God's love for you -3rd November

Webmaster • November 3, 2024

Purgatory


The Catholic Church believes in Heaven and Hell after death, as well as Purgatory. But what is that place? Our Catechism explains: 'The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned...we must believe that, before the Final Judgment, there is a purifying fire...we understand that certain offenses can be forgiven in this age, but certain others in the age to come.' 'This teaching is also based on the practice of prayer for the dead, already mentioned in Sacred Scripture: "Therefore (Judas Maccabeus) made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin."' So who will go to Purgatory? The Catechism teaches: 'All who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.' Venerable Fulton Sheen said Purgatory is a way of 'reaching excellence' and 'achieving a perfection that would be known'. And he used two beautiful examples: just like raw diamonds which look so dull and so full of flaws, and every single one would need to be cut and then polished by an expert, however it would be a rather painful process if the diamonds were conscious of it. Purgatory is also like a dark room for a photographic film, where it is treated with burning acids in order to reveal all the hidden colour and beauty. Indeed, we might have carried out a lot of seen and unseen good works or works with good intentions in our lives, but they did not always sink into the depths of our hearts and souls. As the Venerable Archbishop described: "Look at how many undone duties there are in our lives, loose ends, muddling through responsibilities, wrong turns retraced and then taken again lightly, opportunities missed, intentions were good but not wholly carried into act... " Oh yes, so many of us will not be ready. Yet, because God is full of Mercy and Love, so even His Judgement is final, He still gives these souls who die in the state of grace a chance to cleanse the remains of sin which not yet atoned for, a provision made for making up for their failings, before they reach their Eternal Happiness.


(Source & Reference: Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraphs # 1030-1032 Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, "Catholic Catechism - Lesson 45: Purgatory", recorded in 1965) 

By Webmaster April 11, 2026
Archbishop Mark O’Toole’s Letter The Archbishop has written to Catholics in Wales urging them to vote in the upcoming Senedd Election. His letter called on Catholics to “participate actively in these elections and to fulfil their civic duty by voting for candidates who will best uphold the dignity of the human person and the common good.” He also wrote: “This is your opportunity to shape the future of Wales through a Catholic lens for the good of all. As you discern among the candidates and their approach to these and other important issues, I encourage you to pray for those who are seeking election and those who govern. May their decisions be always guided by the wisdom of the Holy Spirit and a true desire to serve the people of Wales, especially the most vulnerable.” Five Key Areas of Importance Ahead of the election, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales has issued a document outlining the work of the Catholic Church in Wales as well as the Catholic community’s main policy requests. The document highlights five key areas of importance for the Catholic Church in Wales: Education, Life Issues, Historic Churches, Healthcare and the Environment. To read/download: www.cbcew.org.uk/2026 -senedd-election/ Guide for Catholics Caritas Cardiff-Menevia has produced a guide – The Senedd Election 2026: Every Vote Counts – to help explain the new electoral system, who can vote, and how to make an informed choice. Every Catholic in our Diocese to read the guide, reflect carefully, and use their vote. Visit: https://rcadc.org/wp-content/ uploads/2026/03/Caritas-The-Seneddelection-2026v3.pdf
By Webmaster April 11, 2026
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By Webmaster April 11, 2026
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By Webmaster April 11, 2026
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By Webmaster April 3, 2026
The Rosminian Fathers in St Peter’s Parish would like to wish you all a very Happy Easter!
By Webmaster April 3, 2026
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By Webmaster March 28, 2026
Palm Sunday 29 March at 6pm St Peter’s Church  Peaceful service of music & Lent readings led by the 9.30am Sunday Mass music group
By Webmaster March 27, 2026
Mass Times Palm Sunday (29th March) 9:30am 11:30am Maundy Thursday (2nd April) 7pm Good Friday (3rd April) Children Station of the Cross 10.30am Liturgy at 3pm Station of the Cross at 6pm Holy Saturday Vigil Mass (4th April) at 8pm Easter Sunday (5th April) 9:30am 11:30am
By Webmaster March 27, 2026
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By Webmaster March 27, 2026
Almighty ever-living God, who as an example of humility for the human race to follow caused our Saviour to take flesh and submit to the Cross, graciously grant that we may heed his lesson of patient suffering and so merit a share in his Resurrection.  Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.