Saffron Walden
Our Lady of Compassion
News
Archive
Parish Retreat
Father Adrian Graffy gave an illustrated talk on St Mark's Gospel at the annual retreat for parishioners at St Mark's College, Audley End, on September 26.
Father Graffy, who has written a book on this Gospel, is director of the Brentwood Religious Education Service and was formerly professor of Scripture at St John's Seminary in Wonersh. His talk was entitled 'A Journey through the Earliest Gospel.'
The retreat began with Mass being celebrated in the chapel at St Mark's College and, after coffee, the talk was given in the College's new River Barn which overlooks a meadow. Also pictured are some of the parishioners who took part in the retreat.
Deanery Fun Day
Downpours and frequent showers failed to put too much of a damper on the annual Deanery Fun Day.
Held on July 19 at St Mark's College, Audley End, youngsters braved the rain and enjoyed all the activities on offer which included football, jumping up and down on the trampoline and playing outdoor chess.
The fun day is open to adults and children from parishes in the deanery.
The Year of the Priest
The Parish Pastoral Council has agreed, as part of our commitment to mark the Year of the Priest, that the following prayer for vocations will be said at the end of each Sunday Mass.
PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS God Our Father, You sent your Son Jesus into the world And he in turn, Through the Holy Spirit, Sent the apostles and their successors To continue your work As teacher, Priest and Shepherd. We ask you To choose from among us In our diocese Priests, Deacons, Brothers and Sisters Who will willingly give their lives In your service And seek to make you better known and loved. We make this prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Parish BBQ - June 2009
Who says prayers are not answered? At Sunday's first Mass on June 21 Lynn Ingamells (parish secretary), reminded fellow parishioners that the annual barbeque at St Mark's College would start at 12 noon. Lynn concluded by urging everyone to pray that the sun would break through and disperse the grey clouds and, lo and behold, shortly after 12 noon the sun did break through and it turned out to be a lovely summer's afternoon.
Over 100 people bought tickets for the barbeque at which there was a fine choice of food and drinks for everyone. The event coincided with Father's Day and Andy Taylor is pictured receiving presents from his family.
There was plenty of fun and games for youngsters and two are pictured playing with the giant chess pieces. There was also a raffle prize of champagne and strawberries and cream which was won by Araceli and Ramiro Valdez-Ramirez.
Brentwood Childrens' Society Sponsored Walk
Nearly 20 parishioners completed a sponsored five mile walk around the perimeter of Saffron Walden on June 6 to raise funds for the Brentwood Children's Society which helps disadvantaged families.
It was the first time that the annual walk had been organised by diocesan parishes and our walkers have raised at least £800 for the Society. One 6 year old pupil from St Thomas More Primary School was sponsored to the tune of £110 by fellow pupils.
The walk started outside our church, where Father John led prayers, and two hours later the walkers returned to the starting point. They all trooped into the church hall where volunteers were waiting to provide them with a well earned meal which included a choice of three delicious home-made soups, fruit and a variety of cakes, plus hot and cold drinks.
1. First group of walkers arrive at the church hall.
2. Minutes later a second group winds it way along Castle Street.
3. Tommy, a 12 year old cross collie Jack Russell, enjoys a biscuit after the walk. Tommy shares his home with a rabbit, called Harry, who was found in the garden of his owner, David Smith, a couple of years ago. The two are great friends and often play together.
4. Some of the walkers enjoying their lunch.
First Holy Communion 2009
The relief shows on the faces of some members of the instruction / support team following a wonderfully successful and moving service, when twenty-one of our young people celebrated their First Holy Communion in the presence of their families and friends.
Thanks are due to Fr. John, the instruction team of Patricia Cobby, Rachel Williams, Veronica Shiels and Pauline Mullins, ably supported by musicians and many others from the parish community.
We also thank David Tomlinson, Rector of St Mary's, for the use once again of St Mary's Parish Church; and to the bellringers of St Mary's who rang the bells following the service.
First Holy Communion 2009
A few of the many photographs taken by Di Pohlmann (who will be making them available to parents in the near future), telling the story of the service:
1. Patricia Cobby leading the way along Castle Street to the church;
2. First communicants arrive somewhat windswept at St Mary's Parish Church;
3 & 4. Children receiving their First Communion;
5. Group picture of first communicants with Father John and instructors Rachel Williams, Veronica Shiels, Patricia Cobby and Pauline Mullins;
6. A group of girls dancing for joy outside the church after making their first communion.
Please pray to The Lord asking Him to bless them and keep them faithful throughout their lives.
Confirmation 2009
Four teenagers were confirmed on March 25 in our church at a Solemn Pontifical Mass celebrated by the Right Rev. Thomas McMahon, Bishop of Brentwood, who was assisted by Father John.
The four were Christian Eady, Della Helwig, Candela Marquez and Andrei Ramirez-Valdez who were instructed over the past few months by Mary Wheatley. Family and friends attended the Mass to support the confirmation candidates who were presented by Bishop Thomas with a certificate designed by Mary's husband, Terry.
Bishop Thomas' Visitation
Bishop Thomas, who retires in two years time, made his last Visitation to Saffron Walden on March 25.
After lunch he and Father John spent a couple of hours at St Thomas More Primary School where he was greeted by two pupils (pictured below) before meeting all the children and staff in the main hall. Bishop Thomas, who celebrates his golden jubilee as a priest this year, brought with him his mitre and crozier and explained the significance of both as well as that of his ring and the meaning of the word cathedral. After his talk the children took the opportunity to as him questions and he ended his visit to the school by meeting staff and the school's governors.
First Holy Communion 2009
Twenty-one children will be making their First Communion on May 16 at St Mary's Parish Church.
The Mass is being celebrated at the Church of England's parish church because our church is too small for so many first communicants who will be accompanied by their family and friends.
The children, aged between seven and eight years, have been instructed since last October by Patricia Cobby, Rachel Williams and Veronica Shiels.