By Fr TOM McHUGH

A huge thank you to the nearly one thousand people who gathered to celebrate with me a Mass of Thanksgiving on the occasion of my Golden Jubilee of Ordination to the priesthood. The joy-filled and festive experience was for me superlative in every way.

Pope Benedict XVI has given us a truly memorable phrase: “There is nothing more beautiful than the encounter with Christ.” Specifically, in the celebration of Mass, we meet him in his people, in his Word proclaimed, in Holy Communion shared, and in the Minister presiding.

By Fr TOM McHUGH

Recently, a number of people who have lived to be over 100 were interviewed about what contributed to their long life. While there was great diversity in what they had to say, they had one thing in common: an “attitude of thankfulness and an interest in the world around them”.

By JOHN WARREN

For several years this Parish has helped to run the Bromley Homeless Shelter, providing an evening meal, a safe warm bed overnight, and breakfast, for the homeless in Bromley during the winter months. Our parishioners have cooked and stayed with the homeless overnight, and a team have provided clean bed-linen every week; and you have sponsored the Shelter financially, so thank you all very much for all you have done.

By RANJANA CHAUHAN

How blessed my husband, Jaydev, and I were to be able to attend all three services of the Easter Triduum this year. The celebrations were deeply moving.

Fr SAJU PINAKATTU

Lent begins with reflection on the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. The Fathers of the Church explain that Jesus’s temptations are described after his baptism to teach us why we are tempted and how we should conquer temptations.

By CRISTIANA BORG

My name is Cristiana Borg, a Key Stage 2 pupil, and I attend St Joseph’s RC Church, Bromley. I think that the parish council at my church should resolve for our parish to become a Fair Trade parish.

By Deacon BARRY MELLISH

On Saturday 22 October, some 27 pilgrims left Heathrow bound for Medjugorje. For some, this was the first experience of visiting the places where Our Lady has appeared with such regularity; for others, it was a return to a place they loved.

By GARRY CULLEN

This is the first time I have written a blog entry, so, readers, please forgive me as I am no doubt a novice. As most of you will know, I have recently completed my first year at St John’s seminary in Wonersh as part of my journey to become a Deacon, which – God willing – will see me ordained in 2018. So what have I learnt thus far?