From 1994–1999 so much work was done and so much accomplished – we held the wonderful 125 years anniversary to celebrate our achievements. It is easy to remember what was completed but not so easy to remember all the hard work and sacrifice that each project required. I suppose it is a good thing to forget the hard times and remember the good.

The Church of St Bartholomew is a living witness to the resurrection. The passion of the hard times has, by grace, transformed each year into a new life and a new hope. There have been times when the lack of money promised to see us insolvent. There have been times when central heating systems, west walls and all the rest have seemed overwhelming. From time to time this magnificent building had seemed to be a millstone around our neck. In the first Review of the Diocese for the Deaneries of Brighton and Hove, we were threatened with having a stipendiary priest withdrawn.

Each year near-disasters have been swallowed up in the Resurrection. What seems impossible, by faith, prayer and sacrament has been turned to our advantage. The Novena has been at the heart of this wondrous miracle. St Bartholomew’s is still here, stronger than ever, providing what we were created to do – a ministry to the poor and, especially in these times, the poor in spirit. Despite all the difficulties, we keep St Bartholomew’s open every day and the people of Brighton and beyond continue to come in. The faithful, not so faithful, believers and non-believers come into this church daily in a constant stream.

People we never see on Sunday consider St Bartholomew’s as their church and are, and would be, most offended if it were thought to be otherwise. They come, especially during the hard times of their lives, sometimes for days at a time, sometimes weeks – and then we don’t see them again. But for them and hundreds like them the hard work and great cost of keeping St Bartholomew’s open make all our efforts more than worthwhile.

The Novena provides the spiritual support to keep going. It is easy to be overwhelmed by the sadness of so many who come to us – stories and experiences that can truly break your heart. But they find hope and comfort here and so do we. Without the grace of the Novena, it would all be too much. But, year on year, the Novena restores us and invigorates us for another year.

This coming year will be a time of great trial and courage. A new priest will be sought and, hopefully, installed as your new vicar. Interregnums are difficult times, uncertain times. Next year you will need all the grace this Novena can provide. Often the appointment proceedings seem bafflingly long and drawn-out. Members of the congregation can feel so distant and alienated from the process – helpless. But the one thing you can all do is pray the Novena and trust that the Holy Spirit, by your prayers and faith, will do its perfect work again for St Bartholomew’s Church.

You can make all the difference and your participation in the Novena will insure the future again, as it always has in the past – a miraculous future for this great church. Listed below are the dates and times of this year’s Novena. Please make every effort to attend. Novena booklets will be available for those who cannot attend daily at church and will say the Novena at home. This year the Novena is most important and I commend it to you.

I hope that some time during your reciting of the Novena you will remember Wincy and me as we approach retirement. After forty-one years of active ministry, it will be a very big change. Since I entered Kelham in September 1964, I have done nothing but work for and within the Church. Retirement will be a wonderful new experience and an opportunity, I hope, to explore new adventures.

We all have much to pray for and I hope you take this year’s Novena as an opportunity to commend it all to our Father in heaven.

The Novena 2010

Day 1       Friday            20 August       7.00pm

Day 2       Saturday       21 August     10.00am

Day 3       Sunday         22 August     10.30am

Day 4       Monday       23 August       7.00pm

Day 5       Tuesday        24 August       7.00pm

Day 6       Wednesday 25 August       7.00pm

Day 7       Thursday       26 August       7.00pm

Day 8       Friday            27 August       7.00pm

Day 9       Saturday       28 August     10.00am

The Bishop of Blackburn

Bishop Nicholas Reade has worked much of his ministry in the Chichester Diocese. I first knew him when he was vicar at Mayfield. He then went to St Mary’s, Eastbourne, and then became Archdeacon of Lewes and Hastings before being appointed Bishop of Blackburn. I am delighted he will be with us this St Bartholomew’s Day and I encourage all of you to be here on that occasion. I am looking forward to renewing a very old and much-treasured friendship.