| Church & Parish, Ebbsfleet Fellowship Group |
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Father Ian Pearson, the Parish Priest of Old Saint Martin’s says: “As a Catholic in the Church of England it distresses me that Anglican Catholics are divided over several issues; this is to the grievous detriment of our witness to the Church and to the community at large. After a succession of experiences where I witnessed unkind and untrue words spoken by priests (of both integrities and none), I felt it was about time that someone stepped outside the cycle of sniping, bitterness, and mutual criticism, and began to offer the hand of friendship. Part of my vision included the offer of a welcome to all Anglican Catholics; so I contacted the local branch of the Ebbsfleet Fellowship and offered them the use of the church for a monthly celebration of Mass. This was graciously welcomed by the Fellowship. I also asked them to say something about themselves, and the following wording has been supplied by Barry and Gill Skilton who are very active in both the Ebbsfleet Fellowship and Forward in Faith.” EBBSFLEET FELLOWSHIP GROUPSThe See of Ebbsfleet was founded in 1994. The Bishop of Ebbsfleet is a Provincial Episcopal Visitor in the Province of Canterbury. The group (E.F.G) was started in 2003 by the Bishop of Ebbsfleet The Right Reverend Bishop Andrew Burnham. (P.E.V). Fr. John Pitchford, S.S.C. was given the task of Regional Dean for the Marches, covering the four counties of Worcester, Hereford, Gloucester, and Shropshire. The group started because some Christians who unable for reasons of conscience to accept women incumbents found themselves not able to go to even their own Churches. So these so called "cells" were setup in isolated regions where people found themselves miles from the nearest parish where they feel comfortable or possible to worship. Some retired clergy have the same problem. We started in Worcester with about 5 Christians meeting in each other's houses once a month to study scripture. All of us are members of Forward in Faith. It quickly grew and spread to the other areas. We now meet on the first Tuesday of every month at Old St Martin's Church in the Cornmarket in the centre of Worcester. We start at 11:15am in the community hall with a teaching of the Scriptures and Gospel readings for the next Sunday Mass, (Common worship). Following this we start our worship with the Angelus followed by the Mass using The Roman Missal, with a Hymn or two. This group is open to all Christians of the Anglo/Catholic Faith. A warm welcome is offered with a cup of coffee or tea and with no commitment. This arrangement has grown and florished over the years, and is active in Hereford, Shropshire and Gloucester on a once a month basis. The Ebbsfleet rule of life
1 We attend the Eucharist and receive Holy Communion, on Sundays and principal feasts and holy days.2 We study Holy Scripture regularly, especially the Gospel of the Day. 3 We take some part in Daily Prayer, whether at church or at home. 4 We practise examination of life and habits of quitness and solitude. 5 We give generously and regularly to support the work of the Church 6 We give of our talents and our time in the service of others, mindful of our responsibilities as citizens. 7 We pray and work for justice and peace and for the coming of God's kingdom. Ebbsfleet Solemnity of St Gregory the Great....
Father, you guide your people with kindness and govern us with love. By the prayers of Saint Gregory, give the spirit of wisdom to those you have called to lead your Church. may the growth of your people in holiness be the eternal joy of our shepherds. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.
AMENA prayer for Forward in Faith.
Father, you sent Augustine to the people of England to proclaim the faith delivered to Saint Peter and the apostles.
May the work he began be renewed in this land and continue to prosper.
Lord, those who are divded you unite, and those who united you support. Help us to live up to the call you have given us, so that we may bear witness to the truth and strive that all believers may be united in the bond of peace and love. Amen |