The theme of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops in Rome next year is “Young People, Faith and Vocational Discernment”. To read the preparatory document for the Synod please click here. You can purchase a simpler version of the Synod preparatory document from Alive Publishing for £1.50, ISBN: 9781906278243.

On Tuesday 18th July, Hector Rick Fernandez was ordained to the diaconate. Here he is pictured on the right next to the vocations director for Brentwood, Fr Graham Smith. Hector studied at the Beda College in Rome and was ordained by Bishop Alan Williams in Dagenham.

Congratulations to Sr Maria of the Resurrection, who recently made her Solemn Profession to become a Carmelite sister. For information on religious life please visit www.ukreligiouslife.org.

Congratulations to Fr Alex Stewart and Fr Krzysztof Sanetra who were recently ordained for the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter (FSSP), a clerical society of apostolic life that exclusively uses the pre-1962 rite. This Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite took place in England for the first time in decades. For photos of the ordinations please click here, or to watch a video of the ordinations please click here.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, ordained seven men to the priesthood at Westminster Cathedral on Saturday, the Nativity of St John the Baptist, 24th June 2017. Bishop Nicholas Hudson and more than 100 priests concelebrated the Mass.

The seven new priests are: Rev Julio Albornoz, Rev Michael Jarmulowicz, Rev Michael Maguire, Rev Brian McMahon, Rev Joseph Okoro, Rev Carlos Quito and Rev John Warnaby.

In his homily Cardinal Vincent noted that these men are called by the Father who “has chosen you, from all eternity, to be companions to his Son, sharing in his mission, in the power of the Holy Spirit.”

To read the full article from Independent Catholic News, please click here.

Sunday 20th – Sunday 27th August 2017

This is a special week in Taizé, reserved for 18-35 year-olds. The aim of the week is to allow young adults with a similar life or work situation to meet and discuss their future seen in the light of faith.

There will be a bible introduction for everyone at the end of morning prayer. Early afternoon there will be a “celebration of peoples” The programme will include workshops in which young people from different continents, people involved in international organisations, Christian communities and local initiatives of solidarity will participate. There will also be small sharing groups.

For more information please visit http://www.taize.fr/en_article19883.html