Crystals... Planets... New Age? No. God's Intelligent Design

In a world increasingly drawn to New Age spirituality, there has been a marked fascination with crystals, planetary alignments, and mystical forces. 

While many people see beauty and wonder in these things, some are tempted to attribute their origin and power to vague cosmic energies or impersonal universes. 

For Catholics, these marvels are not sources of power in and of themselves. They are signposts - indicators of something far greater: the intelligent design of Almighty God.

Let’s set aside the incense burners and astrology charts for a moment. Instead, let’s look at the very same elements that enthral New Age followers - crystals, planets, patterns in nature - and marvel not at the creation, but at the Creator. 

As St Paul wrote, “Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely, his eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made” (Romans 1:20, RSV-CE).

Come Home to the Catholic Church – The Door Is Still Open

Have you been away from the Church for a while?

Maybe it's been months. Maybe years. Maybe decades.

Or maybe… you never really left - you just sort of drifted.

 You still believe in God (you think). You still consider yourself Catholic (more or less). You still light a candle now and again, perhaps whisper a prayer in the car. But something has held you back from stepping back through those doors - the ones of the church building, yes, but also of your faith life.

So this blog post is for you. Whether you feel lost, lapsed, unsure, afraid, or simply out of the habit… this is your gentle reminder:

The door is still open.

The Church is still here.

Christ is still waiting for you - with love, not judgement.

The Church Isn't a Club for the Perfect - It's a Home for the Wounded

A 10-Day Journey Through the Psalms to Lift Your Heart

"Be Still And know That I Am God"
(Psalm 46:10)
A 10-Day Journey Through the Psalms
to Lift Your Heart
(Plus FREE GIFT)

Prayer For The Continued Recovery Of Father Bill - (With the Intercession of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux)

O Lord, our Shepherd, strong and true,
In Your great love, we lift to You
Our Father Bill, Your servant dear,
Whose faith and heart bring us so near.

Restore his strength, renew his grace,
Surround him with Your warm embrace.
In every trial, may he find
Your healing peace, so sweet, so kind.

Saint Thérèse, with your gentle way,
“Little Flower,” hear our prayer today.
By your trust in God above,
Send to Father Bill your tender love.

Guide him through each weary night,
Fill his soul with holy light.
With your roses, grace impart,
And heal his body, mind, and heart.

Grant wisdom to those who care,
And lighten burdens he must bear.
May Mary’s mantle, pure and mild,
Protect our cherished priest and child.

Through Jesus Christ, our Lord and King,
Whose resurrection life does bring,
We pray for health, for hope, for peace,
That Father Bill’s pains may soon cease.

Amen.

The 24/7 Catholic Monthly - 1st July 2025 - Offering Each Day to the Precious Blood

Welcome to the first post in a new monthly series: The 24/7 Catholic Monthly.

Each month, we journey deeper into the Catholic year, following the Church’s devotional themes, feasts, and fasts, drawing strength from Scripture, the lives of the saints, and the liturgical calendar. 

These posts will include poetry, devotions, catechesis, a meditation, a challenging quiz, and a heartfelt invitation to live as a Catholic not just on Sundays - but every moment of every day.

To begin our journey, we turn to July: the month devoted to the Precious Blood of Jesus.

🌟 Coming Soon: The 24/7 Catholic Monthly

New Series Launches 1 July: The Blood That Saves Us

(And yes – regular blog posts will carry on as normal!)

There’s something new on the horizon - something designed to strengthen our spiritual life and help us live our Catholic faith more fully throughout the year.

A Prayer for Father Bill – For Strength and Healing

O Christ, divine and full of grace,

Shine healing light upon his face.

With faithful heart and open hands,

Father Bill before You stands.

He serves Your flock with daily care,

He lifts our lives in silent prayer.

He speaks Your Word, he gives Your bread,

He walks the path where You have led.

Now in this time of needed rest,

We ask You, Lord, to heal and bless.

Bring peace to mind, bring strength anew,

Let every grace flow down from You.

Our Lady stays close by his side,

A mother’s love she does not hide.

Saint Joseph stands with steadfast peace,

And angel guards shall never cease.

O Jesus, Priest and Saviour true,

Who makes all things forever new,

Pour mercy deep and gently fill

The soul and frame of Father Bill.

Amen.

An Imaginary Look at How Jesus Would Have Appeared to Friends and Colleagues While He Was Growing Up, Working, and Preparing for His Ministry

The Incarnation of Christ is one of the greatest mysteries of the Christian faith. 

That God Himself became man, walked among us, and experienced the ordinary rhythms of human life is both astounding and deeply moving.

Yet, while the Gospels give us glimpses into Jesus’ public ministry, they tell us very little about His hidden years - those decades in Nazareth before He began preaching.

What was Jesus like as a child, as a young man, and as a tradesman? How did He appear to those who knew Him - His neighbours, friends, and colleagues? 

In this imaginative reflection, a follow-up post to "The Human Side Of Jesus" we will consider what it might have been like to encounter Jesus in everyday life before He stepped onto the stage of history as the Messiah.

As the Imam, Priest, and Rabbi Prayed For Peace - A Poem

As the Imam, Priest, and Rabbi
Prayed For Peace - A Poem

Corpus Christi Sunday – A Celebration of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

On Sunday 22nd June 2025, Catholics across the world will celebrate Corpus Christi Sunday - a Solemnity that stands at the very heart of our Catholic faith. 

The name, Corpus Christi, is Latin for The Body of Christ, and it is a day on which the Church joyfully affirms the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist: body, blood, soul and divinity.

This feast is not merely a reminder - it is a proclamation. A proclamation that Jesus, who gave Himself to us on the Cross, continues to give Himself to us in the Holy Eucharist. And this year, as we reflect upon the mystery and majesty of this truth on 22nd June, we are invited to enter more deeply into the Eucharistic heart of our Catholic life.

Prayer for a Family and Friends Grieving a Loved One’s Illness

The Human Side Of Jesus

In the narrative of Jesus Christ’s life, it is easy to focus solely on his divinity, his miracles, and his teachings. 

However, a deeper exploration of his earthly experiences reveals that Jesus intimately knew the human condition, including its most challenging aspects. 

Recognising that Jesus was a refugee, experienced despair, knew hunger, and more, allows us to connect with him on a profoundly human level. 

This understanding can deepen our faith and inspire us to respond to the needs of those who face similar trials today.

The Tabernacle Key

A Catholic Response to the Outbreak of Conflict Between Israel and Iran – Pray for Peace

“Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called sons of God.”
– Matthew 5:9 (RSV-CE)

A Personal Prayer For A Very Good Friend

The Good Samaritan - Points Easily Missed In This Famous Parable

The Parable of the Good Samaritan, found in the Gospel of Luke (10:25-37), is one of the most well-known and beloved stories in the Christian tradition. 

Its message of compassion and neighbourly love transcends religious boundaries and speaks to the universal call for human kindness. 

However, despite its widespread familiarity, there are several nuances and deeper meanings that are often overlooked. Let us delve into some of the easily missed points in this famous parable, shedding light on the richness of its lessons.

The Lord's My Shepherd... 22nd Psalm or 23rd Psalm?

The Psalms are a collection of ancient hymns and prayers that hold a cherished place in both Jewish and Christian worship. 

For Catholics, the Psalms are more than just sacred poetry; they are an essential part of the liturgy and personal devotion. 

Among these 150 songs, one stands out as particularly beloved and widely known: the Psalm that begins, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." 

This Psalm has provided comfort, guidance, and hope to countless people over the centuries. However, there is often confusion regarding whether this is the 22nd or the 23rd Psalm. 

Why does this discrepancy exist, and which is the correct number for Catholics? 

Let’s explore the history, reasons, and implications of this difference in Psalm numbering.

Why Do Some Congregations Rattle Off Prayers and Responses Quickly and Parrot-Fashion During Mass?

Attend Mass in any number of parishes across the country - or indeed around the world - and you’ll notice a peculiar phenomenon: some congregations respond to the prayers of the Mass in a quick, mechanical, almost breathless fashion, as though racing through a checklist. 

The Creed becomes a blur, the “Lord, I am not worthy…” is over before it’s begun, and the “Amen” is often uttered before the priest has finished the blessing.

Why does this happen? How did something so sacred, solemn, and rooted in divine encounter become, in places, so rushed and robotic? And more importantly, what can we do to rekindle reverence in our responses during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass?

Let’s explore the roots of this issue - and what it tells us about our modern Catholic culture.

I Was That Centurion Whose Servant Was Healed - A Poem

I Was That Centurion
Whose Servant Was Healed
- A Poem

Are We Ready To Live The Life Of A Catholic Saint?

Living the life of a Catholic saint is a profound and inspiring journey that requires dedication, faith, and a commitment to living a life of holiness.

Throughout history, Catholic saints have been revered for their exemplary lives, unwavering faith, and selfless devotion to God and others.

Their stories serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for those seeking to deepen their spiritual life and grow closer to God.