Chrism Mass – Wednesday 16 April link
Most of the clergy of our deanery took part in the Chrism Mass, at which the Holy Oils were blessed and consecrated for our parishes. These pictures include one of our stocks being filled for our deanery.
The following is taken from the Archbishop’s homily:
Our priesthood is enriched by the spirituality and pastoral zeal of our parishioners and we continue to be formed and inspired by the witness of their holiness and generosity.
He has anointed me. What we have received through the Sacrament of Orders is a grace, a charism, a gift. We didn’t earn it and we’re not entitled to it – it’s not transactional. It has been showered upon us in abundance. And it’s the same with the fruits if our ministry – they will never show up on a balance sheet – only God can reckon our spiritual surplus or our deficit. We are not the best judges of the impact of our own priestly ministry – or, as the Latin phrase puts it: Nemo sibi judex.
In 1963, the year when Blessed Dominic Barberi was beatified in Rome, Archbishop Francis Grimshaw was at the Second Vatican Council. The Archbishop sent a Pastoral Letter from Rome, in which he described Blessed Dominic:
The years he lived in were dramatic years in the story of the Catholic Church in England. Great figures occupied the stage. It is possible that among them this Italian priest, wearing a strange habit, speaking our language with difficulty and with an atrocious accent, was not recognised at the time as one of the protagonists. The best work for souls is often that which is done quietly, through a lifetime of unobtrusive self-denial and self-sacrifice, by one who sees the image of God where another sees only human nature at its weakest and its worst.
So, as we prepare for the Renewal of our Priestly Promises, may we pledge ourselves to bring the forgiveness and love of God, like Blessed Dominic, to the people and situations where it is most needed – and let us always pray for one another, grateful for the sacramental anointing which we have received from Christ.
Leamington cluster/Mission newsletter Extra April 2025.
Deanery Day Pilgrimage to Littlemore, Oxford – Saturday 22 March link
Rite of Election – Sunday 9 March 2025
In this season of Lent we pray for all the catechumens of our diocese preparing to be Baptised and the candidates for Reception into Full Communion. Some of our parishes were represented at the Rite of Election at St Chad’s on Sunday 9th March, where the Bishops welcomed the 200 or so known to be joining the Church, Fr David.
Clergy Deanery Meeting – Tuesday 11 March 2025
The clergy of our Deanery met with Bishop Richard for a full agenda at Hampton on the Hill this month. We had plenty to talk about with Bishop Richard including the request from our diocese to think ahead a few years about which buildings we will need in the medium term as less Masses can be celebrated by fewer clergy. Pray for your priests and deacons, and for more to follow in our footsteps!
