'Taking a Stand' is by Shaun Middleton, Parish Priest, St. Francis of Assisi, Pottery Lane, Notting Hill, West London. The article appeared in the catholic reputable weekly The Tablet just recently.
I felt sad and empathetic as I read it. The Catholicism Shaun represents, in a parish remember, not in a theological debate but at the coalface, is what neighbourhoods need now.
Together, of course, with 'reformed' other Christian churches, mosques, temples, synagogues and ashrams.
What the world needs now are local centres of spiritual excellence expressed in compassion and practical care for all.
As I was making up my mind about adding Shaun Middleton to this blog, the phone rang. 'You found a baby in a basket on your doorstep 20 years ago. I am the adoptive father of that baby girl. I am in Australia, on a visit and I'll drop in tomorrow.'
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I may have said something silly in church last weekend something like 'It's lonely being a parish priest right now.' It's true in one sense because loneliness is the side effect of the contemporary clash of cultures within Catholicism right now.
Had we pursued the path of lay leadership begun after our catholic self-reformation, known as Vatican 2, of the 1960's, we parish priests would be embedded safely in a community, a parish, driven by wisdom, worship and work... .www.
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Michael Perusco, CEO of Sacred Heart Mission will lead this session of Spirituality in the Pub at the New Bay Hotel, cnr Bay and New Sts, Brighton on Wednesday 27 August 2008 at 7.30. Meals available from 5.30. If you plan to eat, please book on 9596 4949.

Whether you have been married for two, 20 or 60 years, here is an opportunity to strengthen your marriage further. Committed and loving relationships create safe havens for couples to embrace difference. This program explores the personalities in marriage relationships. This program challenges couples, in a fun way, to accept and appreciate the growth opportunities their differences offer. Cardinal Knox Centre, East Melbourne on Sunday 24 August from 9.30 to 4.30. Cost $130 per couple. For registrations and enquiries please ring Karin on 9287 5516 by 18 August.

Last week Rhonda and Jade brought in boxes and boxes of tinned food donated by their colleagues at the Dorcas Street offices of ANZ. Many locals will benefit from their generosity. Thank you.