JANUARY 2026 Newsletter from Arundel & Brighton Diocesan Link
Welcome to this edition of my web newsletter in a brand
new year: 2026
I am delighted to report on our president of the NBCW, Amy
having been invited to a Christmas celebration at 10 Downing Street with a
number of other voluntary organisations. What an achievement for catholic women
and what recognition of the National Board of Catholic Women. I asked Amy about
her experience and how we can build on it, so do see the Q&A in this blog.
The NBCW is introducing a new series of Catholic Women Walking
with Women with the first webinar on 27th January, see below.
I’ve included scripture resources and links to the School
for Synodality workshops and website.
We start the year off with Christian Unity week and I’ve
added a link below for resources.
The Adventurous
Accompaniment I’ve postponed to next month. When I will also include some
comments and updates on Social Media.
Enjoy
Sue
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CHRISTIAN UNITY WEEK
18-25 January
What
will you be doing to pray for deeper Christian unity,
and
who will you be praying with?
https://ctbi.org.uk/resources/week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity-2026/
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Scripture for January - Happy New Year
Welcome to
our monthly God who Speaks newsletter, created in partnership between the
Catholic Bishops' Conference and Bible Society, as part of our Biblical
Apostolate.
www.godwhospeaks.uk/
Each month we
offer you new resources for your Bible engagement - whether individually, as a
family, an online community, parish or school, to share the Scriptures wherever
you are.
With every good wish,
Bishop Peter Brignall, Chair of the God who Speaks and Biblical Apostolate.
NBCW President at 10 Downing
Street
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What
is it like to represent Catholic women at a celebration at 10 Downing Street. Below
are the questions I asked Amy to share of her experience; and yes our prime
Minister was there. See photo below. |
Q. Amy, congratulations on
representing the NBCW at a Christmas celebration at No. 10 hosted by our Prime
Minister. Women of the diocese would love to hear more about your visit.
Thank you — it was a real
honour to attend on behalf of the National Board of Catholic Women and to
represent the many women whose quiet, faithful service often goes unseen. The
invitation itself was a recognition not of one person, but of the collective
contribution Catholic women make across parishes, dioceses, charities, schools,
and communities throughout the country.
Q. How did a Catholic Women’s
organisation come to be invited to 10 Downing Street?
The invitation was part of a
wider recognition of Christian volunteer organisations whose work strengthens
communities and supports the common good. The NBCW was recognised for its
long-standing commitment to promoting the dignity, participation, and leadership
of Catholic women in both Church and society. It was encouraging to see
faith-based organisations acknowledged as an integral part of civic life.
Q. Can you tell us a little
about your background and what you feel led to this invitation?
My own journey has been
shaped by listening — listening to women across dioceses who love the Church
deeply and want to serve it with their whole selves. Much of my work has
involved creating spaces where women’s voices are heard, their gifts
recognised, and their experiences taken seriously. I believe the invitation
reflects not just leadership roles, but the consistency, credibility, and
integrity of the NBCW’s work over many years.
Q. How did it feel to be
there as a Catholic woman, and was there an opportunity to share the work of
the NBCW?
It felt very welcoming and a
little surreal. Much of the time was spent speaking with people from a wide
range of charities and voluntary organisations, sharing experiences and
learning about the different ways they serve their communities. I also had the
opportunity to speak with a women Catholic MP, which was particularly
encouraging, as it gave me further insight into faith, service, and public
life. All of the conversations offered a simple but meaningful chance to talk
about the work of the NBCW and to listen to others responding to God’s call.
Q. What words of
encouragement did you take away that you can share with the women of Arundel
& Brighton Diocese?
a) From the event or
afterwards:
I was encouraged by the many
people there are who are working for the good of others. We don’t give to
receive and often what we do goes unnoticed so it felt unusual and really
special to hear the words of “thank you for what you do” that has really stayed
with me.
b) Have you experienced
setbacks or disappointments within the Church, and how did you overcome them?
Yes — like so many others I
am sure, I have encountered moments where gifts were overlooked or my voice not
fully heard. Where criticism was quick to come and support very slow. What sustained me was the people, my prayer
life, and remembering that our call to serve comes from God, not from
permission or position. Staying rooted in faith and fellowship with others
makes all the difference.
Q. What message of hope would you offer to
women who feel their gifts are not being used in the Church?
I would say this: your gifts
are real, needed, and God-given — sometimes God makes us wait and other times
he asks us to step up. I remember completing my degree in Theology, completing
a qualification in youth work and then graduating as an Religious Education
teacher only to find that the first thing God asked me to do was pack boxes. I
learnt a lot from that experience particularly that the path to service is not
straightforward. Sometimes we are called to create new spaces rather than wait
to be invited into existing ones, I work with many volunteers and it can be
painful when they feel their gifts are not seen. If the door isn’t opening for
you right now, perhaps turn your gaze and see if you can find a different door
or a different way forward. Also do not underestimate the power of small
beginnings, faithful presence, and mutual support. The Church needs you — not a
future version of you, but you as you are.
Thank you for this, Amy
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From Francis to Leo: Continuity, Change and the Papacy in
2025- Dec 2025
Interesting Webinar with Paula
Gooder talking to Catholic Theologian Anna Rowlands. Anna has spent 3 years
working with the Vatican on the Synod of Synodality. A 3 year process from the
grassroots upwards learning how to encounter, listen and walk together towards
the kingdom of God.
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