Donations
We are very grateful for the several recent donations made towards our building fund. Thank you to the donors, who wish to remain anonymous, and we give God the glory! Secure donations towards our work and for the Glory of God, can be made on the link on the home page.
Holy Baptism
On Saturday 26th April at 1.30pm the first service to be held in the new Oratory was Holy Baptism. Emily-Rose Grace, Christopher Gage and Gabriel Raymond were all received as new members of God's Holy Catholic Church through Holy Baptism. Thirteen adults and four children were present at the service. Ray and Lin were the proud parents, Lin's brother Michael and Paul Tackley acted as godparents. Fr. Terry assisted Fr. Martyn. After the service a party was held at Ray & Lin's home to celebrate the special occasion.
Fr. Martyn, Ray & Lin, Gabriel, Emily-Rose and Christopher and the congregation
The Christening Cake, made by Lin's mother. Emily-Rose cuts the cake with Gabriel watching on.
Emily-Rose , Paul and Fr. Terry relaxing.
Appointment of new Rector of Formation
Bishop Dennis Beevers has announced the appointment of the Rev'd. Martyn Douglas as the new Rector of Formation. The role of the Rector is to look after new ordinands and those enquiring about ministry. The Rector will also look after the post-ordination training needs of the clergy. The Bishop has also decided that the new Rector shall be a Canon and shall serve on the Bishop's Council. Fr. Martyn is honoured to be considered by the Bishop for such an appointment, he looks forward to the challenges that this entails, and is pleased to serve the Church in this way.
The weekend of April 11th we began the work of building our new private chapel. We have decided to convert a workshop for our use. Pete Remnant, Yvonne's husband, kindly agreed to lead us. The happy band of workers included, Fr. Terry, Ron Williamson, Paul Tackley, Paul Douglas, Fr. Martyn and Yvonne Remnant. We began by laying concrete slabs as our foundation. The pictures below show the progress of the build. They were taken over two weekends.
Laying the concrete slabs Half way there.....
Laying the floor Getting the back wall up.....
....the sides nearly done. All done - but the roof!
The roof is now on. Paul and Ron laying the roof felt.
The inside with carpet and furniture Close-up of the altar
We still have to complete the inside walls and lighting. Over the next few weeks, as funds permit, we shall make progress in completing the Oratory.
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER DAY
This year we kept Holy Week and Easter as usual. We had good attendance from Maundy Thursday through to Easter Day. It was a very moving Holy Week, with Fr. Martyn and Fr. Terry sharing the leading of the services. We observed the Maundy Thursday Liturgy with Watch, The Liturgy of Good Friday, The Service of Light, Vigil, Renewal of Baptismal Promises and First Mass of Easter on Holy Saturday, and our Easter Day celebrations followed by lunch together.
Before Mass on Easter Day Yvonne reading the First Lesson
Ron reading the Second Lesson Fr. Martyn and Fr. Terry singing
After Mass Yvonne making the tea
Relaxing after the Mass Sharing dinner together
New Chapel/Oratory
We are now raising funds for a small private chapel or oratory to be built for our parish. We have decided to convert a workshop/shed into a private chapel. The cost of a workshop is in the region of £900 and we have raised £200 so far. We shall keep this page updated with progress. Donations are gratefully received, and may be given in thanksgiving for any event or in memory of a loved one. You can make a secure payment from the home page.
UNITAS IN CARITAS
(As reported on the Provincial Web Page)
Unity upon Charity
OCCE Clergy Retreat - Lent 2008
(Friday 15th to Sunday 17th February)
Venue:
The Community of the King of Love
Whaley Hall, Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire, England
OCCE Clergy gathered for this Retreat Weekend primarily to pray together, to get to know one another and to learn from each other's lives and experiences in ministry. The Retreat also aimed to develop, build and strengthen the concept of collegiality amongst the clergy.
The Retreat consisted of a full programme, including the celebration of Offices and Masses. The Retreat was able to draw upon liturgies from the rich tapestry available to catholics living in the modern age including traditional English and Latin Rites and more modern liturgies in daily use today.
There were also a number of opportunities to attend workshops such as the Novus Ordo Workshop led by Fr. Martyn Douglas. Also important were the periods of free time where clergy could meet one another in the relaxed surroundings and extensive grounds at Whaley Hall.
Both Bishop Robert and Bishop Dennis would like to thank Canon Jerome Lloyd and Fr. Martyn Douglas for putting together the programme and leading sessions as well as worship.
The following photographs and comments from those attending hope to give a flavour of the Retreat at Prayer as well as at Leisure - including those lighter moments! Grateful thanks to Fr. Emilio Tundidor for taking the photographs.
The OCCE has run similar Retreats over the years including previous events at Whaley Hall, The All Saints Centre at London Colney and Walsingham and is already planning a follow up for later in the year. If you are interested in joining us you are most welcome to come along. The OCCE prides itself for its ecumenical outreach as a church grounded very much in the present as well as being willing to celebrate the past.
All of the services were held in the beautiful Oratory of the Saints seen here at Exposition.
The air is thick with incense.
Benediction celebrated by Fr. Martyn from Southampton.
Bishop Dennis delivers his homily.
Enjoying some Derbyshire sun and companionship together at Whaley Hall.
Developing relationships and sharing thoughts and ideas.
Some lighter moments ...
Canon Jerome.
Father Emilio.
Deacon David.
Comments by those attending ...
"It was a pleasure and a joy to facilitate the Unitas in Caritas retreat for OCCE clergy, to spend time with old friends and to meet new colleagues who I know will become friends too! With the excellent mix of skills, knowledge and experience that now exists among our Clergy and the warmth of fellowship and fraternal charity, I have every confidence that the OCCE will continue to grow and develop into the stable, spiritual, pastorally focused and truly Catholic faith community that we are and hope to be".
Canon Jerome
"It was a weekend of shared prayer, discussion and fellowship where we gained a deeper insight into who we are and what we are about, from which we all left the stronger and enthused for our different ministries".
Father Martyn
"It truly was a weekend of Unitas and Caritas, bonded together in this we cannot fail to bring forth the gifts of the spirit" .
Bishop Dennis
“A prayerful time set aside for post ordination training, fraternal support and planning for the future” .
Father Stuart
"Waking today I Feel a new person, refreshed to go out and share the Love of Our Lord to all within the City of Cardiff".
Father Mark
"This weekend open my eyes as I have never felt anything like I did this week during the services I attended. I would also like to thank everyone for their support".
John (Eucharistic Minister, Cardiff)
"This is certainly one of the most inspiring and memorable retreats I have ever attended. The feeling of love and fellowship was apparent throughout the weekend. Highlights include the several services held in the beautiful chapel".
Bishop Robert
“A truly spiritual, educational and fraternal retreat”.
Father Emilio
"Despite Bishop Dennis trying to give me a good tonsuring (OK I did need a haircut) it was a wonderful weekend which helped to strengthen the bonds between us all".
Deacon David
Visitation of Bishop Robert and Bishop Dennis
Fr. Martyn welcomed Bishop Robert and Bishop Dennis to Southampton for the weekend of 20th-22nd October. After having tea at Fr. Terry's, Fr. Martyn entertained the Bishops to dinner with a homemade shepherd's pie! On Sunday 21st October Bishop Dennis, assisted by Bishop Robert, regularised the Orders of Fr. Martyn and Fr. Terry. The congregation was pleased to meet the Bishops after the service with refreshments. Many positive comments were made about how warm, friendly and approachable they were. After a tour of the City, including getting caught up with the Saints (football) crowd after their match, Fr. Martyn prepared a Sunday roast dinner. A very successful visit was had. The Parish looks forward to being part of the OCCE, as the clergy take on a more active role within it.
Fr. Martyn, Bishop Robert, Bishop Dennis and Fr. Terence
Fr. Martyn and Fr. Terence giving blessings after the service
Some of the congregation after the service
Consecration of Bishop Dennis
Fr. Martyn and Fr. Terry travelled up to Barnsley in South Yorkshire for the Consecration of Fr. Dennis as Bishop on Sunday 8th July. We were given a warm welcome by all present. It was a very moving service, and we were glad to be part of it.
Bishops, left to right: Bp. David Bowler, Bp. Robert McBride, Bp. Dennis Beevers, Bp. Anthony Earl-Williams
Middle left, Fr. Martyn Douglas with Fr. Terry Merrifield. Bottom row left, Fr. Mark Paris with Deacon David Bradley
Bishop Dennis Beevers OSP was Consecrated Bishop of Dunstanburgh on Sunday 8th July 2007 by Bishop Metropolitan Robert McBride OSP at the Chapel of Saint Maria Goretti, Barnsley. Bishop Robert was assisted by Bishop Metropolitan Anthony Earl-Williams of the Confraternity of Our Lady of Victories and Bishop Metropolitan David Bowler SCR (UK), Superior of the Society of Christ the King (UK).
Bishop Metropolitan Robert McBride OSP and Bishop Dennis Beevers OSP
Our Lady and the Altar