those who are contemplating and/or involved in abortion.
For more info: 020 8252 3109, info@hgpi.co.uk & www.hgpi.co.uk

Future events for your diary 
- Friday 5th - Sunday 7th August 2011: Evangelium Conference (I'm looking for a lift for this, so if anyone is going and has some spare space, please let me know, I'd really appreciate it!)
- Monday 15th - Sunday 21st August 2011: World Youth Day
- Thursday 25th - Monday 29th August 2011: Live at Walsingham Prayer Festival | Youth 2000



Congregation focus http://www.larche.org.uk/
L'Arche is an international movement which builds faith based communities, with people with learning disabilities, all over the world. Our communities here in the UK support people with learning disabilities to reach their full potential.
Like other support providers we are regulated and inspected to ensure a high quality of provision. We are committed to the following core values:
Simple Shared Life, Spirituality, Servant Leadership & Subsidiarity, Solidarity
L'Arche in the UK is part of the Federation of L'Arche. Our membership of this international family plays a key role in our identity and vision, and enriches the lives of those with and without disabilities who take part in its events and exchanges. The UK makes an essential contribution in terms of resources to this worldwide movement.



Website of the month http://www.signs-of-affection.com/#1426449/Thank-You
Go on... submit a message that you'd like posted up somewhere in the UK! Make a positive difference to someone's life that day.

Some other helpful and/or useful links http://www.rcdow.org.uk/youth/events/
A list of all major events in the Diocese, and good resource for checkin' out what's good in the hood ;)