Embracing The Joy Of Reading: World Book Day

7th March 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

As the world celebrates World Book Day, it’s a wonderful opportunity for us to reflect on the profound significance of literature in our faith journey. While the Bible, lives of saints and theological texts are foundational to our spiritual growth, we also recognise the importance of reading for pleasure. Reading can enrich our lives as Catholics and deepen our connection to God and His creation.

One of the greatest gifts of literature is its ability to transport us to different worlds and immerse us in the lives of diverse characters. Through the power of storytelling, we encounter universal truths and grapple with complex moral questions. As Catholics, we believe that God speaks to us through all forms of creativity, including literature.

When we engage with works of fiction, we have the opportunity to discern God’s presence in the beauty of human imagination. Whether it’s through the allegorical tales of C.S. Lewis or the profound insights of Flannery O’Connor, Catholic authors have long explored the depths of faith and spirituality in their writings. By embracing the joy of reading fiction, we open ourselves to new perspectives and enrich our understanding of the divine.

In times of joy and sorrow, literature serves as a source of solace and inspiration for Catholics around the world. Whether it’s turning to the Psalms for comfort in moments of distress or seeking guidance from the wisdom of spiritual classics like “The Imitation of Christ” by Thomas à Kempis, books have the power to uplift our spirits and strengthen our faith.

Moreover, reading for pleasure allows us to experience the beauty of God’s creation in its many forms. Whether we’re exploring the wonders of nature in the pages of a novel or marvelling at the intricacies of human relationships in a work of poetry, literature reminds us of the divine presence that permeates every aspect of our lives.

On this World Book Day, let us celebrate the joy of reading and give thanks for the countless blessings that literature brings into our lives as Catholics. Whether we’re exploring the depths of human experience through fiction, finding solace in spiritual classics or discerning God’s presence in the beauty of creation, let us approach the written word with open hearts and minds. may we continue to embrace the transformative power of reading and allow it to deepen our faith and enrich our lives.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, – 2 Timothy 3:16

Stations of the Cross – Jesus Is Met By His Blessed Mother

7th March 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Lord Jesus Christ, take me along that holy way you once took to your death, Take my mind, my memory, above all my reluctant heart, and let me see what you once did for love of me and all the world.

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.

Because by your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the world.

Fourth Station: Jesus Is Met By His Blessed Mother

I sought him whom my heart loves. I sought but did not find him. So I will rise and fo through the City, in the streets and the squares I will seek him whom my heart loves … I sought but did not find him. The watchman came upon me on their roads in the City: ‘Have you seen him whom my hearts loves?’ Scarcely had I passed them than I found hi, hom my hearts loves. – Song of Songs 3:1-4

Prayer from “A Woman’s Way Of The Cross” by Sylvia Hunter

Stations of the Cross – Jesus Falls For The First Time

6th March 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Lord Jesus Christ, take me along that holy way you once took to your death, Take my mind, my memory, above all my reluctant heart, and let me see what you once did for love of me and all the world.

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.

Because by your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the world.

We had all gone astray like sheep, each taking his own way, and Yahweh burdened him with the sins of all of us. Harshly dealt with, he bore it humbly, he never opened his mouth, like a lamb that is led to the slaughterhouse, like a sheep that is dumb before its shearers never opening its mouth. BY force and by law he was taken; would anyone plead his cause? – Isaiah 53:6-8

Prayer from “A Woman’s Way Of The Cross” by Sylvia Hunter

Stations of the Cross – Jesus Receives His Cross

5th March 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Lord Jesus Christ, take me along that holy way you once took to your death, Take my mind, my memory, above all my reluctant heart, and let me see what you once did for love of me and all the world.

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.

Because by your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the world.

Second Station: Jesus Receives His Cross

Ours were the sufferings he bore, ours the sorrows he carried. But we thought of him as someone punished, struck by God, and brought low. Yet he was pierced through for our faults, crushed for our sins. On him lies a punishment that brings us peace, and through his wounds we were healed. – Isaiah 53:4-5

Prayer from “A Woman’s Way Of The Cross” by Sylvia Hunter

Navigating Career Paths with Purpose: Celebrating National Careers Week

4th March 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

As National Careers Week unfolds, it’s a time for reflection and exploration, a chance to delve into the vast landscape of career possibilities and aspirations. Whether you’re a student embarking on your educational journey, a seasoned professional considering a career change or someone seeking to align your passions with your work, this week offers a valuable opportunity to delve deeper into the worlds of careers.

Careers are more than just jobs; they’re pathways that shape our identities, influence our daily lives and contribute to the fabric of society. From traditional professions like medicine and law to emerging fields like artificial intelligence and sustainable energy, the array of career paths can seem both exhilarating and overwhelming. During National Careers Week, it’s essential to take stock of our interests, skills and values. What ignites our passion? What are we naturally good at? What impact do we hope to make in the world? These questions serve as guideposts as we navigate the intricate maze of career options.

Catholic Social Teaching emphasises the importance of work as a means of promoting human dignity and contributing to the common good. As Pope Francis reminds us in his encyclical. Laudato Si’, “Work is a necessity, a part of the meaning of life on this earth, a path to growth, human development and personal fulfillment.” In light of this, National Careers Week becomes not just a time to explore job prospects or career advancement, nut an opportunity to reflect on how our professional endeavours can be a source of fulfillment, meaning and service. It’s about recognising that our work has the potential to be a vehicle for God’s grace and love in the world.

One of the most beautiful aspects of National Careers Week is the celebration of diversity in career paths. Every individual brings a unique set of experiences, talents and aspirations to the table, contributing to the rich tapestry of professions that shape our world. From artists to engineers, educators to entrepreneurs, each career path is a testament to the human spirit’s boundless creativity and innovation. This week, let’s celebrate the diversity of careers and honour the contributions of individuals from all walks of life.

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, adaptability and lifelong learning are more critical than ever. National Careers Week provides an excellent opportunity to assess our skills sets and identify areas for growth and development. Whether it’s mastering new technologies, honing communication skills or cultivating leadership abilities, investing in our professional development is essential for long-term success. Let’s seize this week as a catalyst for personal and professional growth, committing to continuous learning and skill-building.

Navigating career paths can be daunting, but we don’t have to go it alone. National Careers Week is an ideal time to seek mentorship and guidance from those who have walked the path before us. Mentors offer valuable insights, wisdom and support, helping us navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and chart a course toward our goals. Whether it’s reaching out to a trusted colleague, connecting with alumni networks or seeking guidance from career counsellors, mentorship can be a gamechanger in our career journeys.

As we journey through National Careers Week, let’s carry forward the spirit of exploration, discovery and empowerment that defines this week. Whether we’re embarking on new career paths, refining our skills ot seeking mentorship, let’s approach our careers with purpose, passion and a commitment to lifelong learning. Together. Let’s celebrate the diverse tapestry of careers that enrich our world and empower individuals to pursue their dreams.

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. – Proverbs 16:3

Stations of the Cross – Jesus Is Condemned To Death

4th March 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Lord Jesus Christ, take me along that holy way you one took to your death. Take my mind, my memory, above all my reluctant heart, and let me see what you once did for love of me and all the world.

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.

Because by your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the world.

First Station: Jesus Is Condemned To Death

Pilate came outside again and said to them, ‘Look, I am going to bring him out to you to let you see that I find no case.’ Jesus then came out wearing a crowns of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said, ‘Here is the man’. When they saw him the chief priests and the guards shouted, ‘Crucify him! Crucify him!’ Pilate said, ‘Take him yourselves and crucify him: I can find no case against him’. – John 19:4-6

Prayer from “A Women’s Way of the Cross” by Sylvia Hunter

Finding Healing and Hope: No More Week

3rd March 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

As No More Week unfolds, we are called to confront the scourge of domestic violence with compassion, courage and commitment to justice.

Domestic Violence shatters lives, inflicting physical, emotional and spiritual wounds that can scar individuals and families for generations. As Catholics, we are called to stand in solidarity with survivors, speaking out against all forms of abuse and working tirelessly to end the cycle of violence. No More Week serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to confront domestic violence with unwavering resolve and compassion.

Central to Catholic social teaching is the belief in the inherent dignity and worth of every human. Domestic violence violates this fundamental principle, robbing individuals of their dignity and agency. As followers of Christ, we are called to recognise the image of God in every person, treating them with love, respect and compassion. No one should have to endure the pain and trauma of domestic violence, and we must work together to ensure that all are able to live free from fear and harm.

For survivors of domestic violence, healing and recovery can be a long and challenging journey. As a faith community, we are called to offer support, comfort and resources to those who have experienced abuse. Through counselling, advocacy and pastoral care, we can help survivors find healing and hope, empowering them to rebuild their lives and reclaim their dignity. No More Week provides an opportunity for us to renew our commitment to supporting survivors and walking with them on their path to healing.

Ultimately, the eradication of domestic violence requires a cultural shift rooted in respect, love and equality. As Catholics, we are called to promote healthy relationships built on mutual trust, communication and understanding. By educating ourselves and others about the warning signs of abuse, challenging harmful attitudes and behaviours, and advocating for policies that protect survivors and hold abusers accountable, we can work towards creating communities where everyone feels safe, valued and respected.

As we begin this No More Week, let us recommit ourselves to the work of ending domestic violence and promoting healing justice and reconciliation. May we stand in solidarity with survivors, offer support and compassion, and work tirelessly to create a world where no one has to endure the pain and trauma of abuse. Together, let us build communities of love, respect and dignity, where all are able to flourish and thrive.

The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion. – Psalm 11:5

Renewal and Repentance: Embracing the Third Sunday of Lent

3rd March 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

As we journey through the liturgical season of Lent, the Third Sunday marks a pivotal moment of reflection and renewal in the Catholic faith. This Sunday invites us to pause amidst our penitential practices and rejoice in the promise of God’s mercy and forgiveness.

At the heart of the Third Sunday of Lent lies the call to repentance – a call echoed throughout Scripture and the teachings of the Church. In the Gospel readings for this Sunday, we encounter the story of Jesus cleansing the temple, a powerful reminder of the need to cleanse our hearts and minds of all that separates us from God’s love. Lent provides us with a sacred opportunity to examine our lives, acknowledge our shortcomings, and turn back to God with contrite hearts.

In the Gospel of John, we encounter the powerful image of Jesus as the “living water” – the source of eternal life and fulfillment. Just as Jesus offered the Samaritan woman living water to quench her thirst, he offers us the same invitation to encounter him and be transformed by his grace. During the Lenten season, let us journey to the well of God’s mercy, allowing his love to wash over us and renew us from within.

The disciplines of prayer, fasting and almsgiving are central to our Lenten observance, guiding us on the path of spiritual growth and renewal. Through prayer, we deepen our relationship with God, seeking his guidance and strength to persevere in our Lenten commitments. Through fasting, we discipline our bodies and minds, making space for God’s grace to work within us. Through almsgiving, we extend God’s love and compassion to those in need, living out our call to be instruments of justice and mercy in the world.

As we celebrate the Third Sunday of Lent, let us rejoice in the abundant mercy and love of God. No matter how far we may have strayed or how many times we have fallen, God’s mercy is always available to us, ready to embrace us and lift us up. Let us approach the sacrament of reconciliation with open hearts, experiencing the healing power of GOd’s forgiveness and reconciliation. And let us continue our Lenten journey with renewed hope and joy, trusting in God’s promise of new life and transformation.

As we embrace the Third Sunday of Lent, may we be inspired by the call to repentance, renewal and rejoicing in God’s mercy. Let us turn to Christ, the living water, and allow his grace to quench our thirst and transform our lives. Through prayer, fasting and almsgiving, may we deepen our relationship with God and grow in holiness. And may we rejoice in the promise of Easter, when we will celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. –  Psalm 19:14

Embracing Grace and Gratitude: National Day of Reflection

3rd March 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

As the National Day of Reflection unfolds, we are called to pause and embrace a sacred moment of prayer, gratitude and remembrance.

In the face of adversity and uncertainty, prayer becomes a powerful source of solace and strength. The National Day of Reflection invites us to turn to God in prayer, seeking comfort, guidance and consolation in the midst of life’s challenges. Through prayer, we find refuge in the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father, who walks with us through every trial and tribulation, offering hope and healing to all who seek Him.

Amidst the turmoil of life, the National Day of Reflection also calls us to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. As Catholics, we are called to recognise and give thanks for the countless blessings and graces that surround us each day – the gift of life, the love of family and friends, and the beauty of creation. Gratitude opens our hearts to receive God’s abundant grace and mercy, filling us with a sense of peace, joy and contentment even in the midst of adversity.

On the National Day of Reflection, we pause to honour the memory of those we have lost and to reflect on the lessons learnt from their lives. Whether commemorating loved ones who have passed away, reflecting on past struggles and triumphs, or acknowledging the collective grief and loss experienced by society, remembrance serves as a powerful catalyst for healing and transformation. Through remembrance, we find hope for the future, trusting in God’s promise of resurrection and new life.

In a world marked by division and discord, the National Day of Reflection reminds us of the importance of solidarity – coming together as a community of faith to support, encourage and uplift one another. As Catholics, we are called to bear one another’s burdens, to share in each other’s joys and sorrows, and to walk together in faith and hope. let us stand in solidarity with all who are suffering, offering prayers, presence and support as a sign of God’s love and compassion in the world.

On the National Day of Reflection, may we embrace the opportunity to draw closer to God in prayer, gratitude, remembrance and solidarity. Through our faith, may we find comfort in the midst of our trial, grace in the face of adversity, and hope in the promise of God’s unfailing love. Together. let us journey forward in faith, trusting in God’s providence and embracing each day as a gift to be cherished and lived to the fullest.

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. – Psalm 62:5

Parents, Carers and Community Members Exploitation Awareness Session

1st March 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Calling all parents, carers and community member!

Could you spot the signs of child exploitations?

Wolverhampton Exploitation Hub in partnership with Wolverhampton Voluntary and Community Action invite you to an online awareness session to help you to:

  • Recognise the signs of child exploitation
  • Know what to do if a child you care for is at risk

You will

  • Find out about different forms of exploitation
  • Understand the grooming process
  • Learn about the signs of exploitation
  • Know how to respond
  • Learn about the help and support available in Wolverhampton
  • Find out about how to get help
  • Have the opportunity to ask questions

Please book to reserve you place at the link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/exploitation-awareness-for-parents-carers-and-community-members-tickets-845873780247?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Tuesday 5th March, 7pm-8pm, Online