A thought for the week from Cardinal Newman

Everyone who breathes, high and low, educated and ignorant, young and old, man and woman, has a mission, has a work. We are not sent into this world for nothing; we are not born at random; we are not here, that we may go to bed at night, and get up in the morning, toil for our bread, eat and drink, laugh and joke, sin when we have a mind, and reform when we are tired of sinning, rear a family and die. God sees every one of us; He creates every soul, . . . for a purpose. He needs, He deigns to need, every one of us. He has an end for each of us; we are all equal in His sight, and we are placed in our different ranks and stations, not to get what we can out of them for ourselves, but to labor in them for Him. As Christ has His work, we too have ours; as He rejoiced to do His work, we must rejoice in ours also.

Sermon: "God's Will the End of Life," from Discourses Addressed to Mixed Congregations, 1849, in Daniel M. O'Connell, Favorite Newman Sermons, NY: The America Press, 2nd ed., 1940, pp. 177-178

Catholic Parliamentary Interns 2008-9

Amanda Brennan

I was immediately drawn to the Catholic Parliamentary Internship scheme with its unique combination of work, study and community life. I’m anticipating all sorts of new challenges and opportunities, and the distinctively spiritual context of the scheme makes it particularly appealing. Rather than a parliamentary placement, I’ll be spending ten months with the Catholic Education Service, an exciting prospect given the highly topical nature of their work and my own longstanding interest in education. I’m also looking forward to studying Christian Ethics at Heythrop College and living at Newman House which, from what I’ve seen, seems a vibrant, friendly place. Altogether it’s a wonderful programme and I’m really looking forward to getting started.

Alison Potter
I am really looking forward to starting the Catholic Parliamentary Internship in September. I am really excited at the prospect of working with an MP and also the chance to study at Heythrop College. It will be wonderful to live with the other interns in such a vibrant Catholic Community as Newman House. I shall be interning with the Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East, Sarah Teather; and I am sure I shall learn a great deal working in her constituency office as well as in Parliament. I am very grateful to be given this opportunity and can’t wait to begin!

Maeve McCormack
I’m going to be working in the Archbishop’s Public Affairs Office in Archbishop’s House. I’m really looking forward to getting out and about and seeing what’s happening in Westminster Diocese as well as helping to publicise everything that’s going on. It’s great to be a part of this scheme and to get the opportunity to see how this vibrant and important department operates. Living in Newman House is a very exciting prospect – I’ve been living in Nottingham University’s Newman House for the last year so I’m keen to get stuck into chaplaincy life and all that it involves. It should be a year full of interesting challenges and new experiences and I can’t wait to get started!

Luke de Pulford
I had been researching various internships when I heard about the CPI scheme and could hardly believe it – the opportunity to combine political work with spiritual development in such a stimulating programme is a rare one – I jumped at the chance. From late September, I will be shadowing Nigel Waterson, Conservative MP for Eastbourne, under whom I stand to learn a lot about the ins and outs of Westminster. I can't wait to get my teeth in to the challenge of juggling a hectic job, evening study at Heythrop, and an active social and spiritual life at Newman House. I feel truly privileged to be an 2008-09 intern – roll on September!

Laura O’Hagan

My name is Laura O’Hagan and I’m really looking forward to working with John McFall MP (Lab) when I start on the parliamentary internship programme in September. John McFall is often a spokesperson for financial issues and I haven’t done a lot of economics before so it will be good to get my teeth in to something new especially as the economy is such a relevant political issue just now. It will be great to work in Westminster and be at the centre of everything. I’m looking forward to the study side too. I’ve been working for the last year, but I’m a bit of a book worm at heart so it will be nice to be a student again.

The "Mummies" Unite!

Just as it seemed as though the year were winding down, the End of Year Party now only a feint memory, and several weekends of farewells and departures, there arose that almost unheard-of mystery: a new idea – in June!

Why not gather together the elder contingent (note the present author’s discretion – he did not write ‘old’) of ladies, and hold something just for them? The threshold was set at the quarter century, and only those who had lived for long enough were entitled to attend the elite synaxis.

And so it was that on Friday last the sitting room was turned into an all-female parlour for a culinary extravaganza.

The teasing of the men had begun during the afternoon, with one of the ladies dancing past some of them, a little glint in her eye, singing ‘If I only had a womb.’ Oh yes, madam, enjoy it while it lasts.

Meanwhile, the remnant of younger woman sat downstairs wondering what all the excitement was up above.

(Aerobics for the Elderly)

The feast began with Colon’s Nachos, Fernandes’ Pineapple in Grated Chocolate, Piquer Sebastia's Chicken, Sandford’s Fish Stew, and Iannino’s Tiramisu. Much laughter and excitement was encouraged by the strength of Prele’s Punch (and boy, did it punch!), and a wonderful time had by all.

(Don’t they look happy? They’ve hidden their walking frames behind the sofa).

There were rumours of games being played, including the dreaded Twister. Someone had very helpfully provided a guide to hip replacements, just in case.

All was well until it was noticed that some complete cad had placed notices at the entrance to the room.

What kind of scamp, what terrible bounder, could do such a thing? The multitude of Marples set to work and, in no time at all, apprehended the culprit, bang-to-rights, and had him surrounded.

Clearly, the heat is beginning to get to some people…

The Jubilee Pilgrimage to Lourdes

An eclectic mix of students from three universities, their mothers, and friends met at Stansted airport in the early hours of the morning for the flight to Pau (Pyrenees) and onward to Lourdes. Sisters Cecily and Mary were among them as their chaplains.

The three and a half days at Lourdes were deeply grace-filled as the students plunged enthusiastically into the many and varied prayer experiences that is so unique to Lourdes – the International Mass, the Blessing of the sick, the Candle – light rosary procession, the Jubilee Way, Confession, the Baths and the Way of the Cross, the late night masses and adoration at the grotto, not forgetting responding to the many requests to light candles there. The atmosphere at Lourdes somehow just lends itself to faith and liturgy – so charged is the sanctuary with peace, prayer and gentle kindliness. The sick on stretchers and wheelchairs and the disabled who were cared for with such tenderness is such a touching sight – the hallmark of Lourdes. Niddi and Sr Mary made a short visit to the hospital and were awed by the generosity of 50 young people from the Cloyne Diocese who accompanied them.

But it was not all prayer and no fun – the last afternoon was an excursion through the Pyrenees to the picturesque snow-capped mountain of Gavarnie. The more energetic students trekked up the slopes to the snow-filled cirque, where they took a tumble, had a snow fight and brought down a huge ball of frozen snow to prove their achievement.

The entire pilgrimage was truly graced by Mary our Blessed Mother who gifted us with so much joy and a deep sense of connecting with her Son.

What students say about their experience at Lourdes:
"In Lourdes you can get the best treatment ever for all kinds of struggles. I felt that I am much closer to God there and I came back as a completely different person full of confidence and optimism which has been given by the grace of Our Lady."
Riyad Nicolas – Royal Academy of Music

“Our Blessed mother is everywhere as she is in Lourdes but there in Lourdes together with the thousands of pilgrims, one can feel her presence in a tangible way. Through the various celebration of the liturgy, one’s soul is raised to a level beyond the ordinary. Truly it was an experience that will go with me for the rest of my life.”
Sebastian Koladiyil – University of Westminster

“I had a truly wonderful time in Lourdes and was humbled by the large crowds paying homage to God and honouring our Lady of Lourdes. I've been touched in the very essence of my spirit by the Care, Love and Sharing that emanates from Lourdes. I hope and pray that the inspiration of what I have experienced will guide me through this passage of my life here on earth. Thank you and the community borne out of our meeting together for being a part of this wonderful experience.”
Suzanne Salami – University of Westminster

Generally speaking, the pilgrimage experience was a prayer and fun-filled experience which I will never hesitate to make again should it come up next year. I use this opportunity to urge university Catholic students residing in London, their friends and non-Catholics to take up this opportunity to experience the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the love of God her son and His power at Lourdes. On a personal note, the experience of Lourdes left me with this calmness of the spirit that after wandering about for so many years now, I have come home to my maker who will forgive all my sins and shoulder my problems. I AM FINALLY AT PEACE WITH GOD!
Ndidi Ogunna – Brunel University

The Last Party.

Last Friday Newman House held its End of Year Party. We were treated to a delightful meal prepared and served by some of the residents. A starter of pâté, french bread and caviar was followed by a tender piece of rump steak with bearnaise sauce, pommes frites and green beans then to finish a sweet strawberry pavlova. Well done chefs! The bar was also open and was did good business. Gideon was our resident DJ and played great tracks throughout the night - there was much dancing and a lot of fun moves on the floor. Check out the Newman House facebook group to view more photos. Thank you to all the Senior students and other helpers who made the event possible.

One more step.....

Robert Colquhoun was received into full communion with the Catholic Church at Newman House in 2004, and was a regular member of the Cathsoc at King's. He is now in formation for the priesthood at Allen Hall for the Archdiocese of Westminster. Robert has done many exciting things since his days as a student, including working with the World Youth Alliance.

Robert, and a number of other seminarians, will mark a significant step on the way to ordination when they are admitted to the ministry of Lector at Allen Hall on Saturday 10 May, at 6pm. Please pray for them.

The Reverend Edward Houghton is currently a deacon. He too was once a resident at Newman House and, Laus Deo, will be ordained to the priesthood at Westminster Cathedral by the Cardinal, on 31 May. We rejoice with him, and ask God to bless him richly as he prepares for his ordination. Ad multo annos!

Mass in the Extraordinary Form at Newman House

Earlier this year a small group of students asked me to provide for Mass according to the 1962 Roman Missal, “in accord with the motu proprio Summorum Pontificum”. In his motu proprio, the Holy Father granted permission for priests to celebrate the older form of the Roman Rite 1. in private, by any priest; 2. where a stable group of the faithful request it; 3. where a parish priest deems it pastorally appropriate.

None of those conditions exist at Newman House. 1. I have no desire to celebrate Mass privately, whether in the ordinary or extraordinary form; 2. Students are not a stable group, but are only here temporarily; 3. I am not a parish priest.

I therefore felt it necessary to refer this matter to the local bishop, the Cardinal, who is responsible for the liturgical life within his diocese. The Cardinal has agreed that there should be one such celebration at the Chaplaincy per Academic Year, and I am very happy to follow his suggestion.

There are several opportunities for students to attend Mass in the extraordinary form within very easy walking distance of Newman House. These include Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane, St James, Spanish Place, and St Etheldreda, Ely Place. The Oratory in Brompton is also well known for offering Mass in the extraordinary form. The desire of those Catholics who wish to attend Mass in the extraordinary form is therefore well catered for.

Nevertheless, since the Roman Rite is the patrimony of the Catholic Church, and the extraordinary form is the expression of the Roman Rite that formerly obtained, I believe it would be a useful part of developing a fuller experience of the Catholic tradition for students to be exposed to this form of the Roman Rite.

I discussed this matter at length with the Area Dean, and with a representative of the Latin Mass Society. The LMS and Fr Phipps have kindly agreed to assist us by the provision of servers and other requisites for the celebration of the extraordinary form.

A Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite will be celebrated in the Newman House Chapel on Saturday 10 May 2008 at 10.30am.

Fr Peter Wilson
Senior Chaplain

Vocations

A piece by Jerome Santamaria (Resident at Newman House 2004-5) on the vocations page of the Archdiocese of Melbourne, that is well worth a read.

http://www.catholicvocation.org.au/news-and-events/good-shepherd-sunday.html

Variety Night

This coming Friday Newman House will host an evening of entertainment laid on mostly by the residents. The acts are coming in thick and fast, and there will be something to suit every taste.

If YOU have an act you would like to offer, please sign up at reception and have a word with one of the Senior Students a.s.a.p.

It's always a wonderful evening - so roll up, roll up!

Vocations Sunday

Good Shepherd Sunday (the 4th of Easter) is always designated as the world day of prayer for vocations. It seems like a good opportunity to post about one of our alumni who is discerning God’s call to him.

Paul Reilly was resident at Newman House in 2003-4, and began his discernment with the White Fathers in January 2007. Known for a wry – nay, wicked – sense of humour and self-effacing modesty he endured with good grace the teasing that is to be expected about being an American abroad!

Things are going well here with the White Fathers. I'm currently in Guadalajara, Mexico and just about to complete my first full year of philosophy. The fathers in the US sent me to Mexico because that's where the majority of the vocations are for the White Fathers in the North American province. That meant that, starting last summer, I had to brush up on my Spanish in order to get it to the state whereby I could enrol in philosophy classes here. It's been quite an interesting ride, but I've enjoyed it. I've done surprising well in my courses and have had some wonderful pastoral experiences, especially during this past Holy Week when we were sent out to some small poor villages to help the understaffed local clergy with their responsibilities.

At first I was quite sceptical of coming to Mexico for the first part of my formation as I obviously feel called to a vocation serving the Church in Africa, but, just as I have in every location I have had the privilege to call home over the past few years, I have been blessed by God to see his presence in all with whom I have come in contact. I'll be heading home in May for 3 weeks holiday before heading off to Quebec City, Canada for a 6-week course in French, which will help me get ready for the novitiate in Burkina Faso (which will be in French), where, if God so chooses, I'll go in September 2009. So, one more year of philosophy and then the real fun begins...in Africa!

Please remember Paul in your prayers, and all of our alumni who are in formation.