We have celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Now let us continue to prepare for the celebration Mass here in Hailsham for our Centenary of celebrating.
God is love, let us love one another.
So often we can see the faults and failures of religion. The war in the Ukraine exposes the dreadful position of the Orthodox Church in Russia. The paedophile scandal exposes all religious bodies. When I was younger I had a special attachment to Taizé and the focolare, with them and a lot of bodies in the Evangelical churches, all have had their difficulties. In the end it is the reality of life. There is a Kingdom of darkness of evil, and so there is a constant battle and without the light of Christ, and his constant source of grace, life would be a very dark place indeed.
With the celebration of the first mass on August 12th 1922, a source of Devine grace was established. Now in different circumstances we have the responsibility of ensuring that it continues, and that we as the catholic community will play their full part in continuing to be faithful.
I would emphasis the word faithful. The opportunity of the Synod has provided an appropriate platform on which to build a structure to continue to develop and grow our parish community. The liturgy of the church presents us with this instrument to grow, develop, and nourish our lives as faithful Christians. We are beginning to see a way forward, and part of our responsibility as we prepare for the visit of our Bishop Richard, is to outline plans and a strategy for our future. The age profile of our priests gives emphasis to this.