A lovely surprise at Mass today . . .

We had a lovely surprise at Mass today. Fr Paul Brandon who often celebrates Mass at St Ann's when he is in the area visiting family, brought with him a relic of Blessed Dominic of the Mother of God (Father Dominic Barberi, Passionist Priest).

Dominic was beatified by Pope Paul VI in 1963, during the Second Vatican Council. Later popes also admired Dominic; on his visit to England in 1982 Pope John Paul II described Blessed Dominic as
"One example of the countless other priests who continue to serve as models of holiness for the clergy of today"

Dominic is best remembered for his part in Newman's conversion, but is also commemorated for his exhausting work in the efforts to return England to the Catholic faith in the nineteenth century.

Naturally we celebrated the Memorial in his honour and after a beautiful Mass during which the relic had lain upon the altar, Fr Paul blessed those present with the relic.

One for the ladies! . . .

I wouldn't want our young women to think that I'd forgotten them so here are two very good videos which I hope will give you some idea of the breadth and variety of vocations within the Consecrated Life.

Sometimes we feel called to a change of direction at a later stage in our life, maybe we are already qualified in a different profession. These earlier years are not wasted and can be built upon. As St Paul says, 'There is a variety of gifts, but always the same Spirit; there are all sorts of service to be done, but always to the same Lord.'

Possible Reforms to The Newer Form of the Roman Rite . . .

Amongst the many blogs that I follow, I notice that Fr Tim Finigan of The Hermeneutic of Continuity has recently posted a very interesting item on possible reforms of the newer form of the Roman Rite (i.e. the form of the Mass with which most of us are familiar, instituted by Pope Paul VI, and which has been used as the usual form of Mass in most parishes since the Second Vatican Council.)

As Fr Tim writes, 'Rorate Caeli has the translation of an article in yesterday's "Il Giornale" by the respected vaticanista Andrea Tornielli. Apparently a document with several propositions regarding the newer form of the Roman Rite has been submitted to the Holy Father for his approval. Some of the propositions deal with the use of Latin, communion in the hand, and the orientation of the priest.'

From time to time, people ask me about these points; I recommend this article to you here and hope that it might answer some of your queries.

Once again, I would be very interested to hear your reaction to the article.

Another Baptism - our numbers are growing! . . .

Another joyful day at St Ann's as we welcomed another new member into our parish community.

Here are the Meadows family proudly presenting the newest addition to their family - Alannah.

Alannah was baptised at the 10 O'clock Mass yesterday.

' And I'd like to have a picture of you too', says Liam.

And here they are with family and friends.

Just a reminder, if you have recently had a baby or are expecting a baby at the moment, that we have a Baptism Preparation Course here at St Ann's on the first two Mondays of the month at 8pm. Please contact the parish office for details.

Vocations Video - Part 2 . . .

Here, as promised is part 2 of the Vocations Video. Even more compelling than part 1, in my opinion.

I would be very interested to hear your reactions.

Quo Vadis? . . .

If you have teenagers in the family, you will know that this is not the easiest time for them - exam results loom! I hope that all our young people have achieved the exam results they were expecting, hoping for, or needed for the next stage in their education and indeed the next stage of their life.

I wonder how many young people when considering the future, have give even a few seconds' thought to the possibility that God may be calling them to quite a different future than most of their peers.

Perhaps the following excellent video might cause some people to allow themselves to at least consider the possibility. This is part 1 of 2 videos on vocations. Please watch this blog for part 2 in the next few days.

Talking of vocations, which I was (and hopefully many parents out there are too) there are several events coming up soon in our diocese organised by Fr Paul Turner, our Vocations Director.

Saturday 17th October at Christ the Prince of Peace, Weybridge.
'God's Plan 4 U' The day begins with Mass at 10.00am and finishes about 4.30pm.

Samuel Groups.
Monthly gatherings to support young adults (18-35) in discerning their vocation.

From October there will be Samuel Groups running on Tuesday evenings at The Friary Church in Crawley and on Thursday evenings at St Dunstan's Church in Woking. (7pm - 9.30pm)

For further information please contact Fr Paul Turner pdturner39@yahoo.com or via the website http://www.calledbyname.org.uk/

Liturgical colours . . .

A little while ago I posted a video from iPadre describing the vestments worn by a priest and the symbolism of each garment. Some of you may have missed this earlier video and others of you may like to refresh your memories by following the link here.

Here is another excellent video from the same source in which Fr Finelli explains why different colours are used in the Church at different times in the liturgical year.

I hope you find it helpful.