Day 7 #OfGodandMe
A bit before my ordination, the Bishop asked me to take up a post as a prison chaplain. A new prison was being opened near to an existing one, and the local parish wouldn't be able to cover both. With some trepidation I agreed.
1/13 Somewhat to my surprise, the next 12 years were Incredibly fulfilling. I worked in open male, and closed female prisons. Once I'd got over the initial shock of working in a very unfamiliar environment, I had a deep sense of being in the right place. I met Jesus anew here.
2/13

Day 6 #OfGodandMe
Yesterday I dealt with some of my unease with life & ministry in the Church of England. My experience of #IgnatianSpirituality taught me that God leads us through consolation rather than desolation, so I was wary of acting out of my desolation.
1/12 As Cyndy moved towards reception into the Catholic Church, I often accompanied her to Mass, while continuing my Anglican hospital chaplaincy. I grew increasingly aware that I shared the faith of the Catholic community. I wanted what Cyndy was finding. I felt at home.
2/12

Day 5 #OfGodandMe
While I was Vicar of Grimethorpe, I heard and read a lot about #IgnatianSpirituality. I wanted to know more so I spent 8 days at St Beuno's in N Wales. The daily sharing of my experience of prayer with my retreat-giver was life-changing.
1/13 My love for Scripture was enriched by a renewed sense of God speaking with me through his Word. This was both consoling and challenging. I walked on the water and sank, with Peter as I felt that my life, faith, ministry were shams, play-acting. The Lord rescued me.
2/13

Day 4 #OfGodandMe
My C of E Ordination was in Durham Cathedral, between the shrines of Ss Bede & Cuthbert. My first curacy was on S Tyneside in a mining parish with estates built to house overspill from Jarrow. My vicar worked hard & expected his curates to do likewise.
1/13 All but three years of my ministry have been in mining & former mining areas. I came to love mining folk & their sense of community. I am aware of the debt our country owes them for their contribution to our prosperity over the years. Sad that is often unrecognised.
2/13

Day 3 #OfGodandMe I went to Uni to read medicine. I found the highest Church in the city with lots of smells & bells, and, vitally, faith in the Eucharistic presence of Jesus. I heard #GregorianChant for the 1st time. Beautiful. I met the #Angelus Prayer & the #HailMary.
1/11 Here, too, I heard a homily which had a profound impact on me. The vicar talked about Mary's words at the Wedding in Cana: "Do whatever he tells you." Since then these words have hit me at times of uncertainty & decision. They led me to make my 1st confession.
2/11

Day 2 #OfGodAndMe
I ended yesterday with by questioning whether there was more to the #Eucharist than my C of E Confirmation Preparation had indicated. As my teenage years progressed the question began to be answered by a series of events. I still see God's hand in them.

1/11 One of my closest friends at grammar school was a practising Catholic. We were drawn together by a common love of music and by the fact that we were among the very few in our year who practised any faith. We both played the organ in Church from time to time.
2/11

Day 1 #OfGodandMe
I was brought up as an Anglican. My mother worshipped regularly in the local Parish Church. Initially I went to Sunday School. My only memory of this is the song which was taken during the collection every week which started "Hear the pennies dropping"
1/9 When I was almost 8 I joined the Parish Church Choir. The main services were Morning & Evening Prayer. I can date my lifelong love of the #Psalms from this time. I didn't understand every word of the 16th century English, but the imagery and passion inspired me even then.
2/9