Feast of SS Peter and Paul, 28 June 2008

‘Now I know it is all true’ he said. ‘The Lord really did send his angel and has saved me from Herod and from all that the Jewish people were so certain would happen to me.’

When things go wrong, when troubles come along, when sickness strikes and death lurks at the door we feel very lonely and terribly isolated. This loneliness and isolation, the separation is not just from those around us, family and friends, but often we feel abandoned by God. Peter also felt this isolation when he was put in prison. Paul similarly on several occasions, felt abandoned by those he thought were supporting him and even betrayed by his closest allies. Despite this he was able to assert his faith in God’s continual providential presence:

The Lord stood by me and gave me power, so that through me the whole message might be proclaimed for all the pagans to hear; and so I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from all evil attempts on me, and bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

For the times we have not recognised God’s presence with us, when we have failed to witness to his providential love and care for us, we ask for mercy and pardon.

Lord, you listen to all who call on you.
Lord, have mercy

You answer all who seek you.
Christ, have mercy

You rescue all those who revere you.
Lord, have mercy. Read More

27 June 2008

The Lord is the living stone, a precious cornerstone, a keystone, a rock. These phrases are used frequently in the scriptures and you have chosen today to reflect this idea in all three pericopes. Strong and protecting, lasting and faithful, surprising source of life and that which holds life together; for a foundation or for stumbling. Read More

The blessing of the foundation stone at Stanbrook Abbey proved to be quite eventful. Thunder, lightning and torrential rain at just the wrong moment drove the assembly from the car park to a nearby building where the blessing finally took place.

Those present along with Bishop Terry were Sister Andrea, Abbot Cuthbert from Ampleforth and Abbot Richard Yeo who is President of the English Benedictine Congregation.

Photos from the blessing ceremony can be seen in the galleries section of the diocesan web site.

Les Clark

Readers of the Voice may remember that, late last year, St Mary’s Primary School, Grangetown received an excellent school inspection just prior to the retirement of the headteacher Mrs Lemmon. Read More

17th and 18th April 2008

Pupils at St Martin’s Ampleforth Prep School enjoyed a two day retreat on the theme of Miracles. One of the highlights of the retreat was the workshops with a gospel choir who regularly attend the St Martin’s Ampleforth retreat bringing their special brand of joy and inspiration. Read More

13 June 2008

It is good to be here with you this evening celebrating, on this feast of St Anthony, God’s saving message and proclaiming the presence of his kingdom by our unity and joy. Celebration, unity, joy – these are three important traits of being a Christian. They always have been, but they are even more important in this day and age. We Christians are people of celebration – we can celebrate anything and at anytime. I don’t mean this glibly, I think it is a really important issue for us to call to mind and live out. Our God is always with us, he never leaves our side; he walks with us everywhere and so no matter what happens to us, we know his providential love surrounds. Good, bad or indifferent, we can celebrate because our God is with us, and that is something to rejoice about. Read More

Claire and Mike Wren of St Bernadette’s parish to extend their thanks to Voice readers for their continuing support for the Fund set up in memory of their daughter Charlotte and for all the efforts to raise vital funds in her loving name and memory. They write, Read More

The Fifth National Catholic and Rural Conference will take place at Belmont Abbey, Hereford, on 9th - 11th February 2009. Main presentations include future food security, livestock ethics, the sharing of church buildings and the challenge of welcoming the rural tourist. The programme includes a look at Herefordshire’s potato industry, the controversial polytunnels and the large seasonal influx of migrant workers. There will be an opportunity to choose a visit to local farms. Read More

Fr Paul Farrer and Alistair Browlee would like to remind you that your last chance to bid for… Read More

On 22nd May, a group of parishioners along with Fr Pat Keogh from St Joseph’s Church, Middlesbrough went on a very interesting tour of Teesport organised by Tony McAvoy, Apostleship of the Sea Chaplain, together with Colin Worswick, Missions to Seamen Chaplain. Read More