in the Year of Faith 2012-2013
Season Three: Easter to Summer 2013 Including homilies on ‘The moral life’ and ‘Caritas’ plus much more
Acknowledgments Vaughan House, 46 Francis Street, London, SW1P 1QN Editor: Mark Nash © WRCDT, 2013. The Follower’s printing is arranged by Transform Management Ltd info@1025transform.co.uk Once you have read The Follower and made a note of the events and publications that interest you, please think about paasing it to a friend or recycling it responsibly. Contributors: Bishop John Arnold (Moderator of the Curia), Fr John Hemer MHM (Allen Hall Seminary), Stephen Horsman (Assistant Director, Education Service), Ausra Karaliute (Team Member, Agency for Evangelisation), Barbara Kentish (Justice and Peace Commission), Mark Nash (Team Member, Agency for Evangelisation), Fr David Reilly (Diocesan Youth Chaplain), Canon Paschal Ryan (Episcopal Vicar and Caritas Advisory Board), Jackie Tominey (Caritas Diocese of Westminster), Margaret Wickware (Faith-sharing booklet writing group member), John Williams (Education Service), Fr David Williamson (Kingsbury Green), Office for Marriage and Family Life. Images: 4-5 (Luminous Mysteries Icon), 6-7 (Floral
Further copies of the Year of Faith prayercard can be requested from the Agency for Evangelisation. Postage payable, free to collect.
background by asifthebes), 8-9 (Beach by ggandal), 10 (Texture: bambooo by baikahl, sic), 12-13 (Sygna sunrise by nulus) 19 (Swirl Trees by fangol); 23 (courtesy of the Fairtrade Foundation) 24 (Sugarloaf-mountain from wallpaperstock. net) 26-27 (Breakwater-HDR by johnnyberg), 1, 28-29 (wikimedia commons), 30-31 (Fisherman in first Morning Light by Krappweis), 32 (Vineyard by scrapcatz) all taken from www.sxc.hu or diocesan stock unless otherwise stated This magazine is also available online at: issuu.com/exploringfaith/docs/thefollower_yof3
The Diocese of Westminster is committed to a sustainable future for our planet. The booklet in your hands is made from paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
Staying in contact Website: www.rcdow.org.uk Email: yearoffaith@rcdow.org.uk Follow the Diocese of Westminster on Twitter: @RCWestminster through the YOF
Previous editions of The Follower in the Year of Faith can be viewed online at:
http://issuu.com/exploringfaith/docs
Intro
Dates & Events
Pages 4 & 5
Page 22
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18
8
20
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Our Deepest Nature
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28
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Homily V: Caritas
Homily VI: The Moral Life
YOF: Around the Diocese
Diocesan Caritas Initiatives
Fairtrade in the YOF
Dwelling Places for God in the Spirit
In Rio and at Home!
Assembly V: Caritas - Love in Truth
Assembly VI: The Moral Life
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God of compassion ALMOST FIFTY YEARS ago, in the middle of the Second Vatican Council, Blessed Pope John XXIII promulgated a timely and powerful encyclical, Pacem in Terris – Peace on Earth (11 April 1963). The cold war was at its height. Six months previously missiles had been moved into Cuba, and nuclear war seemed as close as at any time before or since. At this time wars were being
by Bishop John Arnold
fought between Indonesia and Malaysia; India and China; and notably America and the Viet Cong in the Vietnam War. The encyclical struck both reflective and practical notes inspired by the greatness of God and the gift of his Son, the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. Fifty years later, conflict still affects large parts of our planet – civil war in Syria and Mali, fighting in Afghanistan; confrontation between China
and Japan, between North and South Korea. The message of Pacem in Terris is no less for today than for 1963. Pacem in Terris is part of a rich and long tradition of documents in what is known as Catholic Social Teaching. From Leo XIII’s 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum on the nature of work, capital and their relationship to Benedict XVI’s Caritas in Veritate, the Church has sought
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Main image: An Icon of the Luminous Mysteries
to show the world a pattern and a place for ethical living. This Year of Faith’s third season in the Diocese of Westminster which takes us from Easter to the end of the school summer term, has as its theme the moral life and caritas. We will celebrate two Sundays together (the 5th and 12th Sundays of Ordinary Time) using the homilies on these themes, see pages 6 to 9, and there are ideas for schools
drawn from the homilies on pages 28 to 31. This edition of The Follower in the Year of Faith reects on this theme and contributions from Caritas Diocese of Westminster, the Justice & Peace Commission and the Education Service all serve to highlight areas of Christian life buoyed and supported by prayer and sacramental living. We are also delighted to include many examples of what parishes
are doing for the Year of Faith (should your parish or school wish to share your activities please do get in contact). As with the Second Vatican Council, this Year of Faith ends with a different Pope to the one who announced its beginning. As we look ahead, let us each recognise this Year as a great opportunity for us all to deepen our faith and enliven its celebration.
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Preaching in the Year of Faith: Homily V 5th Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year C)
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Caritas: Love in Truth Once delivered, this homily will appear on the diocesan website (rcdow.org.uk/year-of-faith/about)
Readings Isaiah 6:1-8 I Corinthians 15:1-11 Luke 5:1-11
Going further? Handouts for the two homilies in this booklet and for the other homilies in the year of faith will be available for download and printing from the diocesan website and will be emailed to each parish ahead of the given Sunday. These will include references to Scripture, the Second Vatican Council and the Catechism as well as talking points for individuals and groups. These homilies are suggested as starting-points, feel free to adapt while maintaining the intended theme.
Schools A version of this homily adapted for use in school assemblies can be found on page 28 along with additional materials for educational purposes.
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Preaching in the Year of Faith: Homily VI 12th Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year C)
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The Moral Life Once delivered, this homily will appear on the diocesan website (rcdow.org.uk/year-of-faith/about)
Readings Zechariah 12:10-11; 13:1 Galatians 3:26-29 Luke 9:18-24
Going further? Handouts will be available for download and printing from the diocesan website and will be emailed to each parish ahead of the given Sunday. These will include references to Scripture and the Catechism as well as talking points for individuals and groups. These homilies are suggested as starting-points, feel free to adapt while maintaining the intended theme.
Schools A version of this homily adapted for use in school assemblies can be found on page 30 along with additional materials for educational purposes.
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Opportunities for learning and loving
by Mark Nash
BORN
TO AN Orthodox Jewish family in Riga, Latvia, in September 1905, Nechama Leibowitz was a post-war Jewish educator in Israel, who rekindled an interest in Bible study. At the age of 25 Leibowitz received her doctorate from the university in Marburg on Biblical translation but found fame through making scripture accessible on radio. In 1942, Leibowitz began making and providing some simple but very rich materials each week for adults attending the synagogues and anyone else who requested them. These worksheets, which she called gilyonot (pages), would then be returned to her for review before she sent them back with comments and corrections. Leibowitz was famous for her modesty and wit often saying that nothing in the pages was her own, she only taught what the commentaries say! That said, her own notes were thought-provoking and challenging. Initially the pages contained only questions that went straight for the jugular: was the weekly Torah portion moral? What would God expect of us? Is there a variety of interpretations and if so how do we choose between them? All that is needed for a really deep discussion was on
the weekly sheet. It was at the request of her students that she finally published ‘answers’ which are now collected into a number of books in a number of languages. Leibowitz sought to infuse a love of the Bible as well as the belief that the levels of meaning were to be probed by its readers. Seventy years on there are very few Christian materials that encourage such a deep engagement as Leibowitz’s. In a similar vein and in order to support the Year of Faith homily initiative a series of handouts have been produced for parishes. The themes preached in the pulpit are reproduced in these sheets, providing more scripture and excerpts from Church documents alongside questions, thus extending engagement through the week. This needn’t be reserved to the Year of Faith. Perhaps we could, as parishes and as a diocese, take note of Nechama Leibowitz’s model, issuing questions on the homily or scripture passage to which people would be encouraged to reply. Perhaps the parish Facebook page or website could be an avenue for such challenging and though-provoking teaching and for further engagement?
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Recovering Origins
by OďŹƒce for Marriage and Family Life
THERE IS A conventional opinion that the children of troubled marriages are better off if their parents divorce, but this is beginning to be disputed by the children themselves when they become adults and begin to see the effect that their parent’s divorce has on their own capacity to trust and maintain an enduring relationship as a consequence. Recovering Origins is a pastoral initiative of the John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family in Washington, which invites adults whose childhood was affected by the divorce of their parents to move through the broken image of human love to encounter the Love that stands at the origin of their being. An 8 week pilot will be run in the Diocese of Westminster during the Year of Faith and anyone interested in finding out more can contact edmundadamus@rcdow.org.uk
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Our deepest nature by Canon Paschal Ryan
REACTIONS to Pope Benedict’s decision that he could no longer shoulder the responsibility and the work of being Pope have been many and varied. The media sought out well known commentators on religious matters, or, as an alternative, ‘vox-pop’ interviews from the man or woman in the pew or in the street. Whether given by the great and the good or coming from the mouths of almost anonymous unknowns, there was a certain predictability about what they said. However, one article which did make me sit up and read more carefully was by Daniel Finkelstein, entitled: ‘I’m Jewish, so the next Pope matters to me’. I was aware of his being a commentator on matters political or religious, but this was something different. Not only did he admit to praying for that the Cardinals would elect a good Pope, but he went on to explain why he considered this a matter that should concern nonCatholics. As one might expect he highlighted the history of the not-always happy relationship between members of his faith and the Church, but, in addition,
he went on to speak about the way in which Catholics are called to live out their faith in action in the communities in which they live. To my surprise I was reading Daniel Finkelstein expressing himself in terms very similar to those used by Pope Benedict in his encyclicals Deus Caritas Est and Caritas in Veritate. Here was a Jew saying: ‘out of Catholic faith comes advantages to all mankind, not just Catholics themselves’ and ‘the Catholic idea of social action, of God acting in the world, remains a very strong one with much to teach.’ Sometimes, especially in recent years, Catholics are slow in coming forward, slow to point out the role the Church played in the era before the establishment of the Welfare State and how we continue to contribute to the building up of a society based on shared values, values which are heavily influenced by the Judaeo-Christian tradition. All around us people want to live in communities based on trust and love, in which compassion for those in need is made possible by people working together in
projects which can make a real and positive difference to the lives of people in need. One of the last major documents signed by Pope Benedict, Intima Ecclesiae Natura, deals with how love is to be expressed in charitable works. Pope Benedict makes it very clear that this is not an optional extra to the Catholic faith, but, as the title of the document indicates, part of the Church’s nature. Our Christian love must be expressed in deeds, and in Intima Ecclesiae Natura this caritas is named as one of the duties of Bishops and Parish Priests. Increasingly society sees itself as secular, but secularism does not answer the challenges faced by many of those who do not manage well in today’s culture of competition, in which success is for many an illusion, an unreachable mirage. In this diocese, the establishment of Caritas Diocese of Westminster, is not only a step towards the realisation of the Holy Father’s vision, but also developing opportunities for us to live our faith in a way that is credible to others, as well as grace-filled for us.
FOR MORE INFORMATION visit the Caritas Diocese of Westminster website at: http://rcdow.org.uk/caritas and see page 19.
CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING
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Here follows a list of documents, not exhaustive, should you wish to explore Catholic Social Teaching further: Rerum Novarum (Pope Leo XIII, 1891) On the Condition of Labour stresses the care for the poor, the rights of workers, the role of private property and the need for everyone to work together in order to build a just society. Quadragesimo Anno (Pope Pius XI, 1931) The Reconstruction of the Social Order speaks of the positive role the Church can play in economic and social affairs, highlighting the potential abuses of both capitalism and socialism. Here Pope Pius XI calls for the moral renovation of society coupled with action for justice based on love. Mater et Magistra (Pope John XXIII, 1961) Here Pope John XXIII confirms previous teaching on private initiative and just wages and goes on to urge the reconstruction of social relationships between the rich and the poor in the world, thus ‘internationalising’ Catholic Social Teaching. Pacem in Terris (Pope John XXIII, 1963) In Peace on Earth Pope John XXIII sketches out the rights and duties to be followed by all in order to found a world order based on truth, justice, love and freedom.
Images (top to bottom): From Magic Breakfast - magicbreakfast.com From the Trussell Trust - trusselltrust.org From Contact the Elderly - contact-the-elderly.org.uk Partner institutions of Caritas Diocese of Westminster
Gaudium et Spes (Vatican II, 1965) This important document encourages the faithful to scrutinise the ‘signs of the times’ in the light of the gospel. The Council Fathers write about the opportunities and difficulties presented by technological and social change. The Church’s duty is the enhancement of human dignity and the common good. (continued on page 25)
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Justice, Peace, a better world and the Year of Faith
by Barbara Kentish
Wanting a Better World, Making a Better World A quick web search gives us lots of ideas to make a better world: daily random acts of kindness, using the car less, saving water, turning the heating down, supporting TV appeals like Comic Relief and so on. These are the feel-good impulses around us, and the world would indeed be better if we did them all. Justice and Peace approaches the challenge from a different angle: it holds up a vision where all those random initiatives become part of the culture, part of the structure and part of our Christian hope. Faith provides the scaffolding for such hope.
A Little History Pope John XXIII declared, at the opening of the Second Vatican Council, ‘Everywhere through her children [the Catholic Church] extends the frontiers of Christian love, the most powerful means of eradicating the seeds of discord, the most effective means of promoting concord, peace with justice, and universal brotherhood’ (11 October 1962). Justice and Peace Commissions grew out of the vision of that Council. The Constitution on the Church in the World, Gaudium et Spes, in 1965, stated, ‘with a view to fostering everywhere the justice and love of Christ for the poor, the Council suggests that it would be most opportune to create some organisation of the universal Church whose
task it would be to arouse the Catholic community to promote the progress of areas which are in want and foster social justice between nations’ (GS, 90). Pope Paul VI’s encyclical, Populorum Progressio, written 2 years later, and which dealt with poverty and development, announced the setting up of a justice and peace body. He wrote, the purpose of this commission is ‘to awaken in the People of God full awareness of their mission today. In this way they can further the progress of poorer nations and international social justice, as well as help less developed nations to contribute to their own development’ (PP,8). A Synod of Bishops meeting with the theme of Justice in the World, in 1971, underlined that ‘the pursuit of justice is a constitutive dimension of the preaching of the gospel’.
unemployment. On a parish level, it can comprise any outreach efforts to help others: SVP visiting, care of the elderly, soup runs, night shelters, food banks or mothers and toddlers groups. Fund-raising for charities at home and abroad features large in most parishes, and this can often be linked with raising awareness about issues such as climate justice and food security. Many activities in schools are already linked to Justice and Peace: recycling, food for the homeless, visits to homes for the elderly, anti-bullying clubs, student councils, and so on. Fairtrade is an activity that can link schools and parishes, as well as building up the diocesan Fairtrade profile (see page 23).
A Kaleidoscope of Actions
Justice and Peace groups try to address twin aspects of service: that is, direct, faceto-face helping and giving, but also addressing the reason for a problem. Thus they may help with night shelters, but also write to MPs, Councillors and others to seek better provision. They may raise funds for an overseas charity such as CAFOD, but also campaign on green issues, on Fairtrade or prisoners of conscience. In fact one issue is often linked to another: the environment and lifestyle, aid and trade, war and poverty, in a jigsaw-like way.
Justice and Peace Commissions around the world are involved in a variety of actions: working with refugees or with AIDS orphans, campaigns for human rights, care for the environment, opposing military rule. In South Africa I have met justice and peace personnel being trained to work in the poor townships, while Filipinos campaign against illegal logging, and Australians raise awareness about caring for the environment. Recently groups have begun to look at problems caused by the financial crisis: debt, benefit cuts,
The Jigsaw of Justice and Peace
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Through the Year with Justice and Peace We remind ourselves of the myriad calls for love and justice with special seasons or days. Peace Sunday comes in January, with Poverty and Homelessness Week following soon after. CAFOD Fast day and Fairtrade Fortnight mark early Lent, while in London, at least, we celebrate the presence of migrant workers on the feast of St Joseph the Worker, in early May with a Mass in one of the London Cathedrals. There is Refugee week in June; Interfaith Walks celebrate the summer and Britain’s Faith diversity, and July is the national Justice and Peace conference. August sees a remembrance of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and with the return to school we have Racial Justice Sunday. We try to mark care for the environment along with the CAFOD Harvest Fast at the end of September, while October, the ‘conference season’, usually sees more than one Justice and Peace study day. November, of course, is Remembrance Day and peace, then a wonderful Pax Christi Advent Service brings many activists together in prayer and song. Fifty Years on in Justice and Peace we pray for an increase in faith ‘to awaken in the People of God full awareness of their mission today… and to foster social justice between nations.’
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Images: 1. St Gregory’s (Kenton) gardening group 2. St Thomas More Manor House publicises Fairtrade at the supermarket 3. St Mellitus English class group 4. Welwyn Garden City blessing of peace garden during 100 Days of Peace (Our Lady Queen of Apostles parish)
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Around the Diocese of Westminster Some examples of parish initiatives during the Year of Faith compiled by Ausra Karaliute
Handing on Faith by Jane Gonzales (SS Mary & Joseph, Boxmoor)
There’s a lot of concern in the Church about handing on the faith to future generations. As part of the Year of Faith initiatives in our parish, we have decided to create a concrete record to pass on to those whose will inherit the parish from us. This is a venture that we are undertaking with our sister parishes of St. Mark’s and Grovehill, Hemel Hempstead, and we will also be inviting members of the Ordinariate, who are based within our community, to make a contribution. Parishioners have been invited to write a short account of their own faith journey so far or to express simply and freely what faith means to them in their lives – both past and present and for the future (contributions can be anonymous if the person so desires). On two Sundays out of every four, until the end of the Year of Faith, a ‘Faith Journey’ piece will be on the front of the newsletter, and a copy also on the Year of Faith noticeboard. Space won’t allow us more than around 300 words for the newsletter so longer pieces are welcomed but edited. The unedited version goes on the board. Eventually, it is hoped that most people in the parish will have given us some evidence of what faith means to them – if not as described above, then by filling in a Faith Card – these will be distributed in the New Year - to individuals and groups. The Faith Card will ask for just a
few words – it is something that the youngest of our parishioners will be able to complete as well! Finally, all contributions, long or short, will be collated and put into scrap books. These, we hope, will provide tangible evidence of the faith lived out in the early years of the twentyfirst century, by ordinary women and men in the pews, for the generations that follow us. St Monica, Palmers Green
We started with a Mission led by the CAFE team and with various contributors. From this we have developed a ‘Dad’s Breakfast’ group and a ‘Mum’s Breakfast’ group each of which will meet again in Lent. Small faithsharing groups are also very strong. We will be participating in ecumenical Lent groups - Fr John Hemer MHM is delivering this year. Also setting up sessions for the Catholicism (Fr Robert Barron) DVD course. Parenting classes being prepared for after Easter. Regular on-going formation for catechists using diocesan advisers and others. Annual Day of Recollection for Catechists and Week of Guided Prayer. Our Lady and St Joseph, Hanwell
Dedicated Notice board in porch constantly updated with anything that can be linked to the Year of Faith, Saint of the Month etc. Additional push and invite to join the Small Faith Sharing Communities. DVDs on Catholicism and Year of Faith planned.
Our Lady, St Johns Wood
Use of Catholicism DVD series; special monthly Mass/meal sessions; monthly ‘Catholic culture’ outings. SS Peter and Paul, Northfields
A small group of catechists undergoing the certificate course; making available the printed parish handout each ‘special’ Sunday. St Edmund, Millwall
All the regular adult catechesis remains in place. In addition, we are publishing each week in the newsletter the summary sections of the Catechism the whole catechism will be covered over duration of Year of Faith. Producing booklets for the parishioners over the year: ‘Who was Jesus? What was his ministry?’, ‘The sacraments’, ‘The Nature of Sin’, ‘Christian Morality of Sexuality’. St Peter-in-Chains, Stroud Green
A family away day and picnic, prayer sponsors, a multi-cultural Mass and a Bring-and-Share meal, helping parishioners and families with their prayer life. Sacred Heart of Jesus and St Joseph, Ware
Year of Faith pastoral planning group to help to plan the YOF initiatives such as pilgrimages to St Edmund College, Walsingham and Wintershall. Six week preparation course for adults
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who are not confirmed. One off initiative for the Year of Faith. First group is for 16-30 years old and second group is for 30+ years old. Six further ‘bespoke’ sessions on YOF themes. A retired couple in the parish have started sessions on Thursday mornings which aim to break open the Sunday readings, this will continue past the end of the Year. Our Lady & St Vincent, Potters Bar
Running the Robert Barron series of DVD’s. Exposition each week. 2 pilgrimages to be arranged. Parish social events. Non-Catholic school visits to our church.
Our Lady of Good Counsel, Stoke Newington
St Ignatius, Stamford Hill
St Michael’s, Ashford
Advent and Lent scripture study, ‘Catholics Celebrating the Bible’ lecture series by Fr Peter Edmonds SJ
Lectio Divina.
St Thomas More, Eastcote
All Saints, Kenton
Trying to develop youth ministry at present and embedding the parents’ sessions for First Holy Communion.
Strengthen faith-sharing groups.
Bringing awareness of aims of Year of Faith into sacramental preparation and small group discussion work.
Our Lady of Lourdes, Uxbridge
Catholicism DVD (Fr Robert Barron); Talks; Extra times of Eucharistic Adoration to be held throughout the Year.
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Faith in Action for Sixth Formers THROUGHOUT ENGLAND AND WALES Catholic Secondary schools and Sixth Form colleges are obliged to teach Religious Education for five percent of curriculum time. Whilst being committed to the Religious Education Curriculum Directory, schools and colleges in the Diocese of Westminster are being offered two courses which present a ‘faith in action’ syllabus for their young Catholic adults. Both courses present academic and spiritual depth alongside practical application for sixth form students to develop their own faith. However, they also provide for vocational reflection as students are invited to work in an educational environment for the first course and in a
by John Williams
socio-political one for the second. Furthermore, both courses offer opportunities for students to link with their local parish communities. This academic year the courses are running as pilots in a few schools and colleges and we anticipate that they will develop over the next few years as more and more schools decide to use them. The first: Heart Speaks to Heart is a focus on faith sharing with younger children either in local primary schools or in the junior year groups of their own school. It draws inspiration from Blessed John Henry Newman’s words: ‘God has created me to do him some definite service. I have a part in this great work. I am a link in a chain, a bond of
connection between persons. God has not created me for nothing’. The second course is called: Active Faithful Citizens. The proposed model for the delivery of this course is the traditional method for promoting social justice based on Catholic Social Teaching: SEE – JUDGE – ACT – REFLECT. Here the challenge for students is to engage with local and global issues for the Common Good reflecting what we find in the Letter of St James: ‘Would you not like to know that faith without deeds is useless?’ (James 2:20)
For more information contact: 020 7798 9005 http://rcdow.org.uk/
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Caritas Diocese of Westminster is currently undertaking 4 key projects, 3 of which are in partnership with other nationally established charitable organisations. For further information on any of these projects, including Caritas Diocese of Westminster itself, please contact Jackie Tominey, Research and Project development Co-ordinator at: jackietominey@rcdow.org.uk
1. Diocesan Social Action Mapping Directory The results of a diocesan-wide survey of social action in the parishes are being incorporated into an interactive directory that will also include local and national service provision and support. This, together with a socioeconomic profile of the Diocese, will provide an effective tool for spreading best practice across the Diocese and enable Caritas Diocese of Westminster to identify and address other issues of poverty and social exclusion.
2. Borehamwood Foodbank Working through the Catholic Parishes of Borehamwood and in collaboration with the Trussell Trust, local council and churches, Caritas Diocese of Westminster is supporting the opening of the Borehamwood Foodbank at the end of March 2013. Foodbanks provide up to 3 days’ worth of free non-perishable emergency food to those in need who are referred to the foodbanks by registered care professionals. Refreshments, a friendly ear and sign-posting to other services are also offered.
3. Befriending the Elderly and Isolated Caritas Diocese of Westminster, in partnership with Contact the Elderly (CtE), is supporting the launch of a CtE group in the parishes of Palmers Green mid-March and Enfield mid-April respectively, with a further 10 in development.
4. Magic Breakfast Healthy Breakfast Programme Caritas Diocese of Westminster has been working with Magic Breakfast, a small national charity that provides a Healthy Breakfast programme delivering free, healthy breakfasts (Bagels, porridge, cereal, orange juice plus delivery), pupil and parent nutritional education and training towards financial sustainability in schools where over 50% of pupils are on free school meals.
These groups invite the same small set of local over 75’s who are housebound and isolated from their families and communities, to a monthly Sunday afternoon tea party at the home of volunteer hosts and are joined by their regular drivers. This initiative brings the older guests back into the community and great rewards for the volunteers.
A pilot project is currently underway in 5 schools across the Diocese; 2 in Camden, 1 in Islington and 2 in Tower Hamlets.
Caritas Diocese of Westminster
Dwelling Places for God in the Spirit by Margaret Wickware
AS WE KNOW and understand, the Year of Faith marks and celebrates the 50th anniversary of the start of the Second Vatican Council. This Council, whose impact was so profound, looked at all areas of Church life from liturgy to interfaith relations; from Scripture to the nature of the Church itself. The four conciliar constitutions: Dei Verbum, Gaudium et Spes, Lumen Gentium and Sacrosanctum Concilium have each had, and continue to have, a deep and lasting effect on our life as individual Christians and as a Church. While much of the ‘apologetic’ for small faith-sharing communities is derived from Scripture, in particular the Acts of the Apostles, the Council’s emphases highlight the value that these groups possess. While the biblical references to small faith-sharing communities can be seen simply as the obvious and most appropriate structure for the Church in its earliest years, Venerable Pope Paul VI expressly set forth their integral place within the evangelising mission of the church (Evangelii Nuntiandi, 58). Paul VI’s affirmation of the mission of small faith-sharing communities, together with what we see and reflect on in Holy Scripture and the four constitutional documents from the Second Vatican Council, helps us to look afresh at their integral and logical place within the Church of today. Here follows a brief look at these documents with particular
reference to the method and practice in the Diocese of Westminster today. In St. Luke’s account of the Early Church we hear that three thousand were baptised following Pentecost (Acts 2:41). Guided by the Holy Spirit, the newly baptised ‘devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers’ (Acts 2:42).
devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching Just as the early Christians came to know Christ through the Good News via word of mouth within the community and then through written texts, the twentieth-century Council Fathers opened the study of Holy Scripture to all: ‘In the sacred books the Father comes lovingly to meet his children and talks with them’ (Dei Verbum, 21). Small faith communities draw their nourishment from the Word of God. Each session is rooted in a passage of Holy Scripture and those gathered are invited to read, reflect and re-read the passage at the outset of each sharing session. Moreover, the accompanying reflections are based on study of the Catechism, recent encyclicals and other magisterial documents in an attempt to provide an ‘authentic interpretation’ and to pass on only what has been handed down from the apostles (DV, 10).
and fellowship Though our baptism, we become part of the body of Christ, both his mystical Body and his earthly body, the Church (Lumen Gentium, 10). Large congregations make it quite easy to slide anonymously into the pew each week yet ‘Christ did not come to save individuals without any bond between them’ (LG, 9). Small faith community members often see the friendships made within their groups to be a great blessing. The bonds of trust and communio frequently translate into feelings of belonging to the wider parish community and indeed, to the universal Church.
the breaking of the bread In the celebration of the Eucharist, those present are transformed. At the conclusion of Holy Mass, they are charged to ‘go in peace, glorifying the Lord by [their] lives’ to transform the world in which we all live – ‘to love in all the circumstances of ordinary life’ (Gaudium et Spes, 38). Small faith-sharing community members learn from others how to live their faith in face of the challenges of living in a largely secular world today. Confidence gained from faith sharing, listening and learning within the group enables many to speak about their faith in their homes, workplaces and communities.
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and the prayers While sacramentals such as candles, crucifixes and sacred art help to nourish, strengthen and express our faith, the very act of prayer enables us to praise God (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 59). Besides time of quiet reflection, each session begins and ends with common prayer, oftentimes derived from the psalms, Christ’s own prayer book. Likewise the prayer and life of the small faith-sharing group nourishes its members in between Eucharistic celebrations helping sustain us as ‘dwelling places for God in the Spirit’ and prepare our minds and hearts for worthy and ‘active participation’ (SC, 2 and 14). These four elements of life in the Early Church continue to be the pillars of our faith today (Catechism of the Catholic Church), a faith that is professed, celebrated, lived and prayed. Within small faith-sharing communities the members are evangelised, catechised and in turn become witnesses to their faith in the world. The Council Fathers provided a blue-print for the universal Church drawing on centuries of tradition. Should these small groups of believers, so important in the Early Church, not be an integral part of parish life and mission today? ‘...groups which come together within the church... will be nurseries of evangelisation and will be of great service to the larger communities’ (Ven Paul VI).
Building Trust Forming Faith In support of small communities (groups) the Diocese of Westminster has produced several resources - some lectionary based, others thematic. While primarily intended for faith-sharing groups, including those that have evolved from the diocesan renewal programme At Your Word, Lord and new ones formed by people keen to deepen their knowledge of faith, the content has developed in such a way that the booklets can be used in a number of different ways. Here are a few examples: RCIA – during Catechumenate (i.e. Radiating Christ) or Mystagogy (i.e. Sparks of Light) Baptism Follow-on sessions (i.e. A Holy Nation/Radiating Christ/Sparks of Light) Liturgy Committees (i.e. Sharing in his Life) Faith Formation Groups (e.g. Radiating Christ, Living As One) Scripture study groups (All booklets, Appointed by God) Justice and Peace groups (i.e. Your Kingdom Come)
Prayer Groups (e.g. Living as One, Hail Mary booklet ) Parents of children preparing for First Reconciliation and Holy Communion (i.e. Amazing Grace, A Foretaste of Heaven and/or Sharing in His Life) Parents of children preparing for Confirmation (Lord, Giver of Life) Returning Catholics (Amazing Grace) A single meditation can be used to begin a meeting (e.g. at the Parish Council) or you can follow a complete programme, the possible adaptations are many and varied. Contact exploringfaith@rcdow.org.uk for more information.
Events Calendar for the Year of Faith For the most up-to-date information and additional events see rcdow.org.uk When?
What?
Where?
Vatican Official Calendar of Events Mon 15 Apr 13
Day of Study on Vatican II Documents
Rome (Cong. for Catholic Education)
Sat 27 - Sun 28 Apr 13
Great Event: Day for those Confirmed in the YOF
St Peter’s Square, Vatican City
Fri 3 May 13
Great Event: Day for Confraternities and Piety
St Peter’s Square, Vatican City
Sat 18 May 13
Great Event: Day for Movements & Associations
St Peter’s Square, Vatican City
Sun 2 Jun 13
Worldwide Solemn Eucharistic Adoration
Every Cathedral and Church
Sat 18 May 13
Great Event: Celebrating Evangelium Vitae
St Peter’s Square, Vatican City
Thu 4 - Sun 7 Jul 13
Great Event: Pilgrimage for novices, seminarians
Basilica of St Peter
Tue 23 - Sun 28 Jul 13
Great Event: World Youth Day
Rio de Janeiro
National Conference Wed 24 - Fri 26 Apr (6pm)
Word of the Lord - National Scripture Conference
Ushaw College, Durham
Sat 27 Apr 13 (6pm)
Mass for New Catholics
Westminster Cathedral, SW1P
Sat 11 May 13 (9.30am-2.30)
Day for Catechists with Bishop John Sherrington
Our Lady & St Vincent, Potters Bar
Sat 18 May 13 (3pm)
Annual Thanksgiving Mass for Matrimony
Westminster Cathedral, SW1P
21 Jul - 27 Jul 13
Diocesan Pilgrimage
Lourdes
Thu 27 Jul 13
Feast of St John Southworth
Cathedral and diocese
Diocesan Events
Faith Matters: Life in Christ - Morality and social outreach (Post-Easter 2013) Thu 2 May 13 (7pm)
First in a series of four lectures on morality
Vaughan House, Victoria, SW1P 1QN
Thu 9 May 13 (7pm)
Second lecture on living a moral and faithful life
Vaughan House, Victoria, SW1P 1QN
Thu 16 May 13 (7pm)
Third lecture on living a moral and faithful life
Vaughan House, Victoria, SW1P 1QN
Thu 23 May 13 (7pm)
Fourth lecture on living a moral and faithful life
Vaughan House, Victoria, SW1P 1QN
‘Named Sundays’ for preaching in the Westminster diocese Date
Theme and Readings
28 Apr 13 (5th of OT)
V: Caritas – Isaiah 6:1-8; I Corinthians 15:1-11; Luke 5:1-11
23 June 13 (12th of OT)
VI: Moral Life – Zechariah 12:10-11, 13:1; Galatians 3:26-29; Luke 9:18-24
8 Sep 13 (23rd of OT)
VII: Prayer – Wisdom 9:13-18; Philemon 9-10, 12-17; Luke 14:25-33
20 Oct 13 (29th of OT)
VIII: Prayer – Exodus 17:8-13; 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2; Luke 18:1-8
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Fairtrade & Faith
by the Justice and Peace Commission
FAIRTRADE is one way of expressing our faith in God’s justice. We make real our solidarity with producers and workers who supply our supermarkets with cheap goods. Buying Fairtrade-marked goods not only ensures a fair price for them, but pays a premium to their communities for social goods such as clinics and schools. Meanwhile, we, the consumers, become more discerning in our purchasing. As we have heard recently, our food chain is increasingly complicated to the point of endangering our health. Fairtrade tries to make the food chain more transparent and to ensure quality in goods provided. We at the Westminster Justice and Peace Commission are currently persuading parishes to sign up to Fairtrade, so that the Diocese can register as a Fairtrade diocese, in solidarity with the Diocese of London and London itself. If your parish has not signed up, please contact Justice and Peace for an application form. To qualify, your parish must serve Fairtrade tea and coee at its meetings, must promote Fairtrade in some other way (posters, stalls, or using other FT products), and organise at least one Fairtrade event per year. Your school can sign up to Fairtrade too! There is a wealth of resources for schools on the Fairtrade Foundation website [http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/schools/default.aspx] The 5 goals for a Fairtrade school are spelt out there. Contact: Westminster Justice and Peace Commission address: 4 Vincent Road, London N15 3QH tel: 020 8888 4222 email: justiceandpeace@rcdow.org.uk
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World Youth Day: In Rio and at Home by Fr David Reilly
WORLD YOUTH DAY 2013 is at the heart of the Year of Faith. Together with the beginning of the New Evangelisation and the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of Vatican II, World Youth Day gives the Year of Faith its essential shape and meaning. Why? At World Youth Day we witness not only the vitality and youthfulness of the Church today but we are also able to discern the way towards the Church’s future. The theme of this World Youth Day, chosen by Benedict XVI, is key: ‘Go, make disciples of all nations’ (Matt 28:19). This theme builds on the last World Youth Day, celebrated in Madrid, which encouraged young people to let themselves be built up in Christ, to become firm in the faith (Col 2:7). The Pope was encouraging
us to be disciples first, to grow in faith, so that we can be equipped to become missionaries and apostles, the agents of the New Evangelisation that reaches out from the renewal of the Church and the Year of Faith. The young people who participate at World Youth Day will be the central characters in this new phase. Their experience of the Church has been marked by ecclesial and personal renewal. At World Youth Day we can witness their faith and enthusiasm, their readiness and fearless commitment. They do not come with ‘baggage’ or other agendas. They have big hearts which are completely to open to receive the Word of God, like the seed which fell into rich soil and produced a wonderful harvest
(Matt 13:8). In July, groups from different parts of London will be participating at World Youth Day in Rio. The Diocese of Westminster will be represented by an official diocesan pilgrimage led by Bishop John Sherrington and comprising almost fifty young people from London and Hertfordshire. However, there will be many young people who are not able to participate personally at Rio. For this reason, a special World Youth Day ‘at home’ event will be held in Aylesford from 26-29 July 2013, to coincide with the events in Rio. More information on that special opportunity can be found at www.brightlights.org.uk or search for WYD@Home.
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CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING (continued from page 13)
Populorum Progressio (Pope Paul VI, 1967) In The Development of the Peoples Pope Paul VI explores the nature of poverty and outlines a Christian vision incorporating equitable trade, universal charity, environmental concern and he concludes by equating ‘development’ with peace.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1992) The Catechism offers a succinct and authoritative compilation of the major themes and principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
Justice in the World (Synod of Bishops, 1971) This document reflects on the mission of God’s people to further justice in the world. The Church and its people are called to witness through lifestyle, education and international action.
Evangelium Vitae (Pope John Paul II, 1995) Pope John Paul II, in The Gospel of Life, rallies against the ‘culture of death’ and affirms the inviolability and dignity of human life – reflecting on abortion, poverty, hunger, violence, euthanasia and war.
Evangelii Nuntiandi (Pope Paul VI, 1975) In Evangelisation in the Modern World Pope Paul VI writes that combating injustices and preaching liberation constitute essential elements of our proclamation of God’s Kingdom. Laborem Exercens (Pope John Paul II, 1981) On Human Work commemorates the 90th anniversary of Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum. In it Pope John Paul II affirms the dignity of work and states that work expresses and increases human dignity. The concluding paragraphs outline a spirituality of work. Sollicitudo Rei Socialis (Pope John Paul II, 1988) Pope John Paul II, here, lays strong blame on global confrontation for the difficult realities experienced by poorer countries. He also writes of the need for solidarity, and an option for the poor. Centesimus Annus (Pope John Paul II, 1991) One Hundred Years after Rerum Novarum, Pope John Paul II relates current trends and events to previous documents in the Church’s social teaching emphasising human dignity and human rights.
The Common Good and the Catholic Church’s Social Teaching (Catholic Bishop’s Conference of England and Wales, 1996) This statement emphasises solidarity and subsidiarity and their role in promoting the common good. It addresses issues such as the right to life, the gap between rich and poor, fair and equitable development and challenges the British people to reclaim the Common Good as the national purpose. Caritas in Veritate (Pope Benedict XVI, 2009) The encyclical is concerned with the problems of global development and progress towards the Common Good, arguing that both Love and Truth are essential elements of an effective response. The work is addressed to all strata of global society – there are specific points aimed at political leaders, business leaders, religious leaders, financiers and aid agencies but the work as a whole is also addressed to all people of good will. See also the various Messages given every year by the Pope on the World Day of Peace (1 January) – www.vatican.va
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You Believe
by Fr David Reilly
THE CELEBRATION OF the Year of Faith for has served as a priest for over 55 years, and a young people in Westminster got off to a great start. It was launched by Archbishop Vincent Nichols at a special event at St Aloysius, Euston, last November. Over 180 young adults gathered to hear the Archbishop’s testimony and catechesis on the life of faith. There were young people from every part of the diocese and many of the groups were accompanied either by their priest or their catechists. Since then Westminster Youth Ministry has organised and hosted a monthly meeting for the You Believe programme. Each event has been led by our own team of youth missionaries from SPEC. In December, Bishop John Arnold joined young adults to explore what the ‘New Evangelisation’ really means and how we can begin to live this essential mission for the Church today. In January, Bishop Alan Hopes led a fundamental catechesis on what it means to believe in and follow Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world. He reflected that, at the beginning of John Paul II’s extraordinary pontificate nearly 35 years ago, the great pope’s message to the world was, ‘Let Christ speak to man!’ The opening words of John Paul’s first great encyclical were ‘The Redeemer of man, Jesus Christ, is the centre of time and history’ (Redemptor Hominis, 1). In February, we were honoured to hear Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor give a remarkable testimony on his long life of service to the Church. He spoke as one who
bishop for nearly 35 of them. At the most recent You Believe event, we were thrilled to team-up with the well-known band Ooberfuse and the organisers of World Youth Day in Rio to launch the official English version of the World Youth Day anthem for 2013. It was recorded in the Diocese of Westminster, premiered at You Believe in Euston, and beamed to Brazil! Young people in Rio were aware of the You Believe programme in London and we look forward to meeting some of them later this year. Almost fifty young pilgrims will represent the Diocese at the World Youth Day celebrations in Rio this summer as they go to meet the new pope! You Believe has been a great success because it is a simple formula. It is an opportunity for young people to meet their bishops - the shepherds of the Church and successors of the apostles - and to receive from them their direct testimony and teaching of the Church’s faith. The interaction between the young adults and the bishops has been inspiring and some amazing ground has been covered in unfolding the wonders of the evernew Gospel. Further dates and details of You Believe can be found in the pink box on the next page. Why not consider encouraging a group of 16+ year olds from your parish, school or youth group to come along and celebrate the Year of Faith with others?
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REMAINING YOU BELIEVE SESSIONS All sessions are 7-9pm, at St Aloysius, Euston (Somers Town) 30 April 2013 14 May 2013 25 June 2013 17 September 2013 22 October 2013
For schools
Act of Worship/Assembly
Class Reflection
Set the scene: ‘Let us remember that, in all we do, say and think, we are in the Holy presence of God.’
Reading: Luke 5:1-11
Introduction: Consider encounter God.
what
it
means
to
Reading: Isaiah 6:1-8 and Luke 5:1-11 Isaiah, a prophet of God, has been preaching about God, trying to encourage the people of Israel to turn back to God. He encounters God and his reaction is one of almost dejection: ‘What a wretched state I am in, I am lost.’ Peter encounters Jesus, the Son of God, and immediately recognises his own state and asks that Jesus leave him for he is a ‘sinful man.’ In these moments both Isaiah and Peter see themselves as they really are and their reaction is one of honesty. However, the response to this encounter is not one of condemnation but one of calling: Isaiah is purged of his sin and responds to God’s call to be his messenger: ‘Send me,’ he says. Peter is called to be a disciple of Jesus: ‘From now on it is men you shall catch.’ Reflect on how one encounters God in today’s world – in our school communities, our homes our local communities. Suggestions for hymns: • I, the Lord of sea and sky. • I saw the grass, I saw the trees • Walk with me O, my Lord • Come, come follow me • Follow me, follow me • This is my Will my one command
Activity: Reflect upon the fishermen. They had just completed an unsuccessful fishing trip and were cleaning their nets in preparation for the next day’s fishing. Jesus, a carpenter who had, by now, a reputation as a preacher and teacher asks for Peter’s help. Peter knows how to handle a boat and Jesus uses Peter’s skill in this to help him to teach the crowds. That is not the end though; Peter has been fishing and caught nothing, yet Jesus tells him to put out into deep water. Peter’s response is a response to a calling: he argues that they have already been out unsuccessfully all night long, but accedes to Jesus’ request. The catch is huge and Peter recognises he is in the presence of God, ‘Leave me, Lord.’ Points to note from the text: Discuss why does Peter respond as he does? One could suggest: Peter recognises his own sinfulness; the teaching he has heard of Jesus is made real to him; What is significant about Jesus’ statement: ‘Do not be afraid, from now on it is men you shall catch’? Suggestions: the fishermen are being called to bring people into the Kingdom of God; They are at the beginning of a journey which will take them much deeper into their own faith. Their lives will never be the same again. How do we encounter God in our daily lives? Suggestions: Through our relationships with each other; a simple smile; words that someone says; a hug; through prayer; in the Eucharist; the Blessed Sacrament….. Peter and the disciples were not people who had great acumen and moved in high circles, they
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Caritas: Love in Truth Ideas for using the Homily Notes in Schools
were ordinary men and had their weaknesses; but God saw their talents and gifts. As they followed Jesus, God used the talents of Peter and the disciples so that the knowledge of the Kingdom of God as a reality in our world, might become known to all.
Why did Jesus call ordinary people to be his disciples? • They would learn the task of sharing Jesus’ mission; • They would bring others into the community of the Kingdom of God; • They would continue Jesus’ mission after he ascended to heaven.
by Stephen Horsman
• Others who become part of the community would, in their turn, learn and continue Jesus’ mission to the present day. Let us allow God to use our talents and gifts to make the Kingdom of God visible in our world.
Page background:The Calling of Simon and the Miraculous Catch of Fish Inset image: The Miraculous Draught of Fishes by Jacopo Bassano (1545)
For schools
Act of Worship/Assembly
Class Reflection
Set the scene: ‘Let us remember that, in all we do, say and think, we are in the Holy presence of God.’
Reading: Luke 9:18-24
Introduction: Consider what it means to be happy. Is happiness found in material possessions? Is happiness found in friendship? Do some people find happiness in putting others down- speaking ill of others? True happiness can be found in the love of God and that means having a close relationship with him through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Each of us is made in the image of God and therefore, we should see something of the goodness of God in all people – even those with whom we have difficult relationships. Reading: Galatians 3: 26-29 All people are one in Christ St Paul is telling us that all people are one in Christ. All people have something that they can offer to help build the Kingdom of God. All people should be valued for who they are because all are made in the image of God. Perhaps today we can take a moment to turn to those around us and recognise they are made as God’s creation, in God’s image. Find occasions today, perhaps through opportunities of service, to enable relationships based upon love to grow in our communities. Suggestions for hymns: • We are one in the Spirit. • All over the world the Spirit • Build, build your Church • Christ is made the sure foundation • Into one we all are gathered • Make me a channel of your peace • Peace, perfect peace
Activity: Distribute the different roles in the text. Dramatise for the class group. Discuss why do people call Jesus - ‘John the Baptist, Elijah or one of the prophets’? One could suggest: awareness of Jesus’ teachings; witness of his miracles; hope for the future freedom of Israel from the Roman occupation. What is significant about Jesus’ question to the disciples: Who do you say that I am? This is a question of faith and it is Peter who answers for them all: The Christ. Discuss what this says about Peter and the disciples. It is a statement of faith, they have come to believe in Jesus as the Messiah, who would come to free them. Jesus then speaks about suffering, being put to death and then being raised to life. And that anyone who is a follower of Jesus must be willing to do the same. How do you think would the disciples have reacted to these words? Suggestions: unsure, questioning. Peter has just acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah why would he now be speaking of suffering and death? How are we, as Catholic Christians today, called each day to take up our cross?
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The Moral Life
by Stephen Horsman
Ideas for using the Homily Notes in Schools
Points to note from the text: • Taking up the cross links directly with the persecutions faced by the early Church and faced by the Church in many parts of the world today; • Disciples may be persecuted and executed for following Christ; • True Christian discipleship may mean suffering; • ‘follow me’ means treading in the footsteps of Jesus – following his example as closely as possible; In the passage we are told what it means to be a follower of Jesus. When we are baptised we receive a vocation and that is to build the Kingdom of God in our world. This vocation can take a variety of forms but always involves witness based upon the example of Jesus. For that we need to have a close, personal relationship with Jesus, a relationship which will grow though a life of daily prayer, regular celebration of the Eucharist and of the sacraments.
“
When we are baptised we receive a vocation and that is to build the Kingdom of God in our world.
”
‘Let me see your face, O Lord,’ says the psalmist, ‘hope in the Lord’ he continues. The Year of Faith (October 2012 to November 2013) is a time of great grace, hope and opportunity. This is the third edition of The Follower in the Year of Faith providing parishes and schools with information on events and resources. You are welcome to contribute ideas and suggestions to future editions which may prove useful to other parishes and schools - contact details are inside on pages 12 and 27. Lord, Let me see your face, Know your heart and experience your love in my life. Strengthen in me the precious Gift of faith. I believe Lord; Help my unbelief. Amen. Prayer for the Year of Faith
For the latest information go to our website: www.rcdow.org.uk/yearoffaith