Tuesday 1st March 2022
Risen, Ascended, Glorified
A Conference for members, clergy and people alike, associates and friends of the Ordinariate in Torquay from 17-19th May 2022
FOR THE MOST UP TO DATE INFORMATION - CLICK HERE
Fr David Lashbrooke asks the question: Why go?
THE PANDEMIC has challenged us all as individuals, families and communities. The times of isolation and closed church doors are, by God’s grace, now past but the experience of ‘lockdowns’ has affected us all and most probably will help us to make sure that we never shut the sacramental door again.
Many of our communities, even at the height of the first lockdown, found imaginative ways of staying together. However, nationally we have been unable to have an extended time simply to be together and allow the Holy Spirit to refresh us through worship, fellowship and reflection. Much was planned in celebration of our tenth anniversary which had to fall by the wayside as well as a much needed ‘Lay Conference’. Although these events could not happen, I think we should be encouraged by our last meetings at Walsingham and Westminster which have left many of us saying ‘more please’.
One of the great joys of coming to a national event is the travelling with friends and then meeting others who are passionate about faith and share in the common life and reflect on the tasks we have been given as the Ordinariate. These days we cannot make claims without being evidence based so I cite a common reflection from several of our groups who attended the ‘Adoramus’ conference in Liverpool in 2018 who found the time outside the conference centre was as important as inside the conference building. Further evidence can be found by talking to those privileged to go on the last Ordinariate pilgrimage to Rome where worship and fellowship enhanced the visits to some of the most awe-inspiring places of pilgrimage in the world.
However hard we have tried over these last years to live the life of the faithful to the full it has been challenging and to have this opportunity to come together for this conference I hope will excite us all.
The challenge for all of us all is to encourage each other to come together for this conference and let God speak to us as we seek to serve. ‘Risen, Ascended, Glorified’ will give us time to strengthen both our local and national bonds as this conference is open to all who journey in the Ordinariate, both members and those who encourage us. It is very much hoped that pastors will lead by example and inspire their respective communities to participate in what is hoped will be very special days.
This article poses the question ‘Why go?’ Firstly, because we are invited. Secondly, the timetable is not too full to enable space to worship, reflect and have fun. Thirdly, to dispel the myth of Fawlty Towers and come to the English Riviera. Fourthly, to share our experiences of the Pandemic and to hear and put questions to the Ordinary. Fifthly, to share in something of Torbay Ordinariate Community and finally the food will be good.
Most importantly, I urge you to come because at the heart of these days we will be celebrating the Risen, Ascended and Glorified Lord and to help us in this Fr Michael Nazir-Ali has kindly agreed to lead us in three biblical reflections on our main theme through the lens of the St Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.
My word count is in danger of overflowing so I urge you look out for the flyer which will explain how to book and if you can - do come.
For more information go to www.ourladyofwalsingham.online and click on “Risen, Ascended, Glorified”.
To register your attendance, email torbay.conferenc@ordinariate.org.uk
Download the brochure here
