St Joseph’s Church
Holy Trinity House, 15 Marian Gardens BR1 3FH

St Swithun’s Church
Fashoda Road, Bromley BR2 9RE

020 8402 0459 / bromley@rcaos.org.uk

Reflections

NOVEMBER: THE MONTH OF REMEMBRANCE

By FR SAJU

During the month of November, the Church traditionally remembers those whom God has called through death to eternal life. This month of remembering, we have All Saints, All Souls, Memorial Mass and Remembrance Sunday etc. to draw on our memories of our beloved departed to keep their memories alive and, by bringing them to mind, we too can somehow keep their presence in our lives.

Black History Month: a time of reflection, fostering inclusion and integration

By CANON VICTOR DARLINGTON

October is a month when we, as a country, celebrate Black History Month. As many of us know, Black History Month began over 100 years ago in the United States. In the United Kingdom, it was first recognised and celebrated in 1987 to acknowledge and honour over 150 years of Caribbean emancipation from slavery and the 25th anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity.

THE GREATEST PRIVILEGE OF MY LIFE

By FATHER MARK WHARTON

There are very few words to describe my Ordination into the Priesthood on 1 October. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for your love and support and joy.

Father Mark Wharton leading his first Mass as a Priest at St Joseph’s Church, 2 October 2022

Being a chaplain involves listening to people of all faiths

By DEACON BARRY MELLISH Deacon Aidan and I are privileged to be part-time Honorary Chaplains working at the PRUH. What does a Hospital Chaplain do? The chaplain is there to provide a listening ear, emotional support and spiritual support to patients, relatives and friends, and hospital staff. We provide support during a crisis, as well…

THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED Virgin Mary

By DEACON BARRY MELLISH

There are people who talk all the time – or perhaps it just seems that way! We could be one of them and not realise it. Perhaps it is our personality or we are so full of ideas that we cannot wait to explain them all. Or perhaps it is our ego: what we say must be more important than whatever anyone else has to say so they never get a word in edgeways. It takes all sorts to make the world! But there is a lesson to be learned from this and it affects us all. 

SPIRITUAL READING DURING LOCKDOWN

By DEACON BARRY MELLISH

Time spent at home during lockdown seems an excellent opportunity to catch up with some modern or contemporary spiritual authors and their books. The problem is how to get hold of these if all the local libraries are shut.

The Open Library seems to offer a way forward, if you are happy to read or browse text on a computer, tablet or maybe even mobile phone.