Monthly Archives: March 2009

The Bishop of Buckingham

Several months ago I took exception to something posted on the Bishop of Buckingham’s blog, and in the debate which ensued invited him to come and spend a day in the parish. To his credit, and our mutual benefit, he … Continue reading

Posted in parish ramble | 5 Comments

On boiling frogs!

Prelude: I write what follows as a happy and fortunate man. My faith sustains me, my family support me, my congregation inspire me. Suffice to say, with eyes fixed in the parish, life could hardly be better. The church flourishes, … Continue reading

Posted in Anglicanism | 1 Comment

Bishop of Rochester to resign

I was shocked to open my mail and discover that +Michael Nazir Ali is stepping down as Bishop of Rochester, the Diocese in which I serve. I would suggest that orthodox Christians may be wise to read between the lines … Continue reading

Posted in Anglicanism | 3 Comments

Historical discovery

I am grateful to Geoff Copus (pictured with myself and the previous mayor) who has been digging into the archives again and unveiling information regarding the formation of this wonderful parish. As many will know, S. Barnabas was carved out … Continue reading

Posted in parish ramble | Leave a comment

A couple of links

No not that sort! Here are two internet links which have been sent to me by readers of the Blog. Both are interesting in very different ways. The first is a fascinating item concerning the discovery of priceless relics in … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Holy Week Mass on the Annunciation?!?

One of the oddities in planning school worship is that, due to school holidays, you are forced to abandon the Kalendar. Thus yesterday witnessed our final Mass of term in which we looked ahead to Holy Week…whilst recalling that we … Continue reading

Posted in parish ramble | Leave a comment

The Angel Gabriel From Heaven Came

Today is the feast of the Annunciation, when the Church of God throughout the world celebrates the moment when Christ came into the world. Of course this feast is an absolute plum pudding when it comes to preaching, the role … Continue reading

Posted in Church Kalendar | 2 Comments

Learning to laugh at ourselves

I have always thought it a healthy sign when we have learnt not to take ourselves too seriously. Indeed one of the greatest compliments anybody ever paid me was to say, ‘you take your faith with utmost seriousness, but yourself … Continue reading

Posted in world | 2 Comments

Mothering Sunday

This photograph of our parish image of ‘Mother and Child’ seems a good introduction as I reflect on yesterday’s homily, which began with controversy as I denounced every card in the modern world stating ‘Happy Mother’s Day’. Why? Because there … Continue reading

Posted in parish ramble | Leave a comment

East V West!

There is much debate in the church at large concerning the best layout for the Mass. There are those, myself included, who favour the traditional Eastward facing altar and there are those who prefer the the more modern Westward facing … Continue reading

Posted in liturgy | 3 Comments