The Christian faith is, above all, conversion to Jesus Christ, full and sincere adherence to his person and the decision to walk in his footsteps. Faith is a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, making of oneself his disciple. This demands a permanent commitment to think like him, to judge like him and to live as he lived. In this way the believer unites himself or herself to the community of disciples and appropriates the faith of the Church. This ‘Yes’ to Jesus Christ, who is the fullness of the revelation of the Father, is twofold: a trustful abandonment to God and a loving assent to all that he has revealed to us. This is possible only by the action of the Holy Spirit.
– General Directory for Catechesis, §§ 53, 54
Encountering Christ in the Eucharist
Each Sunday of Advent, in St Philip Neri Church, there will be Vespers, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction. A precious opportunity to spend time with Jesus present in the Eucharist and speak with him through the psalms and in silent prayer.
Sunday 2, 9 16 & 23 December: 4.00-5.00pm @ St Philip Neri
As well as this special Advent time of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament there are also many other opportunities to pray before the Lord present to us in the Eucharist.
Tuesday: 9.30-10.30am @ St Bernadette
Wednesday: 6.30-7.30pm @ St Teresa
Thursday: 2.00-3.00pm @ St Bernadette
Friday: 11.00-12.00 noon @ St Philip Neri
St Joseph’s also has times of Exposition each week, but these vary, so please see the newsletter for this weeks schedule.
St Philip Neri Church is open every day from 8.00am until sundown, why not make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle during the day.
Not sure how to pray at Adoration? Download this useful guide which gives 8 different ways that you might find useful: Adoration Guide
Encountering Christ in Confession
One of the constant refrains of Jesus’ ministry in Gospels is the phrase ‘your sins are forgiven.’ When we read about the various encounters people had with Jesus, this is often the most moving and life transforming point for those who met him. Well he affords us the same opportunity, and the same intimacy, that he gave to those who encountered him during his time on earth.
Advent is a good time to encounter anew God’s mercy and love in the Sacrament of Confession, ready to greet him when he comes at Christmas.
Not sure what to confess? Well its not about having a list, but about inviting Jesus’ healing love into your life. What in your life needs healing? Come and tell Jesus about the wounds in your life. Perhaps wounded relationships with others, or with God, or perhaps you have hurt your own sense of self-worth and integrity. Confession is about inviting Jesus into all of these things.
Confession times in our churches are:
Monday: After 7.00pm Mass @ Saint Joseph’s
Wednesday: 7.00pm to 7.25pm @ Saint Teresa’s
Saturday: 10.30am @ Saint Philip Neri. After the 6.00pm Vigil Mass @ Saint Philip Neri. After the 6.00pm Vigil Mass @ Saint Bernadette’s
There will also be a service of reconciliation, with different priests available, on Thursday 20 December at 7.00pm in St Philip Neri Church.
Exploring three ways we can encounter Christ
Sr Susan will be running workshops each Thursday of Advent which will help us explore three different ways we can re-encounter Jesus and deepen our relationship with him.
Thursday 6, 13 & 20 December: 2.00-3.00pm or, for those who are working, repeated 7.00-8.00pm.
Meeting in St Joseph’s Convent, 120 Langwith Rd, Shirebrook.
Read Bishop Patrick’s Pastoral Letter again
This weekend we have a Pastoral Letter from Bishop Patrick, to be read in all churches and chaplaincies of the Diocese of Nottingham on the weekend of the 3/4th November. The full text of the letter is provided below so you can re-read and think on its content over the coming week. Right Reverend Patrick…