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.

SS PETER & PAUL

Today at St. Augustine’s we celebrated the Solemnity of SS Peter and Paul, the two pillars of the Church. Father Martin presided at the Solemn Parish Mass and i  concelebrated, read the Gospel and preached. In my sermon Father I drew attention to the differences in character of the two men , who complemented each other in their Apostolic Ministry. Peter the impetuous, chosen by Jesus to lead the embryonic church Paul the great missionary and writer. It is at this time of year that ordinations to the Diaconate and Sacred Priesthood take place. Each person brings into ministry their different abilities and talents. I reminded the congregation to listen to see if they were being called to serve as Ministers in God’s Holy Church and to bring into their ministry their own special, and different, talents.

THE PLAYING FIELDS OF ENGLAND

State educated school children need greater provision for sports, according to Ofsted. Correct me if I’m wrong, but a few years ago, a certain political party, then in power, sold of many of the state school playing fields despite many protests at the time. One of the sayings prevalent at then was “they knew the cost of everything and the value of nothing.

From “The Guardian”

TRINITY 1–12th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Today, Father Martin went to St Paul’s, Goodmayes to celebrate Corpus Christi, swopping with me and I officiated at St. Augustine’s.  I haven’t been too well lately and it was decided that the celebration of Solemn Mass, Procession and Solemn Benediction must just be  a little too much as I feel at present .

As St. Augustine’s had observed Corpus Christi on Thursday, today was the usual Parish Mass. I preached and led the Intercessions. In my homily I talked about the need to use the wonderful gift of the Eucharist as something we celebrate frequently. We were privileged to take into our hands the precious Body of Our Lord: a gift he had given to us just before his crucifixion.

 

THE GLORIOUS AND MOST HOLY TRINITY

Today I presided at the Solemn Mass in celebration of the Most Holy Trinity; Father Martin concelebrated, read the Gospel and preached. In his sermon Father Martin referred to a previous sermon on the Trinity when,as an illustration and an egg had been used. He said the the Trinity was a difficult concept which had kept theologians debating for many years until they had agreed on the words of the Nicene Creed which we would be saying shortly. In the end what we needed to believe was that God is love. After the sermon, Ann led us in our intercessions.

PENTECOST 2014

As Father Martin was away for the weekend I presided and preached at the Solemn Mass and our Intercessions were led by Joan our retired Lay Reader. In my sermon I talked about how fear can paralyse us; the disciples locked themselves in the Upper Room because they were afraid. The Holy Spirit removed their fear and instead of be frightened by the authorities, they found the strength and inspiration to preach the Gospel far and wide even facing martyrdom for the sake of the Gospel. If we are open to receive the Holy Spirit into our lives he will rid us of our fears and qualms so that we too can proclaim the good news of the Gospel of Jesus.