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June 1

    A new month.  Time to reflect how the diary is going.  Since starting the counter in May we have had 444 hits.   That sounds quite a lot, but I imagine a lot of people will take a look out of curiosity and are unlikely to come back often.  We seem to be getting two main kinds of responses.  People who email in a response are generally very positive and encouraging.  Those who have doubts about the effectiveness of the diary or are unlikely to read it very much are more likely to say so when we meet on my travels.

   The main suggestions are to have contributions from others in the group (we'll see how that goes while I'm on holiday) or to keep it more factual, like a newsletter, though others have emailed to say that they were disappointed at the lack of deeper personal content.  One thing that no-one is saying is to make it longer!  I am conscious of the length and have gradually been cutting it down.

   Suggestions are always appreciated, especially if you have experience of writing and editing.  I am also open to questions about anything to do with life and faith, or if you think there is some area of my life and work with the groups that is not being covered.  Some people also said that they enjoyed the bits that were emailed round but that they have never looked up the web page.  We might offer an email service eventually for those who don't go onto the web.  On average entries are typed up and posted 3 or 4 times a week.

   Others have had difficulties accessing the site since we changed the address to www.project2030.fsnet.co.uk/project2030/hughsdiary.htm -      obviously if you are reading this you had no problems getting through, but if you had difficulties earlier let us know how you got through eventually and we can pass that on to others.

   Remember you can make a contribution to the diary in June.  See May 11 for more details.  Write about anything that is important to you or which would be of interest to the group.  We have quite a few contributions from people.  Anything received in the next couple of weeks will be posted after 17th June.

 

June 2

 

Off on holiday today.  See May 29th for more details.  Many thanks to those who have sent in contributions for the diary.  These will follow from tomorrow.  More entries from other people will be published in the diary after 17th June.

 

June 3

My Mountain to Climb    

(Duncan McDermott)

A fine friend of mine recently asked me why I go fell walking, and after a brief period of reflection, I thought about some reasons why...

Each walk presents its own challenges and its own rewards - rather like each day itself. Sometimes I think I can compare my journey to the summit rather like my journey towards God. Sometimes, no matter how clear the path maybe and how kind the elements are, I lose my way.

The frustration of knowing that I've slipped up, is only offset by the hope that I can get back on track, and the desire to ensure that I don't lose my way again.

Occasionally the elements present the obstacles, invariably though, it's just my own inadequacies.

When I'm walking I can be at peace with nature and my ultimate calling. I can appreciate the awesome beauty that surrounds me and realise how fortunate I am to have embarked on my journey.

The temptations and darkness to which I so often ungratefully and ashamedly succumb, are replaced by a brightness & calmness that remind me of one's true needs and heavenly desires.

The steep ascent and aching muscles serve to remind me of the pain I may have caused through the inconsiderate choices I've sometimes made along life's path. The encouragement of an acquaintance, in person or in mind, can renew and inspire me when the summit seems unobtainable.

May my footsteps be more careful and my actions more honourable and maybe, who knows, one day....He, Himself might shake my hand and say, "Well done, you've made it, to the greatest summit of all."

 

June 4

The Europe for Family Cycle event takes place from Monday 16 August - Friday 10 September.

Applicants can join the cycle at any stage for any length of time, so long as there is a place available.


Route is from Dublin-Belfast-Glasgow-Liverpool-London-Brussels.


Objective is to raise awareness of the family - "why family matters" -
within Europe and especially within the Euro parliament.

In theory, there will be 50 cyclists covering each stage of the trip.

Registration is taking place now on the web at www.europe4family.net

Cost is 10 euros per day per person.

To find out more contact Tony on 07709 358 518 or tony.cassidy@hyderconsulting.com 

_____________________________________________________________________________


 
DETAILS OF ROUTE AND DATES:

         
  Overnight stay                                                                     
                                                                                     
  Start on 16. Aug                                                                   
                          Dublin                                                     
  17. Aug                                                                            
                          Drogheda                                                   
  18. Aug                                                                            
                          Newry                                                      
  19. Aug                                                                            
                          Belfast                                                    
  20. Aug                                                                            
                          Glasgow                                                    
  21. Aug                                                                            
                          Kirkmuirhill                                               
  22. Aug                                                                            
                          Beattock                                                   
  23. Aug                                                                            
                          Carlisle                                                   
  24. Aug                                                                            
                          Kendal                                                     
  25. Aug                                                                            
                          Preston                                                    
  26. Aug                                                                            
                          Liverpool                                                  
  27. Aug                                                                            
                          Liverpool                                                  
  28. Aug                                                                            
                          Northwich                                                  
  29. Aug                                                                            
                          Stafford                                                   
  30. Aug                                                                            
                          Birmingham                                                 
  31. Aug                                                                            
                          Banbury                                                    
  01. Sep                                                                            
                          Oxford                                                     
  02. Sep                                                                            
                          London                                                     
  03. Sep                                                                            
                          London                                                     
  04. Sep                                                                            
                          Dartford                                                   
  05. Sep                                                                            
                          Canterbury                                                 
  06. Sep                                                                            
                          Dunkerque                                                  
  07. Sep                                                                            
                          Ostende                                                    
  08. Sep                                                                            
                          Ghent                                                       
  09. Sep                                                                            
                          Brussels    

 

June 5  

May Reflection

(Peggy Yew)

Just realize it’s already the end of May. This month has gone really quickly. Or should I say this year has gone very quickly.  It’s nearly the half way mark of 2004.  May is a special month to me this year because I just have my 30th birthday a week ago. The sound of “being 30” really haunted me. Turning from a 20 something to 30 feels like I am suddenly 10 years older.  To be honest, I still prefer being 20 something, I’ll always feel like 20 something in my heart.

Lot’s of things happened during the last 2 months. I was very lost, depressed, anxious and very “stucked” because of many things that had happened in my life.  But during the worst time, I’ve suddenly realized God is with me no matter what. I was never abandoned. In fact it was at the best time of the year-Easter, I’ve re-discovered Him.

Re-discovered myself, I’ve learned everything do happen for a reason. Adversity is perhaps a challenge; a challenge of our faith. 

Working in London, far away from my family and close friends in the Far East, these 2 years have proved to be tough (though I do enjoy the freedom and the extensive traveling I’ve done). I’ve recently had an offer to transfer back to our Hong Kong office. While I was quite excited about the transfer, I know I am going to miss this city, the freedom, the traveling and many more.  I was preparing myself emotionally to leave and only in the past couple of days, I’ve learnt that the transfer is on hold for business reason.  Usually I’ll be upset with this kind of news, but surprisingly, I now seem to have learnt to accept changes, accept whatever has come to me.  After all, I know I will be taken care of by God. He will always plan whatever is best for me anyway and I’ll just make the most out of what I have got for the moment. The best has yet to come.

So being 30 is not so bad altogether. At least, I have become wiser and now a happier person. I am now excited about my future, my “unpredictable future”.  It was amazing that I am in London. I wouldn’t ever dream of living in London 10 years ago when I was still in Sydney. And it was amazing that I was offered to transfer back to HK, although it is on hold for the moment.  Only God knows what will happen to me next and truly, absolutely anything can happen.

Btw, I am a new joiner of 2030. I’ve only been to one event and have met only a few of the members.  Hopefully, will have more chance to meet all of you while I am still in London

God Bless

Peggy Yew

 

June 6

Before the groups were started I did a questionnaire that was answered by Twentysomethings in parishes.  It asked a response out of 10 about things like interests, attitudes, faith.  The biggest response was to the statement “something needs to be done for those who do not like groups”.  What could be done?  The diary was partly a response to that need.  The  contribution below will be a big help to understanding those who do not like group.

Thoughts on Groups

(Anonymous contribution)

“I write as someone who has very mixed feelings about belonging to Project 2030. That is no way a criticism of the group, just an observation of my own experience of and response to it.  Scanning the newsletters, browsing through the website and leafing through the magazine it has always sounded amazing!  Friendship; opportunities to explore your faith with other 20s and 30s; pilgrimage; travel to exciting or exotic locations.  So why does each event feel like such a risk and take such courage, despite people being so welcoming?

 

Hearing Hugh say so many times that he loves groups has made me realise how profoundly different we can all be.  Joining a new group of people for a whole weekend, getting to know them and starting to explore my faith a bit more has often left me feeling very vulnerable and in quite some turmoil.  Building so many different relationships and trying to follow the dynamics of a group is hard work for everyone but for some of us it is more confusing than others!  It can be hard to believe that someone can actually  enjoy being at the helm of what to me seems to be a social and spiritual minefield but at the same time I feel grateful that such different people exist.  It makes sense that we enjoy what we are called to do,  and that by following our own different callings can show others that what they fear may in reality not be quite so terrible.  To me that is what being in a group is all about.

 

I was asked on the first retreat I went on whether I was an extrovert or an introvert.  No way could I ever describe myself as an extrovert but at the same time was very reluctant to use the word introvert.  It was after all two in the morning, I was miles away from home, nursing a can of Guinness and enjoying a fine display of wild dancing.  I felt was making valiant efforts to conquer my tendencies towards introspection!  But the fact is we can’t change who we really are, although that’s not to say we can’t make unexpected discoveries about ourselves and others.  At the same time I still feel uncomfortable about using one word to define a person.  Assigning labels is like putting on a psychological straitjacket.  We set boundaries for ourselves and others and can start to behave according to expectations, those of our own and other people.  The beauty of being in a group is that what we lack ourselves others have in abundance and if we’re accepted exactly as we are we can feel relaxed enough to share the gifts we do have instead of beating ourselves up about what we’re not and what we can’t do.  Sometimes we need the personalities of others to help bring forth the gifts in ourselves or to attempt things we find difficult.

 

I spent four years in my early twenties trying to qualify in a caring profession because I left school convinced I should do something “worthwhile”.  I was forced to admit defeat only when I failed my practical exam right at the very end.  I came to see that it was a type of arrogance to think that only a narrow range of jobs were worthwhile and that I should stick at something I wasn’t good at and did not have the gifts for.  I left with an enormous admiration for anyone who works with people in any capacity because it always involves great sacrifices and very special gifts but at the same time I came to realise that I don’t have to save the planet single-handedly in my life time.  Other people are good at the things I can’t do and may well be reduced to tears if they had to do what I can do every day. 

 

Experiences like this have encouraged me to continue to look for a sense of belonging, not just in Project 2030 but in other groups within the church such as At Your Word Lord or even groups outside the Church with similar interests to my own.  Whether we are a group addict or a group phobic we all need to feel we belong,  and it is good to know that in a big melting pot such as Project 2030 we can all contribute in different ways, all equally valid.

 

I found the poem below in a book called “Finding Hope Again” by Peter Millar.  It makes me think twice about what it is to get to know somebody else.

 

What do we ache for?

 

It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living,

I want to know what you ache for,

And if you dare to dream of meeting

   your heart’s longing.

It doesn’t interest me how old you are,

I want to know if you will risk looking

  like a fool for love,

For your dreams, for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn’t interest me what planets are squaring,

  with your moon:

I want to know if you have touched the centre

  of your own sorrow:

If you have ever been opened by life’s betrayals

Or have become shrivelled and closed from fear

  of further pain.

I want to know if you can sit with pain,

  mine or your own,

Without moving to hide it, or fade it, or fix it.

I want to know  if you can be with joy,

  mine or your own:

If you can dance with wildness

  and let the ecstasy fill you

To the tips of your fingers and toes

Without cautioning us to be careful, be realistic, or

To remember the limitations of being human.

I want to know if you can disappoint another

  to be true to yourself:

If you can hear the accusation of betrayal

  and not betray your own soul:

If you can be faithful and therefore be trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see beauty everyday,

  even when it is not pretty,

And if you can source your own life from it’s presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure,

  yours and mine,

And still stand on the edge of the lake

And shout to the silver of the full moon “Yes!”

It doesn’t interest me to know where you live

  or how much money you have,

I want to know if you can get up after the night

  of grief and despair,

Weary and bruised to the bone,

And do what needs to be done for the children.

It doesn’t interest me who you know or how

  you came to be here:

I want to know if you will stand in the centre

  of the fire with me

And not shrink back.

It doesn’t interest me where or what you have studied:

I want to know what sustains you from the inside

  when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone with yourself,

And if you like the company you keep

In empty moments

(Oriah Mountain Dreamer)

 

June 7

Adult Studies in the Catechism of the Catholic Church

(Adam Coeur-de-Lion)

 The Adult Studies in the Catholic Catechism programme is a 3-year, home based, part-time course studying the teaching contained in the new Catechism of the Catholic Church.

 

The Catechism is studied over six periods during the 3 years, from mid September to December and from mid January to May each year.  There are six course units to be studied in total.

 

The Catechism is offered to all the faithful who wish to understand better the inexhaustible riches of salvation.  We have all been endowed with the deposit of faith, and this course gives all the opportunity to renew and deepen their knowledge and understanding of the faith through a study of this Catechism, which is the authoritative presentation of the complete faith of the Church. 

 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church is the single most complete source of teachings on the Catholic Church.  

A Brief Synopsis of the Course is outlined below:

Unit 1 Faith & Revelation, the Creed, God the Father
Unit 2 The Creed: God the Son & God the Holy Spirit
Unit 3 Liturgy and the Sacraments
Unit 4 – Introduction to Morality
Unit 5 – The Ten Commandments
Unit 6 – Prayer

 

Those who are interested in studying towards a Certificate in the Catholic Catechism are required to submit assignments for each unit.

 

I started studying the Catechism Course in August 2003.

 

At present my Studies in the Catholic Catechism are progressing very well, and I am reaping the rewards of the course in so many ways, as it is:

 

Re-emphasising many aspects of the faith, which I am already aware of, but not in the level of detail provided in the Catechism.
Spiritually enriching and enlightening for me.  I feel that my commitment and self-giving to the faith has helped me to capture and transmit everything I have learnt so far and put it into practice in everyday situations, especially with my family, but also to the wider community.
A Comprehensive Programme looking specifically at the key elements of the Catholic faith.
A Course, which requires a great deal of discipline and time management.  Since I began the studies in August 2003 I have been able to build, plan and co-ordinate my day-to-day workloads and activities around the Course.

 

 

Maryvale Catholic Institute in Birmingham specialises in Distant Learning Courses in all aspects of the faith, and for people from different backgrounds and walks of life, and at different stages in their faith.

 

If you would like more information on the Adult Studies in the Catholic Catechism Course or any other courses offered by Maryvale Catholic Institute you can visit their website on this address www.maryvale.ac.uk, or alternatively you can e-mail the Institute on the following address:

E-mail: maryvale.institute@dial.pipex.com

If you require any further information or help in relation to the course, or what you have read in this summary you can also contact me.  My e-mail address is adamcoeurdelion@hotmail.com

May God Bless you all,

Adam Coeur-de-lion

 

June 8

Breege has just been to Rome.  She sends us this account.  Next year we might do another pilgrimage there.

 

Trip to Rome

(Breege Morris)

Our Trip was such a success after some months of planning i.e. where to stay, flights and our wide ranging itinerary.  Having been there many times my self on holidays but only very briefly, we decided that we would spend two weeks touring the eternal City with a difference.  It was a surprise trip for my mother, so she, my only sister and a very good friend set off.  They all were looking forward to it because we they felt when I had planned it – it was going to be well worthwhile and they were prepared to walk and walk.  The trains, Metro, Line A&B are all very fast and efficient – be warned pickpockets everywhere.   Yes, each summer I run a Pilgrimage to different places including Medjugorje this year.  My Mum says what a pity she did not go 20 years ago so she would have had time to relive it all again but please God we may go again next year & visit Castel Gandolio as well as all the other places we have to go to.

 

Flight/insurance booked with Aer Lingus.  At De Vinci/Fiumicino (see the lovely Oratory with an Irish Priest there) we decided on taking a Limousine for €60 (we bargained hard on this) but it took it in 15 mins to our Guesthouse.  Brilliant idea.                 

 

It was nicer than any hotel. It was truly fabulous, run by Sisters – Suore Minime del Suffragio in Via della Stazione Aurelia, in which they had a guesthouse and nursing home.  It was beautifully set on 3 acres of grounds overlooking the western part of the city.  Only problem nobody could speak English & particularly me being a Coeliac.  Because it is beside the Legionaries of Christ and its University – then most of its guests are Professors & Lecturers or parents of the students who are studying to become Priests.  Curfew - You must be in before 10pm each night!  Mass each morning at 7 am (6am Irish time) then breakfast. No tea making facilities available, which my Mum missed!  5 mins walk and we hopped on the train for 5 mins and the first stop was San Pietro.  Now 8am.  This suited us so well as we wanted to tour Rome, the Vatican and Assisi.

I was taking a video of our entire trip but I only wished I had 4 on top of my head to take all that was to be seen together with our binoculars.  I tried to capture as much as possible but that was virtually impossible as there was so much to be seen. I am being brief here in what we saw and did whilst in Rome.

 

1.              St Peters itself is awesome both inside and outside & we got Mass here many times in different chapels.  We always seemed to be so lucky.  Spend one day visiting all of its churches inside – we seen an Irish Wedding and in fact, we knew some of the people present.  Spend another half day in the Church of Adoration praying - this is some experience located beside The Pieta.  Also visited the crypts of our Deceased Popes including Pope John Paul 11.

2.          We had the privilege of been invited to an Ordination at the High Altar of St Peters with Signor Angelo Sodano (as the Swiss Guards referred to the Pope’s Chief) of Mons Velasio De Paolis.   Well know Italian Bishop.  There were 150 Cardinals (and we in the front row with them) and 100 Priests.  We captured it all on Video as this could only happen to me.

3.          Each visit to St Peters we used look up at the very top of ceiling and see the people walking on top.  Then early morning as planned we queued and opted to take the lift (4E) as opposed to walking because of Mum.  Only to discover it only goes up a few steps.  Here there is a reminder that there are 322 steps remaining & if you have any heart problems etc do not climb.  Here the fun started with me in front of our Mother (with the Video) and my sister behind her in case she fell backwards as it is so steep.  We climbed and climbed the whole 322 steps and used the rope for the few remaining ones.  It was such a magnificent view from on top of St Peters & look out over St Peters Sq, Rome itself and the Vatican Gardens (which we got personally walking in).  This takes about 3 hrs 7 you can walk around on top of the Dome for as long as you like. Now we had to walk all the way down again, 322 steps – lucky there are slits in wall to let some air and light in!  My Mum is some achiever, we all say, having done it – no problem to her.

4.           The Forum – this was awesome in some way.

5.           In St Peter’s Square (at check in security) we arranged for a tour of The Sistine Chapel (Cappella Sistine) with a Guide who was studying architecture, from America and thus perfect English. Cost 20 E and 12-entrance fee. Well worth it and we got into our queue just before 9 am. Remember early and not after 9am as there are crowds everywhere – and it is only the month of February. Thus we had lots of time for looking around us.  We visited all the Galleries/Museums /Frescoes first and then into the Sistine Chapel with all its Michelangelo’s paintings & The Last Judgement.  You are not allowed use a camera here.  The chapel was crowded & its only February. Only my Mother was allowed to peep into the Pope Apartments when the Guards changed.

6.          Piazza di Spagna – Spanish steps of which there are 180 and a lovely church at the top of it, which is being renovated at present.  We also fitted in lots of high street shopping, de luxe hotels, banks, offices, cafes and chic nightclubs.

7.          Whilst shopping we also went to the Trevi Fountain (which was packed).  Lovely restaurants around everywhere and ice cream. We also visited the Pantheon (not inside)

8.          Also Arco di Costantino.  The Victor Emanuel ll Monument and St Angelo Castle.

9.          We also spent a day visiting walking in and around The Colosseum (Colosseo). We were infested with street traders – they put more jewellery and scarves on us & we were afraid they would take our own jewellery off us.  They were like a swarm of bees.  We bargained and bargained - had a brilliant time buying buying.  There are hundreds of markets and they seem to change from place to place in the city each day.

10.           Also visited The Imperial Forums, Pantheon, Capitol, Piazza Navona (St Agnes, built on the site of her martyrdom) and the Piazza Venezia, St Cecilia in Trastevere & St Clemente.

11.          We also went to see a close Priest friend of my family in the Irish College – where we spent an afternoon.  You may rent their house there (at a nominal fee) 100 E a night and sleeps 5/6 people. President Mary McAleese had just been there the previous week.

12.          Then Fr organised to give us a tour of the three of the largest Cathedrals in the world – St John Lateran (beautiful interior designed by Borromini), St Mary Major & St Paul’s – the Cloisters here & St Julian’s Oratory and The Blessed Sacrament Chapel are unbelievable  - we also got Mass here.

13.          We took a train very early and spend a day in Assisi, cost E44 day return.  We all would love to spend a week there.  It is extremely quiet & most suitable for a personal retreat. 

14.          We spent one evening visiting the Franciscans as we had a personal friend there.

15.          We also passed Stadio Olimpico.  Some impressive sight also.  The Piramide di Caio Cestio.

16.          I had arranged that we would attend Mass in English on Sunday morning at 8 am in one of the Catacombs – but I got a message to say that would not open for a further week for the season.  We were so disappointed but can attend Mass with your own Priest with prior appointment.

17.          We received an Invitation from our fellow brother who is studying in the Legionaries of Christ (they are very dear to His Holiness) wherein we had Tea and a tour of their University.  It would restore your faith to see so many young boys studying for the priesthood – many from far away countries.  Their dress code was outstanding.

18.          We also by special Invitation to see the Vatican Gardens.  We spend a day walking around leisurely – nice to be down in the gardens looking up at the Vatican Museums/Sistine Chapel/Apostolic Palace/walking around the Dome of St Peters. We walked along by the Palace of St Charles, its Vatican Radio Station, Rail/Road station, Post Office, Church of St Peter and the Grotto which is hidden away – An Oasis of Peace.

 

Then the HIGHLIGHT came – an audience with His Holiness. Pre prepared with my letter from my Bishop, we went at the appointed time through the Bronze doors & past the Swiss Guards to collect our Passes (will not tell you whether it was White or Red!!!) for the Audition the following day ie Wednesday.  We were there in great time and got at the very front.  There were thousands of people behind us but I could not describe what the feeling was like to be in his presence once again.  His Holiness looked so well and Thank God seemed to be in great form –  we believe it was one of his best days in the recent past Thank God – he must have know that we were present, the sheep of his flock and that we are so proud of our faith.  We thank our dear Father and his Blessed Mother for such a wonderful experience and holiday.

 

A Trip of a Lifetime for anyone to enjoy!

 

     Breege Morris

 

June 9

MY EXPERIENCE OF ALPHA: A PERSONAL JOURNEY OF FAITH

(Patricia McNulty)

Intro

I’m going to talk about 2 courses I have taken in the past year to explore issues of faith. The first was on Catholic Social Teaching (CST) and was run by The Bishop’s Conference Parliamentary Officer, John Deighan, on Thursday evenings at Glasgow Uni. It was a lecture format with handouts quoting from religious texts and focusing on the Church’s position on different social situations followed by the opportunity to ask questions (see course overview). The second was the Alpha Course which I saw advertised on the back of a bus and found out more about on the web. It was held in the function suite of a local restaurant and facilitated by a Church of Scotland Minister. The format was very different from the CST course as participants arrived early to share food together then we watched a video of the minister who started Alpha, Nicky Gumbel, talking about faith related issues and explaining them using the bible. We then had the opportunity to discuss our understanding and experiences of the issue in question with the other participants at the table.

Why did I take these courses?

Finishing uni in May 2002 marked the end of an era for me and the start of a lot of changes and upheaval in my life. I was single for the 1st time in my adult life, starting a full time job in a new environment and not really knowing what to do with all the extra free time I suddenly had. These circumstances were changing my identity, the things that for so long had defined who I was, and I began to appreciate the constants in my life, the things I had always taken for granted or put on the backburner at times in favour of what, with hindsight, were to be passing phases i.e. neglecting my faith and not appreciating my family. I was young though and sometimes I think the hard way is the only way to learn and I don’t regret that as I otherwise wouldn’t have reached the level of appreciation for the important things I have in my life now. Anyway, I muddled through the summer and winter of 2002 being a bit of a TV addict during the week and living for big nights out at the weekends. I knew I lacked substance and direction in my life but I continued the pattern for a while until out of my depression finally came the motivation to try to change things and find that sense of purpose I knew was missing. I decided that I wasn’t going to do things half heartedly out of habit anymore but actively and because I wanted to.  I’m not ashamed to admit that attending mass had just become part of my routine because I think anything that people have done regularly for so long must inevitably become mundane at times. However, I had never decided that I wanted to go so I started to think about if I did want to go and where my faith fitted into my life. It was at this time of questioning the relevance of Catholicism in my life that my mum saw the CST course advertised in the Catholic Observer and suggested we go along.

What was the CST course like and what did I gain from participating in it?

The CST course seemed exactly what I was looking for; a guide to how the teachings of the bible relate to 21st century life. That’s what I find most difficult, applying the underlying principles of my faith as depicted in the bible, to situations in my life quite far removed from anything described in the bible. The lectures themselves went a bit over my head at times as they referred to a lot of Latin texts which I had never heard of let alone read such as “Rerum Novarum”. However, I think I got the gist of the messages that were trying to be conveyed each week and I found reassurance and guidance in much of what was said. Reassurance in the sense that a lot of the advice that was given about how to approach life in the workplace for example, was consistent with my own approach, the way I did things. An example of what I mean by this is that it would be very easy for me to treat people differently according to the hierarchy of their position in my organisation but I don’t, I try to see everyone as an individual with different skills and personal qualities and on the same level as me. I don’t define them by their job title or treat them differently because of it and this was what the CST course preached about the principle of solidarity; seeing other people as the same as myself, doing what I do for the greater good and not for myself. Before the CST course I thought that my approach to work was just common sense or decency but I was actually surprised to realise that the justifications I gave to myself for how I behaved, had probably been cultivated in primary school but so long ago that they had become part of my subconscious rather than me being conscious of the reasons why.

I really related to the definition that CST isn’t an ideology, a blueprint for success or a model for society (in the way that capitalism and communism are) but its mission is to change hearts and minds, the Church as an expert on humanity.

 

“Follow your conscience in all things as that’s how you will be judged – your conscience is built by the Church”.

In short then, this course helped answer a lot of the “why” questions I had about my faith. I knew “what” I believed, or was supposed to believe, but this helped fill in the gaps and provide many of the reasons and explanations I had been seeking.                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

What was the Alpha course like, how was it different and what did I learn?

The CST course finished in June and I started the Alpha course in September 2003. It wasn’t that my questions weren’t answered on the CST course, but it had cultivated a hunger for exploring issues of faith and reflecting and this seemed like a new opportunity for me to do this. I saw the 10 week course overview on the website and liked the fact that each week focused on very different but all very human questions. I went along on the 1st evening and like joining most new things, it was a bit awkward and I felt particularly uncomfortable when I discovered that most of the other people there knew each other as they were from the same protestant church. This was made even worse when a woman arrived and joined our table and said I looked familiar. I’m usually good with faces but didn’t recognise her. She soon worked out from my name that she knew my parents from the bowling club and I just wanted to leave as I thought “How on earth am I going to be able to open up and discuss the issues raised by this course in this environment with pressures and expectations to live up to?”. However, I was pleasantly surprised.

The minister didn’t say much before he put the video on of Nicky Gumbel talking about that night’s question “Christianity: Boring, Untrue and Irrelevant?”. Nicky was very down to earth and focused well on the issues. He didn’t use rhetoric or talk about complicated theories but spoke in plain English and explained how the answers came from the bible and what they meant. After the talk finished, each table was prompted to discuss what was said and consider our own experiences. It was awkward at first but once things got going people gained more confidence to speak out, including myself. I really enjoyed talking about the issues raised and it didn’t make any difference in the end that there was somebody there who knew me as something in the discussion had made me feel at ease with her and realise that I wouldn’t be judged.

The rest of the course followed the same pattern of eating together, watching one of Nicky’s talks on video then discussing it among ourselves afterwards. I really enjoyed the discussion element of this course which I hadn’t had on the CST course and especially the opportunity it gave me to talk to people on a deeper level which in recent years, had only been possible by means of the social lubricant of alcohol! I connected with people on the course who I normally wouldn’t have had much to say to because we didn’t have much in common. Religion is something that a minority of young people I come into contact with are involved in and it’s difficult to talk about faith without feeling people are pigeonholing you as a bible bashing geek. I was a bit sad on the last evening when I knew it was coming to an end and I wouldn’t see many of these people again but glad that Alpha had helped reawaken my spiritual side which I had neglected because it wasn’t easy to talk about such things with my peer group.

Conclusions

Participating in these courses most of all has made me realise the need to question in order to be active in faith. It is the process of questioning and reflecting that is important rather than finding all the answers. Life is forever changing and we need to change with it and in so doing, consider where God fits into these changes in our lives and how he guides us through them. This is the journey referred to in the title of this presentation which I now see myself as being on until I die. Questioning isn’t the same as criticising, it’s about being informed and aware of why we believe the things we do and the CST course and Alpha helped me to realise this.

Questions

1.       How do you find meaning/purpose in going to mass every week rather than just being a habit which you do out of routine but don’t really think about?

 

2.       What principles guide you in your approach to life and how much of this has been developed through your upbringing in the Church and/or Catholic school system?

 

3.       Do you have difficulty relating the bible to your life and if not then what is it that helps you to make the links between then and now?

 

4.       Do you read the bible? If not, why not?

 

5.       Do you think there is a conflict between my argument that to be active in faith you must question it until you understand the reasons why we believe certain things, and what Jesus says to Thomas when he has touched the holes in his sides where the nails were on the cross, “Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe”? Is questioning a form a doubt or faith seeking understanding?

 

 

Suggested Reading

 

1.       ‘Catholic Social Teaching’, (don’t know author)                                                 £1.95

 

2.       ‘An Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching’, Fr. Roger Charles                          £4.95

       

3.       The Alpha Course Manual, Nicky Gumbel, Alpha International Publications, 2003            £1.50

 

4.       ‘30 Days: A Practical Introduction to Reading the Bible’, Nicky Gumbel, Alpha Publications, 2001                                                                                                                 £2.50

 

  June 10

Report on the Dublin Weekend :

By Mary Darby (London group)

The weekend started in the Central Hotel on Friday evening.  Project 2030 members from Glasgow, the North West and London met the Dublin folks in the upstairs bar.  We relaxed late into the evening on large sofas and comfortable arm chairs, catching up with friends old and new.  Some people arrived on Thursday evening and had spent Friday travelling around Dublin on an open top tour bus, stopping at various places of interest such as the Guinness Factory and Trinity College Dublin.  At Trinity College you can see the famous Book of Kells, beautifully illuminated manuscripts of the four Gospels.  The Book of Kells are understood to have been created by the Columban monks on the Scottish island of Iona around 800AD.

 

Early afternoon on Saturday a group of us met up at the Spire, a 120 metre high modern landmark in O’Connell Street.  Following a tour around Temple Bar and some of the main streets and sights of Dublin with Thomas (Dublin group) as our guide, we decided to take advantage of the good weather and ate a late lunch out on St Stephen’s Green.  As we returned to the main streets the sky darkened and it started to rain.  We took shelter in the bar of the Clarence Hotel which is owned by 2 members of U2, Bono and The Edge. 

 

Saturday night was the 4th Birthday Party of Project 2030.  The party was extremely well attended, I doubt we could have fitted many more people into the venue.  It was great for those of us from the UK to meet so many of the Dublin crowd.  There was a fine selection of food, good music and a wide range of Irish souvenirs for raffle and spot prizes.

 

Sunday lunch time we met up at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral for Mass. After Mass we ventured through the streets of Dublin to Gogarty’s, Temple Bar where there was live Irish music.  We headed upstairs to a more sedate part of the pub, some of us were feeling a bit worse for wear from the night before, to enjoy generous portions of Sunday lunch.

 

Sunday afternoon a group of us took a short bus ride out to the costal town of Dun Laoghaire.  Declan (Dublin group) was our guide en-route pointing out places of interest.  We enjoyed the good weather and walked along the harbour, went for an ice-cream and then for a drink before taking the bus along the costal route back to Dublin.  We returned to Gogarty’s, Temple Bar on Sunday evening to finish the weekend enjoying some Guinness and traditional Irish music.

 

Dublin is a great city to visit.  There is a wide range of accommodation available making it possible to stay in the heart of the city at a reasonable price.  Many thanks from those of us in the UK to the Dublin group for organising such an enjoyable weekend and for looking after us all so well.  Thanks also to all the groups for being such great company.  I’m looking forward to meeting up with everyone again before too long – maybe at the next party?

 

June 11

Trip to York : 4 - 6 June

By Joseph Elliot (London 30s)

 

Friday evening 4th June, we were greeted by Mark Ringrose. It was his birthday and he kindly gave up his weekend to do an expert job, showing us round this fantastic, historical city.

 

There were six of us. Everyone seemed to enjoy the weekend.  Some of us stayed in a guest house and some of us stayed somewhere basic called 'York Youth Hotel'. Not to be confused with the Youth Hostel about two kilometres away. I told one individual staying there that next time he gets his accommodation mixed up, he could end up in York Dungeon.   Then we went for a nice meal in an Italian restaurant.

 

Saturday morning, we had a little tour of the Minster and climbed up to the top of the steeple. I was having a good day and although the steps were steep, I found them easy both going up and down. We enjoyed great views of Yorkshire from the roof. After lunch, some of us had a  walk along the City wall and visited the Castle Museum.

 

6.15pm Mass at the Catholic Church near the Minster was  beneficial. I'm impressed by such a well run parish. They have good spiritual and social activities. We then enjoyed a meal at Ask. A great restaurant with chandeliers on the ceiling, creating a ballroom atmosphere without looking too posh. We all enjoyed the nightclub afterwards. People so friendly, apparently nobody objected to us wearing jeans and denims. Not even the doormen. They were gentlemanly.

 

Sunday morning, some were so intrigued by the Castle Museum that we returned there and it really was worthwhile. Soon after midday, we had lunch in the same pub as the one we met up in on Friday evening. Most of us had to make tracks by that time, as they had to prepare for work the next day and I did not envy them!

 

I however, stayed up north and was at it again, Youth Hostelling! I will be in Mancheater the following weekend, meeting up with somebody which I hope leads to a celebration later. It is healthier to stay up north and kill two birds with one stone than make two journeys within a week.

 

The Youth Hostel I am currently staying at is in Malham, a nice little village a half hour bus ride from Skipton which has the nearest Catholic Church. Skipton is 40 minutes by train from Leeds. For those who want something 'more' comfortable than a youth hostel, I recommend Beck Hall tea room and B&B in Malham from where I am sending this report. 

 

June 12

Some thoughts on community and Dehonian Spirituality

Martin Johnstone (Glasgow group)

A 32 year old lay person, who is involved in 2030 and benefits from the peer and social support that the movement offers, wishes to deepen his relationship with God, seeks some kind of formation in his life and is drawn to the spirituality of the sponsors of the movement.  He is unlikely to be alone. There are likely to be others who have experienced stirrings, who feel drawn to deepen their faith and spirituality. The Dehonians, and by extension 2030, emphasise the importance of community of experiencing Jesus in one another, serving and being supported by him in one another. How might we as lay people achieve this together in our daily lives through our being involved in 2030?

 

HUGH HAS BEEN ON HOLIDAY SINCE JUNE 3.  ABOVE ARE SOME CONTRIBUTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE GROUP.  THE DIARY WILL BEGIN AGAIN FROM JUNE 24.

 

June 24

BACK FROM HOLIDAY

The two weeks in Portugal went well and I didn’t get bored at all.  I’m not a sun-worshipper, but enjoy the heat, maybe heading for the beach in the late afternoon.  Didn’t get much Portuguese speaking practice, but read a little and watched Portuguese television.

Staying in a place called Praia da Rocha on the Algarve, not far from Albufeira where the trouble was  Didn’t go to Faro for the Spain v Russia match as there was no transport back after the match.  Bed and Breakfast cost 25 euro a night, more expensive than expected, but in the second week I managed to get an apartment for the same price.

Arrived back last Thursday and went for the rest of my break to Pwllheli in North Wales.  Had hoped to get in some serious hill-walking in preparation for the West Highland Way in July, but didn’t do much more than explore the coastline.

 

June 25

 SACRED HEART FATHERS (DEHONIANS) CONTINUE TO BACK PROJECT 2030

My first day back was a meeting of a group of our priests at Malpas.  Project 2030 was on the agenda.  It was a follow-up to a meeting we had last month.  See 28th May.  We are preparing for our General Meeting in September which will set out our Community’s plans for the next three years.  Here are some of the views and recommendations of the meeting regarding Project 2030:

-         We see Project 2030 as a long-term project aimed at serving the needs of Catholics in their 20s and 30s;

-         We fully support the aims of Project 2030;

-         We recommend the setting-up of an Advisory Support Group of members of the community to aid Hugh in this work (this is something I had been asking for.  It would be good to have the chance occasionally to talk things through with others);

-         We recommend the appointment of a Personal Assistant to help Hugh in the administration of Project 2030 for initially 9 hours a week (again this is something I felt was needed.  Celia and Clare already do a mountain of work for the group at Malpas and from home, but it would be good also to have someone on the spot here at Stockport.  I’m still spending every hour I can in the office, and someone else could do many of the things more quickly and efficiently, freeing me up to do the things that only I can do.  The PA would also look into fund-raising and help arrange some of the main events and holidays.  This year people have been booking first with the Travel Agents or having to arrange their own flights to Lourdes, which has not worked so well);

-         The Sacred Heart Fathers (Dehonians) should continue to finance Project 2030, but other means of raising funds to be explored;

-         We strongly encourage furthering the outreach of Project 2030 through University Chaplaincies, developing in other areas of Britain and Ireland, and enabling other local groups and individuals to affiliate to the wider group through attending main events, etc;

-         We encourage further exploration of ways to develop Project 2030, which may include future employ