Dear Sisters and Brothers in Jesus Christ,
 
Greetings from the East of Europe!  

I write in hopes that a wonderful Christmas was had by all and I wish you each a most graced and happy New Year!

 The Feast of the Nativity was, for our growing diocese, marked by a joyful celebration of the Mass on the evening of Christmas day, in which I concelebrated with the Reverend Dr. Guye Gemchu of England. Father Guye’s efforts will be, in great part, related to evangelization and formation in this region of the globe. Please keep him and his wife and children in your prayers in the advent of what will be a monumental movement as the RCC expands, in great part, as a fruit of the process of discernment on the diocesan level where he will play a key role. The vastness of the vision for the diocese is at times daunting as we have much ground – literally and figuratively speaking – to cover. Placing our faith in the work of the Spirit so sweepingly manifest in the RCC, we look forward, however, steadfastly and with determination to be a living response to the call of Christ; ever rebuilding his Church in the face of any obstacle.   

We certainly recognize that this can be no feat of a single priest, or of even a single diocese for that matter; I place my trust in the living members of the Body of our Lord – each of you, dear sisters and brothers. I am asking everyone to join with me in a day of prayerful solidarity as we – the Reformed Catholic Church of Europe – see in the distant sun, the ever luminous Son himself; the Christ in whom we pray that the will of God be made manifest here for this diocese and the committed members of this Church. The date upon which we ask that specific intercessory prayer be made will be on the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Friday – January 25th. Please remember us in prayer especially on this day, taking some time to hold us near to your hearts as your faithful relatives in the Kingdom overseas.  It really goes without saying that whenever the thought comes to mind, at any time, we ask for your support; spiritual and otherwise.
 
Prayers for vocations to the priestly/religious life are always welcome as this community grows. The diocese will be in need of excellent clergy, and more clergy as time progresses, to meet the demands of a holy dream coming to realization. In England, particularly, I ask that your prayers be with an old friend of mine, Michael as he continues to discern his sense of call to the priesthood in the Reformed Catholic Church.

Many of you will be aware that the church in Europe, together with Kenya, Pakistan and others will be meeting in Ireland near to the date of  May 11th 2008, most appropriately: Pentecost Sunday! The meetings will be chaired by ++Archbishop Phillip who will administer the Sacraments of Holy Orders for men and women called by this Church to the Orders of the Episcopate, Presbyterate and Diaconate, in addition to celebrating rites of Holy Matrimony/Union and whatever else may be called for at that time. This will, indeed, be a most historic moment for our Church internationally. Many have said they would like to attend from the USA and elsewhere.  I need to have a clear idea as to who may be attending. Without giving a final commitment, please let me know if you intend to be there no later than January 31st, 2008. It will be too cumbersome to issue a host of reminders, so please do reply if you hope to attend. 
 
I will be meeting with Fr. Charles, OSB, from Kenya as he is visiting Ireland at present. Kindly remember him and his family at home in your prayers during the political disturbances there.  

And finally friends, however marred by the imperfections of this present age, may that peace of the Lord which passes understanding be for us all a Light undeterred, scattering all worldly darkness and drawing our minds and hearts ever more deeply into the knowledge and love of God and of his Son, Jesus the Christ. Ever for his Greater Glory, I remain:
 

Faithfully Yours,

Msgr. Niall Sheridan, RSJ
Bishop-Elect for Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England
Father Protector for European Communities