FATHER ERNIE STROUD RIP

Yesterday I , together with at least 25 priests, the Bishop of Richborough and the retired bishop of Chichester, The Rt. Revd. John Hind concelebrated the Funeral Mass of Father Ernie Stroud, whilst the ...Bishop of Chelmsford gave the address. Amongst the congregation were other priests, Anglican and Ordinariate and people from congregations where Fr. Ernie had served prior to becoming the Archdeacon of Chelmsford. Bishop Stephen told the packed church that it was through Father Ernie that he became a Christian and was subsequently ordained. It was an inspiring service and afterwards I was able to talk to some of his relatives from Bristol who I had known since my curacy in Bristol Chelmsford Diocese.

May he rest in peace and rise in glory

14th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Today Father Martin officiated at St. Alban’s, Romford as some of the parish are on their annual Walsingham Pilgrimage. I  celebrated the Solemn Parish Mass, and preached. Veronica, one of the Churchwardens, led our intercession. In his address  I pointed out that parents have the responsibility of teaching children to be obedient; we say things like “go to bed”, “get up” “tidy you room”. “don’t interrupt people when they’re speaking” “clean you teeth”. We learn from our parents as children and put that into practice as we mature. The things parents, teacher and priests teach us form our conscience when we grow up. We learn how to listen to our conscience, not in some act of blind obedience but by listening to what is good, honest and the  kind thing to do. It enables us to grow into spiritual maturity and greatness.