British Confraternity of Catholic Clergy news

Yesterday I was in the hot seat for the meeting of the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy (British Province of St Gregory the Great) to give a lecture on "The Priest: Presbyter and Sacerdos: a Question of Identity." Fellow clergy are always a daunting audience especially when some are scholars in their own right with several books to their name, but I think that the talk was appreciated, and the quality of questions and useful comments afterwards made for a profitable day. Having failed in a pious intention, the lecture is not quite ready for publication but I hope to address this in due course.

We met this time at St Mary Moorfields and after the lecture enjoyed a wholesome lunch and good conversation - an important part of the day. In the Church, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed during the day, so there was an opportunity after lunch for priests to catch up on the office, say the rosary or spend some time in quiet prayer. I do encourage you to take out membership if you agree with the Objects of the Confraternity, : it is £25 per annum and this will ensure that you receive emails about forthcoming events. Since a change in the Constitution last autumn, full membership is now open to seminarians and Deacons (transitory or permanent.)

The next event for the London chapter will be on Tuesday 11 March 2014 when Fr Dylan James (a Doctor in Moral Theology) will address the topical subject of "Holy Communion for the Divorced and Remarried? A Pastoral Road to Nowhere. Comparing the Greek Orthodox and Catholic approaches in the light of recent discussions." The meeting will be at St Patrick's, Soho Square. The usual programme will be followed, viz. 11.00 coffee, 11.30 talk, 1.00 lunch, 2.30 Eucharistic Adoration and departures. The cost is £20 including lunch.

During May, Bishop Athanasius Schneider, author of the widely-acclaimed "Dominus est - it is the Lord!" will be speaking to the Confraternity. Date and other details to be announced.

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