At the last editorial meeting it was suggested that we have an editorial page introducing the magazine and letting you know what to look out for. I wasn’t so sure myself but agreed to give it a try and see how it goes. So let us know if it’s helpful or not. Together with the helpful input of the editorial committee, the content of Goodnews is a reflection of the people and the situations that I come across through my work for the Charismatic Renewal, people or moves of the Spirit, which have touched or impressed me and which I feel deserve a wider audience and would like to share with the Goodnews readers.

Charles Whitehead, for example, has been very enthused by the recent papal document Ecclesia in Europa. For those who haven’t got round to reading the it, Charles’ article this month is a very useful crib sheet, as he has a gift for synthesising such documents and drawing out the important points.

I met Fr Peter Hocken earlier this year at an ecumenical dialogue between Roman Catholics and Charismatics and Non-denominational Christians and was very struck by his ground breaking work in building relations with the Messianic Jews and exploring the whole significance of the Jewish people in the salvation story. He shares some of his insights in his article (the 2nd of two) in this issue.

Personal testimonies are always inspiring and this issue we have two. Paul Mason, a Catholic businessman, shares the very human tale of how he was nudged towards the Lord by his wife Barbara. The second testimony is the extraordinary story of Rosa and Joaquin Perez, a young Spanish couple who gave their witness at the ICCRS International Leaders’ Conference in Rome in September 2003. The whole assembly was in tears at times, touched by the amazing transformation that God had worked in both their lives and the great witness they now give, totally dedicating their marriage to the Lord.

When we had our last English NSC meeting at Minsteracres in the North East of England, Fr Mark White was very excited about “Walkin’ Hope” a Catholic Charismatic Family Conference that they are planning to have this summer in the grounds of the centre. In this issue, you can read the inspiring story behind how it happened.

Fr Pat Collins, who’s on our editorial team has written a very helpful charismatic health check, which we can all use to check if the fire of the Holy Spirit is still burning in us strongly.

Last summer the English NSC filmed the Life in the Spirit Seminars on video. Michelle Moran, one of the speakers, gives us the low down on them. Having been at the filming I can highly recommend them. Charles Whitehead’s first talk on God’s love was particularly exceptional and a talk I would like every Catholic to hear. Similarly Charles’ masterly assessment of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, which he gave as a talk at the ICCRS leaders conference in Rome, we decided to produce as a small booklet. You received a free copy last time with your Goodnews. These have been walking off the shelves since then, although I’m afraid we’re charging for them now to help cover the printing costs (£1600). So if you’d like any extra copies they’re 75pence each or £1 for 2 copies. (Bulk orders might get a bit more off!)

Marcellino d’Ambrosio, who will be familiar to CaFE devotés and Celebrate conference goers, is continuing his excellent exposition of Dei Verbum, one of the key Vatican II documents. Fr Chris Thomas also gives a useful insight into what it’s like being a priest today. It certainly made me think twice about the times I’ve grumbled about “Father”.

On the news pages you will pick up the sense that the Holy Spirit seems to be drawing us together in unity – different countries, different lay and ecclesial movements, the marian and charismatic dimensions of the Church, and the different Christian traditions. This is something to rejoice over and to work and pray that it might be intensified. As the political, economic and social situation in many countries worsens, the Holy Spirit seems to be purifying, equipping and empowering His Church to witness to Him and His kingdom. So let’s be full of hope that God’s purposes are being worked out whatever might appear to be going on the surface.

Kristina Cooper