Sister Wendy Beckett Obituary

Tributes have been made to Sister Wendy Beckett, a Carmelite nun who found fame in the 1990s with her popular TV programmes critiquing art, who passed away on 26th December 2018.

Sister Wendy was brought into the limelight with her series Sister Wendy’s Odyssey (1992) and Sister Wendy’s Story of Painting (1996). She had devoted her life to solitude and contemplation (since 1970 in a caravan in the grounds of the enclosed Carmelite monastery at Quidenham in Norfolk). For more information about Sister Wendy, please visit www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2018/dec/26/sister-wendy-beckett-obituary, where you can also watch Sister Wendy’s Story of Painting.

Living the Dream

Ever wondered if there’s more to life? The BBC have created a documentary following three young people living an alternative lifestyle, one of them being 27-year old Brother John, who is a Benedictine monk at Downside Abbey in Somerset.

To watch the insightful documentary and find out about what life is like in a monastery, please click here.

New Vocation Seeker Group for Portsmouth Diocese

Portsmouth Diocese are launching a new discernment group for those wishing to explore what vocation God has planned for them to live out. Taking place the first Friday of the month, starting 2nd November from 7-9pm at Sacred Heart Church, Portland Street in Fareham. The evening will consist of sharing a meal together, prayer, reflection and friendship! If you’d like to come, please contact:

Rev. John Cooke on 01329 318 869 or at jcooke@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

Mrs. Clare Ryan on 01329 318 869 or at cryan@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

Bishops’ Synod on Youth, Faith and Vocation Discernment

From 3rd – 28th October 2018, Catholic Bishops from around the world will meet in Rome to discuss and debate on the subject: “Youth, Faith and Vocational Discernment”. Pope Francis chose this theme as he feels very strongly on the importance of addressing how the church helps and accompanies young people. Please keep the Synod in your prayers, that the Holy Spirit will guide the Bishops in shaping the future of the Church for young people.

For more information on the Synod, please click here.

A Seminarian’s Reflection

If you are someone considering the Catholic priesthood, you may be interested in reading a reflection by a seminarian who is about to enter his last year studying for the priesthood.

Ryan shares his observations and discoveries on his vocational journey so far, and gives some insights into seminary life. Please visit www.ukpriest.org/seminary-reflections to read his honest and engaging reflection.

Living Joyfully Adoremus

Adoremus, which was held last weekend in Liverpool, was a lovely occasion with many people saying what a positive atmosphere there was.

A fringe event called “Living Joyfully Adoremus” was held at St. Patrick’s church run by religious priests and sisters, who talked about what they do on a day-to-day basis and encouraged people to think about what God might be calling them to do with their lives. A good deal of networking was done and some interesting workshops shared.