Westminster Bishop visits London Catholic Worker

Bishop Sherrington at the Catholic Worker House

Bishop John Sherrington, Auxiliary in Westminster, made a pastoral visit to the London Catholic Worker on Thursday 13 July. He met members of the community at Giuseppe Conlon House of hospitality in Harringay, including many of the 19 men who are destitute asylum seekers living there. He also met the live-in community who are the heart of the work: Nora Ziegler, Mirjam Johansson, Roland Dale, and Sam Brackenbury, as well as founder member Passionist Fr Martin Newell. He also met some of the many other volunteers and supporters from local parishes and elsewhere.

After Bishop John had been given a tour of the house, there followed a liturgy, "Christ among us, as we share the bread of life", focusing on the Christ who comes to us in each person, especially the poorest, as well as in the eucharist and in our daily bread. There were readings from John 6, from Catholic Worker founder, Dorothy Day, as well as from Therese Vanier. During the shared reflections, Bishop John spoke of his appreciation and support for the life, work and witness of the Catholic Worker.

Finally, Bishop John met with the core group of the community and some key supporters, including Bruce Kent and Diocesan J&P worker Barbara Kentish. They shared something about their hopes and dreams, their experience of Catholic Worker life, and of the wider witness of the Catholic Worker to the peace and justice of Christ, confronting the injustice and violence of the world. They also highlighted engagement with many groups and networks who would not otherwise directly encounter the positive witness of Christians.

In addition, they spoke of their experience of speaking publicly about their life and work, of giving talks to Church and other small groups. Members of the London Catholic Worker are available to give talks and workshops in schools, parishes etc. New community members and volunteers are always needed. Please get in touch.

www.londoncatholicworker.org