Clergy Notes — August 5, 2018

In early July I was fortunate to be able to attend the International Conference of the Society of Catholic Priests in Canterbury, England.

I was thankful for the opportunity to meet with fellow priests from across the Anglican Communion to share together in worship, in celebrating the joys and reflecting on the burdens of ministry, and in listening to one another’s hopes and aspirations. The North American contingent was small, so I found myself as an English priest of the Anglican Church of Canada assisting two Episcopalian priests at Mass on 4 July!

It was good that the conference was based around the daily life of prayer at Canterbury Cathedral, a place of pilgrimage over many centuries and the mother church of our Communion, where we were welcomed warmly and generously by the Dean and Chapter. Being immersed in that daily rhythm of prayer and praise, and in that sense of continuity with countless pilgrims down the ages, was the highlight for me.

This, together with lectures by the Dean and by Fr. George Guiver, CR, lately Superior of the Community of the Resurrection at Mirfield, reinforced for me how essential is our regular recitation of the Daily Office here at St. James’. The regular round of Morning and Evening Prayer, together with the Mass, is the heartbeat which gives us life, keeps going all else that we seek to do, in service of God and neighbour.

We are all indebted to the small but faithful group which exercises this ministry on our behalf, and for our neighbourhood. We are glad that Sister Jeannie-Lynne has recently come over from the Island to join this group. But there is room for more If you are interested in taking responsibility for one morning or evening each week, or learning to pray the Office at home, please see one of the clergy.

Every blessing,

Fr Kevin