The Voice Online - Archive February

February 2004 Edition Archive

THUMBS DOWN FOR CATHOLIC "PASSOVER"

COMMITTEE URGES SENSITIVITY

In a move that will cause consternation in many parishes up and down our diocese, the Committee for Catholic-Jewish Relations has issued a statement virtually calling a halt to the growing practice of "Passover" meals during Holy Week. It says that both the Jewish Seder and the Christian Eucharist will be misunderstood unless greater care is taken with the preparation of the event. Summarised, the guidelines read as follows.
1. The Jewish Passover (Seder) is not just something that belongs to the distant past, but is a major feature of Jewish observance today. The present day Seder is not a replica of the Last Supper.
2. The rite of the Seder should not be altered by adding Christian prayers or New Testament readings. Neither should it be turned into a Eucharist. This shows a lack of respect for both Christian and Jewish traditions.
3. If a Seder is being planned, parishes should, if possible, ask a rabbi or an observant Jew to conduct it.
4. On the other hand, if an authentic Jewish ritual is not being used, or if a parish meal is being held, it should be called by another name e.g. an Agape, which means 'love feast'.

SMILING THROUGH THE PAIN

St Augustine's

Senior parishioners, of St. Augustine’s Preston, in the presbytery library on the morning their church, is finally handed over for development as an amenity centre. "There are mixed emotions of sadness and hope and a lot to look forward to," said Mr George Holden on extreme right of picture. See main article here.

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Our Bishops are Listening

Let Freedom Ring: Doing God in our Lives
Part 3 in a series of articles by Fr Val Farrell

St Kentigern's Celebrates Centenary

Finally: It's Gone
A day of mixed emotions as St. Augustine’s finally goes

Fighting to Stay On
The Story of St. Winefrides Retirement Home for Priests

All Set To Go
Bishop moves house
Simon Thorington

Pater Ignotus: Is that it?

Voice Survey

Out Of The West
Spinning into the New Year
Michael Caine

Sunrise at Hyning
The community at Hyning monastery describe their routine of prayer

Eustochium of Padua
FeastDay 13th February
Georgina Protheroe Beynon

Regulars...