Some words of welcome to the Guild of Blessed Titus Brandsma's blog

Over the past few weeks a Guild for bloggers who belong to the Catholic faith was formed, with the view of helping and supporting users of the new media, especially as we engage in the New Evangelisation. Two Saturdays ago, Catholic bloggers from different parts of the UK met in Westminster to set up the Guild and agree on it aims and purpose. A formal name wasn't adopted at that meeting, although many agreed that the Guild of Blessed Titus Brandsma would be a good name - it had already been suggested by Fr Tim Finigan in comment on his blog (The Hermeneutic of Continuity). The group also decided it would be good to set up a communal blog, where all members of the Guild could contribute regular posts on all things Catholic.

Laurence England (That the Bones You Have Crushed May Thrill) kindly agreed to set up our blog, and this is the fruit of his labour. I'm sure that you agree with me that Laurence has done an excellent job in designing this new Catholic blog and that his first posts on here are also very inspiring. From now on, then, any Catholic blogger who wishes to contribute to the Guild of Bl Titus Brandsma's blog is very welcome to do so. All that we ask is that all posts remain faithful to the Magisterium and avoid personal attacks. Posts also ought to reflect the glories of our Faith and should therefore be posted in Christian charity. This collective of Catholic bloggers will not represent one strand of orthodox Catholicism over any other, neither will it be a pressure group. Saying that, posting on here will not require a change in the way individual bloggers act or behave on their own sites. The Guild does not exist to control its members.

During the Guild's planning meeting on Saturday 7 May, we quickly realised that most Catholic bloggers have a wide variety of gifts and abilities. So, hopefully, this common blog will pool our collective talents so that we can expertly cover a large number of issues, including theology, canon law, art, liturgy, morality, evangelisation, and personal stories that reflect the joys of belonging to Christ's universal Church. I personally believe that this blog, then, has the potential to harness and unite great minds and souls in spreading the Gospel and building up God's Kingdom.

The Guild of Blessed Titus Brandsma is also open to any other users of the new media that might not be covered by the term "blogger", be they users of YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or whatever. Commentators on blogs and those interested in the way the new media can contribute to the New Evangelisation are also welcome to join the Guild. Soon, it is hoped that members of the Guild will be able to meet together again, to discuss the various issues involved with blogging. We also hope to host a Mass for bloggers and users of the new media sometime in September. Other events, such as blognics, workshops, and retreats will also be organised for the benefit of members.

Membership of the Guild of Blessed Titus Brandsma is free, and open to as many who can, in all conscience, agree to be faithful to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. Current members come from a wide variety of backgrounds and groups within the Church - but all are devoted to upholding tradition and orthodox Catholicism.

If you wish to join the Guild or write a post for this blog, please contact guildofblessedtitus@gmail.com

On behalf of my brothers and sisters from the world of Catholic blogging, I would like to thank you for visiting  the Guild of Blessed Titus Brandsma's blog. Hope you will support us in our contribution to the New Evangelisation.

God bless,

Dylan

(A Reluctant Sinner Blog)

Blessed Titus Brandsma, pray for us!