So we begin a new year. May it be a blessed and peaceful one for us all. We have many things to look forward to during the course of this year. Each of us will have our own personal wish-list and expectations. However, as a country we will be having a General Election in May and that is something we all ought to turn our minds to. Again, there will be many issues that each of us would personally want addressing and there are many that will be affected by our Christian principles and Gospel values. It is important that we ensure we vote for the candidate that we feel is the right person for the job. For me it is more than just a choice, it is a duty to do this, as hard as it might be to come to a decision.
From a Church point of view we have the Synod to reflect on. This will take place in October this year and it is entitled Jesus Christ reveals the Mystery and Vocation of the Family. Although I am writing this column long before the New Year, I hope that by the time you read it, there will be some guidance and materials from the Bishops’ Conference to help us all on our reflective journey together – that’s what “Synod” means, “walking together”. By the way, there will certainly be materials to help us think about the General Election, both from the Bishops and other agencies of the Church, such as CAFOD and CSAN.
As we journey through the year we also continue to commemorate the events of the First World War, one hundred years on. One date to note is Saturday April 25 at the Sacred Heart, Hull. There will be a Mass at noon to commemorate the Fallen of the Gallipoli Campaign. There is a strong connection with the Sacred Heart Church and this Campaign. Father Finn, a priest of this Diocese, was one of the first Roman Catholic chaplains to be killed on the beaches at Gallipoli and the Sacred Heart Church was built in his memory by his brother. But more of this later in the year and nearer the time.
On a happier note, we are also to celebrate Bishop Crowley’s Golden Jubilee as a priest on Saturday June 13 at the Cathedral, at noon, and there we remember all our other Jubilarians; Canon Harney’s Diamond, Fathers Michael Keogh’s and Michael Murray’s Ruby, and Father Roy Lovatt’s Silver. Ad Multos Annos! We will also, please God, have two ordinations. Bob Shakesby will be ordained to the Permanent Diaconate on Saturday July 4 at the Cathedral at noon and Philip Cunnah to the Sacred Priesthood on Saturday July 25 at the Cathedral at noon. All of you will be welcome to any or all of these events.
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord let his face shine on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord uncover his face to you and bring you peace.
+Terry
(Taken from the January Edition of The Voice)