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.

Alice in wonderland - Pantomime

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

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!!!



Ordinariate - Good times ahead !!

Hello To all my new followers and visitors.

You are all most welcome to view my blog and please do leave comments.

I would especially welcome your views regarding the Ordinariate.
Are you a member of the Ordinariate?
Is the Ordinariate all that you believed it would be?
Are you thinking of joining?
Do you think it is a good idea?
Have you had members of the Ordinariate join your church?

I am a member of an Ordinariate group. However, the group I joined has left my local area and I along with a few others have stayed with our local Catholic church  where we have been made most welcome.

I look forward to hearing from you all and hopefully we can have some good comments and discussions.

Looks like I'll have to book another Saturday as a holiday.

AFC Wimbledon were drawn against Scunthorpe United from n power league 1 for the 1st Round of the FA Cup.
The tie will be played at The Cherry Red Records Stadium ( Kings Meadow) on Saturday 12 November.Looks like I'll have to book another Saturday as holiday.
I was really hoping for MK Dons but they will have to wait for another round.
I will be attending the match with a friend who actually comes from Scunthorpe but who works down here. Loser has to buy the drinks !!

Sunny Sunday

What a good Sunday.
Adam was home from Uni, Beverley had the weekend off and the Sun was shinning.
I tried a real ale made with Lemon & Lime, we had roast pork for lunch and we had cheese on toast for dinner, two of my favourites.
Mass was celebrated by Fr Ivan, we had a choir who sang beautifully and the church was full.
Janice signed up another couple for the Walsingham trip next year ( places are going quickly ) and we met young George who was brought along by Cecilia and her Husband. He slept right through the service that's George not Cecilias' husband.
Now we are getting ready for a short break in Wales, we will be attending a Catholic service in Brecon and spread good news about the Ordinariate.

Feast day of St. Francis of Assisi - & my birthday

Today is the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, it also happens to be my birthday.
This is why I have always had an infinity with St. Francis and when I joined the Catholic Church through the Ordinariate I chose St. Francis as my Catholic name.
So today when you read this or later when you are relaxing don't wish me a happy birthday but offer a prayer to St. Francis of Assisi.
Thank You.

A Women prerogative

After my previous blog I arrived home this evening and Janice has changed her mind about our 25th anniversary.
I guess that's a woman's prerogative.
But I also think it has something to do with Fr Ivan - Thank You

Sad Sundays

I think I'll try to aviod Sundays for a while (if only I could).For the last four Sundays have all been a mixture of emotions, for various reasons but always sadness.
Children going to university,saying good bye to dear friends and now Janice has decided not to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary because of various reasons to do with church.
She was looking forward to celebrating our 25th in church with friends & family and had already started making plans, because 25 years ago due to family reasons we were married in a registry office with no family and just 4 freinds but she has now decided not to bother.
Like a typical male it doesn't really matter to me but to Janice it did and for her to change her mind over matters to do with church does upset me. Saturday evening she was talking to a friend we had round for dinner about how she was looking forward to next April, Sunday evening she no longer wanted the celebration at all.
Very sad.