Tuesday 3 June 2025
St Thomas’s
This was a special mass, in several ways. Firstly it marked the end of our RCIA meetings. We’re all Catholics now. All released into the world to live by example. Secondly, it was a small gathering of those of us who completed the course. And thirdly was the approach by Father A, who talked us through several parts of the service for a kind of behind-the-curtain peek.
I arrived early and waited for others before going into the church. It felt very informal, even as Father A. arrived in his red vestments. We all knew enough to stand and kneel and recite prayers at the same time, although it didn’t hurt to have a few veterans around just in case.
Father A is coming up on 50 years as a priest, and his homilies are always full of that experience and fluency of faith. In place of intercessions he asked us to suggest some from our seats. There were prayers for family members and friends. I suggested one for Father A and for the example he has provided us.
After receiving the eucharist I managed to make my way back to the wrong pew but otherwise it all went very nicely.
After the service we gathered in the presbytery for nibbles. Big plates of cheese, crackers, bread, wine, and all of us squeezed around the dining table, talking and laughing.
Rhys talked about his new job prospects. Steve about travel (done and not yet done). James, still grieving the loss of his father, cheerfully advised us about tomato plants and his fondness for growing vegetables. Jo meanwhile confessed to having just become vegan. Which made the cheese a bit awkward.
I mentioned being a councellor and meeting Justin Welby, and how Exodus 90 might be the most likely way someone like my son would convert to catholicism. But that it may take a while.
I didn’t want it to end. I want to make sure I see these people again.
I walked back to my car with Rhys, as became our habit lately. He talked a lot and I listened. I mentioned a quote from Nouwen (The Genessee Diary) about his reading about spiritualy rather than living it, and how I related to that. Rhys was able to empty his head of all the thoughts he’d had about it. It has been nice, and educational, to let him do that.
I came home with another new friend. The Italian tomato plan gifted from James and his wife Kristina. I’ll do my best to keep it going.