Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Today we celebrate the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.  In Children's Liturgy when we listened to the Gospel and how Simeon was so pleased when he saw Jesus, who is the Light of the World who has come to save us.  We reminded the children how each time we light our candle we remember that Jesus is with us. The song Simeon sang is known as the Nunc Dimittis and is sung or said in night prayer of the Church. We share a version of the Song of Simeon with British Sign Language. 

We also made thank you cards for our Mums and Dads who look after us, just like Mary and Joseph looked after Jesus.  Some of the children wanted to say thank you for teaching them how to cook, for giving them special clothes, for keeping them warm, looking after them, giving them a present, telling them a story and helping them wash the dishes.  

Finally, we talked about the turtle doves that Joseph brought as a gift to the temple, as this was the custom.  After Mass the children went to show their parents the turtle doves in our crib. 

Turtle Doves in Crib brought as offering 
when Joseph and Mary presented Jesus at the Temple.

Christian Unity Bishop's Blog

This week Bishop Paul has posted about the importance of Christian Unity week. In his post he raises things for us to think about, he writes:

Good doesn’t just happen; it makes demands on us. We must leave the comfort and cosiness of what we are familiar with, our well-known ways of working and living. We must be seen to associate with each other, turning prayer into action, helping blossom become fruit. This is the will of Christ. He prayed for it, and lived for it.

For a link to the Bishop's Blog where he shares things he has been doing around the diocese.

Christian Unity - is not optional

Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby
and Pope Francis -
Wonder what they are laughing at?  

Every week Pope Francis has a General Audience, last Wednesday he shared further reflections on the prayer Jesus gave us, the Our Father.

He also explained that during Christian Unity week 

"we are called to pray, that all Christians may return to being one family, consistent with the divine will that “they may all be one” (Jn 17:21). Ecumenism is not an optional thing. The intention will be that of maturing a common and universal witness in the affirmation of true justice and in support of the weakest, through concrete, appropriate and effective responses".

For a link to Pope Francis' General Audience 16th January 2019 - and don't worry it is in English!

Christian Unity Week

The Week of Prayer, traditionally observed from 18 to 25 January.  This year the theme is on:

“Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue”

 Deuteronomy 16:18-20. 

Canadian Bishops Conference -
Symbol of Christian Unity

This is the symbol for the week of Christian Unity in Canada, a reminder of open hands of friendship, and perhaps an opportunity when we make the sign of peace at Mass, or meet others in our everyday life to reach out and pursue justice. 

End of Christian Unity Week

Today is the final day of the octave of prayer for Christian Unity. It is also the Feast of the conversion of St Paul, who after his experience on the road to Damascus became a follower of Jesus. 

Eternal Father,
we praise you for sending your Son
to be one of us and to save us.
Look upon your people with mercy,
for we are divided in so many ways,
and give us the Spirit of Jesus to make us one in love.

We ask this gift, loving Father,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lancaster Cathedral

Morning prayer was said at the Cathedral today to mark the week of prayer for Christian Unity.  This is the first of three days of prayers, tomorrow at Christ Church.  Each day we'll share some of the things happening in each of the parishes.

Did you know?
That the Cathedral has an St Vincent de Paul conference known as the SVP, who visit those unable to get out, provide transport for church, organise social events such as the recent Epiphany party. To learn more about the Cathedral SVP and watch a video of their work. Link to National SVP Society website

Many people come to visit the cathedral which is open during the day as a quiet place for prayer and reflection.  For those who have not had chance to visit the cathedral why not watch this video the peaceful beauty of Lancaster Cathedral and remember you will always be welcome to come and spend time with the Lord.