Newsletter - 20 July 2025
The Reading Life
I grew up reading a lot – Nancy Drew mysteries, the Narnia series, romance novels. It was an escape for me. I never read nonfiction. It was too boring. But in my early twenties I discovered spiritual reading – books by John Powell, C.S. Lewis, Henri Nowen. They helped me think intellectually about Christian faith but even more, helped me welcome spirituality into my turbulent emotional life. I can’t begin to explain all that reading has done for my spiritual growth.
Now, I have settled into a routine: I always keep both a good novel and a spiritual book on the go. I reserve my spiritual reading for times when I can truly focus, while novels are the perfect end to my day before sleep.
My favourite fiction writers are Elizabeth Goudge, Georgette Heyer (a guilty pleasure), Elizabeth Howard, Sebastian Faulkes, detective series by P.D. James and the Canadian Louise Penny. Every now and then I’ll tackle some classics – like Dostoevsky or Dickens. I’ve enjoyed access to every library in London that comes with my Enfield library card.
Spiritual books seem to just come my way - led from one book to the next. In the last few years I’ve read books by Catherine Doherty, Ruth Burrows, Evelyn Underhill. Anything about Ignatian spirituality will feed me. At our CCN house in Storrington I discovered a delightful book by Francis Spufford, Unapologetic: Why, despite everything, Christianity can still make surprising emotional sense. That’s where I heard that Mozart’s Adagio from his Clarinet concerto is the “soundtrack for mercy.”
Okay, now I will sound preachy, but I am unapologetic: I think everyone should have at least one spiritual book on the go. It’s food for your soul. You discover things. The spiritual world opens wider and wider. How else will you grow?
What should you read? I often find book recommendations in The Tablet, the magazine you can find in our parish library. I’ve discovered good fiction that way too – e.g. Small Miracles by Anne Booth about a nun who wins the lottery. Ask your friends what they have read lately. I love to borrow and lend books.
You really have no excuse because the library in our own parish has many books waiting to feed you. Browse and let God will lead you! And news flash -a parishioner has started a book exchange on a shelf in the entrance hall (see reverse for more information).
Nancy Wood ccn
Focus of the week
THANK YOU
Thank you for the wonderful farewell and your kind words last Sunday. Many of you have asked about our departure dates. Afraid you will have to put up with us for a while longer. We will be here for the next two weekends, then away until 3 September, with final departure for Canada set for 8 September.
Blessings, Ted & Nancy
COLLECTION FOR TED AND NANCY
A number of Parishioners have expressed an interest in contributing towards a gift for Ted and Nancy.
If you would like to contribute either use this link https://app.collectionpot.com/pot/TedandNancy, leave at the Parish Office or the QR code below.
The money will help Ted and Nancy transfer back to Canadian life.
