Fr. Graham Writes: 18th July 2021
Webmaster • July 17, 2021
Bishop Richard posed some of his priests a very good question during a meeting this week:
“What is the charism of the secular priest in our setting?” This question might need a little unpacking. Firstly, I am a secular priest. I am a diocesan priest. I do not belong to a religious order. Secondly, as a parish priest in our diocese at this time, I am called to witness and live out Priesthood in a particular way, in and amongst you. Put it another way, What is special and unique about parish priests in our diocese today? What is Jesus calling us to be and do which is unique to us? In response, another priest asked another question (Jesus usually answered a question with a question), “What is the charism of the laity in our setting?”
This is not just about “doing things”, ministry of function. The Priesthood is different to the Laity in “essence and not just degree”. This is about charisms
and therefore gifts of the Holy Spirit.
The apostles came back from a “successful” mission of preaching and healing and they were tired. So, Jesus tells them to rest with Him in solitude. But, the crowds second guess their destination and catch up with them.
There is always something to be doing as a priest, so many activities and demands. Yet, the one thing necessary is often reduced to little. As baptised laity and priests we find our identity in activity
with Jesus and solitude
with Jesus. But it is always with Jesus, never alone. I often accuse myself of being a shepherd who has allowed his sheep to be scattered, wandered and lost. Yet, Jesus is the Good Shepherd and I need to be gathered too. I am sure Jesus takes pity on us in our situation and sees that we too are like “sheep without a shepherd” as our teaching has often been unclear. But I can also see a time when there will be shepherds but less sheep.
May we allow ourselves to be taught clearly by Him who gathers us all to rest with Him so to send us out to be with Him.
With my prayer for you all each day.
God bless you.
Fr Graham
Throughout November, we will have the Books of Remembrance in the church. Please come and write in names of loved ones who have died in the past year (no need to rewrite names from previous years). On 22nd November at 10.00am, please join us for a special Memorial Mass at St Peter’s to pray in particular for loved ones who have died this year, and all those who are bereaved. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the Parish Room. All are welcome.
Come and join us for coffee where there will be sweet and savoury treats on sale to enjoy with your coffee or take home. Also lots of Christmas gifts: jumpers, books, pyjamas, glittery outfits, plus a raffle. All proceeds to the SVP Christmas Parcels Campaign.
Saturday 29 November 10:30–12:30pm Title: “Watching in Silence: A Benedictine Advent” Abbot Mark will explore the quiet heart of Advent through the lens of Benedictine spirituality—a wonderful opportunity for reflection and preparation during this sacred season. • 10:30 am – Arrival and light refreshments • 11:00 am – Advent Talk and reflection • 12:30 pm – Light lunch and Midday Prayer (optional) To register: Contact Kelly at E: kohara@worth.org.uk
The Community of Our Lady of Walsingham seeks help to purchase a property to accommodate their growing community and further their apostolates of prayer, parish missions, hospitality, chaplaincy and youth work. Any amount, large or small is greatly appreciated and the community assure you of their prayers. Cheques payable to COLW can be sent to House of the Divine Will, Neatherd Moor, Dereham, NR20 4AZ. More information, as well as the option to donate online, can be found at: www.maryshouseappeal.org E: office@walsinghamcommunity.org T: 01362 692574
Dear brothers and sisters, The feast we celebrate this Sunday was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925 - the 16th Centenary of the Council of Nicaea when the definition of Christ being consubstantial with the Father was made – an anniversary that the Church has been keeping again this year. Jesus is our King – the word Christ means ‘the anointed one’ – and we are all called to share in His Kingship. Indeed, we are reminded of this at our baptism when we are anointed with Chrism in a prayer that speaks of our sharing in His Kingship. In an age when there are so many challenges to the Christian Way, challenges to the Kingship of Christ, it is good for us to be able to celebrate this feast, for it reminds us of who we are, and it speaks of our destiny as the children of God. Jesus, sprung from the race of David – who had been anointed by Samuel for his role as king – fulfils the Father’s plan. We read of this in today’s second reading. All is brought to fulfilment in the One who died on the Cross and rose from the dead; Christ who is the Word of God, Who existed before all things and in Whom all is created. We are His body; He is the head. He is King. The Gospel this Sunday speaks of that destiny in a most powerful way. Jesus tells the thief who recognises the Lord’s goodness: “today, you will be with me in paradise.” These are words we must all wish to hear, for when we do we have confirmation of our destiny, we know we shall share in the life of the Anointed One, Christ our King – that we shall live the fullness of what it means to be His. With every blessing, + Richard
According to tradition, Our Lord told St. Gertrude the Great that each time she piously recited the following prayer, it would greatly ease the suffering of those holy souls in purgatory: Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen.
Next weekend we are welcoming Fr Hugh Seenan. The Missionaries of Africa (a.k.a. The White Fathers), are an international team of priests, brothers and lay associates from Africa, Britain and many countries around the world. Any ministry which has a real relationship with Africa, no matter in what part of the world it may be, is considered by the Missionaries of Africa to be within the scope of the apostolate. Through parish work, building up small Christian communities, working with the media, involvement in justice and peace, agriculture, seminary training, education and social welfare the Missionaries of Africa aim to work in partnership with the Church in Africa . . . and above all else to help build up the leadership of the Churches.” There will be a 2nd Collection at masses next weekend to support their work
This last Sunday of the liturgical year draws our attention to our goal - the Kingdom of God where Jesus reigns as King. It was the most recorded phrase of Jesus in the gospels and so it must have been in the forefront of His mind too. His birth, death and resurrection were all to bring His Kingdom to birth. He already reigned and He was already crowned as the anointed one (Christos). Yet His Kingdom was and still is hidden. To prove this point, the gospel chosen for today is a moment of what looks like defeat - the crucifixion of Jesus. But even here, Jesus is King and reigns. He is doing the Father's will and reconciling us to God. We hear the words addressed to the "good" thief: "today you will be with me in paradise". These are surely words that we are desperate to hear ourselves. Jesus speaks with great authority. He has the right to give the order for He is the ruler of this kingdom which is not of this world and cannot be perceived with the senses. Yet, His kingdom grows whenever He is placed "before all things" and when He is "pre-eminent." It is His rightful place and He shares it with whoever He wishes. So to be with Him we have to be like Him. He does not lord it over us even though He is Lord. He doesn't control us even though He is the creator of heaven and earth. He doesn't fight us even though He has armies of powers, dominions and angels. He is humble and full of truth and mercy in which the fullness of God was pleased to dwell. With my daily prayer for you all. God bless you. Fr Graham
See donation points in the church porch. During November please bring any kinds of toiletries, or you can make a financial contribution via our card machines. We are also fundraising for this campaign with a Christmas Gifts sale on Sunday 7th December. See below for details. Thank you for your support.
Applications are still open. The first meeting for parents and children is on Tuesday 25th November , 7.30pm. Further dates to follow soon. The First Holy Communion masses will be in June 2026