Welcome to my latest Newsy Letter!
I am on holiday soon, so you will not hear from me until early March. Goodness!! I am scribbling early because I should have been going to Liverpool for the opening of the Archdiocesan Synod, but something urgent cropped up and so I sent my sincere apologies through my Deacon Brother who did in fact go. Hopefully the Synod will be a success. It is something we need to pray about over the next year or so. We need to revue the Archdiocese as it is, and then see a way forward which will encourage people to come back to the Church, rather than continue to discourage them.
I am so, so ready for my Break. Like so many of you lovely people, I have battled with bad weather and snow and low temperatures, and it really does get to you. I feel sorry for Fr. P. who is struggling with his chest infection. He is on mulled wine and hot Toddies; purely for medicinal purposes you understand. Everyone has struggled this week, except for the children of course, who revel in the novelty of snow. However, I remember only too well the rigours and endurances of Winters 1962-63; 1978-79; 1982-83. Awful. A pleasant moment, Fr. P's Birthday on Thursday, with all the children wishing him well on their way home. Every cloud has a silver lining.
Despite the snow/ice grip on our Country ( which is picture-post-card beautiful), I have had a super week in school. My skills of RE and Geography (from previous long time ago days) have not only been rediscovered, but used as augmentation. I had all week enjoying the company of the children and Staff ( with the snow ) on my two favourite Subjects. Oh my goodness, talk about dusting away the cob-webs; revision; evening homework. Fr. P is glancing hazardously at his Dining Room table covered with books, papers and lesson sheets.
“This is a Presbytery, Gilbo, not a prep-school.”
Hey ho!!
He loves it really as he and the childen love each other. We have two little ones whom we see every morning and evening on car duty who wave to us and Mrs. P (Lollipop Lady). Their big smiles really make your day.
There is only one week to go after this, and then Half-term descends on the Country. I get the distinct impression that everyone involved in schools is tired and ready for a break. Mr. Tink, the church cat is never away. He knows exactly when Fr. P is in the Summer House, and he lingers on the patio in the Winter sunshine all day until Fr. P leaves his wicker chair. He is as faithful as ever and as spotlessly clean as ever. Bless the “Little Soldier.” his fur coat is like a hot water bottle!
Se you in a few weeks.
Happy Half-term.
Love and prayers.
Jane (Keep warm!)
Most weekends we have our young people helping with the Collection, collecting Missalettes at the end of Mass and taking part in the Offertory Procession. We try to alter our front of church Tableau each week to fit in with the Gospel of the Day, and a short explanation is given to the Congregation.
People show great interest in what the Catechist does each week!. Our parish is a small country one, and through the Sunday Mass our little ones get to know each other before entering our school.
Fr. Peter Charles Crowther obl. sbso | The Presbytery, Bury Lane, Withnell, Chorley, PR6 8SD | Tel 01254 830 995 | Reg Charity: 232709
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