HOW BLUE SUEDE SHOES CAME TO AFRICA

Here’s a teaser for those who remember the pop scene in 1968: Who’s the big star on this photo with June, a recently joined member of our congregation, taken when she was a young housewife in Rhodesia?   If you think you recognise him, please leave a comment.

            Thank you very much, June, for allowing us to reproduce your precious photo.

A GREAT MILESTONE FOR OUR PARISH BLOG

     Today the Parish Blog welcomes its 30,000th reader!

OUR WELCOME VISITOR FROM ROME

It was great to have Fr Paschal with us again at Our Lady of Mercy last Saturday.     After Mass he joined us for coffee, and told us that he is still working for his Masters degree in Rome, but does not yet know what he lies ahead for him once he has completed it.    Whatever he does, we know he will give of his best, and we wish him well.

CHILDREN GET TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER

At our School's end of term Liturgy this year the centre piece was a 6' x 4' heart edged with strawberries and the centre filled with blueberries.  Fr Danny asked the children why they thought a heart had been placed at the centre of the Liturgy service and one of the smallest children in the school answered 'because it stands for Love'.  We wish all the year 6 children leaving Our Lady and St Joseph's school our love as they start new beginnings in their next schools. 
At the end of the Liturgy the children, staff and families were invited to enjoy the fruits of the heart until they had 'as much as they wanted' (Jn.6:11).
Happy Holidays everyone!!
                                                                              photo and report from Cathy

QU’ILS MANGENT DE LA PIZZA!

                                                                                               photo by John S
Once again, into the breach stepped Pat and Louise to allay the hunger of the crowds at the Convent fete with hot dogs and delicious pizza cooked by the Sisters.    Now we know for certain that Summer has arrived!

A VERY WELL DESERVED HONOUR

On Saturday evening at Mass Fr Danny presented Cathy with a Papal Blessing.    He told us what a tremendous support she had been to him, how much good work she had achieved for the Parish and how much she had done for individuals needing help.    How true that is.    Her cheery face greets us as we come into the Sunday morning Mass, and encourages us to go to her for advice or comfort.    She does much good that is not generally known about, so this honour, granted to her on her xxth birthday (don’t ask – if you knew you wouldn’t believe it!) is really appropriate.

THEIR FLAME WAS NOT DAMPENED

This is a photo of a dry Peter, Clare, Megan and Jonathan  who were asked to help form a guard of honour for the Olympic Flame as it passed the church entrance. 

By the time the flame arrived the rain had been bucketing down and everyone was soaked to the skin, but their enthusiasm still burned strongly!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR PEGGY

                                                 
To her delight Fr Danny celebrated  Holy Mass for Peggy on Friday in her flat on the day of her ninety-first birthday.     We all wish her every happiness and improved health.    Keep smiling, Peggy!

 photo by Mike C.

MGR PHILIP EGAN WILL BE OUR NEW BISHOP

We join with everyone in our parishes in welcoming the appointment, announced yesterday, of Mgr Philip Egan, currently Vicar General of the Diocese of Shrewsbury, as our new Bishop.     He is 56 years old, was born in Altrincham, a market town near Manchester, and was ordained to the priesthood in August 1984.    Since then, among his other appointments he has served as a parish priest, as a hospital chaplain, as a chaplain at Cambridge university, and as Dean of Studies at Oscott Seminary.   In 2008 he became Parish Priest of Lady and St Christopher’s, Romiley, near Stockport, where he is now.     Bishop Hollis is a hard act to follow, and we wish Bishop-elect Egan every success in his difficult task.

PETER BECOMES A FULL CHURCH MEMBER

Last Sunday at the Church of Our Lady of Mercy Peter Lawes was received into the Catholic Church by Fr Danny as a confirmed Communicant member, with Deacon Stephen Morgan as his sponsor.      We congratulate Peter, who is already playing an important part in the life of our Parish, and welcome him into full membership of the Church.

WE SEE IT HERE, WE SEE IT THERE …….

Frances and Nicky have boldly gone in search of the parish bookshop/library, only to discover that it’s back where it was before, in the Paul Duffy room.    And what fantastic value!     You can buy (suggested prices £1 for hardbacks, 50p for paperbacks) or borrow any of the almost new books.    Some are even current bestsellers, and all the children’s books are free.     And if you have books that you no longer need, remember that those you have donated so far have already,  thanks to the hard work of Frances, Francoise and Len, raised more than £2000 for parish funds! 

MISSION IS WHAT WE'RE ABOUT

Fr. Ephraim Odhiambo visited Milford, Lymington and Brockenhurst on Sunday to appeal on behalf of the vitally important APF Mission Society.     Although we shall not know the results of his efforts immediately, his mission certainly seems to have been successful, for a good number of forms were completed.     

EAT YOUR HEARTS OUT, ABSENT FRIENDS!

On Monday Clare, Joan, Eileen, Pam and Adele saw to it that the members of the Friendship Club had their annual strawberry cream tea in the Hospitality Centre, with delicious scones baked by Cathy P., lovely homemade jam from Patricia S. and nice strawberries from Goodalls.      Doesn’t it make your mouth water!        (It’s too late now, I’m afraid.    You’ll have to wait until next year.)

WORKERS OF THE WORLD, UNITE!

There’s a new board in the Paul Duffy room now, which will be used to display the work produced by the children at their Sunday Liturgy sessions.     And look, Rini and Keith came all the way from South Africa to put it up for them!