From Fr Sean
The modern Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (which we are now in the middle of) is more than a hundred years old, but you would be hard pressed to notice at times; and in a largely secular society that treats us as all the same anyway, you might be forgiven for thinking not much had changed, concluding that it’s not a very effective prayer. The truth is somewhat more messy.
The letters of Saint Paul make it clear that there were divisions in the very first Christian communities, and it has been ever thus even down to our own day with the growth of Pentecostalism, so we shouldn't imagine that Christian unity will ever result in some sort of uniformity. In fact, I could think of nothing worse. But equally we shouldn't be indifferent to our Christian neighbours as if our unity with one another was inconsequential.
I was recently reminded how painful this all can be when I was asked to celebrate a memorial mass in an Anglican church for a friend. Despite the fact that the congregation was made up of people that I have worked closely with and who come from a variety of Christian traditions, in truth, in our desire to work together we often do not speak of our differences. But these were all too clear in the preparation for the mass and laid painfully bear when it came to communion time, and we were unable to share together.
Our divisions hamper our prayer, and they dilute our witness in the world. After all, if we can't overcome our differences how are we to bring together others who don't profess our faith? I came late to the ecumenical party, being brought up without much sense of even the existence of other Christian churches let alone their value. However, in later life I have become convinced that I cannot fully live out my Catholic faith without the faithful witness of other Christians who see their faith and its practice in very different ways to me. Indeed, when we are most deeply rooted in our own tradition that is when we are able to work most creatively with those who are different to ourselves but who share common values and who wish to work for the common good.
St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School in Dagenham
DEPUTY HEADTEACHER required for April 2022
Group 2 L8-12 (£55,060 - £59,972)
The Governors invite applications from experienced, enthusiastic and suitably-qualified practising Catholic leaders, to play a key role in building on the success of our friendly school, working in partnership with our Headteacher.
Prospective candidates are warmly encouraged to visit the school.
Please contact Sarah Rector on the number below to make an appointment.
For more information, an Application Pack or to arrange a visit,
please contact the school on 020 270 6695
Application forms and further details from the school office,
email office@st-vincent.bardaglea.org.uk
Closing date for receipt of applications: 12pm Monday 31st January 2022
Shortlisting date: Thursday 3rd February 2022
Formal Interviews will be held on: Tuesday 8th February 2022
Be a Cathedral Chorister for a Day
Brentwood Cathedral will be hosting a ‘Be a Cathedral Chorister for a Day’ opportunity for boys aged 8 to 12 on Saturday 29th January 2022.
The day will begin at 10.30 with a welcome for families and will end with Choral Vespers at 4 pm, an opportunity for everyone to hear the boys sing.
We hope the day will be of interest to all boys who enjoy singing, whatever their prior musical experience.
We will be holding a similar day for girls later in the year.
For more details and to register a place, please visit www.cathedralbrentwood.org
or telephone 01277 265288
Thresholds of Hope
Thresholds of Hope Question: What do the Martyrs teach us about the life of faith?
Input will be given by Fr Paul Keane, Vice Rector at Oscott seminary, Birmingham on Sundays 23rd and 30th January 4.00 – 5.00 p.m. via Zoom.
To join this Zoom meeting simply forward a contact email to adultformationvicariate@dioceseofbrentwood.org
For more information go to www.thresholdsofhope.co.uk
BCYS
February Youth Mass: our next Youth Mass will be on Thursday 3rd February at Brentwood Cathedral, Fr Paschal Uche will be presiding and Fr Michael Barwick will preach.
The evening starts at 6pm with pizza and refreshments in the parish hall, followed by a session run by Beth Warren from the charity Million Minutes.
Mass will then be celebrated at 7.30pm.
The event is open to all young people in Year 9 and above.
For more information please see www.bcys.net
Holy Cross Primary School, Harlow
Headteacher
Starting salary L17 – L23 (£63,745 - £73,660). Required for September 2022.
The Governors of Holy Cross invite applications from experienced, enthusiastic and suitably-qualified practising Catholics, to play a key role in the leadership and management of our school to continue to build on our successes.
Deadline for applications: 12:00 pm on Monday 21st February 2022.
For further information please contact Karen Slater, PA to Headteacher, on 01279 424452 to arrange this.
Alternatively if you would like an application pack please contact Karen Slater by email: karenslater@holycross-pri.essex.sch.uk.
Further details of these vacancies and other are available from the diocesan website https://www.dioceseofbrentwood.net/departments/education/vacancies/school-vacancies/
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, South Woodham Ferrers
Head of School
L8 - L12 Required for September 2022.
The Governing Body are seeking to appoint an inspirational, enthusiastic, motivated and dedicated person to help lead St Joseph’s, South Woodham Ferrers which, along with St Francis, Maldon which constitute the Federation of Christ The King.
Deadline for applications: 9:00 am on Friday 28th January 2022. For further information please contact the school office for an appointment on 01245 321828
The Ursuline Preparatory School Ilford
KS1 & KS2 Class Teachers
Required for April 2022
Governors are seeking to appoint dedicated, talented, enthusiastic and caring well qualified teachers to join our happy, successful school. Applications are welcome from established teachers keen to contribute to the further development of teaching and learning
Application packs are available via the school website: www.urspsi.org.uk
or telephone 020 8518 4050
Please note we are unable to accept application by CV
Visits to our happy, friendly school are welcomed and encouraged
Please call the school office to arrange a mutually convenient time
CLOSING DATE: Friday 28th January 2022
INTERVIEWS: Wednesday 9th February 2022
The Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage
The Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage, led by Bishop Alan, will take place from Sunday 24th – Friday 29th July 2022.
It will be the first time in three years that the diocese has returned to Lourdes.
Brochures for the pilgrimage, which will include costs, will be available soon.
If you would like further information now, please contact Cathy O’Connor, the Administrative Director: cathy@dioceseofbrentwood.org or phone 07813 710 070
The Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS)
The Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS) provides parish leaders with knowledge and understanding of theology and the Catholic faith.
You can learn the course in person, by distance learning or online - details below:
Centres (in person learning)
http://brs-ccrs.org.uk/index.php/course-centres
Life-Light Home Study Courses (distance learning)
info@studylifelight.com
01844 351 514
CCRS Online (online learning)
ccrsonline@hope.ac.uk
0151 291 3055
Yours sincerely, Board of Religious Studies