Current Issue
November/December 2018
This issue's feature article:
An unfamiliar family?
A few years ago, I pondered the relevance of the Holy Family for us today on the Jesuit website, Thinking Faith and not for the first time, I am struck by the way their story dominates the coming season of Advent and Christmastide. Although by and large we tend to encounter them as a haloed trio, artistically represented with sublime, serene aspect, it is obvious there is more to the storyline than any idyllic presentation would suggest.
Anthony Towey
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September/October 2018
Acting Editor: Dr Anthony Towey
Ekklesia
Anthony ToweyThis autumn brings the promise of two gatherings of significance for the local and global Church. 'Adoremus', a national Eucharistic Congress will see Liverpool host representatives from parishes across the country. Gathered for a time of teaching, devotion and celebration, it will combine that precious sense of pilgrimage and journey with the equally wonderful sense of Eucharistic ...Read More
Oct
30
2018
The roots of the universal call to holiness
Ronald D. Witherup PSS
This is the third and final article in a series on Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation on the call to holiness in the ...
Not just a dwelling but an incarnation space. The importance of the house in Mark’s Gospel
Rebecca Roberts
If asked the difference between a house and a home, we may give varied answers, but we all feel that there is a difference. Our ...
The Sacrament of Confession. Renewal of the self in Chris
Peter Tyler
Beginning with texts from St Paul and Thomas Merton, Peter Tyler argues that the Sacrament of Confession – what he calls the ...
Synods – bursting bubbles?
Chris Dyczek OFM
Using historical and contemporary examples, Chris Dyzcek OFM reflects on factors which will be key to the success of the Synod on ...
The Church and mental health: how should it respond?
Jim McManus
With the rise of concepts such as mental wellbeing, resilience and recovery, it is time to revise our common views of what mental health ...
The funeral liturgy
Patrick H. Daly
A priest writes on the many pastoral considerations necessary in planning and celebrating a funeral. Much work goes into honouring the ...
Keeping watch for Christmas
Michael H. Marchal
This article suggests how to use Lessons and Carols as a Christmas Vigil before Midnight Mass. Michael H. Marchal is a member of ...
Richard Sipe and the call to truth
Chris McDonnell
In this article Chris McDonnell, a retired headteacher, reflects on the life and work of Richard Sipe. The author is national ...
What’s in a name? A reflection for Christmas on God’s name for his son
Sean Loone
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of God’s son at Christmas, what can we learn from a reflection on the name of Jesus as the Nazarene ...
Sport and ‘everyday holiness’
Paul A. McGavin
A recent document, Giving the Best of Yourself, offers an ecclesial appreciation of sport. Retired priest and still active sportsman ...
‘Do what ever he tells you’. Mary’s farewell note
A. D. Paul
Why is Mary not more prominent in Jesus’ public ministry? What are we to make of Jesus’ apparent lack of warmth to his mother? Mary’s ...
Sunday readings November/December 2018
Deuteronomy 6.2-6
Psalm 17
Hebrews 7.23-28
Mark 12.28-34
The readings given to us for this Sunday offer us a chance to reflect on the continuity and discontinuity of the covenant given to Moses, with the covenant given through Christ. The words of the Shema – the great prayer of the faithful given by Moses ('Hear O Israel . . .') sums up the faith of Israel. The fact that Jesus quotes it as the first ...
An unfamiliar family?
Anthony Towey A few years ago, I pondered the relevance of the Holy Family for us today on the Jesuit website, Thinking Faith and not for the first ...
Anthony Towey A few years ago, I pondered the relevance of the Holy Family for us today on the Jesuit website, Thinking Faith and not for the first ...
The roots of the universal call to holinessRonald D. Witherup PSS
This is the third and final article in a series on Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation on the call to holiness in the ...
Not just a dwelling but an incarnation space. The importance of the house in Mark’s GospelRebecca Roberts
If asked the difference between a house and a home, we may give varied answers, but we all feel that there is a difference. Our ...
The Sacrament of Confession. Renewal of the self in ChrisPeter Tyler
Beginning with texts from St Paul and Thomas Merton, Peter Tyler argues that the Sacrament of Confession – what he calls the ...
Synods – bursting bubbles?Chris Dyczek OFM
Using historical and contemporary examples, Chris Dyzcek OFM reflects on factors which will be key to the success of the Synod on ...
The Church and mental health: how should it respond?Jim McManus
With the rise of concepts such as mental wellbeing, resilience and recovery, it is time to revise our common views of what mental health ...
The funeral liturgyPatrick H. Daly
A priest writes on the many pastoral considerations necessary in planning and celebrating a funeral. Much work goes into honouring the ...
Keeping watch for ChristmasMichael H. Marchal
This article suggests how to use Lessons and Carols as a Christmas Vigil before Midnight Mass. Michael H. Marchal is a member of ...
Richard Sipe and the call to truth Chris McDonnell
In this article Chris McDonnell, a retired headteacher, reflects on the life and work of Richard Sipe. The author is national ...
What’s in a name? A reflection for Christmas on God’s name for his sonSean Loone
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of God’s son at Christmas, what can we learn from a reflection on the name of Jesus as the Nazarene ...
Sport and ‘everyday holiness’ Paul A. McGavin
A recent document, Giving the Best of Yourself, offers an ecclesial appreciation of sport. Retired priest and still active sportsman ...
Chris Richardson
Catholic schools are admired by many and criticised by a few. This article argues that any assessment of the merits of Catholic ...
Catholic schools are admired by many and criticised by a few. This article argues that any assessment of the merits of Catholic ...
‘Do what ever he tells you’. Mary’s farewell note A. D. Paul
Why is Mary not more prominent in Jesus’ public ministry? What are we to make of Jesus’ apparent lack of warmth to his mother? Mary’s ...
Thursday 1 November
The Solemnity of All Saints
Apocalypse 7.2-4, 9-14
Psalm 23
Matthew 5.1-12
The Church focuses today on the communion of the Saints, the ancient English word for which, 'Hallows', is still used in the term Halloween (All Hallows' eve). The Eight Beatitudes begin the first great teaching section of Matthew's Gospel, the Sermon on the Mount, and in many ways...
The Solemnity of All Saints
Apocalypse 7.2-4, 9-14
Psalm 23
Matthew 5.1-12
The Church focuses today on the communion of the Saints, the ancient English word for which, 'Hallows', is still used in the term Halloween (All Hallows' eve). The Eight Beatitudes begin the first great teaching section of Matthew's Gospel, the Sermon on the Mount, and in many ways...
Sunday 4 November
Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary timeDeuteronomy 6.2-6
Psalm 17
Hebrews 7.23-28
Mark 12.28-34
The readings given to us for this Sunday offer us a chance to reflect on the continuity and discontinuity of the covenant given to Moses, with the covenant given through Christ. The words of the Shema – the great prayer of the faithful given by Moses ('Hear O Israel . . .') sums up the faith of Israel. The fact that Jesus quotes it as the first ...
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Michael A. Hayes 1957 - 2017
Michael A. Hayes 1957 - 2017
It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Rev. Professor Michael Hayes editor of The Pastoral Review.
Many friends and readers of The Pastoral Review and The Tablet will have been shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Michael Hayes early on Easter Saturday. Read More
