Cells of the ACTA (A Call to Action) group seem to be popping up everywhere; Lancaster, Birmingham, Brighton, where next - Chipping Sodbury, Llandewi Brefi?
This group claims (and I am sure they are right) that many of their members are ordained - that really makes their shenanigans all the more shameful.
Meetings are planned in the Westminster Archdiocese and Southwark in February but, it appears that Bishop Egan of Portsmouth, great man that he is, has said "no" to meeting with them in the foreseeable future.
This from the September 2013 minutes of the ACTA meeting attended by Tom Woodman, Peter Birks, Derek Reeve and Claire McKenna. Well, at least four people attended, they could have had a game of bridge.
"It was suggested that all Portsmouth members should be informed that Bishop Philip Egan had found himself unable to meet with us and that they be encouraged to express disappointment to him by post...."
OK, so good English is not one of their strengths but it is heartening to see at least one of our bishops having the fibre to refuse to meet with such a hobbledehoy bunch.
I do not think that ACTA is going to move into a position of power or influence any time in the near future, but there is no room for complacency.
So what can be done?
The finest strategy instantly available to all of us is, of course to pray for them; offer up Rosaries, make penances on their behalf and, if you are a priest, perhaps say a Mass for them - but don't, whatever you do, make Church premises available to them.
This group claims (and I am sure they are right) that many of their members are ordained - that really makes their shenanigans all the more shameful.
Meetings are planned in the Westminster Archdiocese and Southwark in February but, it appears that Bishop Egan of Portsmouth, great man that he is, has said "no" to meeting with them in the foreseeable future.
 |
| A few knaves and a joker or two! |
"It was suggested that all Portsmouth members should be informed that Bishop Philip Egan had found himself unable to meet with us and that they be encouraged to express disappointment to him by post...."
OK, so good English is not one of their strengths but it is heartening to see at least one of our bishops having the fibre to refuse to meet with such a hobbledehoy bunch.
I do not think that ACTA is going to move into a position of power or influence any time in the near future, but there is no room for complacency.
So what can be done?
The finest strategy instantly available to all of us is, of course to pray for them; offer up Rosaries, make penances on their behalf and, if you are a priest, perhaps say a Mass for them - but don't, whatever you do, make Church premises available to them.
A Prayer for those who challenge the doctrines of the Faith
O God,
everlasting creator of all things, remember that the souls of unbelievers were
made by Thee and formed in Thine own image and likeness.
Remember, that
Jesus, Thy Son, endured a most bitter death for their salvation.
Permit not, I
beseech Thee, O Lord, that Thy Son should be despised any longer by
unbelievers, but do Thou graciously
accept the prayers of holy men and of the Church, the Spouse of Thy most holy
Son, and be mindful of Thy mercy.
Forget their
idolatry and unbelief and grant that they too may some day know Him Thou hast
sent, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is our Life and Resurrection, by whom we have
been saved and delivered, to whom be glory for endless ages. Amen.
