Catholic Chaplaincy

Farewell from Fr M

Fr John SJ — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:36:49 +0000

With two days of my tenure remaining as OU Catholic Chaplain, I should like to thank everyone who has made the last two and a half years so interesting and rewarding. It’s been a pretty challenging time in many ways and neither I nor the chaplaincy would have survived without the patience and understanding of Nicholas Purcell and the Newman Trustees, the support and imagination of Bishop John Arnold, Dominic Moseley and Monica Turner, the friendship and support of Bishop William Kenney and the pastoral care of Archbishop Vincent Nichols. The Oxford Board have been steadfastly encouraging and we are immensely grateful to the members of Trust and Board who have volunteered to form the new Chaplaincy Management Team, led by Helen Merrington-Rust, that is transforming the running of the operation. Nothing would have been possible without the indefatigable generosity and commitment of Fr Roger to the chaplaincy and I owe him an immense personal debt of gratitude as well as to Sr Nora, who hung on in when two Jesuits came from somewhere else and saw us through the first year and a half. A thousand thanks too to Susana Lee, our Administrator, who does so much unseen work that makes the running of the chaplaincy possible.

The many students, undergraduate and post-graduate, together with the Senior Members and their families, who come over the threshold are the reason why the chaplaincy exists. You have been a delight to work with and I wish you all every happiness in your work, your studies and your faith. An especial thanks to the three generations of Cathsoc, the Newman Society, CAFOD, SVP, and all the groups that help with liturgy and make the Chaplaincy a living community.

It has been great to see the spirit of a Catholicism that is joyful, intelligent, confident and open to the world, alive and flourishing here. It is that which inspired me about the chaplaincy when I was an undergraduate and long may it continue.

A final heartfelt thanks to Alex and Simon, whose arrival has provided fresh impetus and energy to the work here, as this very middle-aged chaplain found himself flagging.

Interestingly I am the third shortest-lived chaplain in the history of the chaplaincy. The second shortest was here for a year and the first shortest went down with the Lusitania. However, if I may quote the words of the world’s most famous Styrian: ‘I’ll be back’.

Happy holy days!

Fr John SJ — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:05:55 +0000

Happy holy days!

Fr John SJ — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:04:03 +0000

Happy holy days!

Fr John SJ — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:55:41 +0000

Thomas More Lectures

Websec — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:40:31 +0000

THE THOMAS MORE LECTURES 2009-2010
‘Religion in the public square’

The Rt. Hon. Paul Murphy, MP
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 2002 – 2005

‘Catholicism and the Northern Ireland Peace Process’

Tuesday 9th March, Catholic Chaplaincy, 8.30pm

The inaugural series of Thomas More Lectures is examining the role of religion in public life and discourse. As the Western World increasingly identifies itself as ‘post-believing’, can Christianity continue to play an effective role promoting the common good in the public forum?

Paul Murphy, the former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, will address the historic challenges presented by religious affiliation in the Province. He will argue that instead of seeing faith as the problem, we can find in it the building blocks to take forward peaceful and constructive dialogue.

The previous lectures in this series were given by Cardinal George Pell and Francis Campbell, British Ambassador to the Holy See. They examined the positive role which religion can play in public life. Last term’s Thomas More Debate between Bishop John Arnold and Even Harris MP illustrated the challenges presented to religious communities in the face of increasing secularism.

Youth Leadership Opportunity

Websec — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:30:36 +0000

The Oaktree Foundation, an entirely youth-run Christian aid and development organisation based in Oxford, is currently looking for a young leader to join the other directors of Oaktree in a CEO-type role. It’s designed to be for someone like a student to do the role in 15 hrs/week as a volunteer. There’s more info about Oaktree in the UK here www.theoaktreeuk.org and about Oaktree in Australia where I was part of starting it, here www.theoaktree.org

A clip on how Oaktree started is here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HruG30CXmHs and a clip on our Schools 4 Schools project is here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J31O2jzTWB0

Second Week of Lent

Fr John SJ — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:22:24 +0000

The Second Week of Lent

For the Second Sunday of Lent we read of how God made a covenant with Abraham. In Luke’s gospel we witness how Jesus showed his disciples his glory, to prepare them for what is to come. A voice from a cloud said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” All we need to do for the journey ahead is to listen to him.Each day the first reading is chosen to prepare for the gospel and the theme of both readings is complementary.

The readings for the second week of Lent begin with Jesus telling us: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful…. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.” All week we will be taught by Jesus about the simple lessons of being his followers. “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Jesus predicts his passion again. Again, they misunderstand, and so he says, “whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant.” Jesus tells the Pharisees a parable about a poor man and a rich man. The rich man asks Abraham to warn his brothers about the consequences of this behavior. Abraham answers: “If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.” Then Jesus tells the scribes and religious leaders the parable about the farmer whose servants were abused by his tenants. Finally, they killed his own son. Jesus concludes, “The Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.” While tax collectors and sinners are being drawn to Jesus the Pharisees complain, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So Jesus tells them the wonderful parable of the Prodigal Son.

For the Third Sunday of Lent we read of Moses’ encounter with God in the burning bush. The Lord promises Moses that he will lead the captive Israelites out of Egypt and into “a land flowing with milk and honey.” Luke’s Gospel tells us of Jesus’ warning that we must be willing to repent now and that our lives could end by accident or through the evil of someone else. The parable of the barren fig tree reminds us of God’s patient love for us, even when we show no signs of changing our lives.

Daily Prayer This Week

During this second week of Lent we continue to try to make use of more reflective time each day. We are using all the resources available to us to practice new habits and patterns. We are still in the beginning stages of that process, so we shouldn’t be discouraged if it takes more practice.

It is good to begin by being reminded that God is rich in mercy to us and that we should therefore be merciful to others. It is great to remember that exalting ourselves is dangerous and that there will be consequences for our mistreatment of the poor. We are like tenants of our Father’s gifts to us. We can ask ourselves if we use them gratefully and return the fruits that our Lord desires, or do we reject the prophetic words that come to us? Do we reject Jesus himself? Are we like the Pharisees or the older son who resents the Father’s prodigal love for all sinners?

This can all be part of the background of our busy, daily life. Each morning, when our feet hit the floor, if only for a few moments, we can ask for a simple grace. At first, it might only be, “Dear Lord, help me today.” As we brush our teeth, shower and get dressed we might specify our prayer more: “Dear Lord, give me the grace to recognize my impatience, anger and judgment today. Help to soften my heart to hear your love. I need your healing, Lord.” Or we might get even more concrete, “Lord, Mary Beth is such a struggle for me. Help me to remember how much you love me when I see her today. And, when I’m tempted to be impatient or angry with her, just help me pause and give that over to you, in gratitude for your love.”

Each of us will be able to grow in our ability to have brief conversations with our Lord. Whether driving or shopping, doing laundry or paying bills, working in our office or walking down the hall to the bathroom, we can use brief “background” moments to connect with our Lord. These moments of “contemplation in action” will give a character and shape to our day. Lent becomes a living reality for us when our days are spent with the Lord, listening to his love for us, calling us to gratitude and freedom.

We can make uses of the resources on the Praying Lent website to have a deeper experience of this sacred season this year.

Any Questions – Friday 12th March

Fr John SJ — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:07:49 +0000

Live Broadcast – Friday 12th March 2010

Any Questions? BBC Radio 4’s long running current affairs panel discussion programme
will be broadcast live from the Chaplaincy on Friday of 8th Week.

Panellists include:

Rt Hon LORD ADONIS, the Secretary of State for Transport
Rt Hon ANN WIDDECOMBE MP,
DAVID LAWS MP, the Liberal Democrats’ spokesman for Children, Schools & Families
JOHN MICKLETHWAIT, the Editor-in-Chief of the Economist,

Doors open 6.45-7.15, and entry is by ticket only. We are seated by 7.30. Any Questions? is broadcast live at 8.02pm.

Tickets are now available from us. Send an email with your name and address to

anyquestions.oxford@gmail.com

Fr Roger’s Homily: 27th Feb 10 – 2nd Sun of Lent – Year C

Fr John SJ — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:25:32 +0000

Homily: 27th Feb 10 – 2nd Sun of Lent – Year C
What do you bring to this mass? I ask you to spend a few moments to notice: What are the joys or sorrows or problems or questions or points of gratitude that are part of your last few days or weeks or months? … And what are the hopes and expectations and fears that you have for the future? This is our reality, the reality of our lives that we bring to this mass. This is the context for each of us of this mass.
When I was studying theology I did a course on the parables of Jesus and one thing that the lecturer emphasised again and again was the importance of the context of each passage of scripture. On the Second Sunday of Lent the Church always gives us the Transfiguration as the Gospel reading, and this year it is from Luke. The context is important. And what is the context? In this 9th chapter a lot has happened. Jesus has sent out the Twelve on mission to heal and proclaim the Kingdom of God. On their return he has fed the 5,000. Then in answer to his great question – which is a question for all of us, ‘Who do you say that I am?’ Peter identifies him as the Christ of God. He then makes the first prophecy of the Passion and tells the disciples that if they want to be his disciple, they must renounce themselves and take up their cross every day and follow him. Then comes the Transfiguration.
And what about after? In 15 verses we get that moment in Luke’s Gospel where Jesus resolutely turned his face to Jerusalem and most of the rest of the Gospel is taken up by this journey which leads him to his passion and death. But before that we have an argument about who is the greatest, the second prediction of the passion and an almighty rumpus as the disciples fail to heal an epileptic boy. In exasperation, Jesus says, ‘You faithless and perverse generation. How much longer must I put up with you?’ The context is important, and context of this mysterious and mystical event of the Transfiguration, this peak experience, this moment of revelation, then is one of the remarkable and the ordinary, of predictions of suffering and the reality of the cross in our lives as a cost and condition of discipleship, of getting it wrong and missing the point. Turmoil, arguments, jockeying for position – don’t be surprised if these are the sequels to profound spiritual experiences; don’t be surprised if you have an argument on the way home from mass.
This extraordinary moment of the Transfiguration is not so much about the present as about the future. Before Jesus starts that long and difficult road to Jerusalem he gives Peter, James and John a glimpse of the fullness of the Kingdom, of his destiny and theirs. Of course, Peter misunderstands it. He wants to make it a permanent present reality – who can blame him? These are precious moments. But this preview, trailer for the Kingdom of Heaven, is to give them courage and strength, because they are about to face the Cross.
Just before this, Jesus has told them, ‘If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up their cross every day and follow me’. Note that he says ‘his’ cross – or ‘hers’ – not my Cross. But the cross is a reality in our lives. For some the cross will be large and enduring; for others it will be a burden from time to time. To live and be human involves suffering. One of the four noble truths of Buddhism is ‘life is suffering’. We would prefer a pain-free, ‘feel good’ faith, spent in peak experiences. We would like to have a Christianity without the Cross, especially when the cross becomes a reality in our lives – as it inevitably does, or will. We would rather take the by-pass round Jerusalem and go straight for the resurrection and the glory, go directly to the happy ending. But that is not the way, that is not Christ’s way and it is not the Christian way. The Church knows no other way. We can’t avoid it without being unfaithful to Jesus. This journey with him to Holy Week is our act of fidelity and it is on this path that we find our salvation. This is the context of Lent, and this is the context of our lives. And the context is important.
Last week Jesus was tempted by the easy route, and of going it alone. He was offered physical comfort; political power; and spectacular displays of his brilliance. In this place, our context here, these are very much Oxford temptations. Many in this University desire and will have a very comfortable life; some desire and will wield political power; and spectacular displays of prowess and brilliance – intellectual or otherwise – are not in short supply in this place. These are not necessarily bad things; it depends how we use them, or better who they are for.
And then there is failure – that great Oxford horror, which is so much part of the Gospel and the disciples experience.
The context is important and it is in this context that God is to be found – nowhere else; in the reality of our joys and sorrows, our successes and failures, in our sins. I invite us all to place this Gospel in the context of our lives – of your life and my life. I don’t know what the Cross is or has been or will be in your lives. It may be your relationships, your addictions, your sexuality, those pernicious critical voices that grind you down or have driven you to be successful, the fear of failure or disapproval; but God knows, and maybe you do too. This is the context for this Gospel and for this mass, and the context is important. Because that is where Christ, the Word of God, is to be found. God deals with the reality of our situation – our context. It may be like for the Prodigal Son a pig-sty and when we look around we realise that we living among the pigs and it is time to return home. God won’t cooperate with our self-deception or the public version. And we need not be afraid because we have a God we can trust and glimpse of the future that is good, when we shall say like Peter, ‘Lord, it is wonderful for us to be here’. If we pretend it is otherwise, and avoid the cross, the Word of God may well pass us by. If we receive the Word, we will be changed. If we encounter God it may be written on our faces too.
Roger Dawson SJ

3rd Sunday of Lent – Year C (March 7th 2010)

Fr John SJ — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:22:12 +0000

3^rd Sunday of Lent – Year C (March 7^th) – Reflections by Fr Nick King SJ

Readings: Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15 Psalm 103:1-4, 6-8, 11 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12 Luke 13:1-9

One thing that should happen in the course of our Lenten journey is that we should grow in our understanding of God; our attention, that is to say, should be on God, not on ourselves, and our own wretched progress in sanctity.

It is appropriate, therefore, that next Sunday’s first reading gives us the splendid picture of Moses encountering God in the burning bush, and, in the same breath, receiving his vocation to be God’s instrument of liberation for the oppressed people of God. Moses is in exile, having had the misfortune to commit murder, and looking after the sheep of his father-in-law, who is certainly not a worshipper of the true God. Moses is at first enticed by the remarkable phenomenon of the bush, and the fact that it was not consumed by the fire; but he must go deeper than that. The first lesson that Moses has to learn is about the need for obedience: “Moses, Moses”, comes the cry, to which he responds, with the generosity that we all need to imitate, “here I am”, meaning, of course, “I am ready for whatever you want”. The second lesson is about the holiness of God; and Moses is instructed to give symbolic expression to that holiness by taking off his sandals, because (and here Moses is taken deeper into the mystery) “I am the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob”. Moses’ response is entirely appropriate: God does not simply stop there, however, with a selfish wish to be noticed. God seeks always to make things better. Moses must now learn his vocation; he is to be God’s agent of liberation for his fellow-Israelites. And that in turn takes him back into the mystery of God; what, he wants to know, is the name of this “God of the ancestors”? Then comes the utterly mysterious, yet compelling, response, “I AM WHO I AM”. That is not the answer to his problem, only an invitation to further enquiry.

The psalm for next Sunday is a familiar passage, from one of the loveliest of all psalms, circling round this mystery of God. “Bless YHWH, my soul”, it begins, and reverently contemplates the mystery of the one who “pardons all your iniquities, delivers your life from the Pit…does acts of justice, and judgements for all who are oppressed.” Moses gets a mention, of course, but above all God is “merciful and gracious…slow to anger and mighty in love”. This is a God to get to know.

In the second reading for next Sunday, Paul performs a remarkable feat, re-reading the story of Moses and the Exodus in the light of Jesus (“they were baptised into Moses…all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink…and the Rock was Christ”). So for us, getting to know God means also getting to know Christ; but that means we have to watch out; “so let the person who thinks they stand firm watch out that they do not fall!”.

The story recounted in next Sunday’s gospel appears only in Luke. It too has something to say about the knowledge of God. Jesus has evidently been asked certain awkward questions about the fate of various characters who have suffered horrible fates: being blasphemously treated by Pilate (as Jesus himself will also be) and being killed in a construction-site disaster. Jesus will not allow us the lazy belief in a God who allows that kind of happening as a punishment for those who desire it. However, we have to pay attention to God, and the gospel warns us, in the starkest possible terms, that we have to repent, which means to “turn it around”, make our lives as close as possible to what God had in mind. God is, the argument goes, extremely patient; but we have no right to rely complacently on that patience. And to make that point, Jesus retells a story that has been told many times before in the history of Israel, of the tree that does not produce food. The landowner wants to cut it down as useless, but the farmer pleads for “one more year” for him to “dig round it and put down manure”. However after that, the farmer concedes that “if it does not [produce fruit] – you will chop it down”. Getting to know God is not necessarily the comfortable option. But it is better than the opposite.