Sorry for being a day late, only yesterday evening I was a little busy helping a friend who has just moved house, so by the time that I finally got home I practically dropped straight to sleep!
Yesterday was Palm Sunday, which is the Sunday before Easter Day, and therefore makes it just one week now until my confirmation.
Mass yesterday was slightly different to normal. At the start Bishop Damien blessed the Palm crosses and then we all took turns to approach him and receive one. Traditionally there would be some form of procession, but as our church is small the layout does not really permit this, so instead our procession was a spiritual one, this in no way reduces the meaning of it.
There was no sermon, as the service itself includes several additions to the standard mass service, including the reading of the Passion of Christ, which I found to be quite moving indeed, not by how Bishop Damien read it (although he is a pleasure to listen to), but by the actual words...in my opinion a very powerful piece of scripture.
We were also joined by another visitor, who joined us a little way into the service. I believe that I am right in saying that he was from the Society of Pius X. After the service he stayed for tea, introduced himself and explained that he was visiting a few churches in the area seeking some help towards a homeless project. He was not after money, instead just somewhere that the project could meet every so often, provide refreshments (such as soup) and offer facilities to chat, etc.
Bishop Damien and Jennifer were able to offer some suggestions to him, as to places that may be available and suitable. He commented on how impressed he was with our mass and said that he would keep in touch and visit again in the future. I pray that he is able to find a suitable place for the project.
After tea and coffee and a short break it was time for the confirmation class. This week it was 2in1, as last week's was cancelled. The first part was about living life as an apostle, and as usual, I found it interesting. The second part was about the confirmation service itself.
We discussed what will happen....if all goes according to plan! The Bishop explained that he would slap our faces, he seemed rather pleased with this prospect!!!! He also told us about the importance and significance of the host and wine. He explained that when consecrated that they are the most important things within the church and how importnat it is to take great care of them.
With this in mind he explained to us how we should receive communion, and how we should take great care not to spill the body or blood of Christ. He also explained what should happen should any incidents occur at any time that we are receiving communion...hence the blog title for this posting! I have to say I am a little nervous about next week, i don't want to make any mistakes.
Well, that's about all for today...I'll post again on Wednesday. Bye for now.
Monday 29 March 2010
Wednesday 24 March 2010
I'm back!
I know that it's been just over a week since my last post, but I do have a couple of excuses.
Firstly, there was no posting last Wednesday (St Patricks Day) as I was out of the country. My family and I went to Disneyland Paris for 3 days and had a great time! We travelled there by Eurostar, and I have to say that I am impressed, as it arrived on time and without even breaking down...what will this do to their reputation I wonder. Disneyland itself was great, and we were lucky enough to have lovely weather whilst we were there. Even the queues weren't too bad either.
We met all of the main characters, but the highlight was when we went looking for Woody (from Toy Story), as Ethan (our son), is a big fan. We went to Woody's Round Up Village and he was there with Jesse. Ethan's excited face was a picture, and it made a great photo when he was with them both.
Overall it was a great break...spent too much money though...but no doubt we will return again one day!
There was no posting last Sunday as I wasn't at church, instead spending the day at home, or rather in my bathroom...you've guessed it...not very well...must be that French cooking!!!!!! Luckily I didn't miss out on the confirmation class as the Bishop emailed me slightly later to say that he had cancelled the class as he wasn't feeling too good (bad throat) and thought it wise to preserve his voice for mass in Rochester later that afternoon.
So, today, it was back to church. I drove to Canterbury today, as after church I had to see a doctor about a finger...more on that later. I parked at the Wincheap Park & Ride. The Canterbury Park & Ride service is really good, it's very efficient, simple to use and great value for money at just £2.50 per car, no matter how long you're there! The buses are clean, frequent and in a few minutes you arrive at the bus station in Canterbury. Canterbury city council deserve a pat on the back for this service, I'm sure many other cities/towns could learn from them!
the church looked slightly different today from when I last saw it. We are now in the period of lent where traditionally things in the church such as the crucifix, cross and statues are drapped in purple, representing a very sombre time building up to Good Friday, when of course, Jesus gave his life for us all.
After the service today we had tea and coffee as normal. I was unable to stay for Stations of the Cross as I had to go in order to get my finger checked.
I've had some problems with one of my fingers for about 3 years now. As a result I have had numerous operations and have significant nerve damage and disfiguration to it. It is hyper-sensitive and often causes me a lot of discomfort to say the least!
Today I had an appointment to see a doctor/surgeon with regard to which step to take next with it. There seems to be a couple of options really. One is to remove the nerve totally, which should mean that I would have no feeling at all on the affected side of the finger. The other option may be to lose part of the finger...I'm not so keen on this idea, but if it would end the other problems then maybe it is a realistic option.
To save me having to keep travelling to East Grinstead I have now been referred to a specialist hand surgeon closer to me and I am due to see him on 12th May 2010. He may decide which option would be best, or he may even have another idea...I'll let you know!
Anyway, that's all for now. I'll post again on Sunday, until then...Mickey Mouse says "Hiya Pal"!
Firstly, there was no posting last Wednesday (St Patricks Day) as I was out of the country. My family and I went to Disneyland Paris for 3 days and had a great time! We travelled there by Eurostar, and I have to say that I am impressed, as it arrived on time and without even breaking down...what will this do to their reputation I wonder. Disneyland itself was great, and we were lucky enough to have lovely weather whilst we were there. Even the queues weren't too bad either.
We met all of the main characters, but the highlight was when we went looking for Woody (from Toy Story), as Ethan (our son), is a big fan. We went to Woody's Round Up Village and he was there with Jesse. Ethan's excited face was a picture, and it made a great photo when he was with them both.
Overall it was a great break...spent too much money though...but no doubt we will return again one day!
There was no posting last Sunday as I wasn't at church, instead spending the day at home, or rather in my bathroom...you've guessed it...not very well...must be that French cooking!!!!!! Luckily I didn't miss out on the confirmation class as the Bishop emailed me slightly later to say that he had cancelled the class as he wasn't feeling too good (bad throat) and thought it wise to preserve his voice for mass in Rochester later that afternoon.
So, today, it was back to church. I drove to Canterbury today, as after church I had to see a doctor about a finger...more on that later. I parked at the Wincheap Park & Ride. The Canterbury Park & Ride service is really good, it's very efficient, simple to use and great value for money at just £2.50 per car, no matter how long you're there! The buses are clean, frequent and in a few minutes you arrive at the bus station in Canterbury. Canterbury city council deserve a pat on the back for this service, I'm sure many other cities/towns could learn from them!
the church looked slightly different today from when I last saw it. We are now in the period of lent where traditionally things in the church such as the crucifix, cross and statues are drapped in purple, representing a very sombre time building up to Good Friday, when of course, Jesus gave his life for us all.
After the service today we had tea and coffee as normal. I was unable to stay for Stations of the Cross as I had to go in order to get my finger checked.
I've had some problems with one of my fingers for about 3 years now. As a result I have had numerous operations and have significant nerve damage and disfiguration to it. It is hyper-sensitive and often causes me a lot of discomfort to say the least!
Today I had an appointment to see a doctor/surgeon with regard to which step to take next with it. There seems to be a couple of options really. One is to remove the nerve totally, which should mean that I would have no feeling at all on the affected side of the finger. The other option may be to lose part of the finger...I'm not so keen on this idea, but if it would end the other problems then maybe it is a realistic option.
To save me having to keep travelling to East Grinstead I have now been referred to a specialist hand surgeon closer to me and I am due to see him on 12th May 2010. He may decide which option would be best, or he may even have another idea...I'll let you know!
Anyway, that's all for now. I'll post again on Sunday, until then...Mickey Mouse says "Hiya Pal"!
Wednesday 10 March 2010
We need more chocolate biscuits (the posh Oxfam ones)!
Another Wednesday has arrived, actually as I write this it is nearly over, so technically I should be saying 'another Wednesday has nearly gone'!
No major events to report on from this morning, no haircut at a Turkish barbers, however I did have to pop into the ever-exciting Ashford town centre this morning as I was hunting for a birthday card for Laurence and a Mothering Sunday card for my wife (from the kids of course). I got the birthday card, but totally forgot about the card for my wife. Oh well...I've got a few days left yet!
The train to Canterbury was slightly late this morning, but I arrived in Canterbury with plenty of time to spare before mass at 12pm. It was very busy in Canterbury today, plenty of tourists, etc.
At church today I met another new face, this time in the form of Danny, he normally attends our church in Rochester and is the brother of Colin who I met a couple of weeks ago.
Margaret was looking a lot better today, and she said that she feels a lot better, so this is good news and obviously proof that the healing service worked. It also meant that she felt able to resume her role of chief tea maker...she is far better at it than Laurence or I!!!
Talking of tea, I noticed that the chocolate biscuits have vanished. I'll have to confess here and say that I was responsible for the destruction of one of the last remaining two when the biscuit jar was produced this morning. Sadly Roy wasn't at church today...so if you're reading this Roy then the chocolate ones are better than the ginger ones (hint, hint), and I'm not talking about labradors here!!
In Sunday's blog I mentioned Stirling Moss...maybe I shouldn't have mentioned him, because one mention in my blog and he injured himself....coincidence I'm sure, but I pray that he quickly recovers (at least he wont be driving rail replacement buses for a while though!!!!!!).
I couldn't stay for Stations of the Cross today as I had to get home in time to collect my son from school with my wife and daughter and take him to his hospital appointment to check that his eyes are doing what they should be when he wears his glasses. He passed the tests with flying colours, and he scored far better than last time, so that is good news.
On Sunday it is mass at 11am followed by the 4th in the series of our confirmation classes. So I'll try and post again later that evening.
Until then I think I'll just have a cuppa and a biscuit....wait a minute, there is a problem....no chocolate biscuits, but, I've just found some custard creams....now they are proper dunking biscuits..................
No major events to report on from this morning, no haircut at a Turkish barbers, however I did have to pop into the ever-exciting Ashford town centre this morning as I was hunting for a birthday card for Laurence and a Mothering Sunday card for my wife (from the kids of course). I got the birthday card, but totally forgot about the card for my wife. Oh well...I've got a few days left yet!
The train to Canterbury was slightly late this morning, but I arrived in Canterbury with plenty of time to spare before mass at 12pm. It was very busy in Canterbury today, plenty of tourists, etc.
At church today I met another new face, this time in the form of Danny, he normally attends our church in Rochester and is the brother of Colin who I met a couple of weeks ago.
Margaret was looking a lot better today, and she said that she feels a lot better, so this is good news and obviously proof that the healing service worked. It also meant that she felt able to resume her role of chief tea maker...she is far better at it than Laurence or I!!!
Talking of tea, I noticed that the chocolate biscuits have vanished. I'll have to confess here and say that I was responsible for the destruction of one of the last remaining two when the biscuit jar was produced this morning. Sadly Roy wasn't at church today...so if you're reading this Roy then the chocolate ones are better than the ginger ones (hint, hint), and I'm not talking about labradors here!!
In Sunday's blog I mentioned Stirling Moss...maybe I shouldn't have mentioned him, because one mention in my blog and he injured himself....coincidence I'm sure, but I pray that he quickly recovers (at least he wont be driving rail replacement buses for a while though!!!!!!).
I couldn't stay for Stations of the Cross today as I had to get home in time to collect my son from school with my wife and daughter and take him to his hospital appointment to check that his eyes are doing what they should be when he wears his glasses. He passed the tests with flying colours, and he scored far better than last time, so that is good news.
On Sunday it is mass at 11am followed by the 4th in the series of our confirmation classes. So I'll try and post again later that evening.
Until then I think I'll just have a cuppa and a biscuit....wait a minute, there is a problem....no chocolate biscuits, but, I've just found some custard creams....now they are proper dunking biscuits..................
Sunday 7 March 2010
Is it a plane...is it a train...no...it's a bus!
Hello yet again, it's good to know that the rail service has returned to normal after the problems last Wednesday, so that is a return to delays and lack of information, etc.
Every time I need to get the train to Canterbury I always check with National Rail Enquiries, to check about delays and things like that. As usual I checked this morning only to establish that there were no reported problems. Debbie dropped me off at Ashford station, and we both noticed that there seemed to be a rather large amount of buses/coaches at the station...I should have spotted the signs I suppose!
I went into the station, only to find out that the service to Canterbury West had been replaced by a replacement bus service, and as such a different timetable was operating, and I had just missed the one to Canterbury! Next one in 40 minutes time, meaning that I would be late for mass.
Instead I managed to convince my grumbling wife (who was waiting in the car, just in case) to drive me to Canterbury...believe me she can moan!!!!! Anyway, she dropped me off in Canterbury in plenty of time.
Mass today was at the normal Sunday time of 11am, and it went well. Today is Lent 3.
It was also the 3rd in the series of confirmation classes in which we discussed being members of Jesus' church.
The Bishop's sermon today followed on from last week's...the devil was mentioned once or one hundred times!! Today it was said that Christ is far more powerful than the devil, and therefore by following Christ we can beat the devil and in the process cause Satan some pain. The bishop said that he does not want to cause God any pain but would quite like to cause the devil some pain. If they were ever to have a boxing match then I'd put a tenner on the Bishop to win! Christ has already defeated the devil, and with the help of Our Lord then we can also beat him, so with this in mind then maybe we should be backing ourselves to win. I for one know which team that I want to be a part of for the rest of my life (and forever) and that is TEAM GOD!! Why don't you join me!
After the service it was time for tea and coffee, luckily we had some milk this time, so normal tea drinking could resume, together with a sampling of the Oxfam biscuits!! Magaret normally makes the drinks (and a great job she does), but unfortunately her leg is giving her some grief at the moment, so she was sitting and resting it and her husband Laurence adopted the task...he did a pretty good job. Better than my attempt last Wednesday! I hope that Magaret is feeling better soon, as it was obvious to see that she is experiencing quite a bit of discomfort. I'll be sure to include her in my prayers.
Neraly forgot to mention, at the end of mass today was our monthly healing service, I pray that those who received healing today soon experience it's benefits.
The Bishop had to leave after the confirmation class today as he was travelling to Rochester to say mass there in Father Ray's absence. I pray that Father Ray's recovery continues, and with each day he gets better and better.
My journey home today involved a bus journey from Canterbury, which meant travelling on a bright yellow coach with none other than Stirling Moss at the wheel. The ride itself was akin to a roller coaster ride, speed, sharp turns and sudden braking...I think that you get the picture. The last time that I experienced a journey like that was at Thorpe Park! Still we all survived, but I am sure that I actually saw people kissing the ground when we alighted at Ashford!
That's all until Wednesday...until then if you see a big yellow coach, then just walk instead!
Every time I need to get the train to Canterbury I always check with National Rail Enquiries, to check about delays and things like that. As usual I checked this morning only to establish that there were no reported problems. Debbie dropped me off at Ashford station, and we both noticed that there seemed to be a rather large amount of buses/coaches at the station...I should have spotted the signs I suppose!
I went into the station, only to find out that the service to Canterbury West had been replaced by a replacement bus service, and as such a different timetable was operating, and I had just missed the one to Canterbury! Next one in 40 minutes time, meaning that I would be late for mass.
Instead I managed to convince my grumbling wife (who was waiting in the car, just in case) to drive me to Canterbury...believe me she can moan!!!!! Anyway, she dropped me off in Canterbury in plenty of time.
Mass today was at the normal Sunday time of 11am, and it went well. Today is Lent 3.
It was also the 3rd in the series of confirmation classes in which we discussed being members of Jesus' church.
The Bishop's sermon today followed on from last week's...the devil was mentioned once or one hundred times!! Today it was said that Christ is far more powerful than the devil, and therefore by following Christ we can beat the devil and in the process cause Satan some pain. The bishop said that he does not want to cause God any pain but would quite like to cause the devil some pain. If they were ever to have a boxing match then I'd put a tenner on the Bishop to win! Christ has already defeated the devil, and with the help of Our Lord then we can also beat him, so with this in mind then maybe we should be backing ourselves to win. I for one know which team that I want to be a part of for the rest of my life (and forever) and that is TEAM GOD!! Why don't you join me!
After the service it was time for tea and coffee, luckily we had some milk this time, so normal tea drinking could resume, together with a sampling of the Oxfam biscuits!! Magaret normally makes the drinks (and a great job she does), but unfortunately her leg is giving her some grief at the moment, so she was sitting and resting it and her husband Laurence adopted the task...he did a pretty good job. Better than my attempt last Wednesday! I hope that Magaret is feeling better soon, as it was obvious to see that she is experiencing quite a bit of discomfort. I'll be sure to include her in my prayers.
Neraly forgot to mention, at the end of mass today was our monthly healing service, I pray that those who received healing today soon experience it's benefits.
The Bishop had to leave after the confirmation class today as he was travelling to Rochester to say mass there in Father Ray's absence. I pray that Father Ray's recovery continues, and with each day he gets better and better.
My journey home today involved a bus journey from Canterbury, which meant travelling on a bright yellow coach with none other than Stirling Moss at the wheel. The ride itself was akin to a roller coaster ride, speed, sharp turns and sudden braking...I think that you get the picture. The last time that I experienced a journey like that was at Thorpe Park! Still we all survived, but I am sure that I actually saw people kissing the ground when we alighted at Ashford!
That's all until Wednesday...until then if you see a big yellow coach, then just walk instead!
Wednesday 3 March 2010
The 10:03 service is currently running 77 minutes late!
Today was a Requiem Mass for The Venerable Joseph DeHart, Archdeacon of the Dicoese of the MidWest in the USA. He recently entered eternal rest following an illness. My thoughts and prayers are very much with his family, friends and his parish at this time.
Whilst I did not know Father DeHart, I have taken the opportunity to learn a little about him, both through the internet and by talking to Bishop Damien (he and Father DeHart were good friends). From what I can understand Father DeHart was a very good priest, friend to many and a very loveable character. I know that he will be missed very much by everyone that knew him, and his passing is a great loss to the ACC. On the plus side I have no doubt that he will now be continuing his work, from a higher office! I hope that his family and friends can take comfort in the fact that he is now with Our Lord where he shall have everlasting life.
Mass today was at 12pm, and as a mark of respect I even wore a shirt and black tie, having to purchase one especially. I even managed to tie a windsor knot (following dirctions found on google!).
I arrived at Ashford station with the intention of catching the 11:03 service to Canterbury West. However (here we go), there was a problem...the network was doomed! There was a fire in the London Bridge area which was causing untold problems on the line, everything being diverted into London Victoria. This in itself was having a major impact as London Victoria is normally packed with it's own trains let alone those for Charing Cross and Cannon Street. This meant delays...and severe ones at that!
The display at the station said that the 11:03 was running on time.....yeah, right! At 11:20 it had still not arrived, despite the display still having it as running on time. The there was an announcement which went something like this, "the 10:03 service to Ramsgate is delayed by 77 minutes. SouthEastern apologise for this delay and for any inconvenience caused". That's right....the 10:03 had not even arrived yet, so I guessed that I had no chsnce of catching the 11:03 and arriving in Canterbury in time to be at church for 12pm! Luckily the 10:03 did arrive...79 minutes late...and I did arrive in Canterbury in time.
The Requiem Mass was slightly different to a normal Mass, so that is something else that I have now experienced which I have not done so before.
After the service we had the normal tea and coffee...well actually just coffee today as we had no fresh milk, and coffee mate doen't work quite so well with tea!
It is Bishop Damien's birthday tomorrow, so I gave him a card and small gift, which he was pleased with. He claims that he will be 83, personally I don't think that he looks a day over 75!!! (Sorry Bishop....couldn't resist)!!!
At 2pm we had 'Stations of the Cross'. After this we said our farewells and went on our seperate ways.
The journey back by train was uneventful and on time. This time I caught the 15:25 High Speed service from Canterbury West, it arrived at 15:42 (right on time) at Ashford...nothing else to say about that really.
I'll try to update again on Sunday, but just in case I can't then I'd like to apologise for the delay and for any inconvenience it may cause!!
Whilst I did not know Father DeHart, I have taken the opportunity to learn a little about him, both through the internet and by talking to Bishop Damien (he and Father DeHart were good friends). From what I can understand Father DeHart was a very good priest, friend to many and a very loveable character. I know that he will be missed very much by everyone that knew him, and his passing is a great loss to the ACC. On the plus side I have no doubt that he will now be continuing his work, from a higher office! I hope that his family and friends can take comfort in the fact that he is now with Our Lord where he shall have everlasting life.
Mass today was at 12pm, and as a mark of respect I even wore a shirt and black tie, having to purchase one especially. I even managed to tie a windsor knot (following dirctions found on google!).
I arrived at Ashford station with the intention of catching the 11:03 service to Canterbury West. However (here we go), there was a problem...the network was doomed! There was a fire in the London Bridge area which was causing untold problems on the line, everything being diverted into London Victoria. This in itself was having a major impact as London Victoria is normally packed with it's own trains let alone those for Charing Cross and Cannon Street. This meant delays...and severe ones at that!
The display at the station said that the 11:03 was running on time.....yeah, right! At 11:20 it had still not arrived, despite the display still having it as running on time. The there was an announcement which went something like this, "the 10:03 service to Ramsgate is delayed by 77 minutes. SouthEastern apologise for this delay and for any inconvenience caused". That's right....the 10:03 had not even arrived yet, so I guessed that I had no chsnce of catching the 11:03 and arriving in Canterbury in time to be at church for 12pm! Luckily the 10:03 did arrive...79 minutes late...and I did arrive in Canterbury in time.
The Requiem Mass was slightly different to a normal Mass, so that is something else that I have now experienced which I have not done so before.
After the service we had the normal tea and coffee...well actually just coffee today as we had no fresh milk, and coffee mate doen't work quite so well with tea!
It is Bishop Damien's birthday tomorrow, so I gave him a card and small gift, which he was pleased with. He claims that he will be 83, personally I don't think that he looks a day over 75!!! (Sorry Bishop....couldn't resist)!!!
At 2pm we had 'Stations of the Cross'. After this we said our farewells and went on our seperate ways.
The journey back by train was uneventful and on time. This time I caught the 15:25 High Speed service from Canterbury West, it arrived at 15:42 (right on time) at Ashford...nothing else to say about that really.
I'll try to update again on Sunday, but just in case I can't then I'd like to apologise for the delay and for any inconvenience it may cause!!
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