HOPEFUL CATHOLICS

SOME OF THE MARVELOUS CATHOLICS THAT WE MET AT NEW DAWN 2025 I was Chair of the committee who organised the Charismatic Days of Renewal at Hopwood Hall in the 1970s and 80s, a position I left to concentrate on parish work for the next 35 years. It has been interesting to visit the New Dawn Charismatic Conferences in 2024 at Walsingham and 2025 at Barton. What struck me most was the way the first experiences of spiritual renewal of the early days has now matured into a lay people increasingly stepping forward with dedication and authority to serve the Church in cooperation with the clergy. The authority comes from increasing closeness to God and dedicated attention to their own formation. I heard the stories of some amazing people – let me tell you about a few of them. Deacon David (himself not a layman) told me of 5 men entering the Church in his parish in Northwich this Easter. He called it “the Quiet Revolution”. If you look on this website at Straws in the Wind you will read more about the “Quiet Revolution”. People are increasingly turning to the Church in this age which has drenched them in trivia and misinformation, especially men. Karen told me about the Perpetual Adoration in her Church, St Joseph’s in Stockport, and how it is changing the parish and the area. Where there is Adoration, there is contemplation, which leads to intercession, the prayer that moves mountains. That is what our new book is about; it is the secret weapon of the Church. Have a look at Our Role in God’s Plan on this website. Declan, a psychiatric nurse, told me about how he and others organise a study session on Zoom from 7.00 to 8.00 every weekday morning. Last year they went through the bible with Fr Mike Schmitz, and this year they are following his Catechism in a Year. There are about 70 people taking part, and around 200 have participated. We put our ministry, Hopeful Catholics , under the patronage of St John Henry Newman. Our inspiration is this vision of his: ‘What I desire in Catholics is the gift of bringing out what their religion is. I want a Laity, not arrogant, not rash in speech, not disputatious, but people who know their religion … who enter into it, who know their creed so well that they can give an account of it, who know so much of history that they can defend it.’ Newman would rejoice to hear of this early morning study. Nancy May , an ex-lawyer from Edinburgh, spoke with joy of her Masters Degree in Theology, which she had taken not so that she could create better job opportunities, but so that she could serve the Church in her parish, especially as a catechist for first communion children. She isn’t being reactive by just repeating material she has been given, but proactive seeking to give it her best. Rachel , who works for Rachel’s Vineyard, told me of how her own experience helps her to help women who have had abortions. She said that many despair because they think it is the unforgivable sin, and that almost all those she encounters were broken people long before they had their abortion(s). Her organisation offers reconciliation with God, integration of shattered selves and “futures full of promise” (Jeremiah 29: 11) not just to women who have had abortions, but also to mothers, fathers, grandparents, any family member and also those that worked in the abortion industry. She asked me to include this: Hurt by abortion? Contact rachel@rachelsvineyard.org.uk rachel@rachelsvieyard.org.uk rachel@rachelsvieyard.org.uk Owen , a young man who works for SPUC, the Society for the Protection of the Unborn Child , told me of his work with young people and students. It is very tough in Universities, where the Pro-abortion lobby are fanatically dominant. Yet there is change. Do you remember the shocking scenes in Manchester University in March of last year when some Pro-life Manchester students, most of whom are Catholic. left “terrified” as an out-of-control mob raised barricades, spat on them, threatened, and wished rape on them for their pro-life views? Owen said that on visiting them this year a remarkable thing has happened; many other students who were silent of hadn’t really thought about the issue had been so disgusted at the actions of the mob that they are coming out in support and genuinely inquiring about pro-life matters. That is a picture of modern-day martyrdom. Owen himself told me about how his friendship group at home numbering 16 were all atheists, but 6 of them are now Catholics. At university 5 friends joined the Church as well, also their professor who is now teaching scripture in a seminary in the USA. One couple spoke of their deep disappointment as their flourishing parish changed when a new parish priest came, but their charity and love are gradually having an impact. They are beacons of Christ’s hopeful people. It is not always bright skies; we will often be asked to pray our way through storms and dark moments, but “for those who love God all things work together for good,” (Romans 8: 28) Helen let us know about her own journey and how she was helped by Beginning Experience a ministry in the Catholic Church that addressed the needs of those who experienced loss of a spouse - whether through widowhood, separation or divorce. She is now working with them to help bring healing to others. These are just a few of the spirit-led Catholics we encountered. It was a joy to be there and so hopeful!

Did you attend New Dawn in Manchester 1st-3rd August?

JUBILEE MEANS JOY