My Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ

In his book, "The Strangest Way," Robert Barron speaks of a lengthy pilgrimage to the Holy Land undertaken by seminarians at the theological seminary at which he teaches. Their time there usually coincides with the Muslim penitential month of Ramadan and it is Ramadan perhaps more than anything else in Israel that leaves a lasting impression on these young American Catholic seminarians. It is an unavoidable, "in your face" experience. He writes:-

'Simply to walk outside one's residence and open one's eyes and ears is to know that something powerful is going on. Ramadan affects the way people behave, move, gesture, do business, eat and celebrate (one seminarian was especially impressed by the festiveness at the end of the month of fasting, which trumps any Fourth of July celebration he had ever experienced).'

He goes on to say:-

'The rhetorical questions that I have posed to my students when they share these impressions are the following: If a foreign visitor came to largely Catholic Chicago during our penitential season of Lent, would that person notice anything in particular? Would it be obvious in any sense that something of religious significance was underway? Would you see Lent in people's faces, bodies, movements? Does it change the way they buy and sell, advertise, eat and sleep? The answer to all of those questions is, alas, no."

We could, I imagine, defend ourselves against Barron's assertions by arguing that Jesus commanded us to pray and fast in private rather than parade our devotions for all to see and that, therefore, our Lenten practices ought not to be as publicly visible as those of Ramadan. But this would simply allow us to evade a very real challenge as to the importance of Lent in our present day and age. Does our modern practice of Lent in any way have meaning and value? And, if so, how does it prepare us for Holy Week and Easter?

At one time it was regarded as a period of self denial, fasting, and self-examination which culminated in the making of a confession during Holy Week. In more recent years the emphasis has seemed to move away from the concept of self denial to that of taking on some additional spiritual discipline. But while there are doubtless many who still practice some form of self denial (sometimes for the wrong reasons, like giving up chocolates during Lent because it will help me lose weight) and many who will join a Lent Study Group or take on some additional spiritual exercise, and a few who will do both, nevertheless I think that, for the vast majority of our parishioners, Lent has little real meaning or impact. Certainly very few of those who know us would sense that something of religious significance was taking place.

I am not, in any way, decrying the tradition and practice of Lent, nor suggesting that it has no value or meaning in our modern day and age. What I am doing, rather, is suggesting that we need to ask ourselves exactly what it is that we are trying to do and achieve through the practice of Lent and to ask ourselves how we could focus our Lenten disciplines more effectively in order to help our people grow. Lent has always been a time of spiritual and physical pilgrimage; the Stations of the Cross originated for those who were unable to make the physical Lenten pilgrimage. How do we, today, make Lent a time of real spiritual and physical pilgrimage; one that will help shape the ongoing pilgrimage of every Christian?

However, much as I found Barron's comparison between the Christian approach to Lent and the seriousness with which Muslims approach Ramadan challenging and thought provoking, it strikes me that me that his questions are really the wrong questions altogether. The question is not whether Lent is visible in our daily lives, but the extent to which Christ is visible in us. To rewrite his questions:-

"If a foreign visitor came to Johannesburg, or our parish, would that person notice anything in particular? Would it be obvious in any sense that something of religious significance was underway? Would they see the love of Christ in people's faces, bodies, movements? Does Jesus change the way we buy and sell, advertise, eat and sleep? The answer to all of those questions may well be no, but should, unquestionably, be a resounding yes."

In his diocesan newsletter published at the end of last year, Bishop Joh Seoka decried the absence of moral values that appears to be so pervasive in our country at this time, and called upon his diocese to declare a "Standing for the Truth Campaign" in 2008. His call deliberately echoes an earlier "Standing for the Truth Campaign" in our nation's history because it requires of us today that same courageous, unswerving stand for what we know to be true and right and the same willingness to suffer, if needs be, for the sake of the gospel. But whatever its name, it is simply a call for us to live the baptismal life of one who follows Him who is the Truth. We who worship Jesus cannot live in falsehood, because he is the light by which good and evil is seen, recognised, and acted upon.

"I sign you with the sign of the cross, the sign of Christ.
Do not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified.
Fight valiantly under the banner of Christ against the world, the flesh and the devil."

Whatever else Lent may be, it is meant to be a time of reflection, self-examination, and the re-ordering of our lives so that we might live the baptismal life and that Christ might be visible in all we do - in the way we buy and sell, advertise, eat, sleep, live, love and worship. William Temple once said, "God is Christ-like, and in him is no un-Christ-likeness at all. As Christians we too are called to be Christ-like, those in whom there is no un-Christ-likeness at all.

May your Lenten practices draw you into God's Christ-likeness

+Brian

Installation of our New Archbishop

Archbishop Thabo will be installed as Archbishop on 30 March. (Thabo has decided that the service will be an installation rather than enthronement). In terms of the new Canons the Province was far more involved in the election than ever before and because of it, Archbishop Thabo has asked that each diocese be represented by one clergyperson, one layperson, and one child between 10 - 17 years of age. A number of people have indicated that they intend attending the installation and I will simply ask some of them to represent us.

Prayer focus for Lent

Archbishop Thabo, with the support of all the bishops, has called for the Province to observe Lent as a time of special prayer for Africa. Every newspaper, radio and television news bulletin features desperate scenes in countries such as Kenya, Sudan, Zimbabwe as well as in other areas of the continent. The escalation of violence and political tensions as well as the effect of HIV and AIDS, Malaria and TB and the dire economic situation in many parts of Africa, including our own, are all cause for the deepest concern.

Please encourage every parish to pray at every service and every parishioner to pray every day during Lent for our continent in all its varied needs. I hope that such prayer will continue after Lent as well for we know only too well in this part of Africa the power of prayer. Now is the time to offer that prayer for the whole continent. We will offer our prayers so that in the vision of St John the Divine :

"The lamb at the centre of the throne will be their shepherd,
and he will guide them to springs of the water of life,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."(Revelations 7 : 17)

Our Lenten Appeal for 2008 remains the Clergy Welfare Committee.

Vestry 2008

Preparations for Vestry appear to be well in hand in most, if not all, parishes. Thank you for taking the matter so seriously. The Ad Clerum last month gave detailed instructions in respect of Vestry and set out timelines. Please make use of it and, if you have any problems or are falling behind the timelines, please speak to me now so that we can find solutions before it is too late.

Spiritual Formation

Clergy Day: The first Clergy Day of the year will take place at St Joseph's Home from 09h00 - 12h30 on Tuesday 5^th February. The topic for the day will be "Liturgy and Preaching." See you there.

Clergy Quiet Day: Our Lenten Diocesan Quiet Day at Bishop's House will be on Tuesday, 19^th February. Prayer is central to effectiveness in ministry so please plan to make it a part of your Lenten preparation.

Clergy Marriage Course: A few of you have already booked to be part of the Marriage Course starting on 13^th April. We can only accommodate about 8 couples, so book your place now.

Revised Prayer for Africa: I was impressed that most of the parishes I have visited this year have used the revised Prayer for Africa. I encourage you all to promote it and to pray it as part of your parish worship. It reads:-

God bless Africa
Protect her children
Transform her leaders
Heal her communities
Restore her dignity
And give her peace.

Reading Recommendations

In preparing for the ordination retreat I re-read Kenneth Bailey's book "Jacob and the Prodigal," and recommend it as something well worth a read. Sub-titled "How Jesus Retold Israel's Story," it is a brilliant, and unexpected analysis of the well-known parable of the prodigal seen through middle eastern eyes and from the perspective of the Jacob saga.

Another useful book is a book edited by Gary Moon and David Benner entitled "Spiritual Direction and the Care of Souls." It is a collection of essays about spiritual direction as practiced in a variety of different denominational traditions. Each essay also highlights the difference between their denominational understanding of spiritual direction, pastoral counselling and psychotherapy. I found it both illuminating and helpful.

STILIM Lay Training Programme

There has been a good response to the STILIM Lay Training Programme and spaces are filling fast. If you have not already done so, please encourage your parish leadership to participate - it will be of enormous value for you to have lay leadership who have a clearer understanding of our diocesan vision and can support you more fully in what you are trying to do.

The 8 week course will be held from 09h00 - 12h30 on the 2^nd Saturday of each month, February - May and July - October, starting on the 9^th February 2008. Application forms are obtainable from the Diocesan office. For more information please contact Darryl Cotton on Tel: 084-526-8866; 011-794-4198 (home); 011-954-6618 (office); or email: dcotton@axxess.co.za.

Self Supporting Clergy Days

Training days for Self Supporting Clergy for 2008 will be as follows: 24^th May; 5^th July; 23^rd August; and 6^th September (all Saturdays). Time: 08h30 for 09h00 to 12h30. Venue: St Thomas' Linden.

I have noticed that a number of Self Supporting Clergy are not attending training days. I therefore give warning that failure to attend on these days will result in disciplinary action.

Family News

Provincial News:

• Some of the older clergy of this diocese will remember Jan Dykman, at one time a priest in this diocese. It is with sadness that I must report that he died suddenly this month within a week of being diagnosed as having leukaemia. Please remember him and his family in your prayers.

• Sister Maureen has been admitted to hospital following some severe back spasms. She is currently undergoing a very rigorous programme of chemotherapy and it is not certain whether the pains and spasms are adverse reactions to the treatment or symptoms of more serious problems. Please hold her, Sister Erica and, indeed, all the staff of St Benedict's in your prayers.

• Bishop David Nkwe (former Bishop of Matlosane) died on Monday, 21^st January. His funeral service was held on Friday, 25^th January at Christ the King, Sophiatown. May +David's soul rest in peace and rise in glory.

Diocesan News:

• Congratulations to Lucy Austin (Sunninghill) and Bradley Moloi (St James, Diepkloof) who were made deacon, and to Kathy Barrable (Kensington), Keith Brown (Linden), Justin Dodd (Parkhurst), Sharmain James (Weltevredenpark), Andrew Philips (Randfontein); Lynda Shimmin (Orchards), Abegail Tserere (Jabavu) and Sarah van der Watt (Bryanston) who were ordained priest in the Cathedral of St Mary the Virgin on Saturday, 2nd February. We pray for faithfulness and the visible presence of God in their lives and ministry.

• Our warmest congratulations also go to Sarah van der Watt (nee Andrews) on her marriage to Andrew on 12 January. We wish them both God's blessing on their future life together.

• Last month we said that Nigel Mollink had been put on 2 months leave because of prolonged back problems. He has now undergone back surgery and will be spending the remainder of the next two months convalescing. He will then, hopefully, be able to return to the parish for one final month of ministry before his retirement. Please keep him and Wendy in your prayers in what is both a difficult and painful time.

• Errol Dengler has also been in hospital; in his case for surgical repair to his shoulder operation. He is now out of hospital and recuperating at home. Keep him and Gail in your prayers.

• Brian Williams, a retired priest of this diocese was in hospital for 2 weeks with heart problems. He has now had a pacemaker fitted and is back at home.

• Gerry Schaafsma's wife, Wendy, is to undergo a hip replacement operation. Please continue to pray for both Wendy and Gerry. 

• Andrew Payne had a brief stay in hospital to repair damage to an injured arm and hand. He is now recovering at home after the surgery. Please pray for Andrew and Yvonne during this time.

Dates for Diary

February

March

Directions for St Joseph's Diocesan Centre: Sophiatown

From Beyers Naude Drive turn into Westpark Drive. Pass cemetery on left. Continue along past shops (on left) and rubbish dump (on right) to traffic light. Turn left into Coronation Street. Continue past the turning to Christ the King (Ray Street). About 5 blocks beyond Christ the King turn left into Good Street. St Joseph's is at the end of the road.
From the N1/Western Bypass turn into Gordon Road.  Continue on Gordon Road to Long Road. Turn left. At next set of traffic lights turn right into 8th Road.  Pass Albert's Farm (on left) and turn left at the first road after the Farm (Meyer Road). Continue to the traffic lights at Coronation Street and turn right. Continue past the turning to Christ the King (Ray Street). About 5 blocks beyond Christ the King turn left into Good Street. St Joseph's is at the end of the road.
From Kingsway turn into Lewes Road and follow past Westdene Dam (on left).  Lewes Road curves left around the edge of the Dam into Tenby Street; and then right (away from Dam) into Thornton Street. Continue along Thornton Street past Shopping Centre (on left). Turn right into Good Street. St Joseph's is at the end of the road.

Directions for St Luke's, Orchards:

Exit M1 North at 11^th Ave. Turn left and continue to 3rd robot after freeway (garage and shops).Turn left into Grant Avenue and 3^rd street left again into Oaklands Road.Church is on right on next corner.

Moves, Appointments and Vacancies

• Darryl Cotton has accepted a placement in the Diocese of Bunbury, Western Australia and will be leaving our diocese sometime in April or May. His intention at this point is to return to us in 5 years time. We wish them well in their new life in Australia.

• Dan Molwantwa was instituted as Rector of St Francis, Newclare at 15h00 on Sunday, 3^rd February. Please keep Dan and his family in your prayers.

Birthdays And Anniversaries:

Please remember the following persons in your prayers as they celebrate birthdays and anniversaries in the coming months:

General Notices

• The Sunday Morning Radio Broadcast Service: Will be broadcast on Sunday 16^th March 2008 from the Parish of St Mary's, Rosettenville. The Rector is the Revd Rod Greville.

• Emergency Planning in Churches: The second part of the course which is being presented by Jenny Clarke will be held at St Luke's, Orchards on Saturday 10^th May 2008. The closing date for applications is 2^nd May 2008. Times are 09h00 - 16h00. The cost of R100.00 per person covers documentation, light refreshments and certification.

This is a good opportunity for those clergy who completed the first part of the course on a previous occasion, and were not able to get to the second part, to complete their training. Please contact Revd Allan Williams on 011 728 7015 for further details.

• Post-Ordination Skills Training: The programme for 2008 is as follows:
  

  March 15	Preaching "help, preacher hasn't turned up!" Bring preaching roster, Bible, note book.
  May 17	Eucharist 1st Communion, varieties, problems, questions
  June 21	Baptism, Confirmation Bring notes already using
  July 19	Death & Dying - trip to undertakers Hospice, anointing
  Sept 20	Marriage Priests to have applied for Marriage Officer's Licence (Saras)
  Oct 18	Confession, exorcism (un-holy ghosts)
  Nov 22	Deacon vs priest and self-supporting vs stipendiary
  Venue: St Margaret's, 9 Harper Road, Bedfordview. Time: 09h00 to 16h00. Bring & Share lunch. For more information contact Revd Patricia Lane. 011 455 4449.

• HIV and AIDS: A reminder to all involved that the first HIV & AIDS Parish Reps Quarterly Meeting for 2008 will be held at St Paul's, Jabavu from 10h00 on Saturday 9^th February 2008. Our speaker, Rozette Japhta, the Director of the Orphaned and Vulnerable Children's (OVC) programme will share with us how we can grow and strengthen our ministry to needy children.
  
  You are all encouraged to attend, so that together we can set our aims and objectives for the year. It will be very helpful that you as Archdeaconries and Parishes, also come with your plans for the year and what help you will need from the Diocesan Office.
  
  This year will see the implementation of two years of planning how best to mobilize our parishes. At the end of the funding period of 5 years in 2011, our current programme Siyakha, (We are Building) will be evaluated on how much work on the ground we have done to assist those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS. The HIV & AIDS office is there to support this implementation. Please feel free to visit our bigger offices (next to the Diocesan Office) where our Administrator will assist you with information wherever possible.
  
  AIDS badges are now available for sale and will be brought to the meeting. Those who want to sell the Southern Anglican magazine, can you please send me a note and say how many you need so that I can see if I can still get some from Rev. Cynthia Botha. As you may remember this is also a year of strengthening our fundraising to support our operations.

• The Diocese of Grahamstown: Invites applications for the position of Rector at the following parishes: Holy Cross, Mdantsane; Good Shepherd, East London; St Peter's, Ezibeleni. Enquiries to: The Bishop's Secretary, PO Box 181, Grahamstown, 6140 South Africa. Tel 046 636 1996, Fax 046 622 531, email bpgtn@intekom.co.za.

• Diocesan Social Responsibility Team: At its 1^st meeting for 2008 the DSRT noted with appreciation that an amount of R116,000.00 has been received for the 2007 Bishop's Appeal towards the HIV and AIDS Ministry. A big 'thank you' is extended to those parishes and individuals who have given towards this much needed ministry. Sadly though, many parishes have not yet paid their contributions and we would appreciate their support in doing this as soon as possible. A new Appeal will be starting soon for 2008. The funding is mostly for the development and assistance of archdeaconry and parish teams as well as for ministry. The focus now is on implementation, and there are costs to be covered for parish and archdeaconry facilitators. Please contact George Boyce in the Diocesan Office, or the HIV and AIDS co-ordinator if you are in doubt about your parish contribution.

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