‘A heart open to the world’Pope Francis issued his new encyclical Fratelli Tutti on 4 October.  It’s been said that where his previous encyclical Laudato Si’ taught that ‘everything is connected’, the theme of Fratelli Tutti is ‘everyone is connected’.  This edition of Grapevine offers you  ways to get…

This short edition of Grapevine is a quick reminder:you can still book for Heal the World which starts next week. Please feel free to forward this invitation to friends and fellow parishioners, and include the following summary in your parish bulletin:Heal the World:  The diocesan…

Sisters and brothers, one and allWe’re excited about Pope Francis’ forthcoming encyclical, Fratelli tutti.  He’ll sign it a week on Saturday at the tomb of his namesake in Assisi.  It will explore what kind of world our faith calls us to…

Mwari rudo – God is loveGod speaks in every human language – and in many other ways.   In this edition of Grapevine we report how a parishioner in Leicester reached out to minority communities in the city, with their traditional foods to sustain body and…

Reach for the diaryGrapevine is back from holiday, and things are getting busy already. In September we enter the Season of Creation, a wave of prayer for the living Earth observed each year by churches worldwide.  It starts next Tuesday with a…

‘A new experience of parish’An ‘Instruction’ from the Vatican’s Congregation of the Clergy might not be your usual holiday reading. But one came out last week which really is worth the effort: we highlight at the top of this issue…

What is mine to do?This edition of Grapevine offers a menu of ministries – just a selection of the opportunities coming to our notice as we develop Caritas in the diocese.  If you’re in Derby, volunteer with Padley, the city’s homelessness charity.  In…

The time is nowFor all the stress and loss which the pandemic has brought, have you noticed the sense of a turning point?  The gospel writers talk of kairos, God’s moment of grace and opportunity.  Actually it’s always there: it just takes…

Opening doorsThis issue comes as the first of our parishes open their churches after lockdown.  It’s a tentative first step, requiring planning, preparation and patience.  It’ll be a while before it’s possible everywhere.  Even if we cannot yet welcome people into…

Welcome to GrapevineHere’s your third issue of Grapevine.  It sounds like people are finding it useful, so we’re carrying on!  Already nearly 1,000 people receive Grapevine direct into their inbox.  You are welcome to as well. If you’re not already signed…