The Diocese of East Anglia Pilgrimage to Walsingham

It was a gloriously hot and sunny start to the day, by 10am Walsingham was already alive with people buzzing about and coaches dropping people off.

The first item on the agenda was the Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament at the Church of the Annunciation.

This was followed at 12:30 by the crowning of the statue of Our Lady of Walsingham, she was sprinkled with Holy Water and honoured with incense, we prayed, had a reading from the Gospel and sang a hymn.

For me this was the most moving part of the day.

Then we all set off behind the Statue of Our Lady of Walsingham on a silent procession to the Shrine.

We actually went along the road and not down the old railway path, luckily there were marshals there to stop the traffic, a peaceful walk is a good time to reflect, the silence was broken by the birds in the hedgerow, I managed to see Gold Finch, Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Oyster Catcher, Lapwing as well as the usual ducks, geese and rabbits. I was quite glad that we had processed down the road as there was shade given to us by the trees as the sun was now beating down on us.

On arrival at the Shrine we gathered in front of the Chapel of Reconciliation for the Penitential Litany, prayers and a hymn. It was now time for Lunch and a sit down preferably in the shade.

After Lunch and a bit of shopping, Janice now has a new hat and statue, we met with Fr Tony our priest at St. Anthony in Fakenham. Fr went off to get in to his robes ready for Mass and we found a seat in the centre of the gardens ready for Mass.

Mass was splendid, the choir sang beautifully and all the while the sun kept on shinning, this was the first outdoor Mass I had attended at the Shrine as on previous occasions the weather had been too bad to hold anything outside. At the end of Mass we were introduced to our youth representatives who are going to Brazil for the youth pilgrimage later this year.

Janice and I then set off back to Walsingham village to catch our bus back home, we decided to walk back along the old railway path as the road could prove a little dangerous with all the people making their way back home by car

On walking back we both noted how much quieter it was than the silent procession we were on earlier!!

The Diocese of East Anglia Pilgrimage to Walsingham was over and now we are looking forward to the 2^nd Annual Ordinariate Pilgrimage to Walsingham which is on Saturday 22^nd June.

Birds

Our first Blackbird has fledged from the nest.
He is doing a lot of walking around the garden which is making it hard work for his parents to keep track of where he is.  The rest are moving around the shrub but not brave enough to leave it yet.
The Starlings are making a lot of noise so they may be next to go.

26th Wedding Anniversary

Horah
Today is our 26th wedding anniversary, it only seems like yesterday.

At long last

After nearly a year my life is starting to get sorted out at last.
I have left my job of 28 years, moved 150 miles away from friends and family and looking forward to making new friends.
I will endeavour to post regularly and keep you all updated.
I have started to do a bit more artwork and get more back to nature.
So keep looking back to see my news and what I have been up to.

One For Your Diary

A special day for your diary.
It's sure to be a very busy day so leave home early arrive relaxed and enjoy the special day

Sevenoaks Ordinariate Pilgrimage to Walsingham

Friday 13^th April

This was our second Pilgrimage to Walsingham as Catholics and we had a full group of 40 people.

After Mass and a blessing for pilgrims we set of for the wonderful Holy place of Walsingham. As usual we had a comfort stop at the small oasis in the woods where we enjoyed all the pleasures that Barton Mills has to offer.

As we neared Walsingham Fr. Ivan led us in singing the Walsingham Pilgrim Hymn, I think we should enter Britains got Talent next year.

On arrival in Walsingham we did our First visit to the Holy house, after which we made our way to our accommodation, as usual we had very good rooms.

After shrine prayers and supper we all made our way to the Orangery for a meeting and talk by the Anglican Shrine administrator Bishop Lindsay Urwin, who spoke in depth about how good it was to see an Ordinariate group at Walsingham.

Saturday 14^th April

                        After breakfast we made our way to the National Shrine and the Slipper Chapel where we had the Stations of the Cross with Fr. Ivan reading the intercessions. This was followed by the 12:00 Mass and lunch.  After lunch we walked the Holy Mile back to the village reciting the Rosary. In the afternoon we met in the Anglican Shrine where Fr. Ivan performed the Sprinkling, thanks must go to Bishop Lindsay for letting us perform the Sprinkling at a different time. After supper we went to the Catholic Parish Church in the village for adoration, benediction and a candle lit procession to the outdoor image of the Blessed Mother which is in the grounds of the Catholic accommodation. I was here last week on a personal pilgrimage when they were getting this area ready, tonight it looked really beautiful, the shrine of our Lady was lit up and had rosary beads hanging from her arms it was very atmospheric.

Later a group of us walked to Great Walsingham to join in with the Orthodox Easter Vigil. This was one of my personal highlights of the weekend and we were made most welcome.

Sunday 15^th April

                        Divine Mercy Sunday – Today started with breakfast and Mass in the Catholic Parish Church. After lunch we walked back along the Holy Mile to the Slipper Chapel. Then we joined the Divine Mercy Festival which was led by Mgr Andrew Burnham of the Ordinariate.

It was a very moving afternoon.

We then walked along the Holy Mile for the last time back to the village and our last visit to the Holy House. Then unfortunately it was time for us to climb aboard our coach for the journey home.

Another fine spiritual weekend was enjoyed by all so here’s to next year.

My thanks go to Fr. Ivan who led the group and made sure that everybody was spiritually refreshed.

Anyone wishing to join us for next years pilgrimage will be most welcome, we always go the weekend after Easter and for the less mobile we have taxis to transport you between the two shrines.

We only book 40 places so please let me know early if you wish to go next year as some people this year left it to late and the places had all been filled.

a good friends advice

Today I have enjoyed catching up on old times with a good friend of mine who has also given me some useful advice.
Due to the present economic climate things haven’t been going to well at work and consequently I may well find myself in the position of having to look for another line of employment after 26 years.  I have a couple of options which I am weighing up but at the moment the future certainly doesn’t look orange.
My friend suggested taking what is due to me and look for an alternative line of employment, something should come along within a few months, but I am not so sure, I would hope so, but if it doesn’t then I could be in trouble.  Staying where I am is starting to bring me down with the worry, I have been told to keep praying and something will turn up, I just hope they're right.
So in the mean time if anyone has any thoughts I would appreciate them, but just at the moment the light at the end of the tunnel seems to be getting further away.

One Year Old

A year ago, approx 60 clergy and 1000 lay people took the brave decision to leave the Church of England and join the Ordinariate.

For the laity this meant leaving behind friends & buildings, for the Clergy they had to give up much more, their homes, their salary, job security, pensions and much more.

The road hasn’t been smooth or plane sailing. There have been, and still are people who don’t want the Ordinariate to succeed and seem to take pleasure in highlighting the difficulties, but despite all this the Ordinariate is here and will get stronger and stronger.

From small acorns giant oaks grow.

There are more people joining this year in England and Wales, a new Ordinariate has been set up in America with Canada and Australia to follow.

So tomorrow if you can, you can help celebrate the First Anniversary of the erection of the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham at St. James, Spanish Place, London. at 5pm.

The Sevenoaks Ordinariate are having a 10.30am Mass at St. Johns the Baptist, Westerham.

The year has been emotional; we have joined the Catholic Church and made new friends.

The Sevenoaks Ordinariate is going to be the first Ordinariate group to have a pilgrimage to Walsingham and be greeted by Bishop Lindsay (there are only 4 places left on this Pilgrimage so if you want to go please get in touch quickly).

Everyone should be happy for each other, no matter what decisions have been made ultimately there is one God, one church.

We should all love each other no matter what path we have taken or choose to take.

Here's to the next year and many more.

Alice in wonderland - Pantomime

Tonight  Saturday 7th January 6:00 pm
St. Johns Church, Sevenoaks

Happy Feast Day

Things are starting to get back to normal after Christmas, back to work etc.
However today I managed to get a couple of hours off of work so that I could attend the Feast of St Thomas of Canterbury, at St. Thomas' church Sevenoaks.
It was a good mass with hymns and incense
We started in the entrance hall singing a hymn to the statue of St. Thomas as he was blessed and incensed then we all processed into the church for the rest of the Mass.
This was followed by refreshments in the parish centre with friends.

A Busy Weekend

We have come to the end of an enjoyable and busy weekend.
Adam came back from uni with lots of dirty washing and we all celebrated the Nine Lessons and Carols at St. Johns Sevenoaks.
It was nice to meet up with old friends, we were made to feel very welcome and we all enjoyed mince pies and a drink afterwards.
We are looking forward to next week as we prepare for Christmas and more Carols on Chritmas Eve before midnight mass at St. Thomas' Sevenoaks.
Just a small request, if possible rather than spending money on the excess of Christmas why not donate to a charity like Shelter to help provide food and clothing to those in need.

Rock Choir

A friend of mine is performing with the Rock Choir at
the Sennockian in Sevenoaks on Monday 6th Dec at 7:30 pm and at
the Castle Stage at the Dickens Christmas Market on Sunday 11th December.
Please attend if you can and show your support.

Just because you can't see the air doesn't mean you stop breathing.
And just because you can't see God doesn't mean you stop believing

St John's Parish Christmas Fair

A local event happening this Saturday 26th November at St. Johns Church hall on St. Johns Hill Sevenoaks
2 - 5 pm  Free Entry

St John's Parish Christmas Fair

Just back from Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Thomas's

We have had a good afternoon attending the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Thomas's with Benediction and lots of incense.
A lovely tea with lots of home made fresh cakes and scones was enjoyed by everyone afterwards.
Unfortunately Father Harvey suffered a bad fall during the afternoon so Fr Gregory took the service while Fr Harvey sat with the congregation.

Ordinariate trip to Walsingham

There are still a few places left on the
Sevenoaks Ordinariate Pilgrimage to Walsingham.
Coach pick up from St. Thomas Church Sevenoaks at 10:00

Walsingham Pilgrimage 2012
Friday 13th April 2012 to Sunday 15th April 2012
Prices: Adult: £130.00 approx
Age 5 to 15 years : £90.00
Price includes coach from Sevenoaks, room and most food
Only 40 places Available Names and a non-refundable deposit of £50.00 required by
A great family weekend for spiritual renewal and relaxation.
All Welcome Contact: Janice Williams  E-mail: barnabythebear@hotmail.co.uk 4th December 2011 or before.

It was a nice day

The day started well. Janice and I had a full day planned in London.
We started with a visit to the Padre Pio Bookshop, which is an interesting place to visit, very small but crammed full with all sorts of books, statues, prayer cards a shrine and at certain times they also hold services there.
We then went to the 'forward to advent' held in the Westminster Cathedral hall. We met some old friends, the Walsingham Nuns and even a couple from the Sevenoaks Ordinariate. After meeting people from various Catholic groups and buying some gifts for Christmas we went into the Cathedral. We had a wander round and while Janice sat in a side chapel with a small group and did the Rosary I went and watched a baptism that was taking place. After this we went and had a coffee and a cake in the Cathedral tea rooms, this was our first visit to the tea room but it won't be our last.
After our usual tour of St. Pauls bookshop and the CTS bookshop with obligatory purchase we headed for the Brompton Oratory.
We have had mixed reports regarding the Oratory but all we can say is WOW, everywhere you looked there is a statue or a chapel, it was just like visiting a sacred place in Italy. I would like to say to anybody at the Oratory that I think you could do with someone to help put together leaflets, brochures, postcards and small indiscreet signs / labels, all this would increase the pleasure of visitors - tourists and bring funds into the church. I don't have much spare time but I would help with these matters if required.
Time was now getting on so we thought we would pay a quick visit to the Winter Market in Hyde Park, yes I know it is only November but we don't go to London everyday. The tube was frighteningly busy due to a couple of lines being closed for 'essential repairs'.
On reaching Hyde Park Janice stoped and shouted 'Oh No'. It was then that we saw that some thieving little *!!* had stolen the digital camera from out of her ruck sack, so it was back to Hyde Park underground and 3/4 of an hour giving our infomation to the Police.
What had been a very good day was now totally ruined and we just wanted to get home, it's strange that when something like that happens to you, you start looking at everyone differently.
Still as they say nobody was hurt, the camera can be replaced and life goes on, it's just a shame that the memories from our recent holiday and our days out are now gone. No doubt we will learn but next time we go to London everyone we meet on the underground will now be a foe.

14th Anniversary of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

14th Anniversary of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Please come and join us at St Thomas's on Sunday 20th November, the Feast of Christ the King.
In thanksgiving to God we are celebrating 14 years of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
We begin at 4.00pm with silent reflection, Benediction and Consecration to Christ the King.
Refreshments afterwards.
All welcome.

Character - Reputation

Be more concerned with your character than your reputation.
Your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are. 
John Wooden

A new addittion to our family

We now have a new addition to our family;
meet

Harry, the Herman Tortoise. Approx 2 years old.

I have been told that this is one of the benefits of having a trainee veterinary nurse in the house.

Beverleys' room is now starting to look like a pet shop!!!