Saffron Walden
Our Lady of Compassion
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Meetings and Dates for your diary
...are to be found on the parish calendar.
Parish BBQ 2010
Phew! Hot work for our chefs, Cornelius Shanahan and Chris Cobby.
Many of our parishioners avoid sunstroke by taking refuge under the umbrellas.
Raffle winner, Dave Powell, receiving his prize of strawberries and champagne from Father John.
Although it was baking hot and there was competition from England's match against Germany in the FIFA world cup, our annual barbecue was a great success.
Held at Audley End College, the cuisine, as ever, was excellent and there were plenty of activities for the youngsters. Although mainly a social event for the parish, the barbecue raised £250 for church funds.
First Holy Communion 2010
A few of the many photographs taken by Di Pohlmann (who will be making them available to parents), telling the story of the service:
Two Masses for our First Communicants were celebrated by Father John –– the first in our church and the second in St Mary's Parish Church. This was because a change in dates created problems for relatives of two of the boys who had already made long distance travel arrangements for May 15. Father John decided to go ahead with a Mass in our church on that day to avoid disappointment for the two families.
The following weekend all 14 of the First Communicants gathered in the church hall before processing with their instructor, Patricia Cobby, along Castle Street to the town's parish church.
Please pray to The Lord asking Him to bless them and keep them faithful throughout their lives.
New Convert
Tony and Karon Grossfield renewed their wedding vows in our church on May 7 but before then Karon was received into the Church and was baptised and confirmed by Father John.
The couple, who live in Saffron Walden, were married 2005.
Christian Aid Cake Stall
Three parishioners, Maresi Bennion, Phillipa Whalley and Dolores Clew raised over £150 Christian Aid from selling cakes outside Boots the Chemists on May 1st.
Maresi, co-ordinator for the sale, said the final sum came to £168.41 thanks to two later donations. "We sold all the cakes and could have done with many more. We will do it again next year and have a bigger appeal beforehand," she added.
Good Friday - Walk of Witness
Over 100 people took part in the annual Walk of Witness on Good Friday which was organised by the Saffron Walden Salvation Army headed by Major Carol Evans.
There was a short service at the town's Baptist Church before the walk, which attracted people from all denominations, including our church, got underway. The walkers progressed down the High Street following the cross which this year was carried by Paul Watts from the Salvation Army. They made their way to the Common for Gospel readings and hymns before continuing to St Mary's Parish Church for more hymns and readings, one of which was given by Mary Wheatley from the Catholic Church.
Maundy Thursday Mass
Our church was packed for the Maundy Thursday Mass which celebrates the Last Supper and solemnly commemorates the institution of the Eucharist. Father John, who is unable to kneel to wash the feet of people in imitation of Christ's action at the Last Supper, had instead to wash the hands of several of our parishioners.
Eddie the Penguin Saves the World
Infants at St Thomas More Primary School treated fellow pupils and parents to a performance on March 31 of Eddie the Penguin Saves the World.
The story, enacted in words and songs, told the story of how Eddie, accompanied by his wife, children and grandparents, travelled the world to encourage people to prevent global warming by recycling waste. The infants put on a great show which was performed for the school in the morning and for parents and friends in the evening.
Palm Sunday Brunch
One hundred tickets were sold for the annual Palm Sunday Brunch which, although largely a social event, raised just over £130 for church funds.
The event, held after the 8.30am and 10.30am Masses, was organised by our Social Group whose members were helped by volunteers with the washing up and setting of tables. Among those who did their stint with the washing up were Ken and his seven year old son, pictured above.
Wednesday Group - 10th Anniversary
Over 30 members and guests of our Wednesday Group attended a special party on February 3 in the church hall.
They were there to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the group which since its formation as a social organisation has raised hundreds of pounds for church funds and for our twin mission in Evander, South Africa. The money was raised by members putting to good use their skills in making articles for sale. Parcels for essential items have, in addition to cash, been sent to Evander.
A feast of food was laid out for those at the party at which Father John cut into the specially baked birthday cake.