From the editor
This is the fifth anniversary of In Touch, and a good time to thank all those people who have been involved with the magazine. I’m very grateful to all those who have contributed articles, poems and photographs over the past five years, to the editorial team for their work in putting it all together, and to Fr Barry, for continuing to finance the enterprise from parish funds. Thanks also to you—the readers, for your comments and suggestions.We have had a couple of very successful writing competitions for young people during the past five years, and are holding one this time, for a story for the Winter issue. I do hope many of you will wish to take part. The prizes are very worthwhile, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy seeing yourself in print!
Tricia Steel
tricia_steel@hotmail.com
Contents
From the pastor's desk Fr Barry reflects on the life and example of Jane Tomlinson
Home is a holy place?! Deacon Philip reports on the bishops' initiative to ensure that God's presence is recognised in our homes
Croydon Churches' floating shelter an update on the annual effort by local churches to provide shelter for the homeless in the coldest weather
Youth matters a report from Tom Caluori the deanery youth co-ordinator
Making sense of prayer Albert Khayyat concludes his reflections on petitionary prayer.
Girl servers rule at ten-pin bowling
Celebrating all the saints thoughts from Judy Freegard on this important feast
The hundred minute bible a book review from David De Souza
A broad sweep of topics the autumn and winter programme from the Newman Association
What do you think of it so far? a very personal look at the recent changes in the rules regarding holy days
The Vatican on the web Chris Waring unpacks the Vatican web site for us