Bishop Ralph
Bishop Ralph’s Reflections
Mission Hub
Adoramus was the National Eucharist Pilgrimage and Congress initiated by the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales and held on the first weekend in September. The purpose of the Congress was to recognise the centrality of the Eucharist in our life and also to offer people an experience of strength and solidarity in their willingness to put God … [Read More...]
Priest and People in Clustered Parishes
As more and more parishes of the diocese are experiencing the loss of a resident priest and the necessity for greater involvement of lay people in the administration of parishes, now is an opportune time to reflect on the teaching of the Catholic Church on both ordained priesthood and the “priesthood of all the baptised”. The theology underpinning … [Read More...]
History of the SVP in England and Wales – Chapter 3
Founded in this country in 1844, the SVP was very quickly into its stride in trying to provide practical assistance to those in need. We saw in the last ‘chapter’ how the SVP helped combat the massive health and hygiene problems faced by the poor. This next instalment looks at how the SVP promoted the Catholic faith through supporting church … [Read More...]
SVP History Part 2
St Vincent de Paul Society History of the Society in England and Wales, Part 2 The abject poverty experienced by those in the mid-19th century unfortunate enough to be trapped within its clutches is almost too much for us to comprehend today. It had a dramatic impact in a vast range of ways: unemployment, hunger, social deprivation, lack of … [Read More...]
Marriage ~ Love is Not Rude
Jane and Charles Perryman continue their series about Marriage When Pope Francis discusses the next aspect of love that St Paul highlights, “Love is not rude or arrogant” (1 Cor 13:5), he writes about the importance of gentleness, thoughtfulness and courtesy. Quoting the Mexican Nobel Prize winning poet, Octavio Paz he says that courtesy “is a … [Read More...]
‘All for God, for the Poor and for our Congregation!’
On Saturday, 25 August, Sr Anna Yeo and Sr Mary Gonçalves of the Daughters of Divine Charity made their First Profession at The Annunciation Church in Chesterfield. On this very special Saturday morning the congregation, including family and friends of Sr Anna and Sr Mary, raised their voices for the opening hymn: Be Thou My Vision. The Liturgy … [Read More...]
People Continue to “Share the Journey”
English Martyrs, Mexborough Parishioners of English Martyrs, Mexborough, including Fr O Connor, enjoying the sunshine as they respond to Pope Francis’ request to “Share the Journey “of walking in solidarity with thousands of refugees worldwide. The group totalled thirty-two miles of walking. Well done … [Read More...]
Writer’s Cramp?
Deacon Bill Burleigh After completing his sixth book about St Marie’s Cathedral, Deacon Bill Burleigh is taking a rest from writing. The complete set of books comprises the big Guide Book full of great photos by parishioner, Bob Rae, a book about the seven rare medieval alabaster panels displayed at St Marie’s, a book of devotional reflections … [Read More...]
SVP Party
Our Lady and St Thomas St Vincent de Paul Conference, Meadowhead, Sheffield, held a party for over sixty senior parishioners from local churches in the S8 area. The event was held at the De La Salle Club rooms. Our photograph above shows invited guests enjoying the occasion on a sunny Saturday afternoon. … [Read More...]
Heritage Open Days at St Marie’s Cathedral
Over two weekends many people came to St Marie’s Cathedral to take part in the Heritage Open Days. They enjoyed listening to both the Female Gregorian Choir and the Male Gregorian Choir, and an organ recital on the newly refurbished Lewis organ. They also had the opportunity to experience tours of the Cathedral and workshops for families. … [Read More...]