Here's an update on the Blessed John Henry Newman Fellowship, comprised of former members of Good Shepherd, Rosemont. On their first Sunday they had seventy people. On their second Sunday they had eighty, and they've also started a Sunday School. In fact, things are moving so much in the right direction that they need to look immediately for a larger and more permanent facility, thanks be to God!
UPDATE: Beginning on Sunday, September 18th, the Newman Fellowship will gather for Mass at 10:00 a.m. on the campus of Bryn Mawr College, in the Music Room of the Marjorie Walter Goodhart Hall. They will remain at this location for the foreseeable future.
Getting things set up and ready...
Bishop David Moyer preaching at the Sunday Eucharist
Coffee hour. Not the 8th sacrament, but almost...!
Related posts:
Coffee hour may not be the eighth Sacrament, but it most definitely fits the definition of a Sacramental.
Thanks be to God.
"One man's eyes can't see the future clear
Two men's eyes can't see the future clear
But if two and two and fifty make a million
We'll see that day come round
We'll see that day come round."
God Bless Them All and Us Through Them!
Dennis
Benedic, anima mea! The Lord is truly good. I pray they all will remain in the Fellowship. We at St Augustine of Canterbury, Vista, CA, had some members of the previous congregation come and 'check things out' at the start of our journey one year ago. But the blessing is that we have a solid number of faithful parishioners and those who 'came to see' know where/who we are. Again, no expiration date on joining the Ordinariate.
It is a tragedy that these people have been deprived of their beautiful church, one of the loveliest in Philadelphia. On their part this is real sacrifice and I hope they find somewhere more suitable for worship soon.
Leaving the building was terribly difficult , especially for those of us who have been at Good Shepherd for many many years. Yes, it is a glorious church; but one of the major lessons learned during this "trial by fire" has been the absolute acceptance of the fact that the Sacraments are the Church…not the building. Also, let's never forget that for almost 21 years, despite his being constantly challenged, David Moyer never wavered in either his beliefs or his commitment to his ordination vows. He successfully kept the "wolf in sheep's clothing" from the altar as well as the pulpit.
Thanks be t o God for His love and mercy. May He continue to bless us all.
Yes, of coures you are right and it is a tribute to Bishop Moyer that he has taught the people of the Good Shepherd the essentials of the Faith. But the building is not only beautiful but a theological statement enshrining those essentials. I know less than nothing of the Episcopal Church these days but it depresses me intensely to think that the Good Shepherd has a theologically shallow future expressed in terms of meaningless ceremonial. Architecturally it is an artistic unity and it would be a tragedy if this was destroyed.
I'm happy for them. Where did all the people come from? Good Shepherd? TEC? Disaffected Catholics? Other continuing Anglicans? What about the other group in the area, St. Michael I believe?
Yes it is tragic that the building was lost but who knows what may turn up? GOD is not finished yet!
Totally forgot to post my original comment: I was never any good at after worship social gatherings. I never could stomach coffee of any kind. Tried it a few times but it just doesn't do it. Most of these gatherings never seem to have hot cocoa or chocolate available so I always feel left out standing around like a lamp post. Socializing is difficult for me.
May the Lord continually guide and bless your faithfulness dear Bishop and good people of the John Henry Newman Fellowship!
Bishop David is also our Visiting Bishop here in the United Kingdom for the Traditional Anglican Church (TAC) and we know what a joy it is to share him with you all in Philadelphia, and to have a man who upholds the Catholic Faith and Order.
Rest assured you have our prayers and the good wishes for a successful
transition on a new path within the John Henry Newman Fellowship. We shall take good care of him in October when he comes to London Colney, to take our retreat.
Don't forget, Bishop David is also the bishop overseeing the Patrimony of the Primate. There are many demands on his time and talents, and he should remain in everyone's prayers daily.
He's also the Bishop for the Armed Forces.
See that picture of Blessed JHN? Here's, another piccie https://www.trinitystores.com/store/art-image/lord-dance by the same chap. I like some of his stuff, but you probably don't want to be using it to pray with. :/