Newsletter_May23

In 1963, not longer after my Ordination, I was invited to tea by the Anglican Vicar of village where I was saying Mass most Sundays. It was all very friendly but what I remember is the Vicar's wife asking me over the tea table, "Father, how do you teach your people how to pray?" It was one of those occasions when the mouth opens and no sounds come out. The fact was we didn't teach 'our people' how to pray; we taught them prayers. What filled my brain was all the help to pray I had received over the previous ten years since entering the Jesuits. It felt so unjust that lay people got so little.

Things gradually got better. In 1987 I took part in my first Retreat in Daily Life in a Parish. Some 30 people had guidance once a week from trained retreat guides and were asked to pray each day. In the last session, we asked each participant, 'What was good about it for you?" I remember one elderly gentleman bewailing, "Why have I had to wait all these years before being taught to pray with the Scriptures like this? It was marvelous but I feel I have wasted years" Retreats in Daily Life do enable lay people to get some instruction in prayer and the spiritual life. So I have given many in the last 20 years and trained people to give them.

24 years ago I was asked by the Jesuit Provincial to take an interest in the Christian Life Community, the organization of lay people who want to live according to the guidelines of St Ignatius on the journey to and with God. Here were many people who wanted their spiritual lives to grow and who sought help. I wrote them a formation programme. I was also able to give them many Retreats in Daily Life.

Four and two-thirds years ago I came to the Mount Street Jesuit Centre and was asked to give courses on "Spiritual Development". So far 66 people have joined the courses, some have gone on to do the full Spiritual Exercises in Daily Life, three have gone on further to be trained as prayer guides who themselves have now given retreats in Daily Life to other lay people. I feel I am getting a chance to pass on what I have received.

Next year, as well as the usual evening course I am able to offer a morning course if anyone is interested. It is a big commitment, 39 sessions in all, going from September to July. Each session includes input by me, silent prayer together, and an opportunity to hear how God is working in the others on the Course. "I would not have guessed just how much I'd come to value the contribution of all its members to the gentle process of reflection and discovery" wrote one participant. Would such a course interest you?

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

The First Holy Communion Mass will be celebrated on Sunday 7th June. The children who have been preparing for months will receive this Sacrament solemnly for the first time. Please pray for these children as they approach and complete this very special part of their faith journey.

STONYHURST

The Headmaster and members of the Stonyhurst College are hosting an evening for prospective parents (boys 13+) at the Lansdowne Club on June 2nd at 6:30pm. If interested, please contact Katherine Walker (0125 482 7073 or admissions@stonyhurst.ac.uk .

WALSINGHAM

There are only a few places left for the annual Parish Pilgrimage to Walsingham on Saturday May 30th . The coach leaves from 114 Mount Street at 8.30am and returns to the same spot at approximately 8:30pm. Fr Dominic Robinson SJ will be leading the group. Cost for the day (including lunch) is £37. Bookings with Joan Hammett (after 6pm) 0208 657 6367 or through the parish office.

DEEPENING OUR AWARENESS OF GOD WITHIN US

Tuesday mornings or Tuesday or Thursday evenings wherever the demand is, Sept 2009 � July 2010

Led by Tony Horan SJ. Based on the guidelines of St Ignatius of Loyola. If interested, leave your name at reception, 114 Mount Street for Tony Horan SJ or e-mail tony.horan@btinternet.com . Apply before June 5th .

PERSONAL AND COMMUNITY DISCERNMENT EXPERIENCE

The Christian Life Community (CLC) are providing an opportunity for CLC members and others with some experience of the Spiritual Exercises who wish to deepen their awareness of personal and communal discer-nment to take part in a week-long group process of discernment held at the Jesuit house in Barmouth on the west coast of Wales from August 1 st -8 th . The cost is £180. Application forms are available from reception at 114 Mount Street , or from Alan Harrison SJ, the National Chaplain, alanh46@gmail.com .

MOUNT STREET JESUIT CENTRE

114 Mount Street

To book or for more details, contact Lynne Galloway 0207 495 1673 or lynne@mountstreet.info .

Pick up leaflets for more details.

A THOUGHTFUL GUIDE TO CATHOLICISM

Sundays until June 7th , 5 to 6pm , Church Hall

Fr James Campbell continues his series of talks on Catholic teaching and Catholic life. A good help for inquirers or a refresher course for �old-hands�. No enrolment is necessary and you may come to as many sessions as you wish. All are welcome.

CHRISTIAN MORALITY: LIVING THE GOOD NEWS

Mondays, until July 6th (except May 25th ), 7 to 9pm , Church Hall

Presented by Brian Purfield. This module explores some themes in Christian morality and how we understand God's call, and the particular discipline we call Moral Theology. Prayers and discussions will be the core of the session. Personal reflection and further readings suggested for the following week.

UNDERSTANDING ISLAM

Three one-day workshops May 30th, June 13th, July 4th, 11am to 5pm

Presented by Dr Chris Hewer, specialist in Christian-Muslim relations. Based on the book he wrote, these three sessions are linked together and must be taken as a whole. Presentation of the Muslim perspective, the Books and the Prophets; a Muslim creed, prayer and solidarity; Muslims in Britain , Islam and other faiths. For more details, pick up a leaflet. Booking recommended.

SADHANA: CONTEMPLATION & MEDITATION

Seven Mondays from June 1st until July 13th , 7 to 8:15pm

Presented by Lynne Galloway. An opportunity to learn about and explore Sadhana meditation, a form of Ignatian contemplation developed by Anthony de Mello. The courses comprise a series of exercises from his book Sadhana � a Way to God . Beginning with developing stillness and awareness, we then move onto the use of our imagination and into opening our lives more fully to the love of God.

THOMAS MERTON: SPIRITUAL GUIDE FOR THE 21st CENTURY

One-day workshop June 6th , 11am to 4pm

Presented by Peter Tyler. Looking at the �myriad minded� American Trappist monk's approach to Christian spirituality and how the art of contemplation can help us today.

Please use the Gift Aid envelopes at the church exits if you are a UK taxpayer for all your donations. If you are not sure of the code you have been allocated, please complete name and address or contact the parish office. Thank you