Interview: Still time to stop assisted suicide becoming law, says Bishop Sherrington

When the Private Members’ Bill seeking to legalise assisted suicide passed its Second Reading and vote back in November 2024, it felt like a dark day – one that could lead to a fundamental shift in our culture regarding end-of-life care. Not only that, concerns were aired and remain that the most vulnerable could be coerced into a bad choice, or be made to feel a real burden on those around them.

Bishop Sherrington was speaking on our Catholic News podcast. The 25-minute interview, that you can listen to or watch here, sees Bishop Sherrington talk about our objection to the Bill in principle, and goes into detail about the fundamental problems with this piece of proposed legislation.

Bear Grylls tells sold-out Flame 2025: “You guys are unstoppable!”

Flame 2025 saw more than 10,000 young people from every part of England and Wales, as well as a group from Gibraltar and the Ukrainian national Chaplaincy, join chaplains, teachers, priests, bishops, and youth leaders, in selling out the OVO Arena Wembley in a huge explosion of faith and hope.

Inspirational speakers included adventurer and television presenter Bear Grylls, who spoke about his book The Greatest Story Ever Told based on the Gospel – every attendee received a copy.

Lord Mayor of Westminster receives Papal Knighthood

Bishop Nicholas Hudson, Episcopal Secretary of the Bishops’ Conference, conferred the honour of Knight of the Pontifical Order of Saint Gregory the Great on the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Cllr Robert Rigby, in Westminster Cathedral on Thursday, 20 March.

A Papal Knighthood is the highest honour which can be bestowed on a lay Catholic by the Holy See.

‘Take outs’ resource launched to compliment Synod’s Final Document

A simple and accessible ‘take-outs’ resource has been published to help Catholics engage with the Synod on Synodality’s Final Document that was released in November 2024 ahead of the implementation phase.

Produced by the Diocese of Westminster, the resource is particularly useful ahead of this phase that Pope Francis has recently commissioned the Church to move into as we journey to the celebration of an ecclesial assembly in the Vatican in October 2028.

Bishop John Sherrington Celebrates Installation Mass for New Rector of Mater Ecclesiae College

On Thursday, 13 March, Bishop John Sherrington celebrated the Installation Mass for Mgr. Paul McPartlan as the new Rector of Mater Ecclesiae College at St Mary’s University, Twickenham. The ceremony marked the transition of leadership following Mgr. McPartlan’s appointment, confirmed by the Holy See in October 2024. Cardinal Vincent Nichols was also in attendance.

Homily for the Westminster Civic Service

Read the Homily given by Fr Christopher Colven for Westminster Civic Service at Westminster Cathedral held on Sunday, 16 March 2025.

Pope’s Vocation Day message: Our mission is to be Christ’s presence to all

As he recovers from bilateral pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, Pope Francis has released his message for the 62nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations, which falls this year on May 11.

Entitled “Pilgrims of Hope: The Gift of Life,” the Pope’s message recalls that every vocation—be it to ordained ministry, consecrated life, or the laity—should offer the world a sign of God’s hope for every person.

Pope Francis: War is absurd. Let’s disarm the Earth

Pope Francis has written a letter to the editor-in-chief of Corriere della Sera Luciana Fontana, calling on the world to disarm.

Written in response to Fontana’s message of support during the Pope’s illness, the Holy Father encourages Fontana to continue his appeal for peace and disarmament.

Pope no longer requires medical ventilation

On Wednesday evening, the Holy See Press Office released the following update on Pope Francis’ health:

“The Holy Father’s clinical condition is confirmed to be improving. The Holy Father has suspended non-invasive mechanical ventilation and also has less need of high-flow oxygen therapy. Motor and respiratory physiotherapy is continuing to make progress.”

Lent 2025

5 March - 17 April 2025

Lent is a 40-day fast — a reference to the time Jesus spent being tempted in the desert. It’s a time when we can prepare our hearts for the remembrance of Christ’s death. Our observance of Lent culminates in the solemn celebrations of Holy Week when on Palm Sunday we follow Christ from his triumphant entrance into Jerusalem to the foot of the Cross as sorrowful bystanders to His Passion, before rolling back the stone of the empty tomb and the joy of the Resurrection.

The six-week period is dedicated to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in preparation for this great celebration of Christ’s Paschal Mystery in the Easter Triduum.

Cloud of Witnesses: Interfaith art exhibition

4 March - 27 April 2025

Cloud of Witnesses is an exhibition taking place during March and April in central London, showcasing a unique set of artists who have come together to explore faith and divinity. This thought-provoking exhibition encourages visitors to think differently about how faith and divinity have been traditionally portrayed.

Working ecumenically and across different faiths, St John’s Waterloo and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, advised by Art+Christianity, have come together to raise awareness, understanding and mutual respect of our collective witness in the UK through a diverse display of artworks. The aim is to create a richer dialogue about how we see and understand faith, divinity and the value of creativity, drawing inspiration from different faiths, cultures and experiences.

Christians in the Holy Land: Challenges and Hopes

Monday 31 March - 12pm (midday)

Friends of the Holy Land, the ecumenical charity that raises awareness and funding to help the region’s Christians, is organising an event in central London that will see Bishop William Shomali, Patriarchal Vicar for Jerusalem and Palestine, speaking on how war and conflict impacts on the daily lives of Christians in the Holy Land, particularly in his pastoral area, Jerusalem and Palestine. The free talk takes place on Monday, 31 March from 12pm (midday) at Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, 235 Shaftesbury Ave, London WC2H 8EP.

2025: Pilgrims of Hope

The Holy Father has proclaimed 2025 as a Jubilee Year, a sacred time of renewal, reflection, and grace celebrated every 25 years. With the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” this Jubilee invites all Catholics to embark on a journey of faith and transformation.

Videographer & Social Media Specialist – Southwark Diocese

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark is looking for a creative, proactive and enthusiastic Videographer & Social Media Specialist to improve their presence on social media and online.

This is an exciting opportunity to work for the Archdiocese of Southwark with its local communities and schools across South London and Kent, supporting them to reach new audiences.

IT Manager - Archdiocese of Birmingham

The Archdiocese of Birmingham are looking for an experienced, skilled and dedicated IT Manager to lead the effective delivery and successful deployment of technology both within the diocesan central offices and the wider Archdiocese including our 200 parishes responsible for managing, maintaining, and improving the ICT infrastructure, ensuring the smooth and efficient running of all ICT systems.