De Omnibus Dubitandum Est.

Mass at Saint John Fisher Going to daily Mass was practically the most important thing, when my daughter Ruth died, that kept me functioning. An opportunity to commune with heaven, to pray, to plead with God. Daily Mass is quick and quiet, more intimate with more 'space' to pray. If you have never been, you might be surprised at how much you get out of it. With so many churches so close together in Southend Deanery, we really are spoilt for choice, but until now, all the daily Masses have been in the mornings, making it difficult for those of us who work to attend regularly. Fortunately, we now have a new initiative at Saint John Fisher, (Manners Way, Southend-on-Sea SS2 6PT) which provides the faithful of Southend Deanery the opportunity to come together for Mass after work. The Mass is just Mondays and Wednesdays at the moment, but really beautiful. Times are 7:30pm Mondays and 7:00pm Wednesdays. If it's well supported, I'm sure it would be extended- pleas...

Last night, Thursday 23rd January 2014, was Southend on Sea Catenian Association's annual clergy night. The  Catenians is an international association of Catholic laymen which aims to foster brotherly love among members, develop social bonds among members and their families, advance the interests of the members and their dependents, assist young Catholics in their choice or pursuit of a career and to establish, maintain and administer benevolent funds. Find out more here . We were honoured to be joined by some eminent local clergy: Fr. Joseph Whisstock of St. Helen's , Westcliff-on-Sea, Fr. Jeff Woolnough of St. Peter's, Eastwood , Fr. Basil Pearson of Our Lady of Lourdes , Leigh-on-Sea, Fr. Gerry Drummond of St. Teresa's , Rochford, Fr. John Corbyn of Our Lady of Good Council , Wickford, and Fr. James Mackay from Our Lady of Canvey , Canvey Island. Our illustrious and benevolent leader, EL PRESIDENTE PAUL F. ABBOTT, has, in his capacity as the circle's offi...

Steve delivering his Speech at the Southend-on-Sea Catenian meeting last week. As I reported on the 28th of June , Southend-on-Sea Catenians were fortunate to be joined by Steve Webb, director of BCCS who gave a truly inspirational speech linking together the themes of community, BCCS and the Catenian Association. Steve has been good enough to provide a transcript of his speech in order that I can share his wisdom with my readers. So here it is—enjoy!! SOUTHEND ON SEA CATENIANS 27TH June 2013 COMMUNITY—BCCS—Catenians. Groucho Marx famously claimed that he did not want to be a member of a club that would have him as a member, but that has never been my feeling. I have always been happy to be a part of something where people have common interests and can share experiences. Right from day one I was a member of my family and that served me very well for many years. Family has to be at the heart of everything. When I was 11 I joined the scouts and I got a woggle, lot...

 We had an excellent Catenian meeting last night. It was great to meet up with the brothers after a month and catch up on how everyone has been. We meet every month at the Park View Suite , who always do us proud with a wonderful dinner, and last night was certainly no exception, with a sumptuous three course meal, brushcetta, followed by roast lamb and chocolate souffle with mint ice-cream. Lots of visiting gentlemen from  Chelmsford's Catenian Circle and Steve Webb was also present, director of Brentwood Catholic Children's Society . Steve Webb with Archbishop Vincent Nichols Brentwood Catholic Children's Society provides counseling for children and young adults up to the age of eighteen, regardless of their beliefs, together with their families, who could be experiencing emotional difficulties.It was started in 1984 by Mgr. John Armitage, much beloved priest of our diocese, who, following the closure of the Children’s Homes in Basildon, adopted the role of ...