Dear Friends
I don’t seem to have stopped since returning from holiday and pilgrimage late on Friday. Saturday’s sponsored walk was a brilliant success, it was good to see Fr Andrew in his parish and to have the great treat of seeing the Royal Barge, Gloriana, sail majestically up the Thames to moor just by the side of us as we began our journey to Chiswick. It was good to walk through parts of West London I have never seen before, including Bushy Park. Thankfully we could rest and refresh ourselves at Richmond Park and it was such a joy to be joined by lots of people for a picnic and games.
Sunday afternoon saw us at St Luke’s Church Chelsea for Fr Alan’s ordination as a priest. I always find ordinations a moving occasion, it reminds me of my own ordination at Manchester Cathedral 32 years ago and the vows I took all those years ago.
In the name of our Lord we bid you remember the greatness of the trust that is now to be committed to your charge. Remember always with thanksgiving that the treasure now to be entrusted to you is Christ’s own flock, bought by the shedding of his blood on the cross. It is to him that you will render account for your stewardship of his people… Sobering words.
Then to Monday evening when Fr Alan celebrated his first Mass. What a wonderful occasion. Thanks to everybody who arranged the catering, drinks, stewardship, music, serving and so much more. We all pray that Fr Alan has a fruitful and happy ministry amongst us.
Unfortunately due to a technical problem Clifford Longley will not be able to join us for our ‘In Conversation’ on Sunday 2 July. Please watch this space for future announcements.
With my love and prayers
Simon
Dear Friends
We returned from our pilgrimage to Walsingham on Friday well refreshed and ready for the Sponsored Walk on Saturday. Father Andrew Downes set us off from Sunbury with prayers and a bacon butty. We made good time to Richmond Park, arriving at mid-day, where we were joined by a wonderful group of parishioners for our picnic. The children had a great time playing games and climbing over the trees! Those of us walking set off again, well fed and watered, and arrived back at St Nick’s at about 3pm. All the walkers (including four dogs!) completed the walk and have, hopefully, raised a tidy sum towards the Development Appeal. If you still have sponsorship money to collect or to pay in it would be great to do this soon please so that we can announce the grand total. And if anyone didn’t quite get around to sponsoring walkers and would like to do so, please either give in an envelope containing your donation to the Parish Office or to church on Sunday, clearly marking it for the walk. Alternatively you can go online to our JustGiving site here and donate. On behalf of all the walkers, thank you for your generosity.
With every blessing
Mother Eileen