Newsletter
for the GB Regions
Teams
Equipes Notre-Dame • Teams of Our Lady • Equipos de Nuestra Señora • Equipas de Nossa Senhora • Ehegruppen E.N.D
March - April - May 2016
Contents
>> Diary
1 Diary
Front cover: Spring Blossom in Bushey Park
>> GB Teams
2
4
5
6
7
8
10
12
13
14
15
16
17
Southern Regional Couple’s Letter
GB Gathering Details
GB Gathering Booking Form
GB Gathering Booking Form
A Retreat with a difference
Another Way
Southern Region Gathering
The Friends of Fr Cafferel’s Letter
Situations Vacant
Wetherby Teams Birthday Celebration
Editors’ Note
Advent retreat and congratulations & thanks
Book Reviews
>> Prayers & Reflection
18 Prayers & Reflection for March
20 Prayers & Reflection for April
22 Prayers & Reflection for May
>> Articles on the Teams Site
ERI Study Topic - “Discerning the Signs of the Times”
Newsletter Editors
Please send contributions for the June to August 2016 edition by 1st April 2016
to: Newsletter Editors, Malcolm & Marilyn Studholme
Email: [email protected]
If your team requires permanent change in number of newsletters, contact your
Regional Couple. These are listed in the Teams Directory section of the Newsletter.
If you require one off extra copy(ies) of a particular edition, please contact your
Regional Distribution Couple. These are:
Southern Region: Bob & Lucy Barnes
Central Region: Paul & Janet DeBoo
Northern Region: Mark & Dympna Edwards
Teams Diary
If there is an event you would like to attend, please feel free to do so!
May 2016
13
20.00 London South West Sector
Piotr & DzidziaChodzko-Zajko
Pentecost Mixed Teams Meeting
Ealing, West London
Couples & Spiritual Advisors from all sectors are welcome
Sep/Oct
30 - 2
Swanwick Event 2016
GB Regional Gathering
Swanwick, Derbyshire
To secure your place use booking form on page 6
or book on line at www.teamsgb.org.uk
Mark & Dympna Edwards
Hayes Centre, Southern Regional Couple’s Letter
Dear Friends in Teams
We should like to thank Tom and Mary
Makinson from Banstead Team for their
service to Teams. Tom’s work as Regional
Treasurer and his kind and gentle manner in
carrying out this role epitomises the spirit
of Teams. Our thanks also go to Harold and
Irene Herbonnet from Epsom 1 Team for their
unstinting work as Regional Distribution
Couple for sending out all the newsletters so
promptly and efficiently. Both these couples
kindly agreed to carry on these roles whilst
we found replacements for which we thank
them. We welcome Adrian and Karen Jones
from Fareham 1 Team as our new Treasurers
and Lucy and Bob Barnes from Banstead
and Reigate Team as our new Newsletter Distribution Couple. Our thanks go to both
of these couples for agreeing to serve the Movement in these ways and we wish them
every blessing in their new roles.
This is our second letter as Southern Regional Couple and for it we have chosen the
theme of service to the wider movement. Whilst being a member of an individual
team is a spiritually uplifting experience in which each couple is nourished, nurtured
and challenged to live more fully the sacrament of marriage, there is so much more
to be gained when couples become involved in the wider movement. The warmth and
generosity of spirit we have experienced through staying in the homes of three fellow
Team members over the course of the previous twelve months is something that has
truly touched our hearts. It is something that every Team member who can should
experience, as hospitality and service lies at the heart of the Teams movement.
By attending events organised at sector or national level one becomes a member of an
amazing UK family, there is an opportunity to do so this year by attending Teams GB
Gathering at Swanwick 30th September – 2nd October. When attending events at an
international level one becomes part of a global family, there is an opportunity to do this
at Fatima in 2018. Teams is a truly international movement with 130,000 individuals in
80 countries, yet in parts of the UK it is one of the best kept secrets within the Catholic
Church. Indeed in some ways it seems that we have lost a generation of Teams. So it is
important that all members support and promote Teams in any way they can.
There are several sectors in our region who are lacking a Sector Couple or Team, so
whether you have held these roles in the past or whether you are a member of a
new team we encourage you to step up to these positions of responsibility and thus
promote events which are part of the Teams year. Rest assured that we are willing and
able to give you all the support you need to fulfil these roles. There is also a great need
to encourage younger members to Teams or the Movement will die, so we all need to
publicise Teams in as many ways as possible. Last year we managed to have published
an article on the Pope’s message to Teams in two diocesan newsletters. Next time you
Southern Regional Couple’s Letter
have a special Team or Sector event take a picture and send it with a short article to
your local diocesan newsletter as well as to this publication. Ask your Parish Priest if
he will allow you to put a Teams poster on the noticeboard or Teams events in your
weekly newsletter with contact details for interested parishioners. There are a variety
of other ways in which we can all spread the word to other couples, whilst space does
not enable us to elaborate on these here we are happy to talk to any team or we could
start a forum in this newsletter.
We end with a prayer.
During this prayerful season of Lent let us reflect with thanksgiving on the joy and
support that being a member of Teams brings to our marriages.
At Eastertide renewed by the Paschal Mystery may we endeavour to bring the love of
Christ through the Teams Movement to new couples and enable them to deepen and
strengthen their married spirituality.
God bless
Bernard & Susan Kelly
Southern Regional Couple
Travelling Abroad?
Have you ever thought of visiting a local team whilst
you are travelling?
Your Super-Regional Couple Piotr & Dzidzia ChodkoZajko has a copy of the international directory and can
give you local contact details.
After all, Teams is present in more than 80 countries
worldwide! Paul & Helena McCloskey
ERI Zone Liaison Couple
Teams GB Gathering - 2016
You are invited to
Teams GB Gathering
30 September- 2 October 2016
Hayes Centre, Swanwick, Derbyshire
“Living the Gospel in a Changing World”
Children’s programme
Time as a couple and family
Time for spiritual renewal
Inspirational teaching and discussions
Catch up with Teams Friends & meet new friends from across the UK and the world
To get a taste of what is involved
visit www.teamsgb.org.uk
Cost £150 per person to include full board
No charge for Spiritual Counsellors or Children
Places are limited - book yours by end of February
to secure your place
Use the booking form on page 6
or book online at www.teamsgb.org.uk
Teams GB Gathering Booking Form - Overleaf
Teams GB Gathering
30 September - 2 October 2016
Hayes Centre, Swanwick, Derbyshire
Booking Form overleaf
Please cut out or photocopy
Teams GB Gathering - Booking Form
GB Regional Gathering
Friday 30th September
to
Sunday 2nd October 2016
You are warmly invited to the GB Regional Gathering to be held at
the Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick, Derbyshire.
Living the Gospel in a Changing World
Booking Form
Name(s)
Address
Email
Tel
Team
Sector
Your Role
Number of adults attending
Number of children attending
Children’s Ages
Please send your booking form with a £50 deposit
per paying person by cheque, made payable to Teams of Our Lady to:
Howard & Theresa Park, 37 Ashley Road, Epsom, Surrey KT18 5BD
Or you can book online: www.teamsgb.org.uk
The full cost is likely to be £150 per person to include full board.
There is no charge for Spiritual Counsellors or under 18s
A Retreat With A Difference
W
e just had one day to spend together and we love
Clare Priory in Suffolk - four couples and a Team which
has been going over twenty years. We joined the
Augustine community for Mass, then we made our theme Faith
and Music and asked each couple to come up with particular
music: hymns, contemporary music, either to sing to, listen
to or talk about in relation to our faith journeys. Each couple
included their highs and lows sharing and their own bidding
prayer intentions for their section.
We sang our socks off to many much loved hymns from
childhood and school days, we learned and listened to amazing
contemporary worship like Boyce and Stanley’s ‘Taste and See’
and Taizé chants. We listened to choral and classical pieces
and had a great deal of joy as our stories intersected with the
love of particular music. It was simple to do and a very joyous
expression of our gratitude to God and his gifts over many
years. We recommend it to you. Love from Bishops Stortford 1 Team
Rachel & Kevin, Mark & Felicity,
Clare & John, Frances & Martin
November 2015
Another Way
B
y the time the next Newsletter arrives, you will have received a ‘Blue
Envelope’ for Teams contributions to be made in May. In fact, some of
these little blue envelopes are still circulating through December and across
Regional Boundaries.
The ‘Blue Envelope’ has played a valuable role in the history of Teams in the UK, but
sending cash and cheques through the post does have its problems and though
they will be available for some time to come, there is another way.
Some members have been making their donations via a Standing Order system
annually for some time but a new facility is now available.
As well as annually, donations can now be made quarterly or monthly by Standing
Order.
This enables members to spread their donation instead of a single lump sum being
made once a year. The form, copy shown, is available on the Teams website under
the membership tab. If you print off the form and fill it in, including the Gift
Aid section and send it to our National Treasurers at the address given, they will
arrange for your donation to be sent direct to the Teams account by your bank,
under the terms you have given.
The benefits of this system are that you have full control to alter the donations to
suit any change in your circumstances. Teams also has a better chance to predict
and control its annual budget and money and cheques cannot be lost in the post.
Teams has never adopted a fixed subscription for membership but has relied on
the original suggestion made by our founder, Fr. Henri Caffarel, for a donation of
‘One Day’s Wage’, where it is affordable, to be made annually to the organisation.
Because there is no fixed donation, couples can never be put under pressure in
times of financial difficulty. The amount donated has always remained totally
confidential to them and the Teams Treasurers.
We are often asked, “But where does all the money go?” Accounts are published
in the Teams Newsletters. We particularly recommend two articles you can access
from the Teams website, published in the March/May and June/August 2014.
Most people now pay their utilities, Council Tax and other bills monthly so why not
give thought to making your Teams Donations this way too?
There is ‘Another Way’.
God bless,
Tony & Pat Banks
Regional Couple, Northern Britain
Another Way
BANK STANDING ORDER
This instruction cancels any previous order made in favour of Teams of Our Lady
I ………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(full name of person signing Standing Order in capitals)
of (address in capitals)……………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………..… Postcode………………….
request you to pay to National Westminster Bank plc, 10 Victoria Road, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 4JY
(sort code 60-21-05) for the credit of Equipes Notre Dame – Great Britain Registered Charity No.
1044902 (account 28007131) quoting ref:
The sum of ………………………………..……….pounds (£
) on (date)……………….
Annually/Quarterly/Monthly (delete as required) until further notice
SIGNATURE…………………………………………… (date).………………………
To (name of your bank)……………………………………………..
Of (address of your bank)……………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………… Postcode…………………
Your bank account name…………………………………………………………………...
Your bank account number
Your bank sort code
When complete, please return this form to the Great Britain Treasurers, Frances Mary & Graham
Tooke, 43, Tattenham Grove, Epsom Downs, Surrey, KT18 5QT.
Do not send it to your bank. Thank you!
Please complete the section below if you are a UK Taxpayer and wish to Gift Aid your
contribution
GIFT AID DECLARATION
Title…….. Christian name………………………….
Surname…………………….……………..
Address…………………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………..Postcode…………………….
Sector……………………………….
Team………………………………………
I confirm I am a UK taxpayer resident in the UK for tax purposes and I will inform you if this
situation changes. I want the charity, the Teams of Our Lady Great Britain Region, to treat all
donations I have made since 6th April 2000, and all donations I make from the date of this declaration
until I notify you otherwise, as Gift Aid donations.
Date………………
Signature……………………………………………………..
Southern Regional Gathering
O
n 10th October 2015 nearly 150 Team members attended the Southern
Region Gathering at St Joseph’s Church Hall, Epsom, Surrey. Included
in this number were many members of the Teams Super Regional Team,
who had a meeting in Epsom the following day. Amongst these visitors
were Dwight and Christine Gonsalves who had travelled from Trinidad. Three very
special guests were Fr Christopher Jamison, the Director for the National Office
of Vocations, who was the keynote speaker; Bishop Richard Moth the recently
appointed Bishop of Arundel and Brighton; and Canon John Udris the Super
Regional Spiritual Counsellor.
A sample of the written evaluations received at the end of the day
told their own story:
“Thoroughly appreciated the pitch and content of the talks and discussion topic
and meditation”
“One of the best conferences”
“Superb everything, good PA system very important”
“Excellent organisation, very inspirational day”
“Deeply spiritual day”
“Guest speaker superb”
“Really impressed, great thought provoking material thoughtfully presented”
“A good balance of input and discussion.
Thanks so much for the crèche. Cakes a great idea!”
Following the Welcoming Liturgy, Bernard and Susan Kelly (who later in the Day
were inaugurated as the new Regional Couple for the Southern Region) gave a
short presentation on their recent visit to Rome including a message from Pope
Francis to Teams members.
This led smoothly into Fr Christopher’s presentation which was entitled “Vocation
and Mission of the Family in the Contemporary World”, which is of course directly
linked to the title of the recent Synod of Bishops in Rome. The session lasted
just under two hours with a short break and included presentations, small group
discussion, audience feedback and Q & As at the end. The two main themes were
around firstly the meaning of vocation, and how that has changed in the last
fifty years for Catholics, and secondly how vocation links to Christian marriage.
Fr Christopher argued that Teams have a mission to support marriage and
emphasise what is distinctive about Christian marriage. Three particular aspects
about Christian marriage were outlined: (a) Communion (supported by the Sit Down
and other Endeavours); (b) Covenant (receiving God’s love through the other);
and (c) Commission (offering our young people the possibility of God’s love). The
presentation was at all times interesting, reflective and thought provoking.
A relaxing lunch break followed, with people either “picnicking” in the Main Hall or
venturing outside onto the neighbouring school’s Playing Field and enjoying the
sunshine.
The afternoon began with 15 groups, scattered throughout the Church and its
various rooms, for a combined Mixed Team Meeting followed by discussions on
the theme of “Joy”. The materials supplied were excellent and this was reflected in
the very positive feedback received. After this, an afternoon cup of tea was very
10
Southern Regional Gathering
welcome, accompanied by a piece of cake. There was a wonderful selection of
the latter as every Team present had supplied a cake which was shared. As one
person commented “The cakes were far too good, it encourages gluttony!!!”
Before our closing Mass there was a presentation from Antony and Janet Denman,
the Super Regional Couple, who reflected on their experiences over the past five
years. They also reminded us of the International Gathering 2018 in Fatima and
showed a short DVD advertising Swanwick in 2016.
At the Mass, which followed in the Church, the chief celebrant was Bishop Richard
Moth. He was assisted by Fr Christopher Jamison, Canon John Udris (who
delivered an excellent homily), Fr Frank O’Sullivan (New Malden 3’s Chaplain), Fr
Ruslan Kurdiumov (St Joseph’s Parish) and Deacon Julian Burling (Wimbledon
9). The music was led by John and Jane Rynne, which ensured hymns were sung
with the appropriate gusto!!! The Mass concluded with thanks to the outgoing
Regional Couple, Teddy and Colette Totman who have provided inspirational
leadership over the last four years. This was followed by the inauguration,
including presentation of aprons, of Bernard and Susan Kelly as the new Southern
Regional Couple.
Many thanks to all who helped towards the success of the Gathering, but particular
thanks to the members of the Animating Team from London South West and
South East Sectors.
David & Breeda Walsh
Contact Couple London South West
Fr Christopher Jamison
Nearly time for tea and
cakes!
Bishop Richard Moth
11
Letter to the Friends of Father Caffarel
Les Amis Du Père Caffarel
Association loi 1901 pour la promotion de la cause de Canonisation du Père Henri Caffarel
Letter to correspondents January 2016
Dear Friends Friends
You remember that the diocesan inquiry was brought to Rome on November
10th, 2014. This inquiry was then examined by the Roman Congregation for
the Causes of Saints in order to check that everything was in compliance with
Church’s norms. Of course, this takes time, because—fortunately— there are
other causes to be checked, as there is no lack of saints in the Church!
Last November 9th, during the Congregation’s General Assembly, the prefect
of the Congregation, Cardinal Angelo Amato, signed the decree of validity of
the Parisian inquiry. This is important, for it means that the work was correctly
done in Paris and that there is no need to do more research. This decree closes
the Parisian work and opens the second part of the work, under the direction
of the Congregation in Rome. The Positio, showing Father Caffarel’s virtues, the
holiness of his life must now be written up based on the Parisian inquiry.
Allow me now to draw your attention to two points and to insist upon their
importance:
1. We must ask Father Caffarel to intercede for us; we must implore him with conviction, insistence and obstinacy... God likes us to beg him with faith. Then send us your testimonials of the graces, healings, miracles that
the Lord accomplishes through his servant Henri Caffarel. All kindsof
testimonials are necessary, for it is in a climate of faith, of trusting requests, that the Lord will accomplish the miracle that will demonstrate the holiness of his servant... and that will show the importance of his life’s work: the highlighting of the beauty of the marriage sacrament.
2. We also ask to appeal for subscriptions to the Association, The Friends of Father Caffarel. The importance of this is threefold: the number of subscribers demonstrates that there are many who believe in Father Caffarel’s holiness and also, above all, who believe in the holiness of marriage... The subscription is also a necessary financial aid for the work to be done. Finally, your subscription means that you can receive news of the cause and glimpses of the life and thinking of Father Caffarel.
Dear Friends, in this Jubilee of Mercy, let us give thanks to God for Father
Caffarel, who helped so many of us to remain faithful to the sacrament received,
whether it be marriage or orders.
Father Paul-Dominique Marcovits, o.p.
12
Teams GB - Situations Vacant
GB Province Literature Couple
The GB Literature Couple, on behalf of the GB Province Team, monitors and
maintains a stock of printed Teams literature (e.g. Teams publicity leaflets and
posters , Teams quick-reference cards, prayer cards, Endeavours leaflets), and
distributes them to Regional and Sector Couples and other Teams Members on
request.
Anyone who has known the sharp end of Teams expansion or publicity events,
or piloting new Teams, will have experienced a sheer and vital dependence
on the courteous, never-fail service of the GB Literature Couple. Need 100
Casserole Leaflets by Sunday? No problem!
Can you be that friend to your colleagues in Teams? How would you feel about
a first-name friendship with Counter Staff at your local Post Office?
If you can imagine yourself wearing laurels of esteem and gallantry in this
capacity, please drop a friendly email to any of: Tony and Pat Banks (northern@
teamsgb.org.uk), Janet and Paul DeBoo ([email protected]), or Susan
and Bernard Kelly ([email protected]).
Notes:
1. The GB Literature Couple is not involved in distributing GB or Super-Regional Teams
Newsletters.
2. In step with the march toward a paperless world, the GB Province Team will, during
2016, review the current literature inventory so that every possible Teams document
can be accessed electronically on-demand (e.g. via the Teams GB website), leaving
only the stocks of the most essential printed matter to be squirrelled under the stairs
or behind the Chesterfield. This will both minimise the Province’s future printing costs
and storage needs, and by happy coincidence, lighten the load on the redoubtable GB
Literature Couple.
GB Province Publicity Couple
Attention all Creatives! The GB Province Team is looking for help from an
imaginative couple to develop and co-ordinate a publicity approach for Teams
in Great Britain.
The Teams Movement needs to expand in all 3 Regions of Great Britain, and this
needs a modern and smartly-targeted approach to publicity.
Reaching beyond pulpit talks and Casserole leaflets in the Church foyer, we
need to attract couples to our website, and to build up our dialogue with the
GB dioceses and their various publications!
If you have an earnest concern to see the Teams Movement grow and spread in
Great Britain, please drop a friendly email to any of:
Tony & Pat Banks
Paul & Janet DeBoo
Bernard & Susan Kelly
13
Wetherby Teams Birthday Celebration
Truckers’ Rice
Teesside and Yorkshire Sector were lucky enough to again take advantage of the
hospitality of the Wetherby Teams, and in particular, that of Tom and Christine
Ward (Wetherby 2) for our birthday celebrations this year.
Teams families met at the parish Mass in Saint Joseph’s, Wetherby. Like a lot of
Teams members and their families, many from the Wetherby Teams have roles in
the parish such as alter servers, choristers, catechists, cantors and deacon all of
which add to the rich spiritual life of the parish and community. As visitors, we felt
welcome and comfortable in this worshipping community.
After Mass we joined the parish for tea and biscuits and had a chance to catch up
with those who, because of family commitments, couldn’t make the celebration. It
was great to see old friends and see how the children had grown in the past year,
to find out about new jobs or houses and all the little details of family life. Not
quite ‘sharing’ as at a Teams meeting but the highs and lows of our friends are still
an important part of any Teams event.
Then on to Tom and Christine Ward’s house. They opened their home again to all
those from the Sector who wanted to come and celebrate. We all brought food
and drink to share, and the warmth of the greetings and the excited chatter and
exchange of news was a reflection of the growth in friendship between the Teams
members and their families over the years.
The food was an eclectic mix reflecting the different traditions and cultures from
which the members of Teams are drawn. One dish from Brazil was delicious and
enjoyed by all, but had a strange name: ‘Truckers’ Rice’. Intrigued, we asked about
the story behind the name. Trucker’s Rice is not really a set dish. Truck drivers in
Brazil meet up at lunch time and share the food they have. It starts with rice in the
pot and then everyone contributes what they have brought, no matter how small
or large it is. The result is a feast for all to share and enjoy.
‘Truckers’ Rice’ sums up our Teams Birthday celebration. It starts with people
meeting together to share what they have. Everyone brings something special
to the event. Some things are small, like a baby’s smiles; some are large, such as
providing a welcoming space for the event, but they all contribute. The result is
a dish that enriches both the body and the soul and feeds our spiritual life for a
long time.
Paul & Sue Rowney
Sector Couple, Teesside and Yorkshire
14
Important Notice From Editors
Tedious but PLEASE READ!
We are always delighted to receive articles, pictures, etc for the
Newsletter.
However, we respectfully need to point out that we have a
responsibility to comply with copyright law. Not to do so is a) unfair to
the owners of the materials and b) illegal and could get Teams involved
in court action. The rule about fair usage is very vague and could
apply to quotations of only a few words.
In practical terms, this means that we cannot include other people’s
text, artwork, pictures, images, photographs as well as items from the
internet that are not in public domain without gaining permission from
the owner of the copyright. So when submitting articles, please:
1. Check if your article contains copyright material.
If so, proceed as follows:
2. Obtain written permission and include a copy of this with
your article. This should include the official wording for the
acknowledgement and conditions of use.
3. Or we will try to obtain permission but we would need to
receive your article in plenty of time because publication could be
delayed.
4. If you are intending to use a direct quote, you might consider
summarizing (but not paraphrasing) the gist in your own words.
5. If we spot anything that appears to infringe copyright law we
will either return the article to you to alter or we may publish after
cutting or editing.
We regret having to mention this matter but rather safe than sorry.
Please don’t let this discourage you from contributing to the
Newsletter.
Please keep on sending in your articles, news,
photos, etc!
15
Advent Retreat
A
ll of Hastings/Bexhill Team
travelled to Ammerdown
Retreat Centre in Somerset
for an Advent Retreat with Daniel
O’Leary.
It was quite a journey for us but
very worthwhile. We came away
feeling nourished and very positive
at the beginning of our journey
towards Christmas.
There was time to meet as a Team,
quiet time and a chance to meet
others. Some of us bought one of
Fr. Daniel’s books, “The Happiness
Habit”, to give to friends as
Christmas presents.
We will end in the spirit of this lovely little book: the important thing in life is the
quality of our living, laughing, learning and loving.
Gill & David Meyer
Surrey & South Sussex Contact Couple
Thank you!
Antony & Janet Denman
outgoing Super-Regional Couple
for your dedication, hard work
and enthusiasm.
A ‘Super’ job done well!
Congratulations!
Piotrek & Dzidzia Chodzko-Zajko
on becoming the new SuperRegional Couple.
Wishing you all the best in your
new position
16
Book Reviews
Jesus of Nazareth Part 1
Part 2 CTS 2011
Pope Benedict XVI Bloomsbury 2007
Vol. 1, Jesus’ life story from his baptism to his transfiguration,
shows how all his actions and teachings bring God to us.
Deep, rich insights are given regarding his temptations in the
wilderness, parables, and teachings about the Sabbath and the
Kingdom.
Vol. 2, from the entry into Jerusalem to the Resurrection, is a
wonderful read for Lent and Eastertide. Benedict comments
on the events of Holy Week. He provides compelling evidence
for Jesus’ bodily resurrection and discusses the nature of the
post-resurrection appearances and the first creedal formula
cited in 1 Corinthians. Benedict’s writing style is erudite but
humble and accessible. He tells how Jesus fulfilled all the OT
longings and prophecies and argues that we can safely trust
the veracity of the Gospels. Highly recommended for anyone
who wishes to deepen their faith and knowledge of the Living
Lord.
Editor
God Lost and Found
John Pritchard (Bishop of Oxford)
2011 SPCK.
Do you ever feel that you have lost touch with God, that
your faith is wearing thin or that prayer goes nowhere? This
encouraging book is full of helpful, practical advice and
challenges on how to rediscover God. The first half of the
book diagnoses the problem, some factors being damaging
or tragic life experiences and cultural pressures or even
boredom. The second half offers ”reconstructive surgery”
e.g. re‑imagining” faith as relationship rather than a set of
doctrines or codes of behaviour; re-locating God within and
around us rather than distant; realizing that our doubts can
help us grow spiritually; and choosing to trust Jesus - choosing
life rather than the hopelessness of atheism. The author
writes honestly from his own experience with a compassionate
and engaging style.
Editor
17
Prayers & Reflection for March
Text for Meditation Second Letter of St Paul to the Corinthians 5: 17-21
For anyone who is in Christ, there is a new creation; the old creation has gone, and
now the new one is here. It is all God’s work. It was God who reconciled us to
himself through Christ and gave us the work of handing on his reconciliation. In
other words, God in Christ was reconciling the world to himself, not holding men’s
faults against them, and he has entrusted to us the news that they are reconciled.
So we are ambassadors for Christ; it is as though God were appealing through
us, and the appeal that we make in Christ’s name is: be reconciled to God. For
our sake God made the sinless one into sin, so that in him we might become the
goodness of God.
Responsorial Psalm 33 (34)
Response “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”
1.
I will bless the Lord at all times,
his praise always on my lips;
in the Lord my soul shall make its boast.
The humble shall hear and be glad. (R)
2.
Glorify the Lord with me.
Together let us praise his name.
I sought the Lord and he answered me;
from all my terrors he set me free. (R)
3.
Look towards God and be radiant;
let your faces not be abashed.
When the poor cry out the Lord hears them
and rescues them from all their distress. (R)
Concluding Prayer
Lord Jesus, through your death and resurrection, and our baptism, we have become
a new creation. We are born again of the Spirit. Grant that we may grow in faith
and goodness and be equipped with all the spiritual gifts we need to become true
ambassadors for Christ – bringing your message of reconciliation to our troubled
world Amen
18
Prayers & Reflection for March
Reflection
On the face of it, the connection with marriage/Teams is not so obvious in this
reading from 1 Corinthians. Paul was speaking to the people living in a garrison
town, many of whom were Romans and retired from the army. These people
had been used to a plethora of Gods before their conversion and seem to have
misread the implications of their ‘being a new creation’ as the slate being wiped
clean. Elsewhere in the letter, this confusion is highlighted by specific examples.
Paul was correcting this misunderstanding and it had quite a lot to do with sex
and marriage. He is reminding them and us, of the reconciliation offered by
Jesus in the sacrifice of his life and through it the restoration of goodness - this
is the new creation - which is in each of us and in the Spirit. The requirement
for honour and fidelity are as strong as ever so that we can properly be
ambassadors for Christ.
In preparing this reflection I was struck by Raymond Brown’s1 assertion in his
comments about the letter that ‘real freedom does not have to be expressed
to be real freedom’ and when it is expressed without self discipline, it may lead
only to the bondage of compulsion. This was in response to a phrase common
at the time among Corinthians and needing Paul’s correction, ‘For me everything
is permissible’. This made me wonder about one of our own - ‘Make love not war’
- either of which action, when unmeasured is undesirable.
In the reading and the psalm, we are exhorted to goodness - living well and
praising the Lord.
Deacon Nick Johnson
St Mary’s Poole
1
Brown, R.E. - An Introduction to the New Testament - Doubleday 1997, New York - p.518
19
Prayers & Reflection for April
Text for Meditation John 14: 27-31
Jesus said to his disciples:
‘Peace, I bequeath to you,
my own peace I give you,
a peace the world cannot give, this is my gift to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
You heard me say:
I am going away, and shall return.
If you loved me you would have been glad to know that I am
going to the Father,
for the Father is greater than I.
I have told you this now before it happens,
so that when it does happen you may believe.
I shall not talk with you any longer,
because the prince of this world is on his way.
He has no power over me,
but the world must be brought to know that I love the Father
and that I am doing exactly what the Father told me.’
Responsorial Psalm 84 (85)
Response “Let us see, O Lord, your mercy, and give us your saving help.”
1.
I will hear what the Lord has to say,
a voice that speaks of peace,
peace for his people.
His help is near for those who fear him,
and his glory will dwell in our land. (R)
2.
Mercy and faithfulness have met;
justice and peace have embraced.
Faithfulness shall spring from the earth
and justice look down from heaven (R)
3.
The Lord will make us prosper
and our earth shall yield its fruit.
Justice shall march before him,
and peace shall follow his steps. (R)
Concluding Prayer
Lord, keep us abiding in you, faithfully obeying your commands. Fill us with love
and trust. May the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard our
hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen.
20
Prayers & Reflection for April
Reflection
Peace is what we all want. However, the word peace has many nuances and
overtones in our language: it can mean the absence of war, it can mean apathy, it
can mean relaxation, and it is often associated with death. What Jesus is speaking
of here is different. The peace He gives is something that the world, though it may
long for it, cannot give; it is only found through Jesus Christ, who calls it “my own
peace”.
So, what is this peace, and how is it different? In this passage, known as the
Farewell Discourse, Jesus tells his disciples about the troubles they will have
to face after He has left them. The disciples, with one exception, were to meet
dramatic ends in martyrdom, and yet to do so with calm and serenity, full of faith,
knowing that after death comes resurrection, and that the teaching of Jesus is
true and worth dying for. No earthly temptation could shake them from their
resolve to follow God. Peace is the profound calm that comes from knowing that
God is in charge of this earth and that every seeming disaster leads only to an
increase of His glory.
Peace comes from faith. Hence the reference to the
“prince of this world”, the devil: we believe he has no lasting power, but will one
day be overthrown definitively, when God is all in all.
Relaxation, to go back to one of the worldly ideas that passes for peace, is
something that the world finds very hard to do. We are distracted by endless calls
on our attention, most of which are profoundly unsettling, because they seem so
pointless. We try to relax in order to empty our minds of the mental rubbish that
floods into them every day: but emptying the mind is never enough. We also
need to fill our minds, and this is where prayer enters. Prayer is thinking about
God, letting the mind be filled with the things of God, chief of which is love. Prayer
nourishes faith and gives us peace.
Think of those early martyrs in the amphitheatre, about to face the lions! The roar
of the crowd, the blinding light of the sun after the dungeons below, the smell of
the beasts….. and yet their minds, stayed on God, knew perfect peace.
Fr Alexander Lucie-Smith
21
Prayers & Reflection for May
Text for Meditation Proverbs 8: 22-31
The Wisdom of God cries aloud,
The Lord created me when his purpose first unfolded,
before the oldest of his works.
From everlasting I was firmly set,
from the beginning, before earth came into being.
The deep was not when I was born,
there were no springs to gush with water.
Before the mountains were settled,
before the hills, I came to birth;
before he made the earth, the countryside,
or the first grains of the world’s dust.
When he fixed the heavens firm, I was there,
when he drew a ring on the surface of the deep,
when he thickened the clouds above,
when he fixed fast the springs of the deep,
when he assigned the sea its boundaries
- and the waters will not invade the shore when he laid down the foundations of the earth, I was by his side,
a master craftsman, delighting him day after day,
ever at play everywhere in his world, delighting to be with the sons of men.
Responsorial Psalm 8
Response “How great is your name, O Lord our God, through all the earth!”
1.
When I see the heavens, the work of your hands,
the moon and the stars which you arranged,
what is man that you should keep him in mind,
mortal man that you care for him? (R)
2.
Yet you have made him little less than a god;
with glory and honour you crowned him,
gave him power over the works of your hand,
put all things under his feet. (R)
3.
All of them, sheep and cattle,
yes, even the savage beasts,
birds of the air, and fish
that make their way through the waters.
(R)
Concluding Prayer
Creator God, your divine power and eternal nature can be clearly seen in all
creation. Grant us a deeper appreciation of the sacred trust you have placed in
us by appointing us stewards over the earth. May we do all we can to protect
our common home and help ensure that its resources are shared out justly
Amen
22
Prayers & Reflection for May
Reflection
When it comes to writing about the TRINITY fools rush in where angels fear
tread. The Godhead surpasses all our understanding. No words could begin
describe the splendour, beauty and perfection of Father, Son and Holy Spirit
the amazing relationship of love between them. We suggest the best way
approach is humbly and via the heart rather than the head.
to
to
or
to
Ann Persson uses Rublev’s icon to contemplate the Trinity. She describes eternal
life within the Trinity as a graceful yet lively dance in which perfect love flows back
and forth from one divine Person to another.1
This sense of vitality echoes that of the poet who wrote the beautiful passage from
Proverbs. He speaks in the voice of God’s co-creator (Wisdom). The writer tells
us that, like Jesus, Wisdom is from everlasting, born before anything was created
and delighted in by God. His words are like a jubilant song as he rejoices at being
instrumental in creation. Wisdom is portrayed as almost dancing playfully out of
sheer joy while the world is created, and particularly rejoicing in the creation of
humankind. St Paul later refers to Christ as the Wisdom of God2.
It seems that God delights in us so much that he cannot take his eyes off us. Pope
Francis tells us that Jesus gazes upon each one of us with a look of love ‘that
always lifts us up’ 3. The Pope goes on to say that this look encourages us to grow
and have the courage to follow Jesus. During this Holy Year, if we allow ourselves
to take time out just to be with Jesus and experience His gaze of mercy we shall
be better able to bring His mercy to others.
Let us pray that like the writer of Proverbs and the Psalmist we may come to
a deeper, more joyful awareness of the wonders of the earth, ‘our common
home’, that we may tread gently, live simply, so as to leave something for future
generations.
Editor
1
Person, A. The Circle of Love: Praying with Rublev’s icon of the Trinity. The Bible Reading
Fellowship 2010, Abingdon, UK, p66.
2
1 Cor 1:24
3
Sermon on the Merciful Love of Jesus, Holguin, Cuba, 21/09/2015
Texts for Reflection and Psalms are taken from The Roman Missal © 2010, International
Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation.
All rights reserved.
23
Notice Board
Prayer Cascade: www.teamsgb.org.uk/prayercascade
Two are better than one . . .
. . . how can one be warm alone?
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord
and my spirit exults in God my saviour;
because he has looked upon his lowly handmaid.
Yes, from this day forward all generations will call me blessed,
for the Almighty has done great things for me.
Holy is His name, and His mercy reaches from age to age
for those who fear Him.
He has shown the power of His arm,
He has routed the proud of heart.
He has pulled down princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly.
The hungry He has filled with good things, the rich He sent empty away.
He has come to the help of Israel His servant, mindful of His mercy
- according to the promise He made to our ancestors,
of His mercy to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.
Our Lady of the Home, pray for us.
final thought . . .
Team Prayer • The Magnificat