“Sing the Gospel!” workshop led by Bill Tamblyn (www.billtamblyn.co.uk) at Christ the King, Bedford on 14th November was organised by the Northampton Diocesan Liturgy Commission, Music Section. We sang a lot of Gospel music, and learnt a lot about it too. Thanks Bill!
The theme of this year’s pilgrimage from Northampton Diocese to Walsingham was Mary. Woman of Silence. There was little time for silence for the musicians except when Bishop Peter invited everyone to be silent for a minute during the Mass. That was a very prayerful moment.
The singers and instrumentalists came from Bedford, Milton Keynes and Wellingborough and joined with others from St Aidan’s, St Gregory’s and the Cathedral Choir in Northampton to lead the singing in the Reconciliation Chapel. Music List here
Walsingham 2015 These fantastic musicians all understand music as a ministry, and they led the singing at the two services very beautifully. It made all the preparations and rehearsals worthwhile!
Having been to Walsingham many times over the years, there are now signs that Something Big is happening in Walsingham, with plans for a new retreat centre, Conference centre and a Catholic Media hub as well as completing the restoration of the Slipper Chapel Shrine, all within the next three years. Details here www.walsinghamdevelopment.org
Changes have already begun, and the Holy Ghost Chapel looks completely different now. For the sake of nostalgia, this is what is used to be like.
Holy Ghost chapel Walsingham 2014
Perhaps for health and safety reasons, all the candles that used to be lit in this part of the shrine are now reduced down to one candlestand.
Next, in Northampton, the Sion Community are leading a mission at Sacred Heart Church. The mission theme is ‘I have called you by your name’ and the music will be led by Gerry Markland, who wrote the song ‘Do not be afraid…. for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name, you are mine.’
School Pastor Karen had news of a second school taking part, Adam Eakins talked of the success of AHoF in the park, Joe Story shared some plans for a really useful charity shop – no wonder he looks happy! Steve challenged everyone with John 17… so that the world may believe; we added the names of churches to the cross and prayed “may they all be one”.
Prayer and Praise for Northampton is held in different churches on the first Monday of the month. Recent photos from the New Testament Church of God and All Nations were taken by Antony Denman.
Praise and Worship in different churches
On the first Monday of the month
Choir at the New Testament Church of God
Music group & extra musicians
Choir at All Nations Church
Time to talk to someone you don't know
In December 2014 Helen Boardman spoke about the Force Fire and Faith meeting to be held – with the Police Force, Fire Brigade and Faith leaders – to make Northamptonshire the safest place in England.
In January 2015 Nick Amis came from the Cinnamon Trust to speak about the Faith Audit which is now being carried out, to inform the government of the many good works done by all churches in the county.
In February, Robert Chirgwin spoke about the Prayer Call of 1784, in which it was said that: The grand object in prayer is to be, that the Holy Spirit may be poured down on our ministers and churches, that sinners may be converted, the saints edified, the interest of religion revived, and the Name of God glorified. Over 200 years ago, meetings began on the first Monday of the month. . . sounds familiar.
Marty Haugen Music Workshop
15th November 10.30 – 3.30
St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School, Grange Road Northampton NN3 2AX Full details here
Filling in the Sandwich Workshop
18th October 10.30-4.30
St Peter & Pauls Church, Northfields W13 9QZ More details here
Prayer and Praise for Northampton
6 October St Francis C of E, Duston
3 November Northampton Jesus Centre
1 December New Testament Church of God DownloadP&Pposter pdf
850th Anniversary of the trial of Thomas Becket at Northampton Castle
10th October 2014 7.30pm Mass
Bishop Peter Doyle, Northampton Cathedral Music list for 850th anniv mass
New website completed and launched in July 2014,
Feasts of St James, apostle, and Saints Joachim and Anne.
A.M.D.G.
Website desgned and created by Teresa Brown and Paul Wellicome. Graphics are from the windows of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Hayes, Middx. Thanks to Carol Little for additional photos and for this icon of St Michael, Archangel.
Holy Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle.
Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil..
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do you,
O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God
cast down into hell Satan and all the wicked spirits
who wander through the world for the ruin of souls.
Amen.
Getting ready for the diocesan pilgrimage to Walsingham.
30 singers from Northampton Beford and Milton Keynes
will meet up at the RC Shrine for the gathering service and
Mass with Bishop Peter on Saturday.
Praying for fine weather, can’t take these things for granted!
Musicians who write Christian songs and musicneed opportunities to perform their work and also to share their faith with an audience. It is a simple way of evangelising and that is something Pope Francis calls us all to do.
Music speaks to the heart in a way that words cannot, and God can touch people deeply through the sounds of this special gift. It is a joy, a challenge and a responsibility.
Teresa has continued to share her faith for over ten years through In Search of Peace concerts . She is now looking for opportunities to encourage other musicians and parishes to host concerts which include their own music and stories of faith, in response to that call.