The Masses

I am slightly perturbed that Tuesday 7:30am Mass is no more. I am not angry, nor upset, just perturbed. Ignoring the given reason why it is not happening this term- in the past did we fail to properly support this most early of communions? Probably yes. I can't even think of an excuse that prevented me from attending each and every week. No lectures, no society meetings, no sport, no friends available, not much. In fact, I made 2/11 Masses on a Tuesday last term, which is pretty poor, as I'd planned to go to many more. The first time I went there were 5 people, the second time 10! So people were going, but it wasn't exactly well-attended. Hopefully if and when it returns we will be there in greater numbers. On the occasions I made it, it was certainly a fulfilling way to start the day, and as proceedings (including tea and toast) were finished by 9am, it was actually beneficial to my work.

However, it's not all bad. Sunday Masses have proved as popular as ever, so popular that two bus trips are being provided before and after Mass. The music has definitely improved from the Sunday when we had just two musicians. We've now got a good band of musicians, and I think we have a permanent pianist now. But I reckon we can sing LOUDER and have even more musicians! And, Fr Paul's homilies also need a mention. They wake me up, rather than send me to sleep. I'm sure most people will agree that they're great, and we almost enjoy the bit when he forgets the punch-line, and then jumps up again a minute later with the promised line. Free lunches aren't bad either.

Finally, I like the relaxed atmosphere of the Wednesday evening Mass. But at the same time, it's probably a more intimate Mass because there are fewer people than Sundays. Still, it would be great to see a few more faces each week. Mass only lasts just over half an hour, and is really good for mid-week reflection and worship. After Mass, the Shepherd is always open and CathSoc have most of our events. This term we've got a pub social, a kareoke evening, a cookie-making social, an end of term party and probably more.... So, if you fancy coming to our events, come to Mass too, and vice-versa!

Welcome back!

The coldest winter since 1976, (but no snow in Devon), the worst financial crisis since the 1930s (if you believe the media), atrocious violence in Gaza…. but fear not good times are ahead! (Gordon Brown assures me)

Forget essays, forget exams (not literally!), CathSoc have got a busy 10-week term coming up.

One way to improve our economy is to spend, spend, spend. So, in true spirit, we will heading into Exeter on Wednesday evening, and more specifically into some well-chosen pubs (for fun, not to save our country). Starting at the Chaplaincy at 8:30pm, we’ve chosen a NEW route that will hopefully lead to another memorable CathSoc social. Seán Wright insists that we must follow the Robinson-Wright pub crawl model, which in the past has proved surprisingly successfully (a bit like the Passion play…). If you want to know what I’m talking about, come along and find out on Wednesday. Or talk to any CathSoc members on Sunday after Mass… we’ll be in the bar!

Other highlights coming up include the traditional quiz with the Catenians (not to be missed because CathSoc have to keep up our winning streak against them.... and there's usually loads of food!) We’ve also got karaoke and cookie-making evenings, and weekends with other Catholic societies in Bristol and Cardiff. Fun all the way.

Priglimage of Trust on Earth - Brussels 08-09

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! Wish you all a brilliant year ahead of you!

This week some of us from Exeter Uni has been to Brussels for a Taize meeting. We stayed in local host families, went around town to visit interesting places, met for prayer 3 times a day, went to workshops concerning a variaty of subjects, and got stuck in the metro (underground) and/or bus and/or tram multiple times.... But all is well, as far as I know we all came back in one piece.

However I must say I am just a little bit disapointed with the meeting. since we were at the middle of a major Eruopean city, everything were just so different from Taize. The travalling through town bit was just exausting, and perhaps it is just me not preparing very well (mentally), the whole experience was just not very comparable to that of Taize.

After all, if you dont have a hunger for Christ, it is really hard to keep all your mind directed to Him. Now I think I understand this bit. Well, at least I've came back with something!

Have a look at photos on facebook!!