NEW LECTIONARY: A look at the readings for Sunday

This weekend is the first Sunday of Advent (1 Dec) and a new Lectionary will be used.

In this video Fr Jamie McMorrin guides us through the Sunday readings to help prepare for Mass and to better understand the new translation.

Join Fr Jamie LIVE each next week on Zoom as he looks ahead to each Sunday in Advent. Register at bit.ly/lectionaryadvent

WATCH: New Documentary of Assisted Suicide

Do No Harm is a short documentary which highlights some of the grave concerns around proposals to legalise assisted dying in the UK and Scottish Parliaments.

The documentary gathers together experts from the medical and palliative care professions, alongside prominent politicians, ethics experts and religious leaders, to construct a unified voice of unease. Watch it below or on YouTube.

It spotlights key concerns around preserving human dignity and protections for vulnerable groups.

It challenges the robustness of tabled safeguards in the UK legislation, by citing the experience of other jurisdictions which quickly eased access and expanded eligibility.

Please raise your voice to protect the vulnerable. Contact your MP today and urge them to vote against the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill when it comes before the UK Parliament on 29 November.

Contact your MP using the Write to Them website.

Obituary: Fr Gordon Brown

People who knew Fr Gordon Brown are unanimous in describing him as a gentle, kind and quiet man.

As a Catholic priest he was a man of faith. Eight weeks before his death on 4th November 2024 he had a meeting with a hospital consultant who diagnosed a malignancy in the bone marrow and who told him he most likely had weeks or maybe months to live.

Reflecting on this shortly afterwards with friends, Fr Gordon said:  “I’m 86 years old and I’m a man of Faith.”

Over those last eight weeks, his faith, fortitude and resilience was apparent to those who visited him at his flat at St Peter’s in Morningside, Edinburgh.

That included Canon Pat Boylan and fellow clergy in the days leading up to his death. “He told us ‘I’m sorry I can’t join you for the meal tonight, but maybe next time’. He actually apologised to us, despite being so ill. That’s typical Gordon – so courteous.”

Early Years

Fr Gordon was born in Edinburgh on 27th August 1938. His early life was spent in Bonnyrigg with brother Douglas, and parents Janet, a teacher, and dad Thomas, an engineer.

He attended the local  primary school going on to high school in Lasswade and later graduated from the University of Edinburgh. Bonnyrigg always had a special place in Fr Gordon’s heart, it was very much home.

Douglas pre-deceased Fr Gordon by six years. Family was always important to him and he maintained regular contact with Douglas’s widow Jo, his nieces and their families based in Nottingham.

There were many trips north and south of the border and the family were particularly attentive to Fr Gordon in his final months.

A convert to Catholicism, he was baptised on 15 June 1960. Prior to joining the priesthood, he worked as a primary teacher at St David’s in Dalkeith.

Former pupil Kathleen King said: “I was in his primary 7 class circa 1961. He was a lovely, quiet and gentle person.”

Seminary

In 1963 he applied and was accepted to the seminary at St Andrew’s College, at Drygrange in the Scottish Borders.

A priest and fellow seminarian remembers Fr Gordon being a model student and being late only once in six years for Morning Prayer. But when being jokingly challenged about it by the Rector, Fr Gordon, in the same spirit, turned the tables  questioning why the others started without him!

He was passionate about music and when he later became the rector at Drygrange he would drive fellow seminarians to Scottish National Orchestra Concerts at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh.

On one occasion he even helped a young seminarian get the autograph of the famous composer André Previn who was conducting a performance.

Priesthood

Fr Gordon was ordained to the priesthood at St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh on 1 March 1969.

An intelligent man, he went on to further studies at St Patrick’s College in Maynooth, Ireland. He later returned to St Andrew’s College as a member of staff, teaching philosophy.

He served in that role for seven years before succeeding Monsignor John Barry as college rector in 1977.

As a young priest he enjoyed summer visits to the Diocese of Youngston, Ohio, where he undertook parish work. In 1984 he was appointed to his first parish, St Patrick’s in Edinburgh (1984-85).

He then served at St Luke & St Anne’s, Newbattle (1985-88); St Mary's, Bathgate (1988-89); St Joseph's, Burntisland (1989-93); and both St Ninian's, Bowhill, and St Patrick's, Lochgelly (1994-96).

He returned to the Diocese of Youngston in 1993-94 for a sabbatical and returned to serve in St Martin's, Tranent (1996).

On one occasion while serving at Newbattle his car was broken into and he told a priest friend that he suspected children were responsible. When asked why he thought that he replied humorously: “Look at the size of the footprints on the seat - and they’ve eaten all the sweeties.”

Retirement

Fr Gordon retired from parish ministry in 1996 but continued to serve as a supply priest, travelling to celebrate Mass, often at short notice, at parishes across the Archdiocese and providing holiday cover for grateful clergy.

Since 1997, Fr Gordon was a friend of L’Arche, a charity with Catholic roots that supports people with learning disabilities.

Canon Boylan said: “I spoke to a woman from L’Arche. She said he had a great way with people who had disabilities and said it was amazing how well he got on with them.”

He stayed at St Peter’s in Morningside for over 20 years and was a much-loved and welcome presence with parishioners and the various parish priests.

Into his eighties he continued to celebrate Mass up until two years before his death. When he couldn’t celebrate Mass he would sit with the congregation and afterwards enjoy a cup of tea and a chat.

Canon Ryszard Holuka, who taught part-time at St Andrew’s College with Fr Brown, described him as a “a clever, canny man…a gentleman who was academic, even-tempered, and always courteous.”

Fr Gordon was a good friend to many who appreciated his easy-going and calm manner, his listening skills, thoughtfulness, humility and loyalty.

He had a wide circle of friends who were drawn to his unassuming and non-judgemental attitude and his willingness to support them in difficulty.

Fr Gordon had suffered a fall while out shopping in April 2024 and his health had steadily declined. He bore it very well and there was no self-pity.

He appreciated the goodwill and generosity from Canon Kenneth Owens and parishioners at St Peter’s.

He spent the last week of his life at the Western General Hospital and received the Eucharist with the rite of Viaticum from Archbishop Cushley on Sunday 3rd November before dying peacefully the following day.

His family said: “We would like to say how much we love him and how proud we are of him.

"He was a person of deep faith and intellectual Christian commitment who was respected across a range of religious, and other communities; he had an inspirational level of moral integrity and a spirit of stoic acceptance.

"We miss you so much Gordon and will always treasure the many happy memories we have of you.”

May he rest in peace.

The Requiem Mass is celebrated at St Peter’s on Friday22 November 2024 and the committal is at Mortonhall Crematorium.

 

Celebrating Catholic Education Week

Last night Archbishop Cushley was joined by pupils, staff, parents and friends for Holy Mass to mark Catholic Education Week at St Mary's Catholic Cathedral, Edinburgh.

He said: "Catholic Education is something close to our hearts and an an important part of how we pass on the faith.

"Catholic Education Week reminds us how important Catholic schools are to us and to our vision of the human person so you can learn to be faithful, rounded and complete human beings as well as faithful disciples of Jesus of Nazareth."

The annual collection for the work of the Scottish Catholic Education Service is scheduled in parishes for this Sunday.

St Modan's, Stirling.
St Ninian's Primary, Edinburgh.
St Thomas of Aquin's, Edinburgh.
From left: Fr Robert Taylor (St Mary's Cathedral), Fr Peter Shankland (St Francis Xavier's, Falkirk, Deacon John Smith (St Peter's, Edinburgh), Fr Paul Lee (St Agatha's, Methil), Archbishop Leo Cushley, Altar Server, Deacon Peter Traynor (St Mary's Cathedral), Fr Robert Afayori (Our Lady of Lourdes, Blackburn), Fr John Deighan (SS John Cantius & Nicholas, Broxburn and Vicar Episcopal of Education).
St Mungo's, Falkirk.
St Columba's, Dunfermline.

Bishops release statement on fossil fuels

The Bishops' Conference of Scotland has released a statement encouraging world leaders to establish a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, to commit all nations to a rapid and just transition away from fossil fuels.

The statement, which is released to mark the COP29 climate summit currently underway in Azerbaijan, calls on Scotland to play its role in realising the common good by participating in a swift transition away from fossil fuels, underpinned by a just transition for workers.

Archbishop William Nolan, President of Justice & Peace Scotland and of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland's Care of Creation Office said: "I welcome the statement and urge governments at COP29 to overcome national interests and pledge themselves to concrete action now.”

Bishops' Conference of Scotland

STATEMENT ON FOSSIL FUEL NON-PROLIFERATION AND A JUST TRANSITION

To mark COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, three years after Scotland hosted COP26 in Glasgow, we, the Catholic Bishops of Scotland, encourage world leaders to agree to and establish a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to commit all nations to a rapid and just transition away from fossil fuels.

This transition is vital to address the urgent needs of our planet and its people both in Scotland and overseas; those currently suffering from economic precarity, poverty and environmental destruction; and the unborn future generations from whom we are borrowing the Earth.

Scotland must contribute to the global effort for the common good by playing its part in a rapid transition away from fossil fuels. It is vital, however, that this transition has justice at its core.

Recognising the many workers and communities in Scotland who have relied on fossil fuels for their livelihoods, we emphasise that any proposition to move away from fossil fuels must cite clear commitments to a just and equitable transition for all, in particular those in need of secure jobs in the post-carbon economy.

Simultaneously, commitments must realise justice globally for those who are already the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and who cannot endure further global warming caused by any more fossil fuel extraction.

Through establishing and implementing a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty that commits all nations to a just transition, world leaders can ensure that the common good is realised both locally and internationally as "the climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all." (Laudato Si, 23).

As we move forward, let us embrace the challenge of COP29 with hope and determination, fostering a sustainable future for all.

Together, we can answer the call for justice and stewardship of our planet.

+ John Keenan, President, Bishop of Paisley
+Brian McGee, Vice President, Bishop of Argyll and The Isles
+Andrew McKenzie, Episcopal Secretary, Bishop of Dunkeld
+Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St Andrew’s and Edinburgh
+William Nolan, Archbishop of Glasgow
+Joseph Toal, Bishop of Motherwell
+Hugh Gilbert, Bishop of Aberdeen
+Frank Dougan, Bishop of Galloway

World Day of the Poor

This Sunday marks World Day of the Poor and Archbishop Cushley has nominated the Beit Afram Elderly Home in Palestine as the recipient of the Archdiocese's annual appeal.

Your donation will help ensure that elderly Christians living amidst the violence of war and in need of care are not abandoned and that their costs to live with dignity are covered.

The care home is a project of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

"The elderly are often overlooked and alone, and are surely among the Anawim of the region.

The appeal ties in with the visit to Edinburgh of Cardinal Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, from 1-3 December.

Archbishop Cushley said: "Cardinal Pizzaballa is an Italian Franciscan with a deep knowledge of the communities that make up the peoples of the area and he has many years’ experience there.

"He was chosen by Pope Francis to lead the Latin Catholic Christians in this time of great distress.

"With his blessing, therefore, our collection this year will go to one of the Patriarchate’s charities, the Beit Afram Home for the Elderly.

"The elderly are often overlooked and alone, and are surely among the Anawim of the region, especially in the present circumstances."

Parishes have the option to hold a special collection for the appeal this Sunday. Alternatively you can donate online at bit.ly/dayforpoor2025

Cardinal Pizzaballa will preach at Mass in St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh, on Sunday 1 December at 7:30pm. You can read the Holy Father's message for World Day of the Poor 2024 here.

 

 

WATCH: A Closer Look at the New Lectionary

Fr Jamie McMorrin takes a look at this Friday's Gospel for The Feast of All Saints (Matt 5:1-12) to illustrate and explain a translation example in the new Lectionary. Watch below or on YouTube.

Take a closer at the language of the new Lectionary with Fr Jamie McMorrin, beginning Wed 4 Dec at 7:00pm on Zoom. Register at bit.ly/lectionaryadvent.

Synod Document 'a gift to the People of God'

In his final address at the Synod Assembly in Rome, Pope Francis said that the Final Document is the fruit of over three years of listening to the People of God, writes Vatican News.

It reveals, he noted, a shared path forward toward a "synodal Church" that embodies the Gospel not merely through words but through every act and interaction.

This XVIth Ordinary Assembly of the Synod concluded on Sunday, 27 October, with the celebration of Holy Mass in St. Peter's Basilica presided over by Pope Francis.

The document can be read here.

Pope Francis described the Document as a gift with multiple dimensions, serving as both guidance for the Church and as a symbol of unity and shared mission.

He emphasizsed his reliance on the bishops, underscoring the value of each bishop’s presence in shaping the synodal journey.

"For me, as Bishop of Rome, in convening the Church of God in Synod, I was aware that I needed all of you: Bishops and witnesses of the synodal journey. Thank you!" he exclaimed.

Recognizing his role as a listener, he reminded himself—and each bishop—that "the Bishop of Rome… also needs to practice listening, in order to be able to respond to the Word that each day says to him, ‘Affirm your brothers and sisters…Feed my sheep.’"

This act of listening, he said, is essential to cultivating harmony within the Church, a harmony envisioned by Saint Basil and the Second Vatican Council.

Guarding harmony,  dispelling rigidity

Pope Francis emphasized the need for the Church to embody the harmony outlined in the Second Vatican Council, which speaks of the Church as "like a sacrament." He explained, "She is a sign and instrument of our expectant God, who has already prepared the table and is now waiting."

God's grace, he said, "whispers words of love into the heart of each person." It is up to the Church to "amplify the voice of this whisper, without hindering it; by opening doors instead of erecting walls."

"We must not behave as 'dispensers of grace' who appropriate the treasure by tying the hands of our merciful God," Pope Francis warned, calling for openness and humility.

And quoting from a poem by Madeleine Delbrêl, a mystic of the peripheries who encouraged her readers, never to be “rigid”, the Pope read some of her lines, describing them as “a prayer” and inviting the Church to live out its mission with openness, joy, and trust in God’s mercy:

For I think that you may have had enough
of people who, always, speak of serving you with the look of a leader,
of encountering you with the air of a professor,
of approaching you with sporting regulations,
of loving you as one loves in an aged marriage
.”

Thus, calling for a faith that is a "dance in the arms of grace," Pope Francis invited the Church to live out its mission with openness, joy, and trust in God’s mercy.

Witnesses of peace in a broken world

Highlighting the Church’s role as a peacemaker in a broken world, the Pope said "In our time marked by wars, we must be witnesses of peace, even by learning how to live out our differences in conviviality."

Recognizing the diverse experiences of bishops from regions scarred by violence, poverty, and suffering, he encouraged all to actively build peace through listening and reconciliation.

The Pope announced that he has chosen to not write an Apostolic Exhortation following the Synod, but he said, the Synod Document will be immediately available to all.

"There are already highly concrete indications in the Document that can be a guide for the mission of the Churches, in their specific continents and contexts," he explained, expressing confidence that this shared experience would inspire "concrete actions that serve God’s people."

A Church in which the Spirit breathes

The Spirit, he reminded the assembly, is the unifying force of the Church across all cultures, challenges, and hopes, and thanking the assembly for their participation, Pope Francis encouraged all Synod participants to carry the gifts of the Spirit into the world as a Church that listens, prays, and acts with humility.

"The Holy Spirit calls and supports us in this learning, which we need to understand as a process of conversion," he said, adding that the synodal journey is "not an endpoint but a continuous process of conversion."

Concluding, the Holy Father again quoted Delbrêl's words: "There are places in which the Spirit breathes, but there is only one Spirit who breathes in all places."

 

SYNOD: Bishop McGee's Rome updates

Bishop Brian McGee is representing the Catholic Church in Scotland at the second session of the Synod of Bishops in Rome.

He has been posting updates on the Facebook page of the Diocese of Argyll & the Isles and we have put his posts here so you can read about the progress of the Synod.

Wednesday 23 October 2024
Any final amendments to the draft Final Report had to be submitted by 12.30pm today.
The theologians and writers are once again hard at work because the revised text must be ready for approval on Saturday.
My mind is increasingly turning to how synodality can be developed both in Argyll and the Isles and across Scotland.
After lunch I participated in a voluntary and helpful workshop called ‘Bringing Synodality Home’.
On Monday I spent an enjoyable hour walking through the Vatican Gardens. Without a doubt the combination of manicured gardens, plants, ancient statues, the Vatican buildings and the sense of history and faith is remarkable and beautiful but, to be honest, I still consider the raw grandeur of God’s creation found in Scotland’s mountains, lochs and islands to be even more beautiful still!

Tuesday 22 October 2024

The atmosphere has been terrific during this Second Assembly.

Last year we were strangers and initially unsure of the process and so it took a bit of time for us to settle in, although we did do so.

This year has been completely different. The bonds of friendship and trust were immediately renewed.

We picked up where we left off and it has been wonderful sharing with people from almost every country in the world. We are very aware of the privilege and responsibility we have as Synodal delegates.

There is a determination to do our best.

There is a genuine openness to the Spirit.

The experience fills us with hope for the future of the Church.

Monday 21 October 2024

Our fifth module began today with a Day of Recollection.

We started with Mass of the Holy Spirit in St Peter’s Basilica, under the beautiful stain glass window of the Holy Spirit. I always find this an inspiring image, especially when we are seeking the Spirit’s guidance.

After a meditation delivered by Fr Timothy Radcliffe we were given the draft Final Report to read in silence.

I headed off to the Vatican Gardens which was a beautiful setting for pondering the text in silence.

The afternoon consisted of Conversation in the Spirit within our Small Group. Tomorrow we begin discussing the text and proposing changes.

 

Sunday 20 October 2024

On the night before the Synod began I prayed at the tomb of St Catherine of Siena seeking her intercession.
You may remember that before I left Oban I began a novena to St Thérèse of Lisieux for the exact same reason.
Rome is full of tombs and Churches dedicated to saints: Our Lady, St Peter, St Paul, St Monica, St Charles Borromeo, St Ignatius of Loyola, St Philip Neri, Popes John XXIII, Paul VI and John Paul II and many others.
During weekends I have visited many Churches to seek the intercession of these and other saints buried or dedicated there. Why? The Communion of Saints.
The saints are part of the Church but are now sharing in the glory of Christ in heaven.
They have clarity regarding what life is about and they love us, therefore they want to intercede on our behalf.
I am aware of the importance of this Synod and my own limitations and therefore it seems natural to me to seek the intercession of my brothers and sisters in heaven.
Furthermore, this Synod does not exist in isolation but is part of a long history of many gatherings of Councils and Synods.
It is important to remember that what we are doing is not something novel or in isolation but rather part of a long tradition to which I know we must be faithful.
For that too I seek the intercession of the saints who were disciples that discerned and followed God’s will, including those who participated in previous Synods and Councils over the past 2,000 years.
All you Saints of God, pray for us.

Saturday 19 October

Yesterday we finished the fourth module which also marks the end of our (chocolate munching) Group.
The theologians and writers have, of course, already been hard at work and now they must finish the draft Final Report over the weekend.
They have to bring together a potential 1,650 submissions from groups and individuals in five different languages from numerous cultures across the world. Not an easy task!
However, it is important work as the Report, once approved, will be presented to Pope Francis. The Report should accurately reflect the Assembly’s discussions but also contain concrete proposals for how the Church can become more synodal and missionary.
Please keep the writers in your prayers over the weekend.
Our fifth and final module begins on Monday with Mass in St Peter’s at 7.30am which will be live-streamed on Vatican Media.

Friday 18 October 2024

I mentioned at the beginning of October that Pope Francis had established 10 Working Groups to study recommendations which were raised during the First Assembly but needed further theological or canonical research.
Today we have an opportunity to meet with the Working Groups, which will report back to Pope Francis by the end of June 2025.
The 10 Groups are studying: (i) Ecumenism (ii) Cry of the Poor (iii) Relations between Eastern Catholic and Latin Churches (iv) Relationship between charismatic and hierarchical ministries, including the role of women (v) Bishops, including a synodal method of selection (vi) Relationship between bishop, religious and ecclesial movements (vii) Formation in synodality(viii) How does love and truth relate? - working synodally in difficult dogmatic, pastoral and moral issues (ix) Digital Mission (x) Nuncios.
Two further Groups are studying Canon Law and polygamy (pastoral care where traditionally practiced).
If you wish, you can also share your own thoughts with one or more of the Working Groups by emailing synodus@synod.va
Interestingly, myself and the Superior General of Female Religious, Sr Mary Barron, both received a document from an Argyll and the Isles parishioner which had arisen from one of our parish’s recent Led by the Spirit Meeting, which has now been passed to the relevant Group.

Thursday 17 October 2024

In response to a request made during last year’s Assembly, deeper theological reflections have been provided on key synodal themes. These Forums are held on Wednesday evenings and open to anyone.

A panel of experts speak on different aspects of a particular topic before taking questions from the floor.

The topics have been:

(i) The People of God and mission
(ii) Bishops in a Synodal Church
(iii) the relationship between the Local Church and Universal Church and
(iv) Papal Primacy and the Synod of Bishops.

 

Wednesday 16 October 2024

To keep our Small Group’s energy levels up (and sugar levels too, unfortunately) we share chocolate during every session but today we were healthy with bananas!

For some strange reason, they want me to bring whisky!

We are half way through the 4th Module, reflecting on ‘Places’ of synodal missionary activity: how can parishes, new movements, basic Christian communities, cultures, digital technology, migration, dioceses, Bishops’ Conferences, the Roman Curia, the Pope, plurality yet Unity of Faith etc help us become more missionary?

What are the obstacles, what needs to change, what must develop, in a radically changing world, for us to become more relevant and effective missionaries?

 

Tuesday 15 October 2024

The Synod logo and message (For a Synodal church: communion, participation, mission) remains the same but the language constantly changes on our monitors. Now it is in Arabic.

This visualises the richness of encounter here, as we listen to people from all across the world - and not restricted to the official meetings but over coffee, in our residences and during worship.

As we reflect on Church life and how the Lord is leading us to deepen our mission such encounters are eye opening and encouraging.

The Spirit is at work and people are responding from every tribe, race and nation! We are truly blessed to be here and I hope that I can share some of that with you when I return home. Mass will be celebrated tomorrow, Wednesday, at 3pm and will be broadcast on Vatican Media.

 

Monday 14 October 2024

The past two Sundays I visited the Scots College celebrating Mass and enjoying their hospitality over lunch.

It was good to spend time with our seminarians and staff. I thank the Community for their generosity in discerning the Lord’s call for them. Please remember them in your prayers.

Yesterday I travelled to the College with Sr Catherine Skelton, a Daughter of St Paul, who is now based in Rome. We both grew up in Joseph’s Parish, Greenock - in fact on the same street, Grieve Road. I asked Sr Catherine why she joined her particular Congregation.

As a teenager on holiday in Rothesay she attended Mass in St Andrew’s and picked up a book about St Paul’s founder and from that became aware of her vocation! Tourists are constantly visiting parishes across our diocese.

We have a privileged ministry and we should never underestimate the positive influence the Lord can have through us.

 

Sunday 13 October 2024

I know that it’s hard to believe but yesterday I received pictures from a hailstone drenched Greenock so greetings today from a warm and sunny Rome!

We are now half way through the Synod. Tomorrow we will complete our third module, entitled Pathways for Synodality. Previously we recognised that the richness of relationships which makes up the Church is both powerful and fragile.

Now we are reflecting on the ways decision taking and decision making can be consistent with synodality. Topics have included formation, discernment, the manner decisions are taken, transparency and evaluation.

There are many nuances in these and other relevant areas and so we have been delving deeply in order to offer concrete proposals to Pope Francis.

 

Saturday 12 October 2024

We participated in an Ecumenical Service yesterday evening in the grounds of St Peter’s at the shrine to the First Martyrs of Rome, on the 62nd anniversary of the beginning of the Second Vatican Council.

The desire for Christian Unity was reinvigorated at the Council while the Synod of Bishops is one of its many fruits.

There are 16 Fraternal Delegates participating in the Synod from Orthodox and Protestant Churches. Although Fraternal Delegates cannot vote they fully contribute to our discussions, both in the Small Groups and Plenary Sessions, and their insights and friendships enrich us.

The entire synodal journey has emphasised the importance of baptism which has ecumenical implications since all Christians share a common baptism.

 

Friday 11 October 2024

The Catholic Church consists of 24 Churches of which by far the largest is the Latin Church.

The other 23 are knowns as Oriental or Eastern Catholic Churches which are in full communion with the Pope, although they celebrate Mass and worship in different Rites and have distinct traditions from us in the Latin Church.

The Eastern Catholic Churches are traditionally found in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Eastern Africa and India although many members now live in the West due to war, persecution and poverty. In fact, it is quite possible that recently some have moved into your own parish and will be attending Mass alongside you in our Latin Rite.

However, when possible they will attend Mass in their own particular Rite if one of their priests is available and their numbers are sufficient. We should make every effort to welcome them into our parishes but also support them in preserving their bonds with their own particular Eastern Catholic Church.

The Oriental Churches are participating in the Synod and our unity in diversity witnesses to the catholicity of our Church.

During the week we celebrated Mass in St Peter’s according to the Maronite Rite. The Maronite Church is mainly found in Lebanon and we prayed for the people of Lebanon who, of course, are suffering from war.

Last Monday Pope Francis called for a day of prayer and fasting for peace. On Monday the Synod members held a collection for the parishioners of the only Catholic parish in Gaza.

Many families are sheltering at the Church complex in terrible conditions and Pope Francis phones them every day. The Collection raised just over 32,000 euros which has already been sent to the Holy Land.

 

Thursday 10 October 2024

I explained yesterday that proposals from each of the 39 Small Groups are fed into 5 language groups, populated by the rapporteur from each Small Group, which in turn decides which topics seem the most important.

One (poor) rapporteur is voted by each language groups to represent them in a further meeting, with the General Secretariat, to make the final decision about the topics, now formulated as questions, which best represent the thoughts of the 370 Synod members.

Not an easy task! 7 or 8 questions are then emailed to each member to mull over.

Next day every member votes for what he or she thinks is the most important question to discuss.

We are then told the order of preferences. During the Plenary Assembly the top 4 questions will be discussed, beginning with the question which received the most votes.

This question will also have the most time allocated with the second question following but with a bit less time and so on. The final period is for free interventions on topics which did not make ‘the cut’. Members can speak for 3 minutes with silence after every 4 speakers.

After the third Plenary the Small Group again meets to discuss what they have learnt from listening to the entire assembly.

We then pen our written report, maximum of 2 pages, which must contain concrete proposals, vote that it is an accurate record and then the rapporteur submits it to the General Secretariat.

We then lie down in a quiet, dark room before beginning the whole process again for the next module!

Meanwhile the theologians and writers begin reading our submissions to pull themes together in preparation for drafting the Final Report.

Tomorrow, Friday, there will be an Ecumenical Service at 6pm which can be watched live on Vatican Media.

 

Wednesday 9 October 2024

It was my birthday yesterday which I had hoped to keep quiet but the Synod Secretariat think that it is ‘nice’ to publicly announce these things.

My Small Group then hurriedly printed an impromptu Birthday Card (with all our faces on it) and got/stole a wee cake.

Perhaps this was to make up for having voted me as the rapporteur the day previously (they obviously didn’t get the memo about my near disaster as Secretary in my previous Group).

Last year the Small Groups were given different aspects of the same topic to discuss and so the feedback to the Plenary was varied.

However, this year we are all reflecting on the same chapter from the Working Document.

To avoid unnecessary repetition during the Plenary Session there are only 5 feedbacks, representing all the 39 Small Groups. How is this achieved?

Yesterday I explained that the Small Groups, after 4 rounds of sharing, agree on particular topics they would like the Plenary Assembly to discuss in greater detail.

Each Small Group elects a rapporteur who will represent it and present their preferred topics when the 39 rapporteurs meet over 5 language groups: 2 English and 1 each of Italian, French and Spanish/Portuguese. For 2 hours the rapporteurs prayerfully share their individual groups conclusions, then agree together which are the most important topics before formulating questions which will be proposed for the Plenary Session.

Tomorrow I’ll explain the next steps in a very thorough discernment process.

 

Tuesday 8 October 2024

During the Synod our discernment is based on the Conversation in the Spirit method, which discerns God’s will by listening to the Spirit through the Scriptures and each other, who are temples of the Spirit. The atmosphere is one of prayerful reflection.

Our text is the Working Document (or Instrumentum laboris) which is the fruit of three years discernment across the Church. Our task is to deepen its strengths and correct its weaknesses and thereby ultimately present to Pope Francis practical proposals for making the Church more synodal.

The Working Document consists of four chapters, each exploring a particular topic. There are 39 Small Groups, arranged linguistically, consisting of around 10 members plus a facilitator.

In advance we prayerfully read the relevant chapter. After silent prayer each member shares the chapter’s strengths for 3 minutes. Everyone listens without interruption. More silence before we share what needs further development, inclusion or omission, again without interruption.

Thirdly, after silence, we share what touched us when we listened to others - what attracted or challenged us. We then have an open discussion before agreeing which topics we want the whole Assembly to explore more deeply. The next stages I will share with you tomorrow.

 

Monday 7 October 2024

This morning we joined our new Small Groups for the Second Module.

It’s almost like the first day at a new school, looking around to see who is there! Anyway this time I’m the only member living in the West so that should make for rich sharing and learning.

Last week’s module reflected on the foundations of Synodality including spirituality and theology. The next three modules should identify practical steps to ensure the implementation of synodal practices at every level of Church life - parishes, dioceses, nationally, lay movements, Religious Orders and universally.

So the emphasis is now firmly on HOW the Church can better live synodally.

This second module focusses on Relationships while the next two will be Pathways and then Places.

Relationships includes (but not restricted to) our relationship with God; the charisms and ministries among all the baptised; relations with each other e.g. bishops and priests, laity and clergy, among clergy, among parishioners, Religious, ecumenically, Inter-Faith and secular society.

The method we are using is Conversation in the Spirit, similar to last year but with some changes. Tomorrow I will explain how it works.

 

Sunday 6 October 2024

Today Pope Francis invited the Synod participants to join him in praying the Rosary for peace in St Mary Major Basilica.

The Holy Father has also asked that tomorrow, 7th October and the first anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel with all the terrible suffering which has followed, be a day of prayer and fasting for peace.

Several participants in my Small Groups are from the Middle East and other troubled countries.

Listening to their and others’ experiences is moving and disturbing. I marvel at their courage in even being here.

Humanity is capable of so much good and beauty but also of dark depravity. Many conflicts are complex with long painful histories. Solutions may seem impossible but never for God.

Please join the Pope tomorrow in prayer and fasting for we all need hearts melted by Christ’s love that will work for peace, justice and reconciliation.

Our Lady, Queen of Peace, pray for us.

 

Saturday 5 October 2024

We finished our first module today.

As Secretary for our Small Group I was responsible for keeping notes and then writing our Report.

All went well, the Report was unanimously approved and everyone left except for the Rapporteur who was then to submit it.

Suddenly I couldn’t find the file on my computer and absolute panic set in!

Thankfully the Rapporteur eventually discovered it and our Report was safely submitted.

I arrived home late for lunch but boy, did I enjoy my carbonara

This year our purpose is to discern HOW the Church can become more synodal in its mission. What practical steps need to be taken?

This first module examined the foundations of synodality- theology, spirituality, activity etc.

Our Small Group had representatives from 6 continents so the experiences shared were varied and enriching.

It is a joy to see the Spirit at work in every part of the world.

 

Thursday 3 October

Today we began work in earnest in our Small Groups. I appreciate that some will consider the Synodal process to be a mere talking shop and that nothing will come of it. Time alone will tell. However, we must remember that our purpose is to discern God’s Will. Listening and attentiveness to God takes time. We go at the Lord’s pace and not our own.

We started this process in our parishes back in 2021. Small groups of parishioners met to reflect and share. The Church listened to what you said along with similar voices from across Scotland, Europe and the Universal Church. Since 2021 there have been several further rounds which deepened those initial reflections.

At the end of Last October’s Assembly we presented the Holy Father with a Synthesis Report which contained recommendations. Some of them needed further theological and canonical study before decisions could be made. Pope Francis established 10 Working Groups to study some recommendations in depth.

We received the initial reports yesterday and it is hoped that they will present their work to Pope France by the end of June 2025.

That will enable concrete decisions to be taken as the Pope judges best. Here is a list of the Working Groups - not all will seem immediately relevant but we must remember that the Church is wider than our parishes and indeed even Scotland!

 

Wednesday 2 October 2024

This morning Pope Francis celebrated Mass in St Peter’s Square to open the Synod.

It was a beautiful and uplifting occasion as we gathered together from every nation to seek the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Pope Francis shared that being open to the Spirit and one another would help us find the path the Lord is calling us along today.

Our first meeting takes place today at 3pm (Scottish time) which will include a speech by Pope Francis and initial reports by the 10 Working Groups established following last October’s First Session.

This can be watched live on Vatican Media.

 

Tuesday 1 October 2024

The Synod is partly reflecting on how the Church can better walk with people.

Such closeness needs reconciliation.

The Church has been entrusted by Christ as his messenger of mercy which she does beautifully in so many ways across the world, albeit imperfectly.

Sometimes the Church has actively caused pain. Therefore, the Church herself stands in need of mercy.

This evening our retreat concluded with a Vigil of Penitence led by Pope Francis in St Peter’s Basilica.

We listened to three moving testimonies of those who had suffered from the sins of abuse, war and indifference to migration before a litany of sorrow was read by 6 Cardinals.

Afterwards I spoke with several Asian women who described Church members as both accomplices and victims of suffering.

All of us are guilty of harming others by what we do or chose not to do. However, forgiveness is like a resurrection in that, having fallen, we rise up again.

This morning Fr Radcliffe reminded us that part of Peter’s authority came from being a repentant and forgiven sinner.

I pray that on the evening before the Synod begins our Church - humbler and renewed by seeking mercy - will be graced to fruitfully accompany the suffering peoples of today’s world.

Euthanasia expert highlights dangers to Scotland

Catholics have been urged to share details of the Canadian experience of assisted dying with their MSPs by Canadian euthanasia expert Alex Schadenberg.

Addressing a recent meeting at Edinburgh’s Gillis Centre the Director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, said: “The more politicians know about assisted dying, the less likely they are to vote for it.”

His comments came ahead of the Welsh Parliament (Senedd) decisively voting this week to reject a motion calling for Westminster to legalise assisted suicide.

Alex explained how the Canadian assisted dying law had failed despite initial promises of ‘strict safeguards.’

He highlighted the case of Christine Gauthier, a former member of the Canadian military and gold medal winning Paralympian, who approached the Veteran’s Affairs department of the Canadian Government asking for help with a wheelchair lift but was, instead, offered assisted suicide.

Canadian Alan Nichols was hospitalized over fears he might be suicidal. He submitted a request to be euthanized and was killed, despite concerns raised by his family and a nurse practitioner.

His application listed only one health condition as the reason for his request to die: hearing loss.

Schadenberg said:  “When the law was being proposed in Canada we pointed out all the failures of legalised euthanasia in the Netherlands and Belgium.  

"We were told ‘it will be OK here, there will be safeguards’ and these haven’t worked in Canada, either." 

He added: “It is essential that Scottish Catholics write to their MSPs explaining that safeguards don’t work and assisted suicide laws put vulnerable people at risk.”

Write to your MSPs to let them know your concern about Assisted Dying plans for Scotland at https://writetothem.com