Francis O'Gara

As family occasions go, this was quite a grand affair. Saturday, September 25th and eighty of us had gathered in the Chaplaincy of Lancaster University, from all parts of the diocese. We were there to talk with one another and with our Bishop about family, marriage, and church.
We are not alone in Lancaster. All of the Bishops of England and Wales are having these "conversations", each with his own diocesan family. They are hoping to find help in leading the Church through the confusions of our modern society.
As with all family 'do's' there were disagreements. There were those anxious to hold hard to Catholic traditions. And there were those who wanted the Church "to boldly go where no man (and most certainly, no woman) has gone before". But we had asked the Holy Spirit to be with us and so out of this clash of views, acceptance, real understanding and progress must surely come.
On the day, though, there was certainly confusion. What are the rules, and why? What can we do, what can't we do? Who believes this, and who believes that? What does the Church teach, and what does the church believe?
Pity our Bishop then, expected to respond to this cacophony of views. Diplomatic as ever Bishop Patrick skilfully deflected impassioned pleas for this or that and avoided being drawn into heresy. And the the confusion? Perhaps we should see it as a gift of the Holy Spirit! As the Church searches for a way forward, a little confusion can be welcome. It offers a haven, if only for a short while, to troubled hearts and minds. (Full report here)

Mrs E Alty of Preston sent this picture as an entry for our new photo competition (details, Interactive Page). “As our son Matthew married his fiancée Julia on 17th September, 2004 at Fernyhalgh church, Preston, we remembered God's words and knew His presence in the joy of all those present. Praise the Lord!” See the Interactive Page for the full quotation from Revelation, 21:5

Bishop Patrick speaks to our Youth