I was expecting to return from the Deans Conference, held in Brentwood last week, armed with the latest church news from around the country and up to the minute information on the appointment of the new Archbishop/Cardinal of Westminster. There is either nothing happening or the lips of those in the know are well and truly sealed. I thought I could have one or two deans 'singing like canaries' after a few glasses of wine but to no avail. So I'm afraid I can't give you any hot tips to run with to Paddy Power. Instead we spent our time discussing music in the liturgy, grants, ecumenism and funerals, exhumations and burials of diocesan Bishops. The latter topic was discussed just before meeting with and having dinner with the Bishop of Brentwood, Bishop Thomas McMahon, and he was anxious to know how we had assessed his chances of survival to retirement. Based on the quality of the dinner and the welcome we received we assured him that he could rely on the prayers of the deans for a long life!
One item that did amuse us all was that of the Northern European Cathedrals Conference. This has traditionally been poorly supported by the Catholic Cathedrals of Northern Europe and the local Anglican Dean of Chelmsford Cathedral came to speak to us to encourage some representation from the Catholic Cathedrals in this country to attend. Some Deans seemed quite keen until they realised that it was in Uppsala, Sweden, in early February with possible temperatures down to -15C. They very quickly seemed to go cold on the idea.
Welcome this Sunday to staff, parents and pupils of St Edwards College who join us for Solemn Mass on the eve of the Feast of St Edward. The guest Celebrant this year is Fr David Morland a Benedictine priest from St Austins Parish, Grassendale. I'm not sure of his links with the College but will no doubt find out at the weekend perhaps there is some link between the Christian Brothers and the Benedictines. I'm not sure if this could be termed a 'Holy Alliance' or not.
Sometime this week an exhibition of posters on the life of St Paul will go on display for a couple of months to highlight the fact that this is the year of St Paul. This has been co-ordinated by the Pauline Sisters and the hope is that it will spark off further interest in the life and letters of St Paul. Also from next weekend for 9 days there will be an exhibition and sale of Arts and Crafts in the Gibberd Room sponsored by the Arts and Crafts Guild.
The reflection of water onto the High Altar in the Cathedral has had a considerable affect on visitors - leading to a greater sense of stillness with more people sitting reflectively in the benches. If asked I am telling people that it signifies our way of being part of the Diocesan 'Leaving Safe Harbours' process.
It is hoped that the Blessed Sacrament Chapel will have the old and redundant spotlight fittings replaced and it be re-decorated from Monday 20th October. This will mean that there will be scaffolding in place for about a fortnight. The Chapel will be out of commission during this time and it is proposed that we will use the Lady Chapel for daily mass during this period.
Last weekend photocopies of a letter from Archbishop Smith of Cardiff relating to concerns regarding the Embryology Bill that will be voted on in Parliament later this month were available after all our masses. There are worries that changes will be made to the Abortion Legislation within this Bill. It is of grave concern that further relaxations will offer much less protection to the unborn child and less professional advice and care when faced with a choice in pregnancy. I recommend his letter to you all.
I was expecting to return from the Deans Conference, held in Brentwood last week, armed with the latest church news from around the country and up to the minute information on the appointment of the new Archbishop/Cardinal of Westminster. There is either nothing happening or the lips of those in the know are well and truly sealed. I thought I could have one or two deans 'singing like canaries' after a few glasses of wine but to no avail. So I'm afraid I can't give you any hot tips to run with to Paddy Power. Instead we spent our time discussing music in the liturgy, grants, ecumenism and funerals, exhumations and burials of diocesan Bishops. The latter topic was discussed just before meeting with and having dinner with the Bishop of Brentwood, Bishop Thomas McMahon, and he was anxious to know how we had assessed his chances of survival to retirement. Based on the quality of the dinner and the welcome we received we assured him that he could rely on the prayers of the deans for a long life!
One item that did amuse us all was that of the Northern European Cathedrals Conference. This has traditionally been poorly supported by the Catholic Cathedrals of Northern Europe and the local Anglican Dean of Chelmsford Cathedral came to speak to us to encourage some representation from the Catholic Cathedrals in this country to attend. Some Deans seemed quite keen until they realised that it was in Uppsala, Sweden, in early February with possible temperatures down to -15C. They very quickly seemed to go cold on the idea. 
Welcome this Sunday to staff, parents and pupils of St Edwards College who join us for Solemn Mass on the eve of the Feast of St Edward. The guest Celebrant this year is Fr David Morland a Benedictine priest from St Austins Parish, Grassendale. I'm not sure of his links with the College but will no doubt find out at the weekend perhaps there is some link between the Christian Brothers and the Benedictines. I'm not sure if this could be termed a 'Holy Alliance' or not.