The Joy of Love

New reflection document on marriage and family life

Six years ago, during the Jubilee of Mercy, Pope Francis published a document after a two-year synod process in which bishops from around the world examined ‘The Vocation and Mission of the Family in the Church and Contemporary World’.The Post Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia “On Love in the Family” was the fruit of this synod process.In the year leading up to the Tenth World Meeting of Families, June 2022, the Bishops’ Conference Committee for Marriage and Family Life, part of the Department for Social Justice, reflected on Amoris Laetitia and how family life plays a central role in the life of the Church.

"Amoris Laetitia should be read in a contemplative way. It’s a text you receive in your heart – an opportunity to contemplate the mystery of love within marriage and family life and to grow a sense of discipleship. Marriage and family life is a very important vocation in the Church". Bishop David Oakley

These themes, running like a thread through the Apostolic Exhortation, are: Joy, Love, Mercy, Realities and Discernment, and Mission.  The aim of this new resource is not to provide an exhaustive analysis of Amoris Laetitia but to reflect on these themes in an engaging and constructive way. You can access the Bishops' document by clicking on the button below.


Source:CBCEW


The Joy of Love - 2022

Apologia

22 September 2025
A group of parishioners gathered on Sunday evening for the first session of 'Apologia' - a series designed to help us discover more about various aspects of our Catholic faith. In a 'behind the scenes' look at the various elements of the Mass, from the perspective of the sanctuary we were able to explore the altar w

Parish Photo Directory

22 September 2025
Two years ago we published a parish photo directory. It seems appropriate, now, to update it. Parishioners who would like to be part of this project by having their photos taken and published in the directory will be able to have their picture taken in the Lady Chapel after most Sunday Masses over the coming weeks. T

Bible Study: Ephesians: Discover Your Inheritance

19 September 2025
A new bible study will begin on Thursday, 9 October. The study will be Ephesians: Discover Your Inheritance. Ephesians was one of the most widely circulated of St. Paul’s writings because of its powerful, practical instructions for disciples of Christ. This study examines many important themes that are still relevant in today’s Christian culture and society—the nature of marriage, the purpose and role of the Church, the pre-eminence of grace in God’s plan, and the reality of spiritual warfare. This is an 8 week study and classes will be held on Thursday evenings from 7-9pm. The cost is £20 and financial assistance is available. Please register by contacting Marie Baker at mbaker0813@gmail.com by 30 Sept.

St Robert's Building Fund

16 September 2025
St Robert's Building Fund was launched at Masses on Low Sunday weekend. An update given at all Masses on the weekend of 28/29 June delivered the tremendous news that the building fund appeal was growing, with funds received to date totalling by that date of £44,567, of which 90% of this total has been gift-aided, ther

Adoration - 1st Saturday of the month, 4pm-4.50pm

15 September 2025
We will begin adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on the first Saturday of each month from 4-4.50pm, starting on Saturday 4th October. It will be an opportunity to spend some time with the Lord and, perhaps, to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation which is offered at the same time before the 5pm Mass.

Parish Retreat

14 September 2025
A group of parishioners accompanied by Fr Simon spent the weekend on retreat at Ampleforth Abbey. The retreat, led by Fr Luke Beckett OSB, explored some of the writings of St Paul, opening up the many themes of his letters and applying them to our own spiritual lives. The group took part in the liturgies of the monast

International Mass

21 August 2025
An International Mass and Luncheon, celebrating our diverse cultural parish community, will take place at 11am on on Sunday, 5th October. Parishioners are invited to volunteer to represent their country of origin. We invite anyone who would like to offer a tasting of an authentic meal from their country to bring a dish

Journey in Faith

18 August 2025
After a successful Journey in Faith (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) course which started in September 2024, eight people were received into the Church at Easter this year. The new session of Journey in Faith has begun with five members so far. If you are not a Catholic and regularly worship at St Robert's o

Children's Holiday Bible Camp

14 August 2025
Thank you to Marie and her team and all the young people who took part in the Children's Holiday Bible Camp this year. The focus on the Mass produced a great deal of fruit. The children learned about the virtues of patience, faith, generosity. They experienced Adoration and contributed to the final Mass of the week

Baptisms at St Robert's

6 April 2025
The next Seminar will take place on Sunday 12th October at 10am in preparation for the Baptism Mass at 11am on Sunday 19th October when children will be baptised into the Church and our parish family. Please pray for our children to be baptised, their parents and godparents as they all prepare, together, for this mom
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