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 ;) 

We are conceived twice

I just wanted to share this with you. Today at the Carmelite Priory as part of the Office of Readings, I had a great opportunity to reflect on this part of the treatise on the Trinity by Didymus of Alexandria. It's beautiful. I think anyone who has ever had a dramatic experience of renewal by the power of the Holy Spirit can empathise with it, and pray that it will be a re-affirmation and re-in-spiration for you!

The Holy Spirit renews us in baptism through his godhead, which he shares with the Father and the Son. Finding us in a state of deformity, the Spirit restores our original beauty and fills us with his grace, leaving no room for anything unworthy of our love. The Spirit frees us from sin and death, and changes us from the earthly men we were, men of dust and ashes, into spiritual men, sharers in the divine glory, sons and heirs of God the Father who bear a likeness to the Son and are his co-heirs and brothers, destined to reign with him and to share his glory. In place of earth the Spirit reopens heaven to us and gladly admits us into paradise, giving us even now greater honor than the angels, and by the holy waters of baptism extinguishing the unquenchable fires of hell.

We men are conceived twice: to the human body we owe our first conception, to the divine Spirit, our second. John says: To all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God. These were born not by human generation, not by the desire of the flesh, not by the will of man, but of God. All who believed in Christ, he says, received power to become children of God, that is, of the Holy Spirit, and to gain kinship with God. To show that their parent was God the Holy Spirit, he adds these words of Christ: I give you this solemn warning, that without being born of water and the Spirit, no one can enter the kingdom of God.

Visibly, through the ministry of priests, the font gives symbolic birth to our visible bodies. Invisibly, through the ministry of angels, the Spirit of God, whom even the mind’s eye cannot see, baptizes into himself both our souls and bodies, giving them a new birth.

Speaking quite literally, and also in harmony with the words of water and the Spirit, John the Baptist says of Christ: He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Since we are only vessels of clay, we must first be cleansed in water and then hardened by spiritual fire – for God is a consuming fire. We need the Holy Spirit to perfect and renew us, for spiritual fire can cleanse us, and spiritual water can recast us as in a furnace and make us into new men.

Evangelisation. A big and scary word… for some… (Part 1)

I was once told that teenagers get totally put off by the word ‘evangelisation’. And I agree. Just a year ago, I considered ‘evangelisation’ to be totally uncool, seriously hardcore, and most definitely not for me. I stayed away from it. To be honest with you, I didn’t even know what it was – but I in my self-conscious social mind felt that evangelisation wasn’t cool. I even found people who associated with evangelisation to be on some next level that wasn’t culturally or socially ‘in’; and they weren’t my idea of ‘fun’ – partly because I just didn’t feel what they felt.

But back then, I was a young woman seeking love and happiness through the ways of this world. I was über conformed to this world. In fact, I was giving so much of myself (despite not really knowing myself back then) in the wrong places, in the wrong way, and to the wrong people… just to earn their satisfaction, which in turn satisfied me. Ultimately, my love and motives were selfish, and this is because I didn’t realise what real love was back then. Often, what I thought was the right thing, ended up being the wrong thing – and for some situations, it has taken me many months to seek healing and reconciliation for leading people away from God in my own ignorance. My concupiscence was a natural inheritance from Adam’s fall, which I did not yet understand, and therefore could not fully grasp. I lacked three of the most amazing gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, understanding and knowledge, and therefore I wasn’t aware of this concupiscence (the natural inclination to desire the wrong things; whether consciously or sub-consciously) happening in my life.

So when God came into my life in an amazingly dramatic and awesome experience whilst walking El Camino (the road to Santiago), I was brought to ecstacy by the power and fullness of God’s Love for me – the same Love God has for every single soul He ever created and will ever create (and here I talk in terms of human time, as there is no time dimension in God’s realm). In that present moment, I was basking in the experience of what it means to be alive, and to be so Loved by my Father who created me. I was flooded to overflowing with His light, peace, joy, goodness, and infinite Love. From that point on, my life completely changed. Not long after, maybe about 1-2 hours after, whilst still glorifying God in amazement of what I had just experienced, I felt Him plant in my heart a seed for youth evangelisation (other things happened after this, but that is aside from my focus of this blogpost on evangelisation). And strangely enough, I was not afraid. I wanted this, because it was where God was leading me. I had said to God earlier on El Camino, “God, I am Yours to do with me whatever You will. Guide me where You want me to go. Here I am. Take me.” A seed of God was sown in my heart through the Holy Spirit. I invite you to read Mark 4:3-9. Ponder it and pray over it at some point today.

There began my mission, a seed which is constantly being fed and nourished by the Holy Spirit. But that seed for evangelisation had to start from the beginning, because I seriously had no clue…

What IS evangelisation? What exactly should I be evangelising? Why do I need to evangelise? How on earth do I do something, which until this point, I was utterly put-off by? To be honest, what I say or think or feel doesn’t matter… but it does matter to every soul what God says through me. So just a quick prayer that the Holy Spirit speaks through me here.


What is Evangelisation?
Pope Paul VI wrote something called EVANGELII NUNTIANDI (meaning On Evangelization in the Modern World) which the American Bishops (USCCB) have done a great job of summarising evangelisation as: “bringing the Good News of Jesus into every human situation and seeking to convert individuals and society by the divine power of the Gospel itself.6“

Woooah… those are pretty big words and even bigger concepts there! In simpler terms, Evangelisation means to share with other people this most awesome gift of faith that God has graced you with, because you CARE for every single person you encounter! Your faith-sharing could very well lead the people you share your faith with to think more about God, and bring them to believe the same thing as you. For example (and this is just an example… I’m not comparing the two), you have recently noticed that a friend is looking fitter, healthier, more confident and definitely looks happier. You tell your friend that they are looking really good! Your friend replies back that they started hitting the local gym and attends an amazing tae kwondo class that has given them this new look! What do you do? You probably hit the net when you get home, find out how much a membership is going to cost to attend these classes, and then research tae kwon do on google and start speaking to lots of people who know about it. Evangelisation is the same sort of thing, but in a faith context. The example in context: a) you don’t necessarily look fitter, healthier, more confident or happier, but your soul certainly IS all those things. b) the local gym is your local Church, prayer group, charity activity, faith-based youth club, or retreat experience (among other things). c) the tae kwon do class is an encounter with Jesus. If this example was put into practice, you will have shared a variety of keywords like ‘Jesus’, ‘Church’, ‘happy’, and ‘fun’ with someone who might not know anything about God, or the Catholic faith.

A ‘conversion’ is a journey (or a spiritual pilgrimage as I like to call it) whereby someone comes into a closer union with God in mind and heart (together, the soul). According to Pope Benedict XVI in Lent 2008, he said that “to be converted” means “seeking God, moving with God, docilely following the teachings of his Son, Jesus Christ”. He also makes it clear that we aren’t the masters of our own conversion… which is true! Conversion is the mastery of the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit uses ordinary people and simple everyday events to bring someone to conversion. This doesn’t have to be a dramatic event like it was for me, but could be something that occurs over a much longer period of time. After all, it is a journey.

If you can say to yourself that you have a true and personal relationship with Jesus, that you have invited Him into your soul freely and lovingly, and that you believe in who Jesus is to you, then you already have a great foundation for bringing the Gospel message to others and the potential to abandon all that to the Holy Spirit to bring about a conversion through you. This is what you call an Evangeliser.


Challenge: “How dare you tell individuals and society they’re wrong, when your Church has done so much worse! Who the hell do you think you are?!”
St. Paul (a great inspiration of mine) recognised and documented well the hardships that come with Evangelising. The world is set against you. You are seen as the enemy. In some cases you are completely deluded and need to get a life/grow up. That’s genuinely what people will think of you. So we ask the question: “Why do we need to evangelise… especially when it might anger or upset people?”

Pope John Paul II said “For the disciple of Christ the duty to evangelise is an obligation of love”. We were created for love. We do not purposefully intend to hurt, anger or upset anyone… most especially if we are trying to accomplish works for God’s Kingdom. If the intention is to hurt, then that is something we must bring to Confession to seek forgiveness for. As Catholics, we believe that the only way we can go to heaven is by the grace of God, through the admission of our Lord Jesus Christ; for he said “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through me”. He didn’t joke about when He said “Take this all of you and eat it” (Luke 22:19), which is what we hear and open our hearts to every week at Mass neither! The Sacraments help us to grow in holiness, because we receive Jesus in all Sacraments, and they help to lead us to heaven. Jesus also said “You must love one another as I have loved you” [John 13:34-35]. How did He love us? By sacrificing Himself for us in order to recognise and accept God’s Love, and by ensuring that after His resurrection when He went back to the Father, He had a team of evangelisers ready to share the Good News of the Kingdom of God with the blessing of the Holy Spirit given at Pentecost.


**end of part 1** 
Part 2 contnues on the question of ‘why evangelise?’ and looks at some examples of great evangelical saints :)

Thank you Lord Jesus for coming to my life so that I may share your Light and Love with others who might also be looking for deep answers to questions of living witness to their faith in this everyday world.

Upcoming Catholic Youth & Young Adult events for May - mid June, 2011

WELCOME TO THE BEAUTIFUL MONTH OF MARY!

This is a special month to pray the rosary everyday, and to rejoice in the comfort and consolation of our Blessed Virgin Mary as long as we pray often and many of these groups/events are there to help you with your prayer life :) God Bless!


Tuesday 3rd May 2011, 18:15: FREE screening of The Way
Wednesday 4th May 2011, 19:00: Covent Garden Prayer Group (weekly prayer group)
Thursday 5th May 2011, 19:00: Soul Food (weekly prayer group)
Friday 1st April 2011, 19:30: Anchor Session 5 - The Cross and Resurrection
Friday 6th May 2011, 21:00 First Friday all-night vigil 
Saturday 7th May 2011, 12:00: CFR Open Day (Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal)
Sunday 8th May 2011, 10:00: Million Minutes
Friday 13th-Sunday 15th May 2011: 40 days for life London retreat
Friday 13th May 2011, 19:30: TRUTH:Overflow
Saturday 14th May 2011, 09:30: Unbelievable? The Conference
Saturday 14th May 2011, 19:30: Hounslow Youth Team | May WYD Fundraising Masquerade Ball
Sunday 15th May 2011: Pro-life competitions end (40 days for life)
Sunday 15th May 2011: Vocation Voices
Sunday 15th May 2011, 12:30: Westminster Young Adults | Guided walking tour of the city of London
Wednesday 18th May 2011, 19:30: Pro-life talk by Monsignor Philip J. Reilly on @The Roots of the Culture of Death and Restoring a Culture of Life"
Saturday 21st May 2011, 09:00: Prayer outside Brixton abortion clinic
Saturday 21st May 2011, 15:00: Third Saturday Netherhall afternoon of recollection for male students
Saturday 21st May 2011, 19:30: WYD Fundraiser Ceilidh
Friday 27th May 2011, 13:00: Catholic Roadshow in London
Saturday 28th - 30th May 2011, 11:00: Theology of the body weekend retreat
Saturday 28th May 2011, 19:30: Catholic Underground London
Tuesday 31st May 2011, 18:00: Re-opening of St. Patrick's Church, Soho
Friday 3rd-Sunday 5th June 2011, 10:00: 3rd International Theology of the Body Symposium
Saturday 11th June 2011, 19:00: Pentecost 2011 | Life in the Spirit
Saturday 18th June 2011, 17:00: Youth 2000 Ball
Friday 17th - Sunday 19th June 2011, 16:00: Invocation 2011




FREE screening of The Way
Tuesday 3rd May 2011, 18:15
Vue, Leicester Square
The original release date of this movie is on 13th May, but you get a chance to grab 3 spare FREE tickets to the preview screening to this at Leicester Square. This movie casts people's minds to The Way of St. James (El Camino) - the hardships, the rewards, the Spirit, the communities... the meaning of Life and Love. If you have read some of my blog reflections on LISS, you may have discovered that it was on El Camino that I experienced my conversion. El Camino was the way that brought me to encounter Christ, in the Holy Spirit, and through the Blessed Virgin Mary in the most profound and life-changing way. Considering El Camino is still very much alive in my heart (and always will be), I would like to invite ANYONE and EVERYONE to come and watch the Premiere of Martin Sheen's The Way with me at Vue. It is a movie NOT to be missed, and I shall feel sorry for the person who ends up sitting next to me... I hope they will bring lots of tissues!
An article of interest can be found here.
You can email me on pilgrim.claz@gmail.com if you're interested ;)


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/


Anchor your Faith! Session 5 - The Cross and Resurrection
Friday 6th May 2011, 19:30-21:30
St. Benedict's Ealing Abbey, Charlbury Grove, Ealing, W5 2DY
The wonderful Marianne Cuthbertson (a truly gifted communicator of the faith!) will be continuing the Anchor course from last month. The anchor course is a great way of rediscovering some fundamental truths about practical Christian living and is perfect for any young Catholic adults who wish to be more informed when living out their Christian duty! Teaching takes place during the first hour, with an opportunity for first Friday Holy Hour which includes an act of consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. http://www.anchoryourfaith.com/ gives more info on the course. If you have not been before you are very welcome to come along, we run the Young Adult's Group every Friday evening at St Benedict's Ealing Abbey and have a variety of things going on - email Rachel Kidd for more details: rachel_kidd@hotmail.co.uk.


First Friday all-night vigil
Friday 6th May 2011, 21:00
St. Patrick's School of Evangelisation, 21a Soho Square, London, W1D 4NR
Every First Friday, SPES (St. Patrick's Evangelisation School) has an all-night vigil devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which corresponds with the First Friday Devotion that was promised to us via St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. For more information about First Friday Devotions, you can visit this page of my blog. The monthly event kicks off with Mass @ 7pm, then dinner is served after, and this takes us into Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament for the whole night. See the SPES blog mentioned above for more info or contact Deanna Joy on 0207 434 9965 and spes@stpatricksoho.org.


CFR Open Day (Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal)
Saturday 7th May 2011, 12:00
The Associates meet as a group the first Saturday of the month in Canning Town for a day of prayer, service and fellowship. A typical day begins at 12:30 pm with Holy Mass followed by lunch while the Associates exchange greetings with one another and with the Friars. After lunch, each member is assigned some type of work duty which assists the mission of the Friars. Work assignments include such chores as sorting donated clothing, preparing food, maintaining/cleaning the Kitchen and Shelter for the homeless, gardening, and other means of serving the poor. At the end of the work period there is a tea break followed by a talk given by a friar. Holy Hour with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction begins at 5 pm. Following the prayer time with our Eucharistic Lord, there is time for informal sharing over supper (each person brings a dish). The day comes to a close with Night Prayer. In addition to the first Saturdays in Canning Town, the Associates have an annual weekend retreat. Every two years the Associates plan a pilgrimage to a Holy Site.
If you are interested in learning more about the Associates of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal please contact: Fr. Emmanuel, C.F.R. at 0207 474 0766


Million Minutes
Sunday 8th May 2011, 10:00
Million Minutes is a fantastic initiative that raises money to help give young people a greater voice, and provides for projects that will help young people off the streets and transform their lives. You could just register via the website, share your links, and get fundraising... but along with thousands of other young people around the UK, I am going to close my mouth and stay silent. So, I'd appreciate if anyone can pledge some money to this cool charity for me to stay silent... £1/min. Bargain. http://www.bmycharity.com/pilgrimclaz.


40 days for life London retreat
Friday 13th-Sunday 15th May 2011
All Saints Pastoral Centre, London Colney, Herts, AL2 1AG
Time for rest, relaxation and reflection following the campaign.
Top quality Pro-life talks
2 nights accommodation and all meals starting Friday evening.
£100. Reductions for students/unwaged.
For more info, visit www.40daysforlife.com/london


TRUTH:Overflow
Friday 13th May 2011, 19:30
Holy Apostles Hall, 47 Cumberland Street, Pimlico, London, SW1V 4LY
Pouring out new UK Gospel with Edwin Fawcett and guests, LIVE!
Our soul singing & songwriting brother Edwin Fawcett makes his debut concert in this fantastic showcase of his best works to date! Promising to be a tastefully vibrant and musical night of Truth transmitted through the mysterious overflow of sound and rhythm, you'll walk away energised, inspired and happy to have received from Edwin's ministry. Arguably one of the best praise and worship ministers the Catholic Church has to offer, his Gospel flavour will entice you to see and hear more of him and his works. Don't miss out on this fun evening, and bring all your mates - because there'll be many other young Catholics there, so definitely an opportunity to meet new people! For more info, visit http://edwinfawcett.co.uk/.


Unbelievable? The Conference
Saturday 14th May 2011, 09:30 - 17:00
Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, 235 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8EP
This Day-Conference on Apologetics includes speakers John Lennox, Jay Smith, David Robertson, David Instone-Brewer and Mark Roques as we explore questions like: "Is Jesus the only way?", "How do I respond to Islam?", "Can I trust the Bible" and "Is there evidence for the resurrection?", among others. Jay Smith will be leading the seminar "Is there evidence for the resurrection?" which will deal with why we, as Christians, can trust the Gospel accounts of Jesus rising from death.
Tickets are £20 each. If anyone can sponsor me to go, I'd be grateful!!!
For more info, visit http://www.premier.org.uk/features/Unbelievable%20Conference.aspx?


Hounslow Youth Team | May WYD Fundraising Masquerade Ball
Saturday 14th May 2011, 19:30
St. Michael & St. Martin's Parish Centre, 94 Bath Road, Hounslow, Middlesex, TW3 3EH
Get your ball gowns and dinner suits out everybody... it's time for a ball! In aid of supporting the Hounslow pilgrims to Madrid for the truly awesome events of World Youth Day, you're invited to bring yourselves in all your fine attire, abit-of-dough and your masks, and have a ball with us lot :) The night's going to be a real blast, with surprise entertainment and the chance to dance to excellent live music. You'll get to meet our pilgrims and generally enjoy the lively and multi-cultural spirit that our Parish are known for! Tickets include a 3 course dinner and an automatic opportunity to be involved in our 'surprise entertainment'! And here's another treat: Buy 4 tickets, and get the 5th FREE! Bargain #2!
For more info and to book tickets, contact Claz (me) on hounslowyouthteam@gmail.com.


Pro-life competitions end (40 days for life)
Sunday 15th May 2011
No Location
Pro Life Competition: ends 15th May – win £500.
Pro Life Video Competition: ends 15th May – win an ipad.
Visit www.40daysforlife.com/london for more info!


Vocation Voices
Sunday 15th May 2011, any Mass during the day
Location: Your Parish!
Vocation Voices is an initiative to train young people to speak at the end of parish Masses on Vocations Sunday (15th May) about the importance of vocations to the Priesthood and Consecrated Life. A congregation will really take notice if a young person gives their lay perspective on this important area of discussion and discovery! Parishes all over the country are getting involved, and Fr Christopher Jamison OSB will provide the training either in person or online. Volunteers need to be aged between 18 and 30... so if you know anyone that is confident, or has great public speaking skills and fits the bill, then defo get them contacting Fr. Stephen Langridge on info@southwarkvocations.com!


Westminster Young Adults | Guided walking tour of the city of London
Sunday 15th May 2011, 12:30
Location: City of London!
An extremely well-researched tour that provides a brilliant history of this great city, some of the highlights include the glorious cathedral that is St Paul's, the Old Bailey, London's Guildhall, the Tower of London, Lloyds of London, the spectacular Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe), and also a few of London's shadier spots...
Having done a trial run of the tour with Gerard a couple of weeks ago, I can't recommend it highly enough. And it's FREE!!
We will be meeting near the west doors of St Paul's Cathedral outside Starbucks at 12 for a prompt start at 12:30.
The walk will take approximately three hours, and due to most of the city being closed on Sundays, we recommend that you bring some refreshments with you as there will not be many opportunities to buy anything on the walk. There will, of course, be regular stopping points though so feel free to bring your sandwiches, snacks etc. Please wear comfortable shoes.
Please reply to westminsteryoungadults@gmail.com and don't forget to check http://www.rcdow.org.uk/youth/events/ for weekly prayer groups events etc.


Pro-life talk by Monsignor Philip J. Reilly on @The Roots of the Culture of Death and Restoring a Culture of Life"
Wednesday 18th May 2011, 19:30
St. James Church, Spanish Place, 22 George Street, London, W1U 3Y
'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. They will be hosting the talk by Monsignor Reilly.
For more info, contact 020 8252 3109, info@hgpi.co.uk & www.hgpi.co.uk


Prayer outside Brixton abortion clinic
Saturday 21st May 2011, 09:00 - 13:00
Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 6 Knowle Close, Brixton Road, Brixton, SW9
'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 next vigil is at Marie Stopes Brixton Centre abortion facility. Bring some mates with you and venture a little out of your comfort zone to pray for those who do not yet have a voice!
For more info: 020 8252 3109, info@hgpi.co.uk & www.hgpi.co.uk


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/


WYD Fundraiser Ceilidh
Saturday 21st May 2011, 19:30
Ealing Abbey (St. Benedict's), Charlbury Grove, Ealing, W5 2DY
Join us for a fantastic evening of traditional Scottish dancing! This is to raise money for the 15 young people we are taking to World Youth Day in August from Ealing Abbey and St Mary Magdalen's, Willesden Green. We would love to have you there, to join in with what is honestly one of the best festive evenings ever, you just cannot beat a ceilidh! :) Tell your friends!!!
Tickets are £7 or £5 for students and you will be fed!:) Ealing Abbey also has a bar.
For more info, contact Rachel Kidd the Youth Coordinator of Ealing Abbey and Willesden Green on rachel_kidd@hotmail.co.uk.


Catholic Roadshow in London
Friday 27th May 2011, 13:00
Immaculate Heart of Mary, Botwell House, Botwell Lane, UB3 2AB
Pope Benedict's visit to England and Scotland in September 2010 was an inspiration to us all. Heartgivesuntoheart Catholic Internet Radio wishes to raise funds for Heart Gives Unto Heart Catholic Internet Radio which is planning to go live in the Autumn. Fr Stan Fortuna, Don Maclean and Edwin Fawcett will be joining the tour for the evening concerts, and there will be different exhibitions and workshops during the day.
Tickets are £8 for the evening concert, but free to attend during the day.
http://hguhroadshow.co.uk/default.aspx for more info!


Theology of the body weekend retreat
Saturday 28th - Monday 30th May 2011, 11:00
The Carmelite Priory, Boars Hill, Oxford, OX1 5HB
Dr Smith speaks nationally and internationally on the Catholic teachings on sexuality and on bioethics. She is serving a third term as a consultor to the Pontifical Council on the Family and she serves the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian unity as a member of the Anglican Roman Catholic International Commission, III. She has received two honorary doctorates and several other awards for scholarship and is the author of many books.
Join us for a fascinating retreat exploring the intellectual and spiritual riches of John Paul's teachings on marriage, love and responsibility. This intense weekend will be not only intellectually stimulating but life changing for the participants.
For details of how to book a place on the residential retreat, contact Robert on Robert543 (at) gmail.com.


Catholic Underground London
Saturday 28th May 2011, 19:30
Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 36 Nightingale Square, Balham, SW12 8QN
Prepare yourselves for a most awesome night of quality time with the Blessed Sacrament, and the legendary Fr. Stan Fortuna. This refreshing and enjoyable bi-monthly event is extremely popular with the young Catholic Community in London… it's an opportunity to not only socialise but more importantly revitalise our souls and discover more about ourselves. It's the perfect regular Catholic event for confirmation candidates to people in their mid 30's! Live Entertainment: Supporting the world famous rapping priest Fr. Stan Fortuna (who has released 20 albums) are upcoming band Ooberfuse.
Holy Hour includes all the good things that our souls desire: Eucharistic Adoration, worship music, Confessions, Liturgy of Hours and Benediction.
None of it is to be missed! Recommended donation: £5.
**personal word of warning from me: The BEST part of Catholic Underground London is the Holy Hour which begins at 19:30… so don't be late!!!**
http://catholicunderground.co.uk for more info!


Re-opening of St. Patrick's Church, Soho
Tuesday 31st May 2011, 18:00
St. Patrick's, Soho Square, London, W1D 4NR
Mass will be celebrated by His Grace the Archbishop of Westminster, the Most Reverend Vincent Nichols. Following Mass there will be an informal reception in the new community centre. Everyone is warmly invited to attend. To mark the special occasion, St. Patrick's Magnificat, a specially commissioned choral work by James MacMilan CBE will be included in the Mass. How fantastic does that sound!
For more info, contact Fr. Alexander on info@stpatricksoho.org


3rd International Theology of the Body Symposium
Friday 3rd-Sunday 5th June 2011, 10:00
St. Mary's University College, Waldegrave Road, Strawberry Hill, Twickenham, TW1 4SX
In this year of the beatification of Pope John Paul II, the Third International Theology of the Body Symposium will be a gathering of some of the world’s best scholars and popularisers such as Christopher West, Dr. Janet E Smith and Dr. Michael Waldstein together with scholars, popular writers and speakers, teachers and students, religious and lay individuals. It is hoped that the gathering will especially help the pastoral application of Catholic teaching about human love, the body and sexuality and will equip attendees to spread Catholic teaching about the dignity of the human body and the human person. This teaching by Blessed Pope John Paul II is a teaching that all Catholics would rejoice in if they were given the opportunity to be taught it by excellent communicators such as these.
http://www.smuc.ac.uk/tob-conference/index.htm 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!
Tickets from about £14
http://www.pentecostfestival.co.uk/o2/ for more info & to book


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


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



Student / Young Adult talks, events & film sessions
University of Hertfordshire:
http://www.uhcathsoc.org/programme.html
London Universities @ Newman House:
http://www.universitycatholic.net/


Congregation focus
http://www.blessedsacramentuki.org/
The Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament are an apostolic group of men whose ideal is to assist the Church in her efforts to form Christian communities whose center of life is the Eucharist. They commit themselves to the implementation of this ideal in collaboration with lay persons engaged in Christian ministries. They continue the mission begun by St. Eymard, the Apostle of the Eucharist and believe that Christ in the Eucharist has the power to effect a radical transformation in our society and in all people. The congregation proclaim the reality of God’s love in the Eucharist by our “gift of self” to Him and our brothers and sisters. By prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament and an active apostolic life, they strive to make Christ in the Eucharist better known and loved. In all that we do, Christ in the Eucharist is our inspiration and the center of our personal and community life.


Website of the month
http://www.loveoneanothermagazine.org/pg/en.html
This is the website to a fantastic magazine worth reading. It's hardcore, but well worth reading even one article. It has been one of the most popular Christian magazines for countries all over the world - published in many different languages. It is aimed at readers of all ages, who wish to think, ponder the meaning of life, seek the truth and faith.


Some other helpful and/or useful links
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/homilies/2011/index_en.htm
Pope Benedict's latest homilies - particularly Easter Homilies and the homily during the Beatification of Blessed Pope John Paul II
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. ;)

May Magnificat

Image from http://www.piercedhearts.org

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today is an über special day! It is the beatification of Pope John Paul II - he is now BLESSED! Alleluia!!! It is also the wonderful feast of the Divine Mercy - by which the heavens opened at 3 o'clock and we were invited to immerse ourselves in the loving mercy of Jesus and to pray for all other souls! On top of that, it's also the feast of St. Joseph the worker. St Joseph is the patron of carpenters, builders and all workers... but also patron saint of the universal Church of Christ on earth, the dying, marriages, fatherhood, families, house sales and finances. He is also an excellent example of humility and obedience to the calling of God in his life (click here for source).

On this 1st day of Mary's month, we are called to open our hearts to her son's presence in our lives, and to let the Holy Spirit set our faith on fire with the eternal life and truth of Jesus. We are encouraged to pray the Rosary every single day this month - it's such a beautiful prayer, and I hope you'll fall as much in love with it as me - more even! So here's a poem by Gerard Manley-Hopkins to celebrate today, and hoping that you feel encouraged to pray for the Blessed Virgin Mary's intercession that she will lead you to her son, and the ocean of mercy found in His most sacred heart.

May is Mary's month, and I
Muse at that and wonder why:
Her feasts follow reason,
Dated due to season—

Candlemas, Lady Day;
But the Lady Month, May,
Why fasten that upon her,
With a feasting in her honour?

Is it only its being brighter
Than the most are must delight her?
Is it opportunest
And flowers finds soonest?
 

Ask of her, the mighty mother:
                                           Her reply puts this other
                                         Question: What is Spring?—
                                              Growth in every thing—

                                         Flesh and fleece, fur and feather,
                                        Grass and greenworld all together;
                                          Star-eyed strawberry-breasted
                                            Throstle above her nested

                                           Cluster of bugle blue eggs thin
                                            Forms and warms the life within;
                                            And bird and blossom swell
                                               In sod or sheath or shell.

                                            All things rising, all things sizing
                                            Mary sees, sympathising
                                            With that world of good,
                                           Nature's motherhood.

                                          Their magnifying of each its kind
                                           With delight calls to mind
                                           How she did in her stored
                                              Magnify the Lord.

                                        Well but there was more than this:
                                       Spring's universal bliss
                                       Much, had much to say
                                      To offering Mary May.

                                      When drop-of-blood-and-foam-dapple
                                      Bloom lights the orchard-apple
                                     And thicket and thorp are merry
                                   With silver-surfed cherry

                                     And azuring-over greybell makes
                               Wood banks and brakes wash wet like lakes
                              And magic cuckoocall
                               Caps, clears, and clinches all—

                               This ecstasy all through mothering earth
                               Tells Mary her mirth till Christ's birth
                               To remember and exultation
                                 In God who was her salvation. 

For me, I'm now desperate for work in youth evangelisation as I have been unemployed for 11 months. And so the prayer of St. Joseph is particularly special for me at the moment. I hope there is something here that you can really relate to...


Oh glorious St Joseph, model of all who are devoted to labor, obtain for me the grace to work in the spirit of penance in expiation of my many sins; to work conscientiously by placing love of duty above my inclinations; to gratefully and joyously deem it an honor to employ and to develop by labor the gifts I have received from God, to work methodically, peacefully and in moderation and patience, without ever shrinking from it through weariness or difficulty to work; above all, with purity of intention and unselfishness, having unceasingly before my eyes death and the account I have to render of time lost, talents unused, good not done, and vain complacency in success, so harmful to the work of God.
All for Jesus, all for Mary, all to imitate you, O Patriarch St Joseph! This shall be my motto for life and eternity. Amen