Hey Brother, Can You Spare A Statue, A Crucifix, An Icon, Altar Linens...

One of my daily reads is Fr. Jeffrey Steel over at De Cura Animarum.  He's the chaplain at St. Thomas More School in Chelsea.  And this is not Chelsea, the city right outside Boston.  It's Chelsea, the city right outside London.   And that's not London, Connecticut, either; it's London, England.  Names in New England and Old England are confusing.   If only, St. Thomas More School were in Chelsea, right outside Boston, in New England, because then it would be easier to procure the necessities that Father Steel needs.  The Archdiocese of Boston is closing churches.  And Father Steel is trying to fix up the chapel.  Father is in need of:

St. Thomas More Secondary School

• large crucifix for behind the altar
• icons
• statues
• candlesticks
• wall lamps
• altar linens
• blue cloth for Our Lady
• large sacred art

There's more.  Check out Father Jeffrey Steel's blog.  On second thought, since this is England, sending money might be the better alternative.  Why don't you email Father and see what you can do to help?  jeffrey.steel1@btinternet.com  

A Plea

A plea from Fr. Jeffrey Steel from De Cura Animarum

Please Support the Saint Barnabas Society

I would like to let readers know of a very important charity set up for convert clergy who find their way home to the Catholic Church. There have been a number of men with families who have recently converted or are about to be received into the Catholic church who may undoubtedly benefit from the charitable organisation. With the prospects of many Anglican clergy faced with the important decision about their futures and concerns for family members if they are to make such a move, the society is there to help families settle into their new way of life by gracious grants. These are the gifts of visionaries who have seen the great benefit of helping those who, in faith, make the journey home. As we know, there are numerous former Anglican clergy who are now Catholic priests who faithfully serve the Church in offering Mass and the other sacraments to the faithful. Pope Benedict XVI has recently acknowledged the gifts they bring to the Church by his generosity seen in Anglicanorum Coetibus. Therefore, can I humbly ask that readers graciously consider supporting the Saint Barnabas Society by making a donation or regular donations to a very important cause. Relieving the anxiety of family responsibilities for clergy who in conscience feel it is time to become united to the See of Peter will do a lot to help comfort them as they make this journey. Please pass on the St Barnabas Society website and if able, please do make a donation and remember to pray for these men and their families who are stepping out in faith. I also would like to ask, that this post be linked to other blogs so that the word can spread as much as possible. Thank you very much! Please pray for the Society and its work. Donate Here. St Barnabas Society is a registered charity. Registered with the Charity Commission No. 1009910 A Company Limited by guarantee Registered in England No. 2645233 Also of interest is the American Coming of Home Network.

Conversion

Fr. Jeffrey Steel's blob, de cura animarum, quotes G.K. Chesterton talking about his conversion: "The Church is a house with a hundred gates; and no two men enter at exactly the same angle." Fr. Steel's own conversion is interesting, in itself, especially as a married Roman Catholic priest. Well, poke around on his blog and you'll find how and why.

Anyway, conversion is my topic. In Chapter today, we had a professor from Boston College scheduled to come give a Talk. But that didn't happen. So just to take up time, Sister Ruth went around the circle and asked us how our Spiritual Journeys were going. You know, "How's your prayer life?"

Some of their stories are miracles. One of my cloistered brothers was a gang leader. He actually had the power to order people killed. Now if that's not a miracle conversion what is?

Many came through the Cursillo gate. The Holy Spirit can slip in any gate. Another of my brothers spoke about working in the infirmary and seeing the witness of others. How faith helped people! How could that be wrong?

Another said he never felt like he belonged anywhere until he heard and experienced God's love. Tricia spoke of love, too. Of course, she's a cradle Catholic but was drawn to God personally through the Holy Spirit, during the Charismatic movement.

I was hoping we would run out of time before my turn came, but no such luck. I didn't know what to say. I don't have a conversion story. In fact, I still struggle with faith. I have problems with trusting in prayer. They seem like empty platitudes. But I persevere because that would be my advice to others. Some days are better than others. Maybe I should pray for the gate to be closed. Too many weird thoughts enter.

"Lord, close the gate on my faith. I keep wandering in and out. What if one time the gate closes and I'm left outside?"

Time for a visit to my Spiritual Director, Father Aquinas.