THE RECTOR WRITES
29 August 2010
A few more skeletons have been pulled out of the Catholic cupboard over the past few days, and, as the spotlight is focused more clearly on the Church in the immediate lead-up to Pope Benedict’s visit, we should be prepared for more negative publicity. While it is never easy to admit our own failings, it is not good enough to dismiss any criticism as mere journalistic opportunism. That there are factions in the media which are quick to dissect Catholic weakness is obvious, but that we lay ourselves open to criticism by not living Christ as we should is also all-too-apparent. In all probability, the next three weeks will be far from easy as scandals are revisited and those with strong agendas are given free rein to express their reservations about Roman Catholicism, but our discomfort will also provide fresh opportunities to witness to what we believe and to our genuine love for the Church.
It is this love for the Church which has long marked the history of Christianity in our country. St Augustine’s mission was the result of what Gregory the Great (whose feast we celebrate on Friday of this week) understood as a direct inspiration from God. Through the generations - until the disruption of the 16th century - England was renowned as a nation with deep loyalty to the Papacy and Rome, and the searing experience of penal times left a local church characterised by the realisation that its integrity depends on communion with the Successors of St Peter. To love something (as someone) is not to be blind to faults, but, somehow, love enables one to see the object of love in a positive light. We know that the Church is made up of weak and sinful people, that the Mystical Body of Christ is wounded time and time again by the frailty of its members (and the activity of the Devil) but, despite this, we also see its inherent potential as the vehicle of human salvation and its beauty as the Spirit-filled community. We love the Church because we see ourselves reflected in it – both as we are, and as, in the realm of grace, we hope to become.
Pope Benedict’s September visit gives each of us the opportunity to renew our love for the Church, and, more than that, to share that love with others. There are those who will see the Papal Visit as a chance to “knock” Catholicism, but there will be many, many more individuals who are truly open to hear what we believe and who want to know more about the Catholic vision for this life and the next. Pray God that we do not fail them – that we have the insight and courage to discern when to speak and what to say. Each of us needs to take to heart the words of Jesus, “Do not worry beforehand about what to say: no, say whatever is given to you when the time comes, because it is not you who will be speaking, it will be the Holy Spirit” (Luke 13:11). During September we shall be enrolling for the new sacramental programmes. In particular, the adult Instruction (RCIA) group offers opportunities for those who want to understand more to come together to explore the Faith through a course of study and discussion: starting in mid-October we shall aim to meet on a weekly basis. Do bear this in mind as a possibility if others question you about your Catholicism.
August sees many visitors to St James’. We extend to them a very warm welcome and hope they enjoy being with us – at least as much as we enjoy having them worshipping with us.
Christopher Colven
Our Church
Our Church is right in the heart of London. It is a spiritual oasis to many people who come in for silent prayers and personal devotion. It serves the deep needs of those who desire to get away from the hurly burly of city life. On the other hand, the various parish liturgical services reflect the richness of catholic traditions and its pastoral orientation caters for all categories of people especially the young and those searching for truth.
The location of the church is not actually in Spanish Place as its predecessor used to be, but in George Street, almost at the corner of George Street and Marylebone High Street. Nearest Subway or Underground stations are Baker Street and Bond Street. For directions click here.
Access to the Church: The entrance to the Church is in George Street. The Blandford Street door does not give access to the Church.
There is no wheelchair access to the Church as yet. This has been put in hand, but there has been a considerable delay, while negotiations take place about the architecture of the Church and the best way to install the lifts that would be necessary.