You say goodbye, I say hello

One of the oddest things about Newman House is that it doesn’t begin and end, but rather has seasons.

Over the past few weeks, figures who have been so much a part of the life and landscape have bid adieu, and set off on new exploits. Of course, being Newman, few were allowed to flee quietly, and the standard was set with Kenneth's departure: speeches made, anthems sung (British and American) and Holy Water generously sprinkled!

Some will be back after the summer- and I get the feeling that few ever truly leave- but many more are off to pursue the next adventure, including Paula, who will shortly take up a permanent position with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, and Alex, who is off to hone his Scrubs routine in Glasgow. Others have already had their fun for the summer- Paul’s tending to Miss Sharapova’s needs at Wimbledon being the obvious example!

The plethora of summer guests, many of whom have wasted no time making their mark, will soon give way to the September intake, whose names have started going up: it is always odd to see the process of your being replaced, but we leave the rooms and halls which have been our home over to the next set of characters in Newman House’s endlessly bizarre and good-humoured story.

Our Lady Seat of Wisdom and Blessed John Henry, pray for us-

and for those who succeed us in this place.

Jubilee Boat Party

Now that miles of bunting are beginning to be brought down, millions of flags are put aside and everyone gets ready to head back to work, a little word about the Roman triumph that was the Newman House summer boat party- complete with a tiara-wearing, 5’4” special guest.

Residents, friends and guests got a sneak peak at preparations for the river pageant as we sailed the Thames an hour either way from Westminster, joining the cadets rowing in the evening sun to the west, spying the night-time lights of the Docklands and Canary Wharf in the east, and even passing a vast image of the balcony scene from the Silver Jubilee (complete with Lord Mountbatten- imagine if the cake had shared in the name change?)

There is something about the sight of the Queen, dressed for a state dinner, heading up a conga-line; but she’s clearly a game girl, even after 60 years. Of course, while none of us were glinting with diamonds, no one let the side down. Special mentions, of course, to the kilt-clad Will and Stephen, who clearly set the standard for the chaps. As for the ladies, it would be to take my life in my hands to attempt to pick out a best, as all were gloriously and beautifully attired, but I might give special mention to Mini and Eimear- such is the writer’s privilege to do so!

It was a marvellous night, with thousands of photos taken (and retaken after realising the first attempt was inscrutable) and scores of friendships renewed and basked in. So many of our number have been hunkered down with revision, exams and essays; many still are, but already, people are beginning to bid a fond farewell as they head out for the summer. The party was a joyous way to shake off weeks and months of work and let our hair down, but also to ensure that we none of us stay apart too long. Many thanks, then, to all of the organizers, and to the revellers!

(Pictures stolen shamelessly from Hannah, Ruth and Adam, who are all fine examples of humanity)

Holy Week

Is it just me, or has Lent passed very quickly? Of course, for those who gave up more than they wish they had, the last few days will drag, but it seems only yesterday that we were having the ashen crosses marked on our foreheads. Now, we have marked our Lord's entry to Jerusalem, with the traditional procession up Gower Street (congratualtions to one of our number who took the time to explain the bizarre sight to a passing taxi driver- you know who you are...), and Holy Week is upon us.

Lent has been a time of reflection and spiritual preparation, with residents taking to the prayer partners initiative with gusto, and the offices growing in popularity- but we have also had fun. From the impressive talent night, with song and dance from all sorts of unexpected figures, to the recent games of Risk, which have shown us new and slightly scary sides to certain residents and clergy (again, you know who you are), spirits have remained as high as ever- all the more important with exams and deadlines hitting hard once again.

But now, the scholars have a few days grace for Easter. Unlike Christmas, a great many people are staying for the the Triduum, and the cry of 'all hands on deck' will very soon ring through the corridors and stairwells. We eagerly await the reception of new Catholics into the Church at the vigil- always a moving sight to witness- and Fr Peter joined his brother priests at the Cathedral on Tuesday for the Chrism Mass, where the oils that will be used for the sacraments throughout the coming year- including at the vigil- were blessed by Archbishop Nichols.

(mazur/catholicnews.org.uk)

 

From the joy of that concelebration, we descend to the Mass of the Lord's Supper, ahead of our commemoration of the Lord's crucifixion at 3pm on Friday. The purple has long since gone up, but there is something almost painful about the sight of the stripped altar and the empty tabernacle, so much a focal point of our lives as Catholics, and indeed, there is something physically exhausting about the Easter liturgies. Finally, after the tumult of past days, the Easter fire is lit, the furnishings of the church restored, and the risen Lord is recognised by us, his 'Easter people'.

You are urged to enter into the next few days as fully as possible. At Newman House:

Holy Thursday - 7:30pm

Good Friday - 3pm

Easter Vigil (Saturday) - 8pm

Easter Sunday - 10:30am (no evening mass)

We ask you to pray for those entering into full communion with the Catholic Church this Easter, and for the hundreds of millions of Christians around the world who we will be joining in these commemorations and celebrations, including the many who do so in the face of persecution or oppression.

Lent- a time for 'sacrifice' in more ways than even we imagined..

Presumably as a means of shoring up all of those Lenten resolutions (we're hitting the 'puppy dog eyes' stage now- there were one or two very sad faces on those who've given up meat at dinner this evening), Eimear and her boys- aka NuM3n- have prepared a little light relief. The house was gathered together under a shroud of mystery, and when the lights dimmed, what a masterpiece we beheld!!

Resolutions

It’s normally a week into January that half of us realise that we never got around to thinking up a New Year’s Resolution. A fortnight in, that same half will realise that they still haven’t thought anything up. I’ve heard of a few people finally having thought some up in time for Chinese New Year, but doubtless the rest of us will give it up as a bad job. Which seems a little defeatist really, doesn’t it?

Newman House is long since back up to full strength now; some poor souls have already had their first taste of the library again, and even the exam hall. Over Christmas however, we were spread all over the place, and while I don’t know how everyone else’s priests preached on Christmas night, I thought I would share with you a little wisdom that my own parish priest imparted.

As Catholics, we look to Christ’s death on the cross, and the resurrection that lies behind, as the centre of our lives. Father made the point that, often, we perhaps focus too much on the wood of the cross, able to see nothing beyond our own failings. He suggested that we must always remember the wood of the crib. The nativity is a tale of journeys: Joseph and Mary going to Jerusalem; the Magi and the shepherds following the star; the Holy Family’s flight to Egypt. All were journeys of great courage, however insignificant they may have seemed to many of the people around them at the time.

As Catholics, we do not need January 1st to begin again. Christ healed all those who came to him, whatever their sins, if they really wanted forgiveness; we can begin again in him on any given morning. It is important that we recognise our failings, but Christ’s death on the cross, the ultimate sacrifice, served to save us. So here’s a little suggestion for those still clinging to the idea that they might yet come up with a resolution.

Every time you look at the crosses which we see up on walls, remember also the wooden cribs now safely stowed away until December, and then that first crib. If we remember the unlikely people who made those journeys at the time of Christ’s birth, we might feel brave enough to begin again in the morning. And then the morning after that, too.

Picture: Glimpses of Grace blog, http://www.tdinhsj.com/2011/12/love-revealed-solemnity-of-nativity.html

Week Commencing 16th January

Week Commencing 16th January

Weekday Mass Monday - Friday 5.30pm

Monday

UCL CathSoc: Karol, The Man Who Became Pope - Part 2

7pm

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Tuesday

Journey in Faith - for those preparing to be Baptised, Confirmed or Received into Full Communion with the Catholic Church

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Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 6-9pm

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Wednesday

Tea with the Chaplains 3.30pm

OASIS: Happy Are We - The Teachings of Jesus - 7.30pm

~~~

Thursday

Shema (Scripture Study & Reflection) - Jesus & Women, 8pm

Check out the Website Calendar for more information

Another Term Begins

And so with the Turkey long since banished and the Christmas Decorations back in the attic, Students are arriving and returning to their studies in London. Don't neglect the life of the Spirit!


This week at Newman House things are already kicking into action very quickly! Here goes:

Monday 9th January

UCLU CathSoc: Louise Zanre from the Jesuit Refugee Service

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Tuesday 10th January

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from 6-9pm.

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Wednesday 11th January

Tea with the Chaplains 3.30pm

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OASIS: Amazed and Afraid - the Revelation of God Become Man. (Part of Fr Robert Barron's Catholicism series, of which, more later. Click for Facebook Event

~~~

Thursday 12th January

Shema: Exploring God' Word - Called to be God's Voice

~~~

Sunday 15th January

Identity & Love: Dreams - God's Forgotten Language

Click below for the Full Programme.

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Exams, exuberance and exodus

These have been busy weeks in Newman House! Up until a few days ago, increasing numbers of residents had been setting up home in the library, with all manner of revision and essays being packed in, night after night. The work is, however, now done; the essays are in, the exam scripts have been sent off to… wherever exam scripts get sent off to, and people have begun leaving for Christmas. Very quickly. In the course of a few days, droves of our number have headed off for all sorts of fun in any number of countries, and Newman House is getting really very quiet. This morning’s mass was the last of the year, and those still in the House or area will have to go a little further afield until January.

Despite all the business and stress, there has been all manner of fun. The Apostolic Nuncio, who joined us for the Freshers’ Mass earlier in the semester, hosted a group of residents at the Nunciature in Wimbledon. They were treated to true diplomatic hospitality, and we look forward to a long friendship between Archbishop Menini and Newman House.

Everyone was dressed up to the nines for the black-tie Christmas Party on the 9th December. From the mulled wine and mince pies to the fine food courtesy of our own Heather, through to the display of, shall we say, skilled and energetic dancing, it was a brilliant night. We were even visited by Father Christmas himself, who was quickly assured that Fr Peter had indeed been a good boy all year!

Three months after moving into Newman House, we had the test of taste with Secret Santa, and all came up trumps. The tree did look like it was suffering after the Friday night, but I am told that it was tied to the wall more because of its venerable age. Of course, we also remember those alone or struggling especially so at this time of year, and all those who donated gifts to the Giving Tree appeal are thanked most warmly- they will be appreciated more than we will know.

(Pictures by Hannah, Eimear and myself)

Duck days, darker days

As promised, if a little later than planned, here are a few pictures from the Student Pilgrimage to Aylesford Priory a few weeks ago, and couple of reflections following the day.

 

Ruth
I am truly grateful for the opportunity of going to the pilgrimage to Aylesford. It was a beautiful day and this helped everybody present to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this holy place. The countryside, the trees, the river, the silence, the shrine and chapel helped me to reflect on the beauty of God’s creation and on His love for us. Throughout the day we had the opportunity to meet students from other Universities in South East England, to pray together, to listen to God’s word and to spend some time with God in silence. The day ended with an adoration and Benediction.

Hannah
The pilgrimage gave us all a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Mass in a beautiful setting, to deepen our faith and to learn to listen to God's words as he speaks to us personally

(Picture Credits: Paula Muldoon)

This coming week at Newman House:
Monday 14th November
     1900- UCL CathSoc: “John Paul the Great” Film Showing
Tuesday 15th November
     1800-2100: Adoration
Wednesday 16th November
     1930- OASIS
     2000- Shema: Exploring God’s Word- “How many ways are there to Jesus”

Finally… on Friday 18th November, Fr Christopher Jamison will give CAFOD’s annual Pope Paul VI Lecture, on the topic: “Charity begins at home, but what is charity and where is home?” Newman House has a few tickets for what promises to be a fascinating evening with the Director of the National Office for Vocations. If you would like to purloin one, get in touch with Chris (preferably by e-mail)

The sound of silence

Recent posts on here have taken in the remembrance events and the silence in Hyde Park last year, and those two came together this morning. I toddled down to Whitehall for the Remembrance Sunday events at the Cenotaph, and while I would have had a far better view if I’d stayed at home and watched it on television, I’m glad I went. Once again, it was the silence- at 11am- that struck me.

(Said cheap seat view)

It struck me that silence is a great leveller. For those of us in the cheap seats, the prayers and the music of the bands were relayed by speaker and big screens, just as those at the back of Hyde Park had the image of the monstrance relayed to them by big screen. It’s a worthy effort, but it’s not quite the same. But silence… well that’s something different. An active silence is something that cloaks everyone present, no matter how large the crowd, and everyone who wishes to be so is equally integral to it. This morning that meant everyone from the Queen down, just as last year everyone from the Holy Father down shared in the silence of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament- even if they could barely see the sanctuary.

The Holy Father has spoken often on the subject of the importance of silence. A little over a month ago, he said that “retiring into silence and solitude, man, so to speak, is ‘exposed’ to reality in his nakedness”. Silence in situations like these is incredibly intimate, and maybe one of the legacies of the visit is a deeper appreciation of the value of silence.

Picture credits: Whitehall my photo, Hyde Park taken from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1313335/POPES-UK-VIST-Glastonbury-God-Banners-Pilgrim-Picnics-singing-dancing--80-000-flock-Hyde-Park.html

(His Holiness was speaking in Calabria on 9th October 2011)

A little red flower

Newman House is very much an international community, and it hadn’t occurred to me before that the wearing of poppies is very much a British thing; thus, those of us wearing poppies have attracted a few quizzical glances. It began as a mark of respect for the war dead in the UK in 1921, inspired by a famous 1915 poem written by Canadian medic John McCrae. He had noticed that amidst the carnage in the fields of Flanders in Belgium, only poppies still grew. Their blood-red petals set against the churned mud stand today as a vivid metaphor for the massive loss of life, and the sale of millions of these paper flowers serves to help ex-servicemen & women, those serving today, and their families. Lt Col McCrae is himself among those that we remember: he died in a field hospital in the final year of the war.

Official Remembrance events are usually presided over by the Church of England, but we Catholics also have distinctive ways to mark their sacrifice- all year round. At Holy Thursday services, the priest washes the feet of the congregation, recalling that Christ lowered himself to wash the feet of the disciples at the Last Supper. The concept of Christ’s servanthood is part of the wider theme of sacrifice; indeed, sacrifice in a world that often forgets to be thankful. It was entirely appropriate then that in Westminster Cathedral this year, Archbishop Nichols washed the feet of a group of Chelsea pensioners.

Picture credit: © Mazur/catholicchurch.org.uk

So you might wish to pause for a few moments at 11am tomorrow, the 93^rd anniversary of Armistice Day, and say a small prayer for those serving in uniform around the world today and those who have fallen in conflict, including some 42 British servicemen & women who have died on active duty since last Armistice Day.

"the Eucharist is like a beating heart giving life to the mystical Body of the Church”

The above image may be familiar to many of you: the Holy Father holding aloft the Blessed Sacrament during the Hyde Park Prayer Vigil last year. I was among the pilgrims present that evening, and no sound has ever stunned me quite like the total and utter silence of all those many tens of thousands of people, shoulder to shoulder at the end of a beautiful day in the heart of one of the busiest cities in the world.

Pope Benedict’s predecessor taught that through adoration, “the Christian mysteriously contributes to the radical transformation of the world and to the sowing of the Gospel. Anyone who prays to the Saviour draws the whole world with him and raises it to God. Those who stand before the Lord are therefore fulfilling an eminent service. They are presenting to Christ all those who do not know him or are far from him; they keep watch in his presence on their behalf.” (Blessed John Paul II, 1996)

We are fortunate at Newman House to have the Blessed Sacrament permanently reserved, but even more fortunate to have adoration every Tuesday evening. I know I’ve mentioned this before, but it’s worth mentioning again.

The Sacrament is exposed from 6pm until 9pm, and while individuals can of course come and go as they see fit, residents and non-residents alike are invited to commit to specific time slots, so that constant prayer before the host is maintained. The three hours include evening prayer, the rosary, the reading of the Gospel and benediction; there is also talk of including different forms of prayer and worship, as well as of a longer period of adoration, stretching through the night.

There is a sign-up sheet on the notice board near Chris’s office, which can also be found outside of the chapel on a Sunday morning; alternatively, if you’d like to talk to Paula Muldoon who organises adoration here to discuss signing up, prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, new ideas or maybe trying adoration for the first time, contact her at: pmuldoon@umich.edu

(NB: For this week only, due to masses for All Saints’ Day, adoration will last from 1830 to 2045, beginning with evening prayer but without the rosary, Gospel readings and benediction. Go sign up now!)

Title quote: Pope Benedict XVI, Angelus, 26th June 2011
Picture credit: Mazur /www.thepapalvisit.org.uk
Blessed John Paul quote: “Letter” (26th June 1996), quoted Adoratio 2011 (http://www.adoratio2011.com/Quotations-from-our-Popes.html )

Now, November

As millions of paper poppies once more begin appearing on our streets, we this week mark All Souls' Day, and throughout the month of November we will pray for those we have known and loved who have gone before us. On Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday, we will pause to acknowledge the sacrifice of those who have fallen in the service of their countrymen and in defence of freedom. We pray also for those who get caught in the crossfire of war and conflict, and ultimately we pray for peace in our world. These commemorations, held in ever shorter and colder days, could easily leave us feeling sombre, but our prayers for the faithful departed should be made not with a sense of loss, but with a sense of hope.

"Each one of us cherishes the memory of someone… who has helped us to grow in the faith and has made us feel the goodness and closeness of God… Let us remember that… in the tombs, only the mortal remains of our loved ones rest, while awaiting the final resurrection. Their souls -- as Scripture says -- already 'are in the hand of God.' Hence, the most appropriate and effective way to honour them is to pray for them, offering acts of faith, hope and charity." (Pope Benedict XVI, 2009)

This coming week at Newman House:
Sunday 30th October

     1800- Identity and Love: How can my self-esteem grow? (part 2)

     2030- All Hallows' Eve Party (fancy dress!)
Monday 31^st October
     1800- UCL CathSoc: Catholic Ghost Walk
Tuesday 1^st November

     1230, 1730, 2100: Masses All Saints’ Day (Holy Day of Obligation)
     1800-2030: Adoration (TBC)
Wednesday 2^nd November
     1230, 1730: Masses for All Souls’ Day (Commemoration of the Faithful Departed)
     1300: Mass @London Met, City Campus
Thursday 3^rd November

     2000- Shema: Exploring God's Word- Listening to Our Hearts

Coming soon: images and reflections from the student pilgrimage to Aylesford Priory!

Picture credit: hazelsheard, "milan cathedral candles 1" (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hazelsheard/663874252/)

Newman House Houses, and the week to come

Last Sunday evening, a motley crew of us met (with varying understandings of the meeting time- mea culpa) to go for our first house meal, and had a grand old time in Zizzis. The House system at Newman is a great way of mixing people in new ways, and throughout the course of the year, there are meals, socials and sports days organised along those lines. So residents, if you haven’t already, find out which house you are in, and let’s see if we can’t get a little inter-house rivalry going!

Bourne House

Named for Francis, Cardinal Bourne; 4^th Archbishop of Westminster 1903-35

Head of House: Magdalene Wong

 

 Heenan House

Named for John Carmel, Cardinal Heenan; 8^th Archbishop of Westminster 1963-75

Head of House: Ellen Kitetere

Manning House

Named for Henry Edward, Cardinal Manning; 2nd Archbishop of Westminster 1865-92

Head of House: John Wye

Wiseman House

Named for Nicholas, Cardinal Wiseman; 1^st Archbishop of Westminster 1850-65

Head of House: Louisa Lim

This coming week at Newman House:

Sunday 23 ^rd October
     1400-1700- Newman House Sports Day

     1800- Identity and Love: How can my self-esteem grow? (part 1)
Monday 24^th October
     1900- UCL CathSoc: ‘Stuff of the Saints’
Tuesday 25^th October
     1800-2100- Adoration

     2000-2200- Identity and Love Sharing and Reflection Group
Wednesday 26^th October
     1930- OASIS
Thursday 27^th October
     1730- @SOAS: Faith and Doubts- Why do you believe in God or not?
     2000- Shema: Exploring God's Word- Reaching Out

Saturday 29^th October
     South Eastern Region Student Pilgrimage to Aylesford, with Most Rev Vincent Nichols

Picture credits:
Bourne: Idle Speculations, “The Cardinal, the Prime Minister and the Catholic Relief Act 1926”, 18th April 2009 (http://idlespeculations-terryprest.blogspot.com/2009/04/cardinal-prime-minister-and-catholic.html)
Heenan: Solomon, I Have Surpassed Thee: A Blog from Westminster Cathedral, “Cardinal Heenan” 20th December 2007 (http://westminstercathedral.blogspot.com/2007/12/cardinal-heenan.html)
Manning: Newman Reader — Works of John Henry Newman, “Cardinal Manning—1870”, (http://www.newmanreader.org/biography/pictures/manning.html)
Wiseman: Newman Reader — Works of John Henry Newman, “Cardinal Wiseman—1861”, (http://www.newmanreader.org/biography/pictures/wiseman.html)

Moving swiftly on

Last Sunday with the Papal Nuncio (to Great Britain of course, 10 points to those who spotted my previous mistake) was great fun. Everyone was very excited beforehand, with Fr Peter swooshing (three cheers for the return of that word) around with great authority in his cassock- prior to announcing that His Excellency was stuck in horrendous traffic due to a large protest, and so mass went ahead without him. The music was especially fine, with three of Blessed John Henry's own hymns, and when the Nuncio arrived just before the final blessing, he was greeted by Elgar's Ecce Sacerdos Magnus, before delivering a stirring homily.

 After mass, he blessed the new Littlemore cafeteria, named of course for the place of Blessed John Henry's conversion...

...before cutting an aptly (and courageously) decorated cake...

...and then consorting with some Newman House ruffians!

It was a grand day, and one which will no doubt stay with us. Fr Peter observed shortly before mass that he was standing in for the Nuncio, who stands in for the Pope: we might now have to bow a little as we pass him in the corridors!

(Thanks to Adam Paciorek for the photos)

Last night (Friday), the bar downstairs had its offical reopening, so do remember to head down there.

This coming week at Newman House:

Sunday 16th October
     1330- Called by Name: A Culture of Vocations (Introductory session)
     1800- Identity and Love: Discovering our hidden treasure
Monday 17th October
     1900- UCL CathSoc: World Youth Alliance
Tuesday 18th October
     2000-2200- Identity and Love Sharing and Reflection Group
Wednesday 19th October
     1300- @London Met. North Campus Mass
     1930- NewLaw: Katie Fudakowski- My First Year at the Bar
     1930- OASIS
Thursday 20th October
     1730- @SOAS: Why and How is Christianity booming in China?
     2000- Shema: Exploring God's Word- Loved in my strengths and weaknesses

Two last things to bear in mind:

• Paula Muldoon is coordinator for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Tuesday evenings; all are of course welcome for as little or as much time as they please, but she is rightly keen to ensure that there are constantly people there, so contact her if you would like to sign up for a time slot.
• Contact Sr Mary if you would like to find out about volunteering at St Patrick's Church, Soho, where there is a drop-in centre for the homeless 1730-2100 Thursday evenings.

See you all in the morning, bright and early for mass!

Pilgrimage to Aylesford

Saturday 29th October

10.30am-4pm

A wonderful way to start off the academic year, meeting and praying with students at universities in the south of England!
10.30am
Rosary Procession in the Rosary Walk of the Shrine

12 noon
Mass with Archbishop Vincent Nichols

Picnic Lunch (bring your own picnic)

2pm
Fr Christopher Jamison OSB 
reflections on Vocation

3.30pm
Adoration and Benediction

Travel to and from Central London, only £10

Bring a Picnic Lunch

Book your place at Newman House Reception (brid@universitycatholic.net)

Click for Facebook event

A new year begun

The new academic year has well and truly begun here at Newman House, and everyone is now settled in and working hard. The experience has been odd for those of us new to the house, as we've already had to say goodbye to some of last year's stragglers, including Chris, the great thespian, and Tamara, whose sendoff party in the garden was great fun. A large group of us sought out Ronnie Scott's jazz club a few nights ago, and the live band was fantastic. It was suggested that we might properly organise another outing, and dress up to the nines- take the whole enterprise that much more seriously!

While the builders continue their mysterious but admirable work upstairs, the cafeteria area is constantly abuzz at really any time, and will itself be blessed by the Papal Nuncio after the Freshers' Mass. Talking of which (and in all honesty, getting to the point):

His Excellency Archbishop Antonio Mennini, Papal Nuncio to the United Kingdom, will be joining us for the Freshers' Mass here at Newman House at 10:30am tomorrow- all are most welcome!

If anyone would like to include anything on here, be it news, announcements or general insights, do let me know. I'm Daniel, one of the Parliamentary Interns, and if the red hair doesn't give me away, Chris Castell will.

Treasures of Heaven: British Musem

Archbishop Vincent Nichols explains the significance of some of the artefacts on display at the British Museum's Treasures of Heaven exhibition.



Treasures of Heaven at the British Museum from Catholic Westminster on Vimeo.

Thanks from the Ordinariate

The Ordinariate group have kindly sent this message to us, via their weekly newsletter:

A Thank You:  A very big thank you on all our behalves, to Fr Peter Wilson, Fr John and Fr Mark for all their hard work to make our Receptions and Holy Week the wonderful and Sacred time that it was.  It’s clear that they, supported by the Students, who are extremely impressive Christians, worked so hard to make us welcome, part of the family, and to make Holy Week a truly, holy week.  Thank you Fathers, and thank you Students of the Chaplaincy. 

Thank you for a lovely message!

Not only did we receive the sentiments above, but the Ordinariate group presented Newman House with a beautiful framed copy of the famous portrait of Bl. John Henry Newman, by Millais. Thank you dear friends!

Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham: Receptions into Full Communion

15 members of the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham were received into Full Communion with the Catholic Church at Newman House, Gower Street, in the Archdiocese of Westminster on Wednesday of Holy Week.

The group included former Anglican priests Mark Elliott-Smith, Peter Andrews and  Alan Griffin, who are preparing for ordination to the Diaconate on the 6^th May, and to the Priesthood on 10^th June this year.

The Principal Celebrant was Fr Peter Wilson, Senior Chaplain to the London Universities in the Diocese.

“It has been an immense privilege and joy for all of us at the Chaplaincy to be invited to accompany this group on their journey into full communion with the Catholic Church.”

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21025527@N08/sets/72157626541390010/