another New Beginning!

The Gaudi cathedral in Barcelona was an interesting and inspiring project in progress. Started over 100 years ago, it lost impetus when Gaudi was run over by a tram in 1929 and the Spanish Civil War burned down his studio and drawings; the site was left derelict for some years. Now the vision is somewhat recaptured and the moquette gives some idea of the original concept. Whether they use stained or plain glass will make a considerable difference to the interior. The colours of sunset in October, despite unglazed windows and miles of scaffolding, had an interesting impact on what one could see of the interior of the building. There is a long way to go yet. The very delicate and open stonework of the towers - only possible because of the warmer and drier climate - is very different from what we are used to experiencing. English cathedral architecture is far more enclosed.

Similarly, I hope something more open and uplifting can be experienced in our worship together. It is not a question of abandoning the traditional and established and much used forms of worship; maybe my route through Common Worship for the parish expresses what I am trying to get at.

By together I am talking about ecumenical togetherness. With that in mind, there are already three highlights in this coming year to aim for. Firstly, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity with its own activities within the Deanery - this is preceded on 14th January by Fr.Edward Cobbold from Ampleforth coming to preach at Leake, at Matins at 11 a.m. Thirdly, there is the Day of Ecumenical Prayer at Ampleforth on July 28th with the Abbot and Archbishop. The second highlight is a date, a Sunday - somewhere in between and on which we are working - when Fr.Edward and I will have a concelebration so that we can share a communion service without compromising the teaching and discipline of the respective traditions. If they can manage it at Taize without causing offence, then surely we can achieve it here! In the main it will involve 2 chalices and 2 distribution points, but even then husbands and wives of mixed marriages should be able to receive communion side by side.

Last year during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Fr.Abbot pointed out there was so much else to share that we should not get distracted over the issues of non-communion. Despite "Dominus Jesus" mentioned by Martin Fitzalan Howard at Leake Church on December 10th, we have a lot to learn together, much symbolism to understand, and working out how our doctrines have developed despite and since the Reformation. At the heart of it we are trying to express a truth that we can share in worship, in our spirituality - more so by drawing on common historical roots - and ultimately to continue in the Eucharist, albeit with present-day restrictions.

May we be truly one Church.

Toddy Hoare

"Vestry Hour" If you want to contact me, or to sign something, Monday mornings is best, but please ring first. Between 7.30 a.m. and 8.45 a.m. is a good time! Please let the 'phone ring a while too! Toddy (537277).

From the Visitor’s Book 
Leake St Mary, 25th Nov. Trish & Callum O’Sullivan, of North Shields, Tyne & Wear:  “A chance to say a prayer in the magnificence of the church and its sheer serenity and peace.  A wonderful experience and one with which spirit and soul were much enlightened.  A chance passing never to be forgotten and which will always be cherished.”