Category: Fidem Servare

Historical Context

In the late 16C, the Protestant Dutch Republic 20 December 1581 officially prohibited the overt practice of the Catholic religion. However, while Calvinism became the dominant faith, many Catholics remained faithful. Having to clandestinely practice their faith, private churches were not unusual in the Northern Netherlands. They celebrated Mass in their living rooms, places of work and warehouses, often with the tacit consent of the authorities, who were prepared to turn a blind eye for a small favour, as long as the churches remained unrecognizable from the outside.

The underground Dutch Catholics focused on practical action rather than theological debate, as a way of responding to the situation they faced living under oppression unable to openly practice their faith. They worshipped in secret and had to maintain connections with each other even while facing persecution. They provided mutual aid and support, as well as education and spiritual formation for each other. They worked to help one another financially, materially and spiritually, providing food, clothing and shelter, as well as access to education through clandestine schools and Catholic universities abroad.

The Dutch Catholics worked hard to create a sense of community within their small Catholic circles by holding regular meetings, sharing meals and discussing spiritual matters. They also helped the sick or elderly with their daily needs, provided financial assistance when needed and even organized cultural activities such as music concerts or theatre performances. The Dutch Catholics also sought to spread their faith through evangelization, using clandestine means such as printing and distributing Catholic literature and other materials. They also engaged in charitable work, providing help to the poor and needy.

Today’s Old Roman apostolate descends directly from the persecuted Dutch Catholics of the 16C and our contemporary experience has striking similarities. In the present climate, particularly in those places where Christians face overt oppression and persecution; but also where those faithful to Catholic Tradition have had to forsake churches and parishes to retain the Faith and preserve the Traditional liturgy. We face much the same challenges our 16C forbears did, few resources, small communities and great need. But like them, we can overcome difficulties, transform the community around us and preserve a legacy for future generations.

In this article, we’ll explore ways in which the contemporary Old Roman apostolate can mirror the experience of the past for the benefit of the present and future.

Community Piety

We note from Old Roman history how the sixteenth-century persecuted Catholics of the Netherlands focused on gathering together for prayer and mutual support. The small communities they formed often met in secret, and it is here that the seeds of the Old Roman apostolate were sown.

Traditional Catholics today must seek out others committed to preserving, persevering and living out the perennial lifestyle, traditions and customs of our faith. Old Roman missions are formed from gathering together in one place such Catholics as desire to receive the sacraments according to the traditional rites and offer worship according to “the Mass of the Ages.”

In the present context, we should not underestimate the refuge that Old Roman missions offer to distressed and anxious Catholics, worried about the trajectory of the contemporary Church. They are genuinely seeking an authentic expression of the faith not just from knowledge but from lived and living experiences. While the last generation to have learned the traditional Catholic faith in childhood is fading away, the relevance and importance of our efforts to retain and maintain orthodox Catholic praxis are all the more pressing.

The faithful brought up knowing only the Novus Ordo rites and culture are largely ignorant of the former devotional customs and lifestyle of traditional Catholicism. But there are signs of hope, as the protagonists of the new-style religion themselves begin to retire, perceptive younger Catholics seeing the disastrous effects of the changes wrought by Vatican II desire more and more to know the ways of the past and especially the liturgy.

However, the focus of our Old Roman apostolate is not only the liturgy, but first and foremost the living out of the traditional Catholic faith – not just customs, but spirituality, true devotion and conversion of life and surrendering of the heart, mind and will to God. What our Old Roman missions should offer is not just the appearance of an alternative expression of Catholicism, but an authentic traditional way of being Catholic in continuity with the lived experience of Christian saints for 2’000 years.

Our Old Roman missions should be schools for sinners striving to be saints, full of compassion and mercy, mutual learning and shared experience. Those who come to our missions should find communities of encouragement, service, fulfilment and love. We must example hospitality and friendship, care and concern, and above all a welcome after Our Lord’s own Heart.

We can learn from the example of our forbears and strive to build tight-knit communities of faith, united in prayer and mutual support. This can be done through regular gatherings for Mass, devotions, and spiritual conferences; as well as through other activities such as charitable work or social events. Such gatherings provide an opportunity for members of the community to share their faith and strengthen their bonds of friendship.

It was from the Netherlands that the devotio moderna originated, and so we can look to this movement as an example of how to live out the Old Roman apostolate in our own lives. The devotio moderna was based on a commitment to prayer and meditation, as well as self-denial and charity, as evidenced by one of its most famous exponents, St Thomas A Kempis, all of which can be seen as essential elements of the Old Roman apostolate.

Community Catechesis

The sixteenth-century persecution forced Catholics in the Netherlands to focus on education as a means of preserving their faith. This was done through catechism classes, study groups, and other educational initiatives. Education remains an important part of the Old Roman apostolate today, and members are encouraged to study both sacred scripture and Church documents to deepen their understanding of the faith.

In the past, catechists would gather with their students in small groups or one-on-one to teach them about their faith. This practice was often supplemented with books, lectures, and other resources. Today, we have access to a wealth of knowledge about our faith through books, websites, podcasts, videos, and other digital media. We can use these resources to teach ourselves and others about our faith in more depth than ever before. We can also learn from the example of past catechists by meeting with our students in small groups or one-on-one and engaging in meaningful conversations about our faith.

This is especially important for those Catholics seeking to recover and regain their heritage, to learn from the testimony of the Saints, and their lives of holiness and dedication. All too often the Saints are presented today as being “ideal” rather than an attainable goal for our salvific ambition. Ignorance of the Saints and their lives and stories can be remedied by delving into the rich treasury of their writings, teachings, and lives. By learning from their example, we can gain a more profound understanding of our faith and what it means to live a life of holiness.

Finally, we should also strive to learn from our own experiences and those of others in our faith community. Through prayerful reflection on our own experiences and those shared by others in our community, we can grow in a deeper understanding of the faith. By engaging in these conversations we can become better equipped to answer questions and strengthen our own faith journey.

Ultimately, education remains an important part of the Old Roman apostolate. Through education, we can better understand our faith, share it with others, and live lives of holiness. Likewise, being educated in the ways of God enables us to discern His Will and appreciate ourselves, our neighbours, and our world more deeply in our relationship with Him.

Building Community (internally)

The sixteenth-century underground Catholics also recognized the importance of socialising together to strengthen their sense of community. This remains true today, and members of the Old Roman apostolate are encouraged to participate in activities such as prayer meetings, retreats, and social gatherings. These activities provide an opportunity for members to build relationships with each other while also deepening their faith.

We read in the second chapter of Acts of the Apostles the nature of fellowship the early Christians enjoyed, and how important this was to their sense of common purpose and attracting new members to their community. This same principle can be applied to the Old Roman apostolate, as members are encouraged to come together to share and support each other on their journey of faith. Hospitality is a great way to introduce and welcome new or prospective members to the community too.

The beauty of Catholic tradition is that it is timeless and can still be applied to the lives of Catholics today. The Old Roman apostolate is a living example of how it is possible to maintain the traditions and values of our ancestors while adapting them to meet the needs of modern-day Catholics. At the same time, it is important to recognize the importance of fellowship and to ensure that members are given ample opportunity to build relationships with each other, as well as deepen their faith.

Overall, members of the Old Roman apostolate are encouraged to come together and build community through both social and devotional activities. These activities can help foster a sense of unity and purpose among members while also allowing them to deepen their faith.

Building Community (externally)

The sixteenth-century Catholics also recognized the importance of charity in living out the Gospel. Today, members of the Old Roman apostolate are encouraged to serve those in need through acts of charity. This can include providing material assistance such as food or clothing, or offering spiritual guidance and support. Through charity, members can show their love for God and their neighbour while also helping to build a better world.

We should as Christians be perceived not only as being different from others by our way of being and living, but also by making a difference in our communities, our presence should be both observable and tangible. It is not enough to be good, we must do good. St Philip Neri said, “Do not let a day pass without doing some good in it.”

Members of the Old Roman apostolate living locally to the chapel will have the opportunity to identify the needs of the surrounding community. This will help inform ways in which the mission can serve the community and possibilities for partnerships with other organisations or the local authority where the task may require more help than the members alone can give.

Being of service to our community means having an active role in it. We can volunteer our time, donate money and resources, provide support to those in need, and advocate for justice. We can also use our talents and skills to benefit our community. This could include teaching classes, organizing events, or helping with local projects. In this way, we become part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

Serving the community is a great witness to the faith and the way it can be lived out practically. It is a tangible expression of love and care for our neighbours and an opportunity to share the good news of the Gospel. In doing so, we demonstrate what it means to be a follower of Christ and how we can make a difference in the world.

Conclusion

Building a sense of community in our congregations and in our local areas is an important way to serve God and our neighbours. By engaging in service opportunities and partnering with local organisations, we can make a positive impact on the lives of those around us. This can help to build relationships, foster understanding and unity, and provide meaningful ways to live out our faith. Through service, we can show the world that we are committed to loving God and loving others.

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APPENDICES

The following are suggestions for the type and nature of activities that the Old Roman apostolate in its missions and chapels could engage in. It is certainly not exhaustive and may inspire other ideas!

1. Suggested group devotions

“The family that prays together stays together” and that is as true of a church family as it is of a household. Group devotions can create a sense of unity and purpose, while also providing a powerful spiritual experience. Here are some traditional Catholic group devotions that can be used to bring the members of a church community closer together:

• Rosary
• Divine Mercy Chaplet
• Stations of the Cross
• Angelus
• Litany of the Saints
• Novena prayers
• Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
• Litanies of Humility and Litanies of the Sacred Heart
• Litany of Loreto
• Prayer vigils
• Bible study
• Group discussion
• Worship services
• Holy Souls Guild

2. Suggested Community Building Activities

“The family that eats together stays together” and likewise that is true of the Church family whose main worship is the Mass, a heavenly banquet! Chapel Missions can be an important and powerful way to bring people together in the spirit of Christian fellowship and love. Here are some suggestions for social activities to accompany chapel missions:

• Picnic lunches
• Potluck dinners
• Game nights
• Movie night
• Bring & Share meals
• Austerity lunches
• Prayer Breakfasts
• Men’s Group
• Women’s Group
• Mothers & Toddlers
• Youth Group
• Servers Guild
• Altar Guild
• Music Guild
• Outreach events
• Missionary work
• Community service projects
• Fundraising events and drives
• Arts and crafts activities
• Retreats and pilgrimages
• Gardening on chapel grounds
• Outdoor activities such as hikes, fishing, or camping trips

3. Suggested outreach activities for chapel missions

“The family that acts together stays together” sharing activities that serve others can be a powerful way to build a strong Christian community. Here are some suggestions for outreach activities to accompany chapel missions:

• Outreach to the homeless and those in need
• Community clean-up days
• Organizing food drives
• Organizing clothing drives
• Visiting nursing homes
• Visiting lonely elderly
• Visiting hospitals
• Prison Ministry to inmates /families
• Hosting community events
• Hosting special guest speakers
• Hosting medical clinics
• Organizing prayer vigils in public places
• Organizing Bible studies in public places
• Tutoring and mentoring programs
• School breakfast clubs
• After-school programs for at-risk youth
• Youth sports programs
• Advocacy for social justice issues
• Environmental conservation efforts
• Organizing educational seminars on Catholic topics
• Partnering with local charities and organizations to provide services to the community
• Fundraising concerts or benefit events for charity organizations

4. Suggested partnership activities for chapel missions

For larger projects or smaller missions, or those with fewer resources, partnering with other churches or organizations can be a great way to make an impact.

• Organizing a joint service project with a nearby church or community organization
• Visiting local soup kitchens and helping serve meals
• Organizing a joint charity event with another church
• Partnering with local charities to collect donations for those in need
• Volunteering at a local animal shelter or wildlife sanctuary
• Partnering with other churches to organize a faith-based retreat or conference
• Partnering with other churches to organize educational seminars on Catholic topics
• Forming partnerships with local schools
• Forming partnerships with local parishes
• Forming partnerships with other churches and religious organizations
• Partnering with community organizations to provide services to the community
• Partnering with local businesses to provide job training and employment opportunities
• Partnering with universities and colleges to provide educational programs
• Building relationships with leaders in the local government

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Have you ever heard of the Old Roman apostolate? It’s an initiative spearheaded by the Titular Archbishop of Selsey, Jerome Lloyd, to revive traditional Catholic faith and praxis and bring it to the modern world. The Archbishop’s vision is to use the Old Roman apostolate as a vehicle to engage in meaningful social action and build partnerships with statutory agencies and local community groups.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Archbishop’s vision for the Old Roman apostolate and explore how social action can play a vital role in reviving the traditional Catholic faith. We’ll also examine the power of the Church and its ability to bring about social change and discuss what the Archbishop has done to bring about positive change in the local community. Finally, we’ll look at the Archbishop’s vision for the future of the traditional Catholic faith and the importance of social action and faith in society.

Introduction to the Archbishop of Selsey

The de jure twenty-seventh successor to St Wilfrid’s See of Selsey, Archbishop Jerome Lloyd, is a passionate advocate for traditional Catholic faith and praxis. He is the leader of the Old Roman apostolate, an initiative that seeks to bring about social change and revive traditional Catholic faith and praxis. The Archbishop’s vision is to use the Old Roman apostolate as a vehicle to engage in meaningful social action and build partnerships with statutory agencies and local community groups.

The Catholic social teaching of Pope Leo XIII has been a great influence on the Archbishop’s approach and thinking. The Archbishop’s commitment to traditional Catholic faith and praxis is evident in the way he speaks on a variety of topics, from social justice to moral theology. He is a strong proponent of Catholic social teaching and often speaks out against modernist ideologies that seek to undermine traditional Catholic beliefs. In addition, he is an advocate for social action and encourages Catholics to take an active role in their local communities.

The Church has long been seen as a powerful force for both good and ill. It can be argued that it is one of the few institutions that can bring about positive change on both a spiritual and material level. This power comes from its ability to influence public opinion, shape government policy and provide spiritual guidance to individuals who may be struggling with moral or ethical issues. Through its teachings, liturgies, outreach programs, charity work and other activities, the Church can have an impact on society as a whole.

Archbishop Jerome Lloyd believes that the traditional Catholic faith should be at the forefront of efforts to bring about social change. He encourages Catholics to use their faith as a tool for engaging in meaningful dialogue with others from different backgrounds and beliefs, thus creating understanding between different communities. The Archbishop also believes that it is important for Catholics to take an active role in their local community by getting involved with local charities or working with statutory agencies such as schools or hospitals. Finally, he believes that it is important for Catholics to engage in meaningful conversations about issues such as poverty or inequality so that they can work towards finding solutions together rather than simply blaming one group or another for these problems.

The Archbishop’s passion for traditional Catholic faith and praxis has propelled him to become a local community leader. He is the chair of trustees for Brighton & Hove Faith in Action, a charity facilitating collaboration between faith groups for social action and community cohesion, and he’s a trustee of Brighton & Hove Racial Harassment Forum, a charity concerned with advocacy and support work. In partnership with the Salvation Army, he ran a homeless drop-in for ten years and founded a not-for-profit catering company to provide opportunities for work experience, rehabilitation and apprenticeships. He is a respected figure in the Church and has a long history of working to help those in need. The Archbishop has worked tirelessly to build relationships with statutory agencies, local community groups, and other organisations to bring about social change.

Understanding the Archbishop’s Goal of Reviving Traditional Catholic Faith

The Archbishop’s purpose is to invigorate traditional Catholic faith and practice and to bring it into the present day. He feels that the traditional Catholic faith can be a decisive factor for social transformation and has been actively striving to make connections with government bodies and local community associations to achieve impactful alteration.

For one and all are we destined by our birth and adoption to enjoy, when this frail and fleeting life is ended, a supreme and final good in heaven, and to the attainment of this every endeavour should be directed. Since, then, upon this depends the full and perfect happiness of mankind, the securing of this end should be of all imaginable interests the most urgent. Hence, civil society, established for the common welfare, should not only safeguard the well-being of the community, but have also at heart the interests of its individual members, in such mode as not in any way to hinder, but in every manner to render as easy as may be, the possession of that highest and unchangeable good for which all should seek. Wherefore, for this purpose, care must especially be taken to preserve unharmed and unimpeded the religion whereof the practice is the link connecting man with God.

Immortale Dei Pope Leo XIII (November 1, 1885)

The Archbishop believes the words of Pope Leo XIII still resonate today and serve as a reminder of the importance of civil society in ensuring the common welfare of its members. In order to achieve this, it is essential that communities come together and work towards creating a secure and equitable environment for all. This can be done by advocating for equal rights, providing equitable access to resources, and engaging in meaningful dialogue with local authorities. Additionally, it is important to foster strong relationships between citizens, organizations, and local government in order to create meaningful change. By doing so, citizens can ensure that their voices are heard and their needs are met while also promoting social cohesion and justice within their community.

The Archbishop believes that the Church should be a beacon of hope and bring about positive change in society. He has made it his mission to use the Old Roman apostolate as a way to build partnerships, engage in meaningful social action, and revive traditional Catholic faith and praxis. Encouraging Old Roman missions globally to establish social action and community-building initiatives for outreach and evangelism.

The Archbishop firmly believes that the traditional Catholic faith provides the framework for a just and equitable society to promote the common good. He has also been working to promote traditional Catholic education and formation, as well as spiritual renewal through his preaching and numerous online conferences. While he is conscious of the fact that many philosophies and ideologies at work in contemporary society are not compatible with the traditional Catholic faith, rather than compromise, he believes it is possible through a charitable aspect to overcome obstacles and through dialogue, find ways not of compromise but effective joint working.

The Archbishop has been an advocate for social justice issues, including poverty alleviation, racial equality, and immigration reform. He has spoken out against racism and xenophobia and has been an advocate for refugees and migrants. He also works closely with victims of human trafficking to provide them with the resources they need to rebuild their lives. He has also sought to combat homophobia and transphobia, not by acquiescing to those ideologies but by emphasising human dignity and respect and advocating compassion for all who have the potential to become “children of God”.

A particular favourite proverb of the Archbishop is “You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.” Meaning that it is often more effective to use kindness and understanding, rather than confrontational or aggressive tactics when trying to bring people together. He believes the Church should be and provide a refuge for those who are marginalized and vulnerable in society and this is better accomplished through compassion rather than confrontation. To be a “school of saints” it is necessary to be a “hospital for sinners” and bring people to health, not damnation.

The Archbishop’s work is a testament to his dedication to the traditional Catholic faith and praxis. His commitment to social justice issues shows that he is willing to go beyond the traditional role of a bishop to bring about meaningful change in society. By partnering with statutory agencies and local community groups, the Old Roman apostolate can be more effective in communicating the faith by witnessing through the example of the lives of its members and their actions.

The Archbishop’s vision for partnerships with statutory agencies and the local community

The Archbishop’s goal is to build partnerships with statutory agencies and the local community. He believes that by working together, the Church and these organisations can bring about meaningful social change and revive traditional Catholic faith and praxis.

Every Old Roman mission site is embedded in their respective communities, and the members who visit and reside in them are all from the same local area. Consequently, the main focus of these missions should be the community itself. People who are part of the chapel are familiar with the needs and requirements of the local population, and hence they are in the best position to provide aid. This kind of local knowledge is extremely important when it comes to social welfare, as it allows authorities to understand the exact kind of help that is required and to whom it must be directed. If members of the chapel are the ones who recognize the need and also provide assistance, the chances of success are much higher and the effects are more sustainable.

Pope Leo XIII said in his encyclical Rerum Novarum that “the Church must look to the needs of the people, in order to provide them with remedies and remedies that are effective”. The corporal works of mercy provide a framework for the Old Roman mission sites to work together with other organisations and communities. By engaging in the corporal works of mercy, the Old Roman mission sites can provide tangible assistance to those in need and be a visible sign of God’s love and mercy.

The Church can also support the efforts of other organisations, such as charities and local government, by providing resources, advice, or a platform for discussion. The Old Roman mission sites should engage with their local community by organising activities such as educational seminars, social events, or even volunteer opportunities that promote values such as service and solidarity. By doing this, members of the chapel can demonstrate their commitment to their local area and build positive relationships with those who live there. This kind of engagement is essential if the Church wants to revive the traditional Catholic faith and praxis in a meaningful way.

Local government is always short on funding and resources, so Old Roman mission sites can be a valuable addition to their efforts. By providing necessary services such as food, shelter, and medical care, the Church can help fill the gap between what is available from public funds and what is needed for the community. Additionally, Old Roman mission sites can also provide spiritual guidance and support to individuals in need. This kind of aid is invaluable for those who are struggling with difficult issues in their lives.

Between the generosity of the Old Roman faithful in time and energy, grants and funds from the local government, and partnerships with funded organisations like charities and NGOs, the shortfall of resources for social welfare in the community can be filled. With a strong presence in the community, Old Roman mission sites can offer a stable and reliable source of assistance to those who need it most.

The Archbishop’s plan for Social Action to revive traditional Catholic faith

The Archbishop has set out to restore fundamental Catholic faith and practices, and introduce them to the present-day. Following the Second Vatican Council the Traditional Catholic movement focused its energies primarily on preserving the Latin Mass. This was good and necessary. We should love and honour God first and it was right for our attention be on right worship. But the Summary of the Law given by Our Lord means, that after serving God comes service to neighbour. If the traditional Catholic faith is to be perpetuated by the present generation for the next, social action has to occur.

1. Church:

We must strive to maintain and build upon the traditional Catholic faith in our parishes, schools, and other institutions. We must strive to evangelize those who are not yet Catholic, and to strengthen the faith of those who are.

2. Family:

We must promote the traditional Catholic teaching on marriage and family life. We must ensure that our children receive an education which is in accord with the teachings of the Church and which will enable them to live out their faith in their daily lives. We must support families experiencing difficulties so that they can remain strong and stable.

3. Community:

We must look outwardly as well as inwardly, giving assistance to those in our communities who are most in need – through charitable works such as food banks or homeless shelters, or through advocacy for social justice issues like poverty reduction or immigration reform. We must also work towards building bridges of understanding between people of different faiths or cultures, so that all may know the peace and joy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through our witness and by our lives.

Every mission is charged with both living and proclaiming the Gospel. The chapels are where the faithful gather and are fed but they are also “sent out” – ite missa est. After Mass could be an optimal time for Old Romans to leave the chapel together and go out into the community to serve those in need. Groups for specific activities could be organised and from them perhaps Guilds could be formed to train spiritually and develop relevant skills for the outreach activities. Those unable to participate in outreach, perhaps due to physical impairment or infirmity could remain in the chapel to pray for those out in the community.

The work of the Old Roman apostolate is not just to serve the faithful in the chapel but to be a light in the world. We must go out into our communities and show love, mercy and compassion to those who are most vulnerable. We must make ourselves available to those who need us and do what we can to make a difference in their lives. This is how we will truly live out our faith and bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to life.

The power of the Church and its ability to bring about social change

The Archbishop asserts that the Church can and should bring about meaningful transformation in society and the key is the revival of the traditional Catholic faith and its practice. He is of the view that the Old Roman apostolate can lead to constructive change in society by taking part in social activities.

Many falsely believe that the “power” of the Church is her political influence. It is not. The “power” of the Church is God’s grace, abundantly available to those whose hearts and minds are open to receive it, whose lives are sacrificially enabled to receive it and who are open to cooperating with God’s grace. Traditional Catholics who receive the traditional sacraments through the traditional liturgies have at their disposal a great treasury of grace!

One of the key and notable differences between the Novus Ordo rites and the traditional liturgies is the confection and manifestation of grace. The stripped-down modern ritual has fewer prayers, fewer supplications, fewer exorcisms, fewer blessings, and thus less opportunity for God’s grace to be pleaded, affected and realised. With every prayer of blessing, intention and supplication retained in the traditional liturgies, more grace is generated.

The traditional liturgies also contain more prayers that focus on the four last things (death, judgement, heaven and hell) which help to encourage a greater sense of urgency for repentance and spiritual growth. Additionally, there are more opportunities for the veneration of saints and angels which helps to remind us that we are part of a larger spiritual family. This is a great source of strength and consolation so sadly lacking in the praxis of the contemporary Church.

In summary, the traditional liturgies provide a conduit for more grace and so enable the faithful to more fully cooperate with God’s grace, and thus benefit more from His divine life. This can be seen in their lives, as they strive for holiness and righteousness. In their traditional Catholic devotional life, praying rosaries, sacrificially fasting and fulfilling the corporal acts of mercy and charity, they can be filled with grace and enabled to live lives that are pleasing to God and beneficial to their neighbour.

Through its dedication to benevolent activities, the Old Roman apostolate can provide not just aid to those in need, but God’s grace!

The Archbishop’s insights on how partnership and community involvement can enhance the message of the traditional Catholic faith

The Archbishop believes that partnership and community involvement are essential to effectively spread the message of the traditional Catholic faith and praxis. Often Old Roman missions have little in the way of money and resources, but time is more precious than money and service more effective than inaction. Prudence is a virtue and partnership is a means to prudently use resources and time.

The problems affecting our communities are much the same the world over, unemployment, cost of living, broken homes, separated families, homelessness, orphaned children and lonely elderly. Likewise, the commercialism of the modern age drives the contemporary zeitgeist emphasising the individual over the community and political ideologies divide and polarise our societies. The situation today is much the same as when Pope Leo XIII wrote his encyclical Rerum Novarum, the ‘social question’ is still a prevalent issue,

Jesus Christ, when He redeemed us with plentiful redemption, took not away the pains and sorrows which in such large proportion are woven together in the web of our mortal life. He transformed them into motives of virtue and occasions of merit; and no man can hope for eternal reward unless he follow in the blood-stained footprints of his Saviour. “If we suffer with Him, we shall also reign with Him.”

It is true that we may never be able to completely resolve every problem and alleviate every hardship, however, we can assist people in coping. We can recognize the reality of suffering and alter the sensation of it through compassion. While social action alone cannot heal or settle all that is wrong with the world, it can bring short-term comfort, and solace, and give rise to optimism and thus hope. As ambassadors of Christ, the Old Roman faithful should seize the opportunity to provide this hope and example of faith and charity to their neighbour and community.

The Church has always been at the forefront of social action, as it is our mission to bring about the Kingdom of God on earth. To do this we need to be present in our communities and become involved in their everyday lives. This requires us to create partnerships with other organisations and individuals who are passionate about making a difference in their communities. Through these partnerships, we can share our experience, resources and expertise in running projects and events that will help build stronger families and communities.

We must also ensure that our message of the traditional Catholic faith is communicated clearly. We must work with parishes, schools and other organisations to ensure that our teachings are understood by all members of society, regardless of background or beliefs. We must also be open to dialogue with those who may disagree with us on certain points while remaining true to our core values.

Finally, the Archbishop believes that community involvement is essential for the development of strong families and communities. When families are supported through charitable works such as food pantries or childcare centres, parents have more time to spend with their children to provide them with love and guidance. This helps create strong ties between family members which can lead to stronger communities overall.

By partnering with other organizations and engaging in meaningful community involvement, Old Romans can help spread the message of the traditional Catholic faith while also helping families and communities thrive. Working with local authorities and partnering where possible with them, enables them to overcome misperceptions they may have about traditional Catholics and see through our Old Roman apostolates the charity and compassion that motivates our actions. It’s a way of engaging with politicians whilst avoiding politics, demonstrating that the common good is not brought about by policies and arguments, but by demonstrable faith, hope and love.

What the Archbishop has done to bring about social change in his local community

As chair of Brighton & Hove city’s Faith Council, in 2018 he was a signatory to a Faith Covenant with the local authority. A Faith Covenant is an agreement that provides a set of principles to guide partnership working between faith communities and the city council to ensure an open, collaborative and respectful relationship. It also sets out practical commitments by which the faith communities and the city council should abide, designed to create a constructive partnership with the common goal of helping more people and communities in the city, flourish and meet their full potential. It also ensures that the faith community has the opportunity to be considered for paid contracts when the opportunities arise.

The Faith Covenant concept is an initiative of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Faith and Society of the UK’s Houses of Parliament. The APPG has been promoting the uptake of faith covenants between local authorities and faith groups in all areas of the United Kingdom and the Archbishop has been a supporter and advocate of the idea, encouraging faith leaders in other cities to draft, agree and sign a Faith Covenant with their local authorities. He is likewise promoting the idea to Old Roman apostolates elsewhere in the world to help facilitate trust and cooperation between Old Roman missions and local authorities for collaborative working on community and social action projects. 

By extension, the Faith Covenant concept has enabled the Archbishop to establish dialogue and joint work with other government agencies like the National Health Service. The Archbishop is currently partnering in a “Faith & Culture” project aimed at helping medical professionals to better treat people of belief and diverse cultures, providing an understanding of their beliefs and cultural practices. This is part of a wider recognition by health authorities following the COVID pandemic, of the invaluable help and assistance provided by faith communities to patients and their families.

Through the Faith Covenant and in his work with the Brighton & Hove Racial Harassment Forum, the Archbishop has been working to enable victims of race and faith hate crimes to report incidents to the Police and other relevant authorities as well as signpost them to support services and advocacy. This has involved close working with the Police force as a Faith Adviser and membership on a scrutiny panel assessing and critiquing the Police’s efforts at better implementation of their equality and diversity awareness training, analysing how they have approached and handled cases of racial or faith-related hate crimes. An independent Third Party Reporting Centre has now been started administered by the Racial Harassment Form with local authority funding.

The Archbishop facilitates a variety of networks of organisations that are committed to social action, identifying, fostering and encouraging partnerships wherever possible to pool resources, skills, expertise and monies. Brighton & Hove Faith in Action enjoys a working relationship with a broad range of charities and other voluntary organisations, not all faith-based, and is delivering and facilitating change for vulnerable people and communities, much of which would not be possible without the Faith Covenant and the local authority.

Street Support Brighton & Hove is one example where networking has brought together diverse organisations all working on homelessness together. The website provides a comprehensive listing of services that work to both try and prevent people becoming homeless and support those who are. From local churches and faith groups to statutory agencies and third sector organisations, Brighton & Hove Faith in Action was able to bring them all together to serve some of the most vulnerable in the city with the blessing of the local authority.

There is no reason why such agreements and partnerships could not be realised by Old Roman apostolates elsewhere. The Gospel challenges all Christians to bear witness to Christ and the revival of the traditional Catholic faith requires traditional Catholics to be seen and observed putting their faith into practice, “A new commandment I give unto you: That you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another.” John 13:34, 35

The importance of social action and faith in society

The Church has a long history of engaging in social action and it is something which should be encouraged and supported. The Catholic Church’s commitment to the common good and the dignity of human life is expressed through its teaching and its social action. This is an essential part of the mission of the Church.

The Faith Covenant is an example of how this commitment can be put into practice concretely. The Covenant allows for the Church to engage in meaningful dialogue with local authorities and other organisations to promote understanding and respect for all people, regardless of their faith or background. It also provides an opportunity for Old Roman apostolates to be visible within their local communities, by engaging in activities which benefit society as a whole. This is an important part of the mission of the Church and should be supported by all members of the faithful.

Social action is a powerful way for traditional Catholics to witness their faith and put their beliefs into practice. Traditional Catholics can use this opportunity to build bridges with those in need, share their faith, and demonstrate their commitment to justice, mercy, and love for all people. Social action can also provide traditional Catholics with an opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds who may not share their faith but are equally committed to serving those in need. This can help foster greater understanding between people from different backgrounds and create a sense of solidarity, which is essential for building a more just society. As Pope Leo XIII said, “If we wish to bring about peace, it is necessary to work for justice.”

Conclusion

The Archbishop of Selsey, Jerome Lloyd, is working hard to enable traditional Catholics to reclaim their apostolic mission and to put the Gospel into action. By advocating the model of the Faith Covenant, he has suggested a way for Old Roman missions to form partnerships with their local authorities and other voluntary organisations to serve those in need. This is an example of how traditional Catholics can put their faith into practice and practically demonstrate the love of Christ. Such initiatives should be encouraged in all places so that traditional Catholics can be seen as witnesses of Christ’s love for all people.

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