Adult Faith Formation, February 25th -- History of the Popes -- Session 5, Popes of the Late Middle Ages

 We discuss the Popes from the great St Gregory VII through just before the Western Schism (Urban IV). From 1073 to 1389.  We then consider a bit of the history of the College of Cardinals and Papal Conclaves, and especially the current rules of how a new Pope is elected.

Adult Faith Formation, February 18th -- The History of the Popes -- Session 4, The Popes of the Holy Roman Empire

 We discuss the Popes from Charlemagne and the beginning of the Holy Roman Empire (Pope Leo III) to just after the year 1000 (Pope Benedict IX). This class discusses by far the most exciting and scandalous time in the history of the papacy!

Sunday Sermon, February 23rd -- Sermons on the Mass, Part 3, The Offertory and Preface

 We consider the movement from the Creed to the Offertory, and especially how this is a moment of great opportunity to enter more deeply into the Mass.  Reflecting on the Preface and the Sanctus, we take a moment also to consider music at Mass and the importance of chanting the parts of the Mass.

Listen online [here]!

Sunday Sermon, February 16th -- Sermons on the Mass, Part 2, The Liturgy of the Word

 In this second of four sermons on the Mass, we consider the Liturgy of the Word and espeicially the spiritual and mystical significance of the Gospel. We note that the Creed is the hinge of the Mass, between the Mass of the Catechumens and the Mass of the Faithful - the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Listen online [here]!

Sunday Sermon, February 9th -- Sermons on the Mass, Part 1, The Opening Rites

 As it has been 10 years since we last preached a series on the Mass (February 2015), we will preach a four part series on the Mass. Focusing on practical advise for gaining the greatest spiritual benefit from attending Mass, we will only give brief consideration to the history of the Mass and the rubrics of how Mass is meant to be celebrated - focusing rather on spiritual reflections related to the various parts of the Mass.

In our first homily on the Mass, we consider the reverence appropriate for Mass and the Opening Rites of the Mass.

Listen online [here]!

Adult Faith Formation, February 11th -- The History of the Popes -- Session 3, The Popes of the Early Middle Ages

 We discuss the Popes from Constantine (Pope Sylvester) through until before the foundation of the Holy Roman Empire under Charlemagne (Pope Leo III) -- From 314 till 800.

Adult Faith Formation, February 4th -- The History of the Popes -- Session 2, Popes Under the Time of Persecution

 We continue our study of the Popes throughout the history of the Church. We look to the Popes from St Peter through Emperor Constantine's conversion and Pope Sylvester. 

Adult Faith Formation, January 28th -- The History of the Popes -- Session 1, Introduction to the Papacy

 In this course, we will consider the Popes throughout the history of the Church. Over around eight classes, we will consider the good popes, the bad popes, and also the anti-pope imposters. We will also have the occasion to discuss some of theology of the papacy and also many of the details regarding how papal elections (conclaves) work today!

Session 1 -- Introduction to the Papacy, Papal Elections, the First Popes

Sunday Sermon, February 2nd -- The Presentation of Jesus and Simeon's Nunc Dimitri's. (Candlemas Sermon)

 We have the great joy of celebrating the Feast of Mary's Purification (also, the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and Candlemas) on Sunday!  In this sermon, we discuss the way in which both Jesus and Mary fulfill the Old Testament - our Lord submits to the Law even though he does not need to be redeemed by the offering of the Law, and Mary submits to the Purification Rites even though she needs no purification after the miraculous birth of Jesus.

We also consider the Nunc Dimittis prayer of Simeon, the third of the Gospel Canticles (the other two are the Benedictus of Zechariah, and the Magnificat of Our Lady). These Canticles have a special place in the Liturgy of the Church, in The Divine Office or Liturgy of the Hours. Simeon's Canticle is sung in Compline or Night Prayer.

Listen online [here]!

Sunday Sermon, January 26 -- The Inspiration of Sacred Scripture

 We discuss the inspiration of the Bible, and especially how the Holy Spirit works in and through the human authors of the Bible while still respecting their individual personalities and freedom.

We also discuss what makes a book to be part of Sacred Scripture.

Listen online [here]!

Sunday Sermon, January 19 -- The Wedding Feast of Cana

 Commentary on the miraculous changing of water into wine at the Wedding Feast of Cana from the second chapter of the Gospel of John.

Listen online [here]!