NO PEACE IN THE LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM

Christmas has never really been very peaceful under the altar at Our Lady of Mercy.      Already we can see that some extra settlements have appeared this year.    That’s bound to cause more trouble.  

Then there’s all those immigrants coming in– three more of them expected in twelve days time.      And what are Eileen, Eileen and Clare going to do with these sheep that have just arrived?       It’s a good thing they’re going to have a census, isn’t it.

SIX FLAUTISTS GO A-FLUTING FOR OAKHAVEN

Last Saturday evening Tina and five of her flute-playing friends gave a recital at her house to raise funds for Oakhaven.       As well as giving their invited audience much pleasure they collected a total of £150 for the Hospice.    What a great Christmas present!

WE'VE ACTUALLY GOT A WHITE CHRISTMAS

You’ll find it in the Paul Duffy room, the one at the end of the right hand corridor in Our Lady of Mercy Hospitality Centre.     Here’s Lisa, Luke and Johnny setting it up.

SCHOLARS SING CAROLS FOR THE PARISH

This afternoon, 60 of our young students from Our Lady of Mercy and St Joseph's performed a magnificent carol service re-enacting the birth of Jesus Christ with their song. There were many outstanding soloists and narrators alongside the choral voices and those dressed up to take part in the tableau. Well done to all.
                                                                                                             photo and report by Cathy

CAROLLERS VISIT LOCAL RESIDENTIAL HOMES

One of the four groups of parishioners, young and old, who volunteered to sing carols at to residents of Lymington care and nursing homes, visited Barfields today.   The other groups went to Oakhaven, Freegrove and Solent Mead.

THAT WAS A BUSY WEEK FOR BASICS BANK

Santa visited Elmers Court Hotel last Sunday to collect goods for Basics Bank.    A clean shaven Desmond Swayne MP and District Council leader Cllr Barry Rickman got together on the bouncy castle in the absence of younger children.      It would have made an even better photo had we been able to persuade them to have their faces painted!     Sadly we had fewer visitors than last year but nevertheless £70 was donated and Santa's Sack was filled twice over during the course of the very enjoyable afternoon.

                                                                                                                   photo and report by Anthony

 

Clare and her team among the heaps of goodies which they had brought into the foyer of the URC Church on Tuesday.    Among the volunteers who made them all up into Christmas parcels that evening were some of our younger parishioners.       A total of 147 parcels were distributed, mostly paid for from money donated to Basics Bank.

WELCOME TO JACK, OUR NEWEST PARISHIONER

Simon and Mulgoriate Smith with their beautiful baby Jack posed with his godparents and their relatives before Jack received the Sacrament of Baptism, through which he became a member of the Church of God.       The graces he received when Fr Danny administered the Sacrament a few minutes after this photo was taken will enable him to become a strong and faithful Catholic Christian.      We wish him every blessing in the future.

LINDA SCORES HER HALF-CENTURY

Popular Hospital Chaplain Linda Lee celebrated her fiftieth birthday today by inviting members of other Christian denominations to join her for a coffee at a popular High Street café in Lymington.     A truly ecumenical gathering came to wish her well, including URC Minister the Rev Chris Vincent (left).      Linda works hard, cheering everyone up with her lovely smile, and we wish her many more years of healthy and happy service with the patients at New Forest Hospital.

LYMINGTON HIGH STREET DURING WWI

This old postcard, published in 1916, shows the High Street from its eastern end.    Close to the viewer on the right hand side can be seen the entrance to the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, just in front of the presbytery, looking almost the same as it does today.
Photo from www.newforestexplorersguide.co.uk  (Information and images - New Forest villages, wildlife, walks, cycling, history, commoning, pubs and much more.)

O COME THOU WISDOM FROM ON HIGH

The first of the four weeks of Advent is with us, so Joseph and Mary begin their journey along the four window sills on the right side of the Church of Our Lady of Mercy.   
 



Meanwhile on the other side of the Church the first of the four advent candles is alight, and as each week goes by an additional candle is lit.  

NEWEST ENTRANT TO THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB!

 

As last week’s Friendship Club meeting was drawing to a close, who should come to join in but Maura’s granddaughter Amelia Florence carried by proud mother Sally Ann.    Baby Amelia, six months old next Monday, will shortly be baptised at Corpus Christi Church, Boscombe.

LOCAL M.P. GETS WHISKERED FOR CHARITY

Local M.P. Desmond Swayne visited Basics Bank this week to donate a share of the sponsorship money he raised during November for various good causes by growing this handsome moustache and sideburns.       

 

U.R.C. CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL ENTRY

 

 

Jacqui and Catherine are just putting the finishing touches to the decorations on the tree entered by the Parish of Our Lady of Mercy in the Christmas Tree Festival at the URC Church this week.   If you want to see the other trees, you'll have to hurry - it finishes on Friday!

 

AN OAK HAVEN FOR THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

On Monday, parishioners from both Lymington and Milford on Sea attended a short service of blessing of the new Tabernacle at the Oakhaven Hospice. Also in attendance was Andrew Sharpe, the cabinet maker who constructed the Tabernacle using English Oak. Any resident (or member of staff) will now be able to visit the Chapel to sit before the Blessed Sacrament. It will also mean that Mass can now be celebrated in the Chapel at any time.

                                                                                                    Report and photo by Cathy

SUCCESSFUL FIRST PARISH CRAFT FAIR

Despite competition from the Priory and the Masonic Hall, the Craft Fair held last weekend attracted some work of high quality, and a number of parishioners as well as market shoppers came in to see the goods on display, and to make purchases.

The stalls were attractively laid out, and stallholders like Julia stayed quietly in the background, allowing the quality of the goods to sell themselves.

YOU SHOP, YOU DROP FOR BASICS BANK

 

 Shoppers at Lymington’s Waitrose this weekend will once more be greeted, for the second and final time, with a request to donate an item of food for distribution to the poor and needy of the area. 

 

The great generosity of Waitrose customers who gave at last weekend’s trolley drop resulted in a huge contribution to the stock of Basics Bank during these winter months.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So much was collected that it took the staff a whole morning to sort and store it all.     Our thanks to everyone who donated.

 

                                                         photos by Mary

PARISH St VINCENT de PAUL FOUNDER RETIRES

                                                                                                                                          photo by Cathy

Tom Turnbull, on the left of this photo, has been forced by ill health to give up not only the presidency of the Lymington Conference (above), but also the leadership of the Southampton District Council.     He started the SVP in Lymington, and it is largely due to his wise counsel and tireless efforts that it has survived and flourished.

Members of a number of local SVP conferences attended a retreat last weekend in Winchester’s fine new Parish Centre. They ate their lunchtime sandwiches in its splendid refectory.     This is a long photo; to see more of it use the right arrow key.   

NEWS FROM THE CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE

On Saturday 17th November the CWL attended Mass for their deceased members.  Next year they are hoping to attract new members.  They meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 2.15 if anyone would like to join them, or just observe with a view to joining, they will be very welcome.  The next meeting will be on January 8th 2013.
                                                                                                                   photo and report by Barbara

SKITTLING THE BLUES AWAY!

                                                                                                                                    photo by Anthony

The annual Milford v New Milton Skittles bash was graced this year with the addition of our friends from Brockenhurst and Lymington parishes. Two teams were formed and battle was joined, with the outcome far less important than the social occasion. Everyone played their part and got stuck into their “pub grub” meal with as much energy as they bowled the skittles. With all the dire news assaulting our ears these days it was a pleasure to take time out to chuck a few balls and send the skittles flying. Well done and three cheers for everybody who took part. Here’s to the next time!

                                                                                Thanks, Rita, for this report.

ANTIPODEAN VISITORS GET CHORAL WELCOME

Our intrepid reporter risked all to take this shot of members of the choir of Our Lady of Mercy as they were entertaining Nicky’s daughter Ruth and her friend June, here on holiday from New Zealand.

ST ANNE’S CELEBRATE 75TH ANNIVERSARY

 

 We spotlighted our Statue of St Anne for our Celebration Mass, and created a historical display at the back of the Church. Retired Deacon Hilary Parsons gave a superb Homily about the way that Catholicism has evolved in this country from his memories of his youth. He outlined the  difference it made to the Catholics of this area whenSt Anne's was consecrated. We feel very proud and privileged!

 

 

 

 

Photo and report by Mary

THEY WERE HAPPY TO BE SENT TO COVENTRY

                                                                                                                                     photo by Margaret

Margaret, Eileen and Jaqui had the privilege of representing our local CWL at the AGM and annual conference of the Catholic Women’s League of England and Wales at Coventry last month.      The photo shows the members being welcomed by Councillor Gary Crook, the deputy Lord Mayor of Coventry.

HOSPITALITY IN THE CENTRE OF OUR PARISH

Linda and Giselle were the two lovely ladies who took their turn serving and washing up to raise money for charity last Saturday morning in the Hospitality Centre.      We are grateful to them and to everyone else on the rota who makes it possible for us to relax over a cuppa after a busy morning shopping in Lymington  market.

INTERDENOMINATIONAL PRAYER WORKSHOPS

Mary And Sean were at Romsey Abbey for a Day called A Celebration of Holiness. 220 people came for Prayer Workshops, which took place as part of an all-day Liturgy celebrated by the new Bishop of Winchester. Mary's was one of 19 Workshops, and the two doves were her symbol to represent the Spirit present in a session of Spiritual Direction.  It was a truly energised and wonderful day!

photo by Mary

SEVENTY-FIVE AND STILL GOING STRONGLY

 On Sunday November 11th St Anne’s Church in Brockenhurst, with its unusual triptych of tribute in glass to three holy mothers, celebrates three quarters of a century since its foundation.     Have a good party, parishioners!

DOUBLE YOUR MONEY AT BASICS BANK

As a result of the generous donations received from local churches at their Harvest Festival services Louise, Phil and their colleagues will have no difficulty in providing food for  needy people in our area over the winter period.      Yet within a few months these shelves will begin to look bare again and Basics Bank will be relying heavily on monetary donations to buy food for those who cannot afford to do so themselves.  So for a short period from this week Localgiving will match any donation up to £10, and it can still be giftaided!    Go to http://localgiving.com/charity/newforestbasicsbank for details.

HIDDEN PARISH TALENT STAYS UNDERCOVER

What a super picture of the view from the Isle of Mull!   As soon as we saw it we begged to show it on the blog.     Can you guess who painted it?     The artist is a popular and well known parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy.       Sorry, we have been sworn to secrecy!    

 

DOUBLE BAPTISM AT OUR LADY OF MERCY

The stars of last Sunday's baptism ceremony were Dolly and Harrison, shown here with Fr Danny, their godparents and their proud grandparents Maria and Sean Colon. We welcome them into our parish family, and wish them every blessing in the future.

WEEKLY PRAYER SESSION AT ST ANNE'S

Every Friday at 10am, in the Lady Chapel at St Anne's Church, there is a prayer session. It takes different forms - the Rosary, A Service of Word and Communion, Morning Prayer from the Prayer of the Church, and a Meditation. This was part of our meditation on Bartimaeus, the Blind Beggar.


Thanks, Mary, for this photo and report.

IT’S LADIES’ AFTERNOON AT THE LIDO

                                                                                                                                        photo by Nicky
Some boatowners moor their dinghies between Lymington Quay and the pontoon.      This dinghy hasn’t been used or even emptied, and provides a graphic illustration of the amount of rain which has fallen this summer.       For ducks here is a chance to wash out all that horrid salt which damages their feathers and exposes them to the cold.   They have spent the afternoon washing and preening themselves in their freshwater bath, and are now having a few minutes quiet time.   Their drakes do not condescend to join them, but swim by contemptuously.    Fancy making all that fuss about a little bit of salt in your underfeathers!

MISSION APPEAL FOR SPIRITANS RAISES £536

On Sunday Our Lady of Mercy and St Francis of Assisi Churches were visited by Fr Terry Donnelly (second from right in this photo).    He gave a stimulating Mission Appeal on behalf of his congregation, the Holy Ghost Community (the Spiritans).    The appeal raised a total of £536.73, and a further £25 can be recovered through gift aid.   For more information about the work of the Holy Ghost Fathers, click on: www.spiritans.co.uk
        

SUCCESSFUL MUSICAL EVENING AT ST ANNE'S

Our thanks to the Sisters for this photo, which is a still from the video which it is hoped will appear on the new Priory website (live but under construction) at www.dominicansistersofstjoseph.org

A concert by the Grainger String Quartet has boosted the funds of St Anne’s Catholic Church in Brockenhurst.      The program was very varied and included a wide range of musical styles from the classical to the contemporary in its 10 pieces.  Sr.  Mary Catherine from the Priory at Sway joined them in performing the Mozart Flute Quartet and the truly surprise item was a string quartet arrangement of the Dr Who theme.       The concert ended with a jaunty performance of Makin Whoopee and everyone agreed that this was a fitting conclusion to a thoroughly enjoyable evening.                               
Refreshments were served in the Parish Rooms during the interval and with an attendance of 65, the concert raised £336 which will be used for repairs and improvements.
                                                                                      Thank you, Michael, for this report.

A WELCOME VISIT FROM ELAINE AND NICK

At weekends Elaine and Nick Mellish sometimes visit Elaine’s sister Andrea in Pennington and come to Mass here on Sunday.      Elaine is a speech and language therapist, mostly helping pre-School children.       Nick was a pupil at Downside School at the same time as Lulworth’s owner Frederick Weld, whose ancestor Joseph gave the site and the Church of Our Lady of Mercy to us.    Also at Downside with Nick was Philip Hansom, the great great grandson of Joseph Aloysius Hansom, the architect of our Church.   As a senior pupil Nick recalls playing squash with and losing heavily to the Ampleforth Abbot (later Cardinal) Hume when he visited Downside.       We enjoyed chatting with Elaine and Nick, and look forward to seeing them again when they next visit us.

There's a photo in this week's blog which is too wide for the page.    So if you want to see the rest of it, use the right arrow key!

YEAR OF FAITH BEGINS WITH VATICAN II TALK

                                                                                           photo by Dave Hill, Portsmouth Youth Advisor
Last Thursday evening many of us from our Pastoral Area were privileged to hear Rev Father Gerry O'Collins give a very informative talk on the Second Vatican Council.  It is now 50 years since the start of Vatican 2 and 25 years since the publication of the revised Catechism of the Catholic Church.  At the start of the Year of Faith it gave us all a good spiritual beginning to remind us of the important Documents emanating from that Council.
                                                                           Thanks, Cathy, for this report.

DORIS RECEIVES PAPAL BLESSING AT 97YEARS

Fr Danny presented Doris Smith with an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Benedict on the occasion of her 97th Birthday.  Fr Danny commented afterwards that 'she couldn't have been more pleased if you had handed her 100 gold bars!'  Doris continues to receive the Blessed Sacrament in her home in Pennington from her faithful band of Ministers of Communion.
                                                             report and photo by Cathy

AN AREA RETREAT, THOUGH NOT AS PLANNED

The Pastoral Area’s Day of Recollection on Saturday was held partly on the site of Our Lady of Mercy and partly at the Lymington Community Centre.     Sadly the speaker, Fr Dermot Power, collapsed on his way here in the morning and was taken to hospital, but Fr Danny and Cathy gave us plenty to think about in the talks they gave when substituting for him at such short notice. 

One element of the day which did go as planned was the provision of refreshments.    The Authentic Paella Company were up to their usual high standard, whilst in the small kitchen Martha, Liz, Eileen and Frances cheerfully coped with everything, refreshed everybody and washed up after us all, then went down to the hospitality rooms and did it all again.     What would we do without them!

BEST BIRTHDAY TREAT JOAN COULD GIVE

For Fr Richard Hayward there could have been no better present for his sixtieth birthday than to be visited by his mother, Joan.     He has been living in Sweden and working as a priest there and in other parts of Scandinavia since 1984.      Here they are with Joan’s daughter Maureen outside the main doors of Stockholm Catholic Cathedral.

QUARR ABBEY'S ONE HUNDRED TOMORROW!

                                              Our thanks to the community who allowed us to go into their sanctuary to take this photo.
The day after this blog is published is the one hundredth anniversary of the founding of Quarr Abbey, which took place on October 12th 1912.      At one time there were over a hundred monks there, but even though the community now numbers only eight, they continue to be a powerhouse of prayer in support of the local Christian parishes.  

 At the back of the Abbey building is the Pilgrims’ Chapel, which for individual visitors is an ideal place for quiet meditation with its separate altars and wonderfully peaceful atmosphere.

WHO WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL THIS FUN?

Last Saturday evening a very enjoyable quiz night was held in the Hospitality Rooms at Our Lady of Mercy, thanks to Fr Danny who also gave the ploughman’s supper which lovely Frances prepared.  Our thanks also to Egans, the Ship, Lounges and several parishioners for the generous prizes, and to Leigh and Georgie who did the raffle.    And of course, very special thanks to Jacqui and Peter who planned and arranged it all, and to quizmaster David who can be seen in our photo taken moments before the action started wondering what he’s let himself in for!

                                                                                       photo by Leigh

The Four Graces were the team that won first prize, and look what they got!     They received the shield, which will be engraved, and a bottle of wine each.  No wonder Liz, June, Pat and Louise look so happy.        They can’t wait for the next event that our super new social committee are arranging!