There are still some places available on the pre Advent retreat Nov 24th-28th. The year’s theme is S John at the foot of the Cross and the retreat conductor will be Fr Andrew Robinson SSC

The retreat will be silent and each day have two addresses and  the opportunity  to share in Mass, the Divine Office and Exposition.  The full cost is £195 for full board.  Deposit cheques of £50 made payable to Ascot Priory, should be sent to the Warden, Ascot Priory, Priory Road, Ascot, SL5 8RT,Prio Detailing any dietary, disabled requirements.

 

The dates of Master’s Council are set eighteen months in advance, and the non routine items on the agenda come from Chapters.  So it was that we found ourselves last Thursday (October 2nd), a few days before the Synod on the Family in Rome, discussing the admission of divorced priests who have remarried, brethren who having been divorced  remarry or brethren who marry divorcees, all with previous spouses still living.

You will not be surprised to hear that, in a very sympathetic and pastoral way, the whole range of views on the matter were expressed.  Frustration was also expressed at our not having the legal mechanisms that other churches have to help us.

In February Council is going to meet for a 28 hour residential and this will be on the agenda, with invited “experts” to guide us.  If any brethren or chapters wish to make a contribution, please write to me.  Until then the Rule & Statutes say that the teaching of the Western Church and her discipline is normative.  Chapters are able to make a decision on an admission, preferably before a priest attends their first chapter.  As with any other issue that might involve scandal or bring the Society into disrepute any brother having a concern is encouraged to contact myself. 

Nicolas

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