Chapter Logo: What is in your net ...

The boat represents the Church tossed around in the challenges of the modern world, but supported here by the waves of baptismal life. Peter a fisherman was chosen to be a rock on which Jesus would build his Church, yet here we have the image of a Church moving through the waters with its nets not to for catching fish but for catching people.  Like Peter we are called ... the question is who are we called to be and how might we respond to the Lord's calling.  What might we find in our net ... 

Discernment weekend in September 2013 to help you consider what the Lord is calling you for - see poster right, or contact me for further information.  

Stephen Talbutt
A fisher of fish or men?

Lancaster Vocations Team

Stephen Talbutt who joined me and others from the Lancaster Vocations team at Invocation 2013, a weekend of discernment for young people shares his journey of discernment which is leading him to Oscott Seminary to explore his vocation to the priesthood. To read Stephen's story Lancaster Cathedral Parish blog.  

Chapter Logo: Three blue waves

General Chapter Logo

Three blue waves remind us of the Baptism of Jesus and our own Baptism which was in the name of the three persons of God - the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  In Baptism we are plunged into life in the Trinity.  The waves go outside the image background, and have been described as showing how with Jesus' rising from the dead and conquering death, our life in God gives us hope to overcome the obstacles we may face.  The waves with their peaks and troughs remind us of the highs and lows of life, we are encouraged to risk the unknown in order to go out into deep water to meet others.

Discernment Weekend

For women aged 20 to 40.  If you (or a woman you know) is searching how to live out your vocation and calling then I invite you to get in touch to find out more about our next Discernment Weekend which will take place in Lancaster 6th to the 8th September

Prayer for vocations  

Father you called me

in my Baptism 

to be your child and follower, 

united to you Son Jesus.  

Give me now 

the light of the Spirit 

to show me 

the way you want me 

to live out my Baptism 

in the service of your people.  

Through Christ our Lord.  

Amen

July Prayer of the Heart

With only a two months before our General Chapter begins in September, this month's Prayer of the Heart is:

God will help us in all things.

Chapter 2013 logo
Below is the logo for the General Chapter, it shares many of the symbols that feature in the year of faith logo.  Before sharing what these symbols represent I invite you to reflect on the image for yourself. 

Chapter 2013 Logo

Sr Maureen Mass of Thanksgiving

Service sheet for Mass of Thanksgiving

At her golden jubilee Canon Stephen Shield spoke of Sr Maureen's lifelong dedication,and how she had lived out her life to the full, down to the last second.  At that time 50 years  or should that be 1,577,836,800 seconds?  On Sunday I recalled at the St Thomas More's Sunday mass, how Sr Maureen had been able to serve and live out her ministry till the day she died which I calculate as 2,406,153,600 seconds.  

 Be consoled; do not doubt; we want to see you in our midst in heaven,
 for the Lover of us all wants this too.
And who is there who could resist him,
whose LIGHT and JOYFUL SPLENDOUR
will surround you at the moment of death. St Angela Merici

Details of Sr Maureen's funeral are given on the Lancaster Cathedral blog, however, I take this opportunity for a word of thanks to all who have helped with arrangements for the Masses of thanksgiving at St Thomas More's and the Cathedral and for the many expressions of condolence and memories shared by so many people. 

Little acts of kindness

Tonight St Thomas More's was full to capacity as people gathered together for the reception of Sr Maureen Coyne's body and a Mass of celebration. The celebrant was Fr Kevin Lowry and the homily which was appreciated by many and which I hope to be able to post in the coming days was given by Fr Stewart Keeley.  

Grey stockings
"Put these on ..."

A glass of water

Little acts of kindness
Fr Stewart spoke of Maureen's thoughtfulness in providing him with a glass of water should he need it during Mass, no doubt many present were able to recall their own memory of how Maureen's kindness had helped them in a time of need.  At the end of Mass I was able to add my own memory of when I first met Maureen and her act of kindness in providing me with some grey stockings. 

It was Maureen's generous spirit which reminded me of the words from St John of the Cross.

After Mass many stayed to share stories about Maureen, sign the book of condolence and spend some time in the chapel.  Below parishioners sitting in the peace garden which has been tidied up this week by a team of parishioners, some of the many people who have helped in so many ways and for whose help has been much appreciated.  

Sr Maureen Coyne Arrangements

Sr Maureen Coyne 

Today the parish of St Thomas More rallied round and responded to the call to help with preparing for Sr Maureen's funeral which will take place this week.  The reception of Maureen's body will be followed by Mass on Tuesday 16th July at 6.30pm.  The requiem mass of celebration will be at Lancaster Cathedral at 12.15pm on Wednesday 17th July.  Maureen will be buried in the cemetery which is next to the Cathedral.  There will be a refreshments at St Thomas More afterwards.  We are expecting over 20 Ursulines from around the country including two sisters who are on home leave and past students she taught when at Christ College in Liverpool.

We have been comforted by the prayers and many messages we have received including those left on the Lancaster Guardian website.  

Sr Maureen Coyne, OSU

Sr Maureen Coyne

As some readers may have read in the Ursuline website or Lancaster Cathedral Parish blog Sr Maureen Coyne OSU died suddenly on Saturday 29th June (Feast of Saints Peter and Paul) whilst we were on holiday.  On Monday, I returned to Lancaster and joined the St Thomas More's Monday evening spirituality session.  We took time out from the series on the Apostles Creed, to reflect on Maureen's influence on our faith.  A fitting tribute and great comfort to those present who spoke of how she had welcomed, affirmed, encouraged, challenged and inspired them as individuals at different points in their faith journey.  

I was able to share the signs of love and many kindnesses shown by people in the hotel and local community where I had been staying when Maureen had died, and for which I am very grateful.  

News of her funeral will be posted as soon as this has been confirmed.