On Wednesday 11 November we held the first meeting of ‘Catholic, Single and Willing to Mingle’ — for single people who might benefit from meeting others in the same situation. This meeting was exploratory, seeing what ideas might emerge, and from these ideas a direction for the group  should take shape. Meetings could be social, spiritual or informative, or any combination of these…
10 people were able to make the meeting, with others asking to be kept up-to-date, unable to attend for one reason or another.

The sense of the meeting was warm, interested and tentative: everyone present wondering what the result would be, and whether it would be of benefit to them and to others. I explained I would be present only as and when requested to be there.

A variety of types of get-togethers was considered — here are some of them in approximate order of popularity:

• Simply meeting to socialise, talk and relax with something to eat and drink
• Sunday afternoon ramble together
• Tourist trip/pilgrimage/day out together
• A shared task together, associated with social justice (working together on a project to benefit others)
• Film/movie evening
• Shared Sunday lunch, in apartment or at St Alphonse
• Discussion evening, perhaps with speaker
• Prayer together: silent/bible study/open prayer (i.e. readings, songs, music)

Wednesday evenings and weekends were agreed to be the best times to meet; membership to be informal, with people free to be as involved only as much as they wish to be.

This exploratory meeting was encouraging and confirmed that there are people who wish to participate, and who have much to offer. I would really value your input if you are Catholic and single, and if you are interested in becoming involved. You can contact me here.

Fr Ed

Marie Roy, a member of our parish, is a qualified Personal Coach. She writes the following:

Your full potential: explore what personal coaching has to offer
Coaching is a co-creative process whereby change is evoked and sustained in a person’s life.
As a coach I accompany you in discovering your full potential and a richer and more purposeful
professional and personal life. Throughout the coaching process, a safe, confidential place is
created where people can think about the
direction of their lives and build an essential foundation for
approaching a number of important decisions – and develop the
confidence to deal with them.

Some specific situations where coaching has helped clients include the
following:  persons who feel “stuck” in a personal or professional
situation and fall into the trap of black-and-white, either/or thinking;
busy working mothers wanting  to move ahead in their careers yet find
time to replenish themselves and inspire their families;  adolescents
who are struggling with factors that block  their success-
procrastination, disorganization – and finally persons who are “just
existing” and feeling the need to reconnect with their life purpose
and gifts.  Above all, personal coaching means that you don’t have to
do everything on your own and that there’s someone who can help you to
reconnect with your resourcefulness, courage and purpose in life.

Marie’s CV and credentials are available for inspection, and she may be contacted by email

Fr Ed

O Holy Night

Celine Byrne Announces a Christmas Concert in Luxembourg in conjunction with

Think Pink Lux

Join soprano Celine Byrne who has just returned from Covent Garden to celebrate Christmas in Luxembourg singing Christmas favourites such as Silent Night, The Holy City,  Adeste Fideles and other well know arias from the world of opera such as O Mio Babbino Caro and Un bel Di from Madame Butterfly. A night not to be missed.

FULL DETAILS ON THE FLYER, HERE.

Our next Marriage Preparation Day is scheduled for Saturday 13th February 2016, in the meeting room at St Alphonse (in the parking/garden, opposite the church). The course will take place from 10:00 – 16:00, and will include a sandwich lunch. We already have several couples enrolled, but there will be space for all who wish to be included.

The day will be given once again by Caroline and Kit Dollard, who work for Ampleforth Abbey and for the Diocese of Middlesbrough in the UK.

A preparation course is a necessary part of the process for a church wedding here in Luxembourg as throughout the Church. Courses aim to be insightful, informative and helpful — even for couples who have been together for years.

If you are preparing for marriage and would like to be included, please let me know.

Fr Ed