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This week we hosted a visit from the Cowley Fathers at St Mary's. Founded in Oxford over 100 years ago, this religious community is now based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 1866 by Father Benson, the Society of St John the Evangelist was the first religious community of men to be established in the Church of England since the Reformation. Very early in the history of this community, a number of the brothers settled in Massachusetts. The community’s chief ministries today are preaching, spiritual direction and hospitality. It was wonderful to welcome the brothers to St Mary’s.
The religious communities of the Anglican Communion have sometimes been described as the Church’s ‘best kept secret’ and the Archbishop of Canterbury has called for a renewal of the religious life in the Church of England. It is striking that so many of the existing communities are associated with Oxford and the Oxford Movement. One of the distinctive elements of the religious life is to live under ‘a rule of life’. And yet, one does not have to be a member of a religious community in order to develop a personal rule of life.
A rule of life may involve a commitment to personal prayer, or study of the scriptures, or voluntary service, or some other form of ministry within the church. A rule of life is worth thinking about - what are the elements which make up your rule of life? How does this express your vocation and calling? How does it give meaning and shape to your life?
Almighty and everlasting God,
by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church
is governed and sanctified:
hear our prayer which we offer for all your faithful people, that in their vocation and ministry
they may serve you in holiness and truth
to the glory of your name;
through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Revd Dr William Lamb Vicar |
| | Services
—Monday - Friday at 9am Morning Prayer (Chancel)
Tuesdays & Thursdays at 12.15pm
Lunchtime Eucharist (Chancel) —
Sunday 6th August: Trinity 8 10.30am - Sung Eucharist
Preacher: Revd Dr John Findon
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| | Archive Corner While Penny is on holiday, we are going to have a section dedicated to our historical archive.
The picture above appears to be a reproduction of an 1860 photograph of the Laud porch. This porch was added to St Mary's in 1637, replacing the medieval porch where the Latin school used to be in the Middle Ages. The porch was extremely controversial when it was built and it suffered through the centuries. The Virgin Mary statue was damaged through the Civil War, although it was restored afterwards. By the 19th century, it was crumbling and much criticised by architectural purists for its eclectic fusion of gothic and baroque. If you want to read more about the porch, see our guide book in the shop or talk to any of our volunteers.
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| | Community Notices:
Diocesan Festival of Prayer – Saturday, 9th September
Spiritual wisdom says, “We should pray as we can and not as we can’t.” The D.F.P. is a ‘taster day’ of prayer styles. Come and reflect, experience, and discuss prayer. Brochure and booking forms are at the back of the Church.
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