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In response to a group of cardinals, generally assumed to be opposed to the concept of the Synod, Pope Francis has given a nuanced, but clear direction of travel on a number of issues likely to be discussed at the Synod itself, i.e. blessings for same sex couples, exploring the theology of women's ordination and approval for remarried people to receive Communion. The Tablet covers this well in a recent article. Read it HERE.

Here at St Clements we have supported the HCPT over many years. We shall be having a second collection to aid this charity later in the year. "This Easter weekend, hundreds of disabled and disadvantaged children will be flying to Lourdes for a week that will change their lives. It’s HCPT’s biggest Easter pilgrimage to Lourdes since the Covid-19 pandemic. We couldn’t have done it without your support. Thank you so much!" Read more about this year's pilgrimage HERE.

The pandemic has changed many attitudes towards life and faith. Within the church the way in which we organise and embrace our mission has come to the fore with the pithily titled “Synod on Synodality.” See: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/synodal-church/ Since accepting the office of Pope, Francis has sought in many ways to change perceptions of the church both within and without. The church exists to evangelise, to spread the good news of Jesus Christ whose story is told within the four gospels. Pope Francis has sought to clarify what this means in the twenty first century and how we should be involved. It is for this purpose that Pope Francis launched the worldwide Synod across the church. Within the synod process great emphasis has been placed on listening to each other and, in the case of the hierarchy, listening to the laity. Many parishes including ours joined in the synodal discussions at local level. St Clements’ own submissions were sent directly to the Synod Office in Rome. They are available to read here on the parish website. This synod process has reminded us that we all have a role to play in the church’s mission. By virtue of our baptism we are called to play our own unique part in the work of evangelisation. Whilst individuals are usually evangelised through the influence of practising Christians, there is undoubtedly an element of the public square in relation to evangelisation. As true believers we can no longer ‘hide’ within the protective walls of our local church. We have faith in the risen Lord Jesus and have a job to do in the world at large. That is the world of business and commerce, science and engineering, art and culture and our own families, friends and neighbourhoods. Creation is our concern in all its aspects. Love for our brothers and sisters presupposes our involvement according to our own talents, aptitudes and skills in all aspects of creation. We cannot accept that any “portion” of the world at large operates outside the love of God revealed in Jesus Christ. Nor can we fail to recognise that others may have insights into the practical realisation of this love. In the face of much distrust and opposition we have to allow ourselves to become the faith community (church) of the Beatitudes. And to work tirelessly in this community to be a real source of light and hope. We have to be able to reach people where they are and encourage them on their life journeys. But we will need to be equipped for this task. Here at St Clements a group of parishioners is following up on our synod discussions. We hope to develop a pathway forward which brings us to a new vision for an open, welcoming, worshipping faith community, reaching out to the isolated, disadvantaged and those ignorant of Christ, providing new hope in the face of the challenges of our age. And an important part of this pathway will be to develop guidance and support that will help equip us to take our vision forward. May the name of the Lord be Praised! Now and forever. John Farrell 12.3.23

This online Zoom course will run for six weeks. Come and join your fellow parishioners as we deepen our Lenten observance by reflecting on key aspects of our faith. The course topics will focus on: THE EXISTENCE OF GOD WHO IS JESUS? THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE CHURCH THE GIFT OF FAITH FINDING TRUE FREEDOM THE MEANING OF LOVE The course is given online using Zoom. If you'd like to join us (there is no charge) contact John Lodge to reserve your place. You can get him on: johnlodge47@gmail.com For more information about the course see: https://www.sycamore.fm/pathways/b-formation-pathways/lent-course/

Many of you might enjoy this series on the BBC - especially those who took part in our Advent course in Celtic spirituality. You can watch in on the BBC iPlayer or click on the link below. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0010f16

SESSION 1 What is your experience of our Celtic past? How can it be a benefit for us today? Do people of all backgrounds feel integrated in your church? How can we become more connected to each other in faith?

For a Synodal Church Following the Parish Open Meeting (see minutes October 23rd) we need 10 to 12 volunteers to develop and prepare the 3 month Phase 1 element of the Synodal Plan for the parish. Phase 1 is the post-Covid19 parish-wide information gathering and communication exercise. This consists of a post COVID19 parish information update (who we are), capability assessment (gifts and willingness to participate) and communication plan (internal and external). Anyone willing to assist in this process needs to email andrewrperks32@gmail.com or text 07734 703769 by November 30th. The first meeting will be in December with a view to getting going in the New Year.

The new pastoral plan for the diocese has just been published. You can access it HERE.

The Catholic Charismatic Conference took place earlier in August. You may like to look at some of the video recordings of the event. They can be found HERE. For those unfamiliar with the Catholic Charismatic movement, see background information HERE.

Sat 9 - Sun 10th, JULY Friends Meeting House, The Catholic Miracle Rally celebrates that Jesus is alive and that the miracle healing, loving power of his Spirit is moving in his church today. Visit HERE for details.

Starting Easter week, this exciting six week programme is open to everyone. For information about it, see HERE. Outline details of the programme can be read HERE.

More than 40 parishioners attended three meetings to discuss the Synod questions, set by Pope Francis for all parishes in the universal Church. You can read the fruits of our discussions HERE.