The Hermeneutic of Continuity

Carolina Cannonball, The Crescat writes of the Pontifical High Mass at Washington from the perspective of a mum who noticed particularly the reactions of the children who were there: If we can think of it in terms of our children, our future, then we owe it to our faith to keep our churches beautiful and our masses solemn. The look of wide eyed wonder on their faces said it all. I have certainly noticed myself that babies and young children at a sung Mass in the usus antiquior seem to be much more contented that when I am earnestly reading texts in English through a microphone. She goes on to describe the Great DC Blognic to which she took her young son because she wanted him to meet good, normal priests and seminarians. In a succinct and direct way, she explains how families can promote vocations: I have one rule for my family... they must never bash The Church or say anything negative about a priest or other member of a religious community in front of my son. So far they have ...

Earlier this month, I mentioned a trip to Scotney Castle organised by Fr Mildew . (See Scotney Blog Picnic for some links to Father's posts on Scotney Castle.) The trip is on Saturday 22nd August. Bring a picnic. Fr Mildew will show people the famous hiding hole from which Fr Blount SJ made a miraculous escape in 1582. Further details on his blog including travel arrangements. I'm very sorry not to be able to make this trip - we have a heavy schedule in the parish on Saturdays.

During our time at the Buckingham Arms this evening, there was a Police van parked outside. We wondered whether we might be raided for thought crimes but we were left in peace to enjoy a couple of pints before repairing to the Ha Ha Bar for fish fingers and chips (it being Friday an' all.) It was a good gathering with thirty or so bloggers and readers (a blogging equivalent of the cricketing "Gentlemen and Players" distinction) from various parts. Among those present were Oliver Hayes of the Expectation of Our Lady , who travelled down from Birmingham, regular commenter and Tweeter, Londiniensis , Fr Mildew , Jim and Christina McPake who dropped by on their way back from Lourdes to Carlisle, Mulier Fortis , Jonathan Hague, Andrea, John Simmonds, Delia Gaze, Patricia Forsdyke, Paul Moynihan and Sir Dan of the Blogosphere. I was delighted to meet "Dillydaydream" who occasionally comments on my blog and comes to Mass from time to time at Blackfen. It was also an o...

Tomorrow evening, there will be a London blognic with Fr Zuhlsdorf ( What Does the Prayer Really Say? ). Fr Z is visiting London for a couple of weeks and will be coming to Blackfen for the Mass to celebrate my silver jubilee. (You are all invited to that, too - see the this link for details.) The blognics is a simple and informal opportunity for people interested in the Catholic blogosphere, whether bloggers or readers to meet up for a chat while Fr Z is in the country. Everyone is welcome. The last two have gone very well so I very much look forward to seeing some of you there tomorrow. DETAILS We are meeting tomorrow evening (Friday 24th) from 6-7.30pm at the Buckingham Arms in Petty France, near St James's Park tube station. After 7.30pm those who want can go on to the Ha Ha Bar in Cardinal Place (opposite Westminster Cathedral) for something to eat. Below is the google map for the Buckingham Arms (green arrow) which you can zoom in on, look at the satellite view or street v...

Fr Zuhlsdorf is in town and keen to get a blognic going. Can I suggest Friday 24 July at 6pm so that people who are at work in London can get there? One suggestion is the Ha Ha Bar opposite Westminster Cathedral. (The Buckingham Arms might be a bit crowded on a Friday evening after work.) Other suggestions for a good venue in central London are welcome for the next day or so then we'll pin it down.

The blognic at the Buckingham Arms this evening was a great success. Bloggers Holy Smoke , Bara Brith and Mulier Fortis came, as did Anna Arco of the Catholic Herald . Frs Nigel Griffin and William Young kindly took time to join us as did a good number of readers, some of whom travelled specially for the occasion from Brighton, Cambridge and the outer reaches of the London conurbation. (My new phone takes great photos outdoors but in poor light it is of little use so I have shamelessly stolen photos from Fr Z who brought a real camera with him.) Sir Dan of the Nesbitry ( above ) was there. He met up with Damian Thompson whom he taught many years ago at the prep school Laelham Lea in Purley. Jonathan Hague ( above ) introduced me to the Buckingham Arms from his extensive knowledge of good pubs that offer traditional hospitality and real ale. Over a plate of pasta afterwards, Fr Z and I reflected on the appreciation that is expressed by people who read our blogs. Writing a blog can ...