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That dark held a memory of sunset and a rumour of dawn
Simon Stewart
THE ‘BEST KEPT SECRET’
In the absence of a ‘Faith and Justice’ worker, I was invited to lead two sessions on Catholic Social Teaching for the deacons in training. It’s nearly six years since I stopped doing that work but the teaching is part of my Christian make-up and still inspires me. Not that I didn’t have to do a bit of homework, particularly on the recent Bishops’ Conference document ‘Cherishing Life’.
It was an enjoyable experience since the trainee deacons (and one wife) already seemed to have a real heart for the poor. It bodes well for our parish communities who need to turn outwards in justice and love to a society which is fragmenting.
Catholic Social Teaching is still something of a subversive secret because it combines the best of the Scriptures’ prophetic teaching with the insights of the great saints and church fathers. As one of those present said: ‘It’s simple really – it’s about living the Beatitudes!’ He’s absolutely right and perhaps that’s why it’s a secret that is so well kept…
A CHURCH FOR CHILDREN TOO
There is still a lot of interest and enthusiasm around Liturgy of the Word with children. I have had 2 recent invitations – one from St. Begh’s up in Whitehaven and one from English Martyrs’ deanery in Preston. The first was to help restart it in the parish where there has been an influx of new volunteers. It’s rare to see so many young faces offering themselves for ministry and I began to feel a bit old! Well, actually, I am getting on a bit..
I hope I encouraged them. It’s difficult to find the balance between challenging people to take it seriously as liturgy, and accepting that children can be easily distracted within it. Children can pray and be silent and worship, but sometimes it is tempting to focus more on controlling them and keeping them occupied. Children’s liturgy then can become more activity than worship.
As far as I can see, the nub of the matter is believing that the Word is ‘alive and active’. That God can speak to and through our children if we help them actually engage with the Word. This will rarely be through colouring in or even discussion, but can happen when the Gospel story is brought alive through visual displays, drama, figures. In other words, it is about good and vibrant story-telling.
FAREWELL TO DYMPNA
Talking of bringing the Scriptures alive, Dympna Magee, my colleague has just retired. We have worked together for nearly 6 years but she has given the diocese more than double that time. Among many other things, she has really made the Scriptures live for people. Her conviction has been that the Scriptures are alive in people’s stories today and she has challenged and nurtured folk into seeing that. Her teaching has brought people to a great personal ownership of their faith and a sense of real responsibility for their baptismal calling. Her work will continue to resonate through those lives she has touched for a very long time…
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