Author: admin
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Holy Habits: The Little Way of Light
As part of our Mission Action Plan (Signs of the Kingdom), Holy Habits invites us to find ways of drawing near to God in the everyday moments of life. For December and January, we take inspiration from St Thérèse of Lisieux (1873–1897), known affectionately as The Little Flower, whose “little way” shows us that even…
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There’s a lot going on …
As I write this at the start of November, the fireworks from Bonfire Night are still echoing around the dale. The smell of smoke lingers in the air, and I can’t help thinking how strange our autumn celebrations are. Halloween seems to revel in darkness, while Bonfire Night explodes with flash and bang, filling the…
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A New Archbishop Has Been Announced
Across the Church of England and far beyond, there was a moment of history in October: the announcement that Dame Sarah Mullally has been chosen as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, the first woman ever to hold the office. It is a moment of both celebration and challenge. As I read the news, I felt…
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Holy Habits: Breath Prayer
Simple, life-giving practices to help us walk more closely with God, one breath at a time As part of our Mission Action Plan (Signs of the Kingdom), Holy Habits invites us to find ways of drawing near to God in the ordinary moments of life. This month we take inspiration from St Catherine of Siena…
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Just pretty colours?
Dear Grace, I’ve noticed that the altar cloths, clergy robes, and other church decorations change colour throughout the year. Is it just to make the church look pretty, or does it mean something?
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Holy Habits: Gregory’s Pause
Simple, life-giving practices to help us walk more closely with God, one step at a time As part of our Mission Action Plan (Signs of the Kingdom), Holy Habits invites us to discover ways of drawing near to God in everyday life. I write this on the Feast of St Gregory the Great (3rd September),…
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Stand up, sit down …
Dear Grace, Why do we stand for the Gospel reading but sit for the others? And while we’re at it, why is the hymn before the Gospel called the Gradual Hymn? Also, I’ve noticed the Vicar makes the sign of the cross on his forehead, lips, and heart when the Gospel is announced. What on…
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Good news … x 3
Isaiah writes, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news” (Isaiah 52:7). Sometimes those words feel very close to home, because in recent weeks I’ve received three very different kinds of good news, each one a reminder that God is still at work, calling, encouraging,…
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What is the vicar doing?
Dear Grace, I’ve noticed our vicar bowing his head every time he says Jesus’ name, and sometimes he crosses himself. It’s clearly meaningful to him. But I don’t really understand it. Is it just tradition? Are we supposed to do it too? Also, why does he always turn away from us during the Creed?
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Holy Habits: Breath Prayer
Simple, life-giving practices to help us walk more closely with God, one breath at a time As part of our Mission Action Plan (Signs of the Kingdom), Holy Habits invites us to discover ways of drawing near to God in everyday life. But what about the days when prayer feels too hard? When grief grips…