Newman links with special Day of Renewal at Southwark Cathedral

Blessed John Henry Newman

Organisers of a Day of Renewal and Prayer which takes place at SSt George's Cathedral, Southwark, this Saturday, 9 October, have discovered some surprising links between the Day and Blessed John Henry Newman.

Newman was received into the Catholic Church on 9 October. Pope Benedict XVI has selected 9 October as his Feast Day. Newman chose a Passionist priest, Dominic Barberi, to receive him into the Catholic Church - and Fr Mark White the main celebrant on the day is also a Passionist. Finally, St George's Cathedral was the church in which Newman delivered his first sermon on his return from Rome as a priest.

The Day arose as a response by the Kent Service Team, KST, a group of clergy and lay members of parishes in Kent, to Archbishop Kevin McDonald's initiative 'Towards a Vision' for Southwark. Letters have been received by the KST from Archbishop Kevin and Archbishop Peter Smith blessing the Day and participants

Eleven priests are expected to concelebrate Mass assisted by five deacons. Replies have been received from 45 sisters from convents in Southwark. A group of 14 young people from Ashford, Kent, identified by yellow sashes, will assist in stewarding and welcoming other young people from a variety of nationalities. Approximately six Knights of St Colomba will act as stewards throughout the day.

The day will begin at 9.30am with welcome refreshments in Amigo Hall. At 10am, Fr Mark White will lead Praise & Worship with Lorenzo’s group.

The guest speaker at 10.45 will be David Payne, Director of Catholic Evangelisation Services, speaking on 'living life to the full’. After the Sacrament of Reconciliation, there will be lunch from 12.30 - 1.15pm. (Please bring a packed lunch).

In the afternoon there will be Praise and Worship in the Cathedral; Exposition of Blessed Sacrament and a Healing Service with Fr Emmanuel and Br John Bosco who are Friars of the Renewal from 1.45 - 2.45pm.

Tea and coffee will be served at 2.45pm, before the Mass celebrated by Fr Mark White. Everyone is welcome to this special day.

For further information please contact Kent Service Team 01892 542245 E-mail: donovanpaul@hotmail.co.uk or visit: www.rcsouthwark.co.uk

(Thanks to Stefanie Donovan, Chair of Kent Service Team for sending us this information).