Friday, May 11, 2012

Confraternity of Catholic Clergy Northern Branch

Yesterday two of us from Hexham and Newcastle set off early to reach Leyland to attend the meeting of the Northern Chapter of the British branch of the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy. The meeting was hosted by Fr Simon Henry of the Offerimus Tibi Domine blog ( where you may read Fr Henry`s report)  and organised by Fr Brown of Leeds diocese. After coffee we listened to Canon Meney talk about the new shrine of the Blessed Sacrament and St Philomena at SS Peter and Paul`s New Brighton. He also spoke about the life of the Institute of Christ the King and some of the abuses that can creep into the saying of the Extraordinary Form. After lunch in a nearby hotel we reconvened for exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction before setting off on the three hour journey back home.

I was very glad to be able to attend as I`d missed the opening conference last year at Reading and the first meeting of the northern chapter too. There were ten of us there but more than that number had sent apologies. The problem with the northern chapter is the distances involved in getting to meetings but it was well worth making the effort to enjoy the fraternity of brother priests and to enjoy Canon Meney`s input. The next meeting will being the autumn and it is suggested that it take place in Newcastle. More details to follow!

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