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. ;)

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

Ongoing event: 40 days for Life Prayer Vigil
Every day from 8am-10pm. Ends Sunday 17th April 2011
Northwest Corner of Bedford Square, (nos 26-27) London, WC1B 3HP (opposite BPAS Clinic)
40 Days for Life is a focused pro-life effort that consists of 40 days of prayer and fasting, peaceful vigil and community outreach. We are praying that, with God's help, this groundbreaking effort will mark the beginning of the end of abortion in our city -- and throughout the UK. While all aspects of 40 Days for Life are crucial in our effort to end abortion, the most visible component is the peaceful prayer vigil outside the local abortion facility. You can help make a life-saving impact!
For more info, contact Daniel on 40daysforlifelondon@gmail.com and sign up to participate in the vigil here.



UPCOMING EVENTS

Friday 1st April 2011, 21:00: First Friday all-night vigil
Friday 1st April 2011, 19:30: Anchor Session 3 - History of Salvation
Friday 1st April 2011, 19:30: Les Fauristes - Chamber Choir and Orchestra (Leicester Sq.)
Saturday 2nd April 2011, 19:30: Les Fauristes - Chamber Choir and Orchestra (Spanish Place)
Saturday 2nd April 2011, 10:00: FEARLESS@Shrewsbury <-- Anniversary of death of PJPII *special day!*
Saturday 2nd April 2011, 16:00: Series of Psycho-Spirituality talks
Monday 4th April 2011, 19:00: 40 days for life lecture: Lord Alton on how to build a culture of life
Monday 4th April 2011, 19:30: The Raising of Lazarus and the Hope of New Life - Balham Lenten Talk
Tuesday 5th April 2011, 19:00-21:30: Mind the Gap | Lent 2011: Pay it forward
Wednesday 6th April 2011, 19:00: Covent Garden Prayer Group (weekly prayer group)
Wednesday 6th April 2011: Francis Campbell on ‘Faith and Diplomacy’
Thursday 7th April 2011, 19:00: Soul Food (weekly prayer group)
Friday 8th April 2011, 20:30: UK Film Premiere of Maafa21
Saturday 9th April 2011, 09:00: Forgiveness and Reconciliation session
Saturday 9th April 2011, time tbc: Frassati Society Hike
Sunday 10th April 2011, 17:30: Young Adults in the North | Do you believe this?
Tuesday 12th April 2011, 19:00-21:30: Mind the Gap | Lent 2011: The Gospel according to Matthew
Friday 15th- Sunday 17th April 2011: Holy Week Retreat
Friday 15th April - Sunday 24th April 2011: Walk on pilgrimage during Holy Week
Saturday 16th April 2011, 09:00 - 13:00: Prayer Vigil outside an abortion clinic with Bishop Alan Hopes, CFR's, The Helpers, & The Hounslow Youth Team
Saturday 16th April 2011, 15:00: Third Saturday Netherhall afternoon of recollection for male students
Friday 29th April 2011, 19:00: Vocations Discernment Group
Tuesday 3rd May 2011, 23:00: Group viewing of The Way
Sunday 8th May 2011, 10:00: HYT: Million Minutes | 'Exhibition of Silence'
Friday 13th May 2011, 19:30: TRUTH:Overflow
Friday 13th-Sunday 15th May 2011: 40 days for life London retreat.
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
Friday 20th or Saturday 21st May 2011, evening: Group viewing of The Way
Congregation focus

Website of the month
Links to Student/Young Adult talks
Other helpful links

First Friday all-night vigil
Friday 4th March 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.


Anchor your Faith! Session 3 - History of Salvation
Friday 4th March 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.


Les Fauristes - Chamber Choir and Orchestra
Friday 1st April 2011, 19:30
Notre Dame de France (French Church) 5 Leicester Place, WC2H 7BX
A Chamber Choir and Orchestra conducted by Blandine de Raulin host a fundraising concerts for the SVP, St James's Spanish Place and the Refugee Centre, Notre Dame de France. Soloists include Judith Charron, Jenny Bianco, Maggie MacDonald, Maud Maestracci, Cosme de Montpellier and Zyg Rakowicz will perform: Fauré's Requiem & Cantique de Jean Racine (two absolutely stunning pieces that will give you goosebumps!!) and Franck's Panis Angelicus, among other Sacred works.
Tickets cost £15 (£10 concessions) available on the door and for more information please contact: Maggie MacDonald mmcmacdonald@hotmail.com (07841 141178) or Blandine de Raulin (07948 825275)


FEARLESS@Shrewsbury
Saturday 2nd April  2011, 10:00-18:00
Sacred Heart and St Peter's Church, Floatshall Rd, Baguley, Manchester, M23 1HP
Calling all 16-25 year olds!! You are invited to FEARLESS@Shrewsbury
On the anniversary of Pope John Paul II's death, this fun and faith-filled prayer day led BY young adults FOR young adults packed with inspirational speakers and like-minded people you won't regret meeting will bring you closer to knowing God's love in the Eucharist. PJPII pray for us this day!
£10 donation for the day, but don't let that stop you if you can't afford it!
For more info or to book contact: Fiona at info@youth2000.org tel: 020 8675 2743 or Dave at youth@dioceseofshrewsbury.org tel: 01614 808065
**If you know of any friends or family that live in the Shrewsbury Diocese, please let them know this great day of prayer is happening and to spread the word!**


Series of Psycho Spirituality talks

Saturday 2nd April 2011, 16:00-18:00 (and the Saturday following)
Our Lady Of Victories Parish Hall, 235 Kensington High Street, London W8 6SF

Do you think that there is a deep connection between physical health, psychological maturity and spiritual growth? Do you think that we are all called to achieve the interior harmony that makes us truly happy, as God’s dream for each of us? We might get stuck, or experience resentment, insecurity, and conflicts that are difficult to deal with. These can dim the light that burns within us and prevent us from being happier.  
This series of workshops, lead by my wonderful SD Sr. Paloma Marchesi of the Carmelite Missionary Sisters, can help us root our life in the only source of trust: God, the Truth beyond tangible reality. It helps to understand our reality: feelings, doubts, conflicts, obstacles, etc.; to accept ourselves as we are and to develop practical tools for a spiritual healing, for living with deep joy and satisfaction, and for managing mature relationships. The series works as follows:
Saturday 19th March 2011, 16:00-18:00: "How to handle emotions" (refreshments offered)
Saturday 26th March 2011, 16:00-18:00: "Understanding difficult relationships and working through them" (refreshments offered)
Saturday 2nd April 2011, 16:00-18:00: "Centering Prayer" (refreshments offered)
Saturday 9th April 2011, 09:00-12:00: "Forgiveness and Reconciliation" (please bring packed lunch for the meal sharing)
Cost: A voluntary donation will be asked. The money collected won't be in anyway used by the Young Adults Group of the parish. The total amount will be dedicated to the personal needs of Sr.Paloma and her community. Feel free to invite anyone who might be interested in this topic! It will be great!
For more info: www.ourladyofvictories.org.uk


40 days for life lecture: Lord Alton on how to build a culture of life
Monday 4th April 2011, 19:00
Farm Street Parish Hall, 114 Mount Street, London, W1K 3AH
Lord Alton of Liverpool is a British politician. He is a former Liberal Party and later Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament (MP) who now sits as cross bench member of the House of Lords. He has consistently opposed human cloning, eugenics, coercive population polices, abortion, destructive experiments on human embryos and euthanasia. He believes we need to be "pro woman and pro child; not just opposed to things but positively pro-life at every stage of human development." As well as energetically campaigning in this area, David has also written extensively on these issues. During this talk he will describe and articulate in detail how to build a culture of life.
For more info, contact Daniel on 40daysforlifelondon@gmail.com


Balham Lenten talks
Monday 4th April 2011, 20:00,

Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Nightingale Square, Balham, London,

Feel like meditating in a unique way this Lent? Holy Ghost in Balham have got an exciting series of meditations to help you draw closer to the Lord every Monday evening. The meditations will take place during a Holy Hour, 8-9pm. There will be time for personal prayer and chance to go to Confession.
Each meditation will be on the Gospels for the Sundays in Lent. This year, in Year A, each Sunday uses a truly amazing story of encounter and conversion to Jesus. The speakers will be unpacking what these conversion stories mean and how Christ calls each of us closer and deeper into Him... You're invited to come and draw closer to Christ!
Monday 14th March 2011 - The Transfiguration and the Light of Faith, by Fr Alexander Sherbrooke
Monday 21st March 2011  The Woman at the Well and Baptism's Living Water, Fr Anthony Doe
Monday 28th March 2011 - The Man Born Blind and the Challenge of Humility, by Fr Stephen Wang
Monday 4th April 2011 - The Raising of Lazarus and the Hope of New Life, by Fr John Hemer
For more info, call Hannah on 020 8355 0211 or email hannah@hgbalham.com

Mind the Gap Lent 2011 | Pay it forward
Tuesday 5th April 2011, 19:00 - 21:30
Our Lady of the Assumption and St. Gregory's Church, 13 Warwick Street. London W1F 9JR
A Lenten film and discussion evening for Young Adults (17-35ish). The film showing this night is Pay it forward starring Kevin Spacey. Synopsis: A young boy attempts to make the world a better place after his teacher gives him that chance. Refreshments are served from 18:30!
All young adults are welcome. For more information contact: mindthegap@rcdow.org.uk and visit http://www.rcdow.org.uk/youth/news/?item=3272


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.


Faith matters Lent 2011 | Being Catholic Today
Wednesday 6th April 2011, 19:00-20:30
Westminster Cathedral Hall, Ambrosden Avenue, London, SW1P 1QH,
The last of a series of public lectures to which all are welcome to explore the relationship between Church and State. The theme for this series is 'being Catholic today', and the talk on this date is lead by Francis Campbell on ‘Faith and Diplomacy’.
Suggested donation for each lecture £3.
Registration for the lectures is required to guarantee a place. Please email: faithmatters@rcdow.org.uk or telephone 020 7931 6078. For further information and to book your place, please visit www.rcdow.org.uk/faithmatters.


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/


UK Film Premiere of Maafa21
Friday 8th April 2011, 20:30-23:00 (Also showing on Thursday 7th April)
Notting Hill Coronet, 103 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3LB They were stolen from their homes, locked in chains and taken across an ocean. And for more than 200 years, their blood and sweat would help to build the richest and most powerful nation the world has ever known. But when slavery ended, their welcome was over. America's wealthy elite had decided it was time for them to disappear and they were not particular about how it might be done. What you are about to see is that the plan these people set in motion 150 years ago is still being carried out today. So don't think that this is history. It is not. It is happening right here, and it's happening right now. View trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLnNi_qb7nY
Tickets £10. To reserve a ticket please email: 40daysforlifelondon@gmail.com


Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Saturday 9th April 2011, 09:00-12:30
Our Lady Of Victories Parish Hall, 235 Kensington High Street, London W8 6SF
For more info, check out my events list on Saturday 2nd April, and look under 'Series of Psycho-Spirituality talks'.


Frassati Society Hike & Pub Lunch
Saturday 9th April 2011
Location tbc
The Frassati Society is a young adult apostolate which combines prayer, service of the poor, and community (specifically, hiking!) in the spirit of Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati. At his beatification in 1990, Pope John Paul II named Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati 'The Man of the Beatitudes' - a model for young Christian living.  Join the group for this day of fun fellowship and spiritual growth with a relaxed hike!
For more information, please contact Laura Cuthbertson on laura@hgbalham.com.


Young Adults in the North | Do you believe this?
Sunday 10th April 2011, 17:30
St. Monica's Church, Stonard Rd, Palmers Green, London, N13 4DJ
The next Young Adults in the North gathering with Bishop John Arnold focuses on the Gospel of the day, and titled: “Do you believe this?” Mass with Bishop John will be followed by a time of food, reflection / discussion and the opportunity to ‘Grill the Bishop’. All young adults aged 17-35 are welcome. For more information, contact David Burke on 020 7798 9357 or email davidburke@rcdow.org.uk and check out http://www.rcdow.org.uk/youth/news/?item=3273
Keep up with youth/young adult news in the diocese: http://www.rcdow.org.uk/youth/
Follow us on Twitter:  http://twitter.com/WestminsterYAYA
Join us in World Youth Day Madrid 2011: http://www.rcdow.org.uk/wyd/


Mind the Gap Lent 2011 | The Gospel according to Matthew
Tuesday 12th April 2011, 19:00 - 21:30
Our Lady of the Assumption and St. Gregory's Church, 13 Warwick Street. London W1F 9JR
A Lenten film and discussion evening for Young Adults (17-35ish). This film shows the life of Jesus Christ according to the Gospel of Matthew. Pasolini shows Christ as a marxist avant-la-lettre and therefore uses half of the text of Matthew. 
All young adults are welcome. For more information contact: mindthegap@rcdow.org.uk and visit http://www.rcdow.org.uk/youth/news/?item=3272

Holy Week Retreat
Friday 15th- Sunday 17th April 2011
Diocesan House of Prayer, Abbotswick, Navestock Side, Brentwood CM14 5SH
Fr. Stefan Park, OSA, will lead this special weekend retreat at the start of Holy Week and will examine God's calling in the light of Jesus' calling of the disciples and the women in the Gospels. Despite three years of intensive training, Jesus' disciples, in the main, misunderstood their calling. At the end, only the women and John remained. And yet they all, apart from Judas, recovered and bore much fruit. How do we understand this? What lessons are there here for us? The retreat will take place at Abbotswick House of Prayer near Brentwood
For more info and a booking form, see www.free2become.org.


Walk on pilgrimage during Holy Week
Friday 15th April - Sunday 24th April 2011
Lindisfarne, UK
Walk with Northern Cross to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne with a group of Christians from diverse traditions for a challenging & fulfilling week of fellowship and prayer. Whatever age, experience or walking ability there is a group for you – including families with young children. Starting on the evening of Fri 15 April, & later dates. We arrive at the Holy Island on Good Friday and celebrate the Easter liturgies with the local community. The pilgrimage finishes Easter Sunday afternoon, 24 April. For more info, visit www.NorthernCross.co.uk or email walk@northerncross.co.uk


Prayer Vigil outside an abortion clinic with Bishop Alan Hopes, CFR's, Helpers of God's precious infants & Hounslow Youth Team
Saturday 16th April 2011, 09:00 - 13:00
St. Margaret's Church, 130 St. Margaret's Road, East Twickenham, TW1 1RL
'The Helpers' as they are known as, is an international pro-life group founded by Msgr. Philip Reilly whose main apostolate is prayer vigils at abortion facilities. The next Twickenham vigil at the local BPAS abortion facility will start off with Mass at St. Margaret's. It is an honour for Bishop Alan Hopes to lead the vigil. You also have no fear of being too young to join, there are families and other youth that take part, and the Hounslow Youth Team (HYT) will be there as witness too. Bring some mates with you and venture a little out of your comfort zone with us! Bring your rosaries and some lunch. Equally, you're also invited to pray outside the BPAS clinic at Bedford Square as part of the 40 days for life vigil! Poster will be posted tomorrow... please print and put a copy up in your parishes, universities, schools and anywhere you can!

For more info: 020 8252 3109, info@hgpi.co.uk & www.hgpi.co.uk. If you prefer to contact HYT, you can call Claz (me) on hounslowyouthteam@gmail.com.

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/


Vocations Discernment Group
Friday 29th April 2011, 19:00-21:00
Hinsley room by Westminster Cathedral, London, SW1P
On every 4th Friday of the month, a group of actively discerning young adults, both men and women, meet up for prayer, a talk and discussion, followed by some social time. For more info, check out www.rcdow.org.uk/vocations and www.free2become.org.


Group viewing of The Way DEADLINE
Tuesday 3rd May 2011
See the event below (20th May) for more details about hitting the cinema to watch 'The Way' as a group!


Hounslow Youth Team | Million Minutes 'Exhibition of Silence'
Sunday 8th May 2011, 10:00
St. Michael & St. Martin's Parish Centre, 94 Bath Road, Hounslow, Middlesex, TW3 3EH
We are inviting ALL young people to get involved in Million Minutes - 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 HYT are all about fellowship and community... so we have one simple message for you: JOIN US. On 8th May, along with thousands of other young people around the UK, we are going to close our mouths and stay silent... and we are going to turn ourselves into an 'exhibition of silence' at our Parish Centre so that you can visit us in our silence. What's more, is that you're invited to come and be silent with us... whether you have been fundraising or not (although we really encourage that you fundraise too!). So, since I also belong to the Hounslow Youth Team, you can pledge some money to this cool charity for me to stay silent... £1/min. Bargain. http://www.bmycharity.com/pilgrimclaz. Every £1 I raise, will contribute towards HYT's group fundraising efforts. Don't hold back now! For more info, contact Claz (me) on hounslowyouthteam@gmail.com.


40 days for life London retreat
Friday 13th-Sunday 15th May 2011
London Colney
40 days for life London retreat. 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! For more info, visit http://edwinfawcett.co.uk/.


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!


Group viewing of The Way
Friday 20th or Saturday 21st May 2011, evening time
Cinema in or somewhere near Leicester Square (location tbc)
As mentioned in my last email, the potential for a massive group of all my mates, and anybody else who is interested to go and see Emilio Estevez's The Way featuring Martin Sheen is possible! The original release date of 15th April has now moved to 13th May, but Edwin's concert is on that night, and HYT's Ball is on 14th. This means watching the movie on 20th or 21st.
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 somewhere in the West End. 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! WATCH THIS SPACE and try to keep your diaries free for the Friday or Saturday evenings of this weekend as long as you can until I find out more! If you'd like to join me, please can you let me know by Tuesday 3rd May. I'd love it if at least 1 or 2 people came, but think it would be a much more awesome experience if 20 or even 30 people came! You can email me on pilgrim.claz@gmail.com if you're interested ;)




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
Sorry, it was my aim this month to introduce you not so much to a particular congregation, but to the daily lives of some friends who are Seminarians. Unfortunately, I couldn't make it down to the Wonersh Seminary as I'd hoped to this month, and the next opportunity I will have would be next year! :( So real sorry guys, but it would have been a real treat!


Website of the month (sorry, there's so much good stuff on this site that it is still website of the month!) http://www.iamsecond.com/ - Inspiring the Revolution of Second.
I am Second is a movement meant to inspire people of all kinds to live for God and for others. Actors. Athletes. Musicians. Business leaders. Drug addicts. Your next-door neighbor. People like you. The authentic stories on iamsecond.com provide insight into dealing with typical struggles of everyday living. These are stories that give hope to the lonely and the hurting, help from destructive lifestyles, and inspiration to the unfulfilled. You’ll discover people who’ve tried to go it alone and have failed. Find the hope, peace, and fulfillment they found. Be Second.
You are here for a reason. We all have needs and could use some help. Talk to us. Call, chat, or email. 24 hours a day.
Go a step further, talk with the people in your life. Spread the revolution of Second. Share the videos with friends. Start an I am Second Group in your neighborhood, workplace, or school or join an I am Second Group already meeting.
Volunteer at concerts. Serve through I am Second community service events. Organize your own I am Second events. Sign up for an I am Second Expedition to help people in other countries. Check out Get Involved for other opportunities. Connect with us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.
I am Second is designed to help people discover their purpose in life. Have you discovered yours?
To find out more about the people and leadership team behind I Am Second you can check out Who We Are.

Some other helpful and/or useful links
http://www.fordham.edu/cs/LostinVideos.shtml 'Lost' Conference... an insight into the lost generation of 20-somethings youth in the Catholic Church.
http://www.faith-journeys.com/ Perhaps you had a sudden Damascus Road experience - or came to faith slowly, hesitatingly. Whoever you are, whatever has happened, however your views have changed over the years, your faith journey is unique. Now is the chance to tell us about it.
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. ;)

LISS Day 30

Faithful Prayer

Mark 11:23-26 and Psalm 102:1-2

I learned something very valuable on El Camino... which is that God answers prayer in HIS own time. If your prayer is faithful, then your prayer might be answered straight away, or in years and years to come. My most striking example of God answering my prayer speedily was when I was walking El Camino, on day 32 of my way. The chaos and the crowds had gotten worse, and the road to Santiago de Compostela was completely packed with people rushing past me, which unnerved me. Until this point, and for 2 solid weeks, I never encountered anybody walking El Camino for spiritual reasons, and yet they were all eager to make claim to the title pilgrim, and rushed to grab all the first beds. By this point, I had offered my irritation up to God, but on this particular day, I was saddened that so few people were contemplating the meaning of the Life given to us by God. By this time, my heart was beating full of life from the Spirit (which I didn't comprehend 100% yet) and I saw with my own eyes the hearts of everyone around me... hearts closed to the Truth around us... on El Camino for reasons that gratified their worldly minds, but not the deepest depths of their souls. In my heart, I did not feel any of these people were true pilgrims walking 'the Way'. My heart despaired at this. I prayed to the Lord, asking Him to send me a sign that there were still true pilgrims on the road - that humanity still existed for Him, that 'The Way' was still sacred and trod on for all the right reasons.

According to my diary: 'And so, by 07:35, I began my first rosary of the day. I dedicated it (of course) for Pope Benedict, but most especially for the true pilgrim. And you would never believed how God graced me! For some reason, as I was beginning the first decade, I prayed in earnest and hope with all my heart that there were still true pilgrims on this road. My fourth Hail Mary in, someone walking behind asked me in English if he could join me. At first I was just so shocked, that the first time someone asked to join me in praying the rosary was on my penultimate day of walking. I then said yes, but I'm already on my fourth Hail Mary, but I've only just started. This man said 'yes, that is ok - I will join only for a little bit!' So together we prayed about on and a half decades of the rosary, and he said thank you, and began to walk ahead. But then he looked back and asked me where I'm from, and I said I'm from London, England. He then said to me I'm from Poland, and I said 'yes I know, I could tell from your accent!' Then he said I'm a Polish Priest! And I nearly stopped in my tracks! A priest asked... to pray with me. I felt embarrassed and nervous, at first, in case I said the rosary wrong. And then I felt unworthy of even leading the rosary. But as he walked ahead, my prayers then and there were being answered. On this road, there were still true pilgrims.' My diary extract goes on... but that shall remain in my diary.

God hears our prayer. And in His time, He answers our prayer. If He didn't, then He wouldn't have sent me a Polish Priest named Father Andrej (please pray for him :)) to pray part of that particular rosary with me, proving to me that there were still true pilgrims on the Way to salvation. Instead His sign would have come as something else, at a later time.


I thank you, O Lord my God, that You answer my prayers. You fill my heart to bursting with Your Grace. You alone are the One who hears the cries of those in distress. Blessed are You!

LISS Day 25

Walk in His ways

Today's two scripture verses have helped me to reflect on my conversion, and so, I wish to share something very spiritually intimate with you... a moment I realised I had found my faith: The Hour I first Believed. The purpose of me sharing this with you is not to give you a literal explanation of my overwhelming experience, but instead share with you what I thought and felt when I realised I truly believed; thus acknowledging God's gift of faith, which links very much to today's reflections. For me, the overwhelming experience (what Brother John Bosco CFR described to me as a Baptism of the Holy Spirit), and my conversion (the hour I first believed), happened on different occasions, and I pray that sharing my recollection on my blog might in some way help others to open their hearts to the possibility that they too will discover, accept and believe the Truth that is through Christ Jesus.

Firstly, I would not wish to go on before you have read today's Bible reflections - the Word of God is quintessentially above any word of mine, and is what gives me the strength to share with you.

Ezekiel 36:26-27: A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. I will put my spirit within you, and make you follow my statutes and be careful to observe my ordinances.

Acts 1:8: You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Lord, be with me as I share this intimate moment. I wish always to proclaim your Truth and Glory.



I was lost in wonder and joy at the awesomeness that had filled me about 3 days before it really hit me that I truly believed. I could not tell you that I placed the word 'conversion' as one to describe this beautiful experience - for I did not recognise until months later that my life had been made new, and that I had experienced a conversion. All I could say to describe the realisation, was that I truly believed.

On Tuesday 13th July, which was the 22nd day of my way on El Camino according to my diary, I had already begun to recognise that there are forces at work which could not be explained as anything other than holy. My healing, for example. By the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I received a grace in which I registered some presence urging me to continue and to persevere through the pain, because something is going to happen to me. Something is waiting for me. Something big. From the time of my physical healing (which was temporary - but not without purpose), my deeper senses were awakened, and I began to register a great presence - an ethereal and powerful presence all around me, before me, behind me, inside me. It was everywhere, and it was radiating an energy that cannot be considered kinetic.

In the morning, I had set off from Astorga at my normal time... dawn. It did not feel like any special day in particular, and I had already prayed one rosary, which I dedicated to Pope Benedict XVI and to Roselyn & Forgiveness. In my diary entry for the day, I wrote:
"Today was a true revelation! Jesus said: 'I am the Way, the Truth and the Life - no-one can come to the Father except through me.' This way - this Camino - is the way to God - through Jesus. I was revealed this when [after] I popped into this little Church at about 7:30am. It was opened, called Ecce Homo, and there was this highly unusual stations thing they had. Rather than stations of the cross, it was stations of a pilgrimage to Santiago. The stations are a way. Today's focus was mostly on our Saviour Lord Jesus Christ, how I need to live and behave more like him."
As you can see, my diary is quite factual, and somewhat cold, but I wrote with the need to document my journey in haste, as sometimes, there is no time to write much before the sun goes down that day. I will paint a fuller picture now.

The sun was in the later stages of rising, and as with every day of El Camino, it didn't rain (except for about 5 minutes). Before approaching Ecce Homo, my mind was pre-occupied with trying to keep a good pace of walk, as I wanted to reach my destination, 20km away, in good time. But something great was calling me to visit the chapel Ecce Homo. It wasn't necessarily an attractive building on the outside, and I could have quite easily have missed it if I hadn't been drawn to the Chapel by something very powerful. I entered the chapel, two pilgrims were leaving then there was only myself and the person who keeps watch there. The chapel owners obviously cared for the pilgrim very much, because they made a true and honest effort to bring pilgrims closer to God in a way that didn't exist anywhere else on El Camino. The guardian of the chapel urging me to take something into my hands. It was a small folded leaflet titled 'The Way of Santiago, real symbol of the Way of Life. Five stations of the Way of Life.' Before unfolding it, I sat down to pray, giving my Love to God in thanksgiving that I was still walking the Way of St. James. After some time, I opened the leaflet up to some description, images, scripture and prayer on 5 stations, which I didn't quite understand as I'd never seen anything like it before, but understood as soon as I spotted the first station in physical form before the Sanctuary. The first station was a candle, the name given to the station being 'You receive the Holy Spirit'. The candle was not a beeswax candle, but a glass candle consisting of a base, a top, and 7 different colour blocks. The description was as follows: 'The candle reminds you that the Holy Spirit, who, flowing from Christ, surrounds all your person. He, who is Love, arrives to the heart of the believer, especially in the seven sacraments'. In a box on the leaflet was, in red writing, 'The Holy Spirit, the Love, the Light of Christ, may lead your steps'. The scripture said, "All were filled with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:4). And the prayer was:
'Blessed be the Holy Spirit, who, in the Catholic Church informs and prepares the believer to achieve the Resurrection of the Body, the fullness of the person, the fraternal communion and communion with the Holy Trinity. The forgiveness of sins and everlasting life... Blessed be for ever Lord. I walk... this is my faith. We proclaim our faith, in the way of blessing to give evidence of the ineffable happiness of being a believer. We begin praising the Hoy Spirit, because He enables us to discover the risen Jesus, and, in this way, we are transformed by Him. We walk toward the communion with the Father. In God who is One and Trinity, it happens... the fullness of freedom and communion.'
I prayed and pondered at every station.
Second station: You meet Mary.
Third station: You talk to Jesus.
Fourth sation: You contemplate and live the Resurrection of Jesus.
Fifth station: You walk toward the full Communion with the Holy Trinity.

After I had made all my stations, I knelt (kneeling was still difficult for me at this stage as my knees were still only healing, still very sore) and prayed, offering all the graces I received on El Camino to the Lord, and thanking Him for the love and care that I knew had gone to this Chapel to help every pilgrim on their journey to God. I exited the Chapel after putting about 3 Euros into the pot, and I had also put the little folded leaflet away into my pouch, walking onward without feeling any particular change than when I entered into the Ecce Homo chapel. I believe I remember there being a diversion on the marked way of El Camino though, so I think, for the first time, I was taken out of the path that was intended for us pilgrims - this made me feel a little uncomfortable. So then perhaps about 45 minutes after I had left the Chapel, I stopped in my tracks, and my heart skipped a beat, because my soul was filled with the great words from John 14:6. The Light and Truth of this revelation dwelt and settled in the very depths of my soul. In that moment, El Camino was no longer just 'The Way of Saint James', or a pilgrimage. It was so much more than that to me. It was God's gift to me - a path that would begin my spiritual Way to God the Father in Christ His Son, through the graces and gifts of the Holy Spirit. To this day, the words of this passage are like a re-ignition of the flame in my heart for the Holy Trinity - and I rejoice everytime I think about them, hear or read them. It was that moment I became His witness, and was no longer lost.

Little did I know that the verse following John 14: 6 says "If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him". I did not see Jesus with my own eyes at that point, but I knew that I had seen him in my heart, and from that moment on, I knew what it was to believe.

I share this, so that you may believe - for you are also blessed. "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" [John 20:29]

LISS Day 23

Citizens of Heaven

Reflections: Ephesians 2:19-20 & Colossians 3:1-4

We are all called to be holy - to know and share the Love that the saints knew - to follow the paths that Jesus' disciples trod. I do not say this lightly - and I meant it in both a spiritual and literal sense. Nobody could have ever prepared me for the overwhelming immersion of Love, Peace, Light, Happiness, Goodness, Grace, and Beauty flooding straight to a deep place within me that I never knew existed before this experience. I simply walked El Camino for a plenary indulgence for Grandaddy, who, rest his soul, will be 1 year old in his new life away from human existence... but that is where the first phase of my conversion happened. This was the way of St. James - one of the many 'ways to holiness'. All of a sudden, through my experience, I came to understand the true value of Life, and of Love... and Church teachings made so much sense to me, when they hadn't done before. There is a new dimension to me that is slightly outside my being, but still a very connected part of me. Why would God choose someone so lowly like me to have this most awesome experience? I do not know... I am just like you. I feel like a whole new person than I was before the summer... but I am nobody special. We are all equal. We are the same, and we are all loved by God equally, immensely, immeasurably. Perhaps what makes a difference is that I completely surrendered myself to Him on El Camino. But I tell you, God gifted us all with bodies, souls and spirits to come to know His Love - He did not just gift the converted with this... no! He gifted every single one of us with a great capacity to become Citizens of Heaven, and it helps to open our hearts to this citizenship.

God the Father, in Jesus Christ His Son, and through the Holy spirit invites us all to enlightenment. I encourage everybody to pray often - because it is in prayer that you are no longer 'strangers and aliens', but are instead, 'setting your mind on things that are above'; joined in communion with the saints and angels of heaven - adoring, loving and acknowledging the humble King, our Lord Jesus Christ. If you feel like a hypocrite for praying, please don't. God wants you to connect with Him, even if all you have to say doesn't seem very nice - HE LOVES YOU MORE THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW IN THIS LIFE! And just that you would give Him that time of day is the first small step in the right direction! Give God a chance to set you free... for nothing on this earth ever could. We are restless until we rest in God, as St. Augustine says. Also, give it time. God doesn't always work straight away! It could take days, months, years, even decades. So keep your petitions, intentions, thanksgivings in daily prayer. Focus your mind, and seek things that are above. "Do not model your behaviour on the contemporary world, but let the renewing of your minds transform you, so that you may discern for yourselves what is the will of God - what is good and acceptable and mature." [Romans 12:2]. Let Christ reveal Himself to you, and the love you know will be transformed into the sacrificial Love of Christ. Drink of His life-giving blood and water, and you will never go thirsty again, except when you do not nourish yourself with the Sacraments and prayer.

There is no question about our citizenship being a free ride into Heaven. It is not. When the Love of God hits you, it becomes your greatest desire to do everything in your power to return that Love. When you falter, even unintentionally, you desire to pick yourself up, and begin again, because in some sense, you are willing to make that sacrifice. I faltered yesterday - I did not attend Mass - which is the key part of First Friday Devotions. It wasn't my intention to miss Mass, but I was too lazy to check my devotional, on this criteria... so my 5th Friday Devotions were not complete. I am so sorry to Jesus, that in my laziness, I did not fulfill my promise to devote heart and soul to His Sacred Heart, and that instead I prioritised myself above receiving His Body in Holy Communion. So I begin my First Friday Devotions again. I don't really know if God cares whether I falter 1 time, or 100,000 times; as long as I always return to Him - most especially through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, there is hope for me. At least that is how I see it.


Humble Lord of Mercy and Love, you forgive me my sins yet again. How much more can you bear my sinfulness? With my human patience, I would already be tired and irritated of me... but You are so good, so perfect, and so wonderful - if only the whole world knew what they were created to receive and to give! You took away my sins, and washed me clean so that I may love you freely again. The words "You let yourself get hurt" do not eat into my soul as they did this morning when I awoke because of them. You have granted me this über-tiny mini-miracle. I beg of you to heal the hurt of others too, and bless them with fresh hearts with which they may begin again to love with, so that upon the our hour of death, you may welcome us with arms open wide, as citizens of your Kingdom. Pour in me, Lord, a stronger spirituality, and by Your Will, plant in me a desire to pray more, striving always to reveal You to others.

P.S. I always wondered where in the Bible the reference to Jesus being seated at the right hand of God was. When I first heard this as a child, I was looking at Jesus on the Cross. I have been sitting in the left side of the congregation at Masses ever since!!! Silly... I know! But this is where I got it from!

LISS Day 13

God of compassion and comfort

After the massive transformation in my faith whilst on El Camino, I was wracked with guilt about a relationship I was in. Eventually, I brought all my guilt and shame before the Lord, and Jesus filled me with His Love in the most merciful way - I cannot describe it. It inspired the song that the praise and worship band (called TW3) I sing in wrote. We wrote it especially for the reconciliation service at Youth 2000's Renewal@Balham - because it was at Youth 2000's Prayer Festival at Walsingham that I experienced God's great compassion and comfort through our Lord Jesus Christ. We wanted it to be used by Him as an instrument for the young people to seek forgiveness at Confession.
I hope you enjoy it.

LISS Day 6

The Lord directs

Anyone who has walked El Camino, the Way of St. James, knows this for sure :) I myself, found Him on it.

My Grandaddy was known as a shepherd, it will be 3 weeks to the first year anniversary of his death [God save his soul]. It reminds me that in the tomb at the cemetery he is buried, all of the tombs have either an image of a Crucifix or the Blessed Virgin Mary's face on it. Grandaddy's is the unique one there, as the image on his tomb is that of Jesus as 'the good shepherd'. It's strange, as that area of North-Western Spain consists primarily of farmers and countryside, so I would have assumed more farmers would have an image like this on their tombs. God Bless my cousin who chose that image - the perfect one for Grandaddy's tomb.

Grandaddy's tomb in Bean, Vilasuso, Galicia, España.

If I put the Lord always before me, then my paths shall have the best chance of being the right paths for me, as the Lord knows what is best for me.
Proverbs 16:9 'In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.'
Amen. Now that I have a Spiritual Director, I hope that this will be true in the Spiritual sense for me, if not in all the other areas of my being also.


Loving Lamb of God, You determined my steps for me before I was even formed in my mother's womb. I pray for the gift of right judgement, so that I may choose the right paths and courses for myself, by Your Holy Will.

Advent pilgrimage of the soul

"Make my Heart ready, O Lord!"

After doing some cleaning this morning, I found a poem from my pilgrimage, that someone had given to me when I reached O Cebreiro - one of the most arduous climbs of the whole Camino. In my whole life, I shall never forget it, or never forget the peace I encountered upon reaching the top of that mountain, gazing upon the beauty of all the other surrounding mountains, God's work, with tears streaming down my eyes. This poem helped me to reflect on my new found peace that night.

That is why it is wonderful for advent; because of the prayer and peace it encourages in a faithful reader, and a readying of oneself for the 'awakening of the dawn' that I interpret to be, the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.