Catholic Churches of Our Lady of Sorrows,
Effingham and The Holy Spirit, Fetcham

Daphne McLeod’s article in this May’s edition of “The Lychgate” is the very best I have read in defence of the Church’s position on the issue of women priests which should come as no surprise to those who know of Daphne’s deep erudition and spirituality.

It is however a defence of what is, I suggest, an indefensible position in the 21^st century. (more…)

Of course the short answer is because the Church, the Voice of Christ in the World, says they cannot. This would satisfy any faithful Catholic but sometimes we have to explain clear Church teaching to people who are not committed Catholics so it is a good idea to look at some of the thinking behind this ruling. (more…)

Almost exactly two years ago, Fr John expressed a desire to establish a regular Children’s Liturgy. He asked several people, including myself, whether we would be interested in helping to lead the sessions. I was keen that this should happen, as I had often wished that it had been available when my own son was small. Too often attending Mass becomes an exercise in keeping the children still and quiet for almost an hour. Often they are bored and switch off, so that they do not even listen to those parts of the service that they are capable of understanding. (more…)

First we must express our deep sympathy for victims of sexual abuse and their families. To learn that any Catholic priest used his privileged position to sexually abuse children fills us all with shame and horror, and that this was ever condoned by any bishop is also totally unacceptable. (more…)

The Ash Tree lent its branches for the fire on the first Christmas night and since then its beneficial quality of burning green has been confirmed.

The White Campion only yields its scent at night to commemorate its hour of the sacred birth.

The Great Mullein is called the sacred flannel because its wooly leaves were used for the first swaddling clothes.

The Yellow Galleum burst into golden flowers to make an aureole about the head of the Child and is still called Our Lady’s bedstraw.

The Bracken refused the act of homage and has never flowered since as a consequence.  If it is cut across the stem at Christmas it shows the sacred initial in the Greek character as a sign of penitence.

Sheilagh Trier