Life Sponsored Walk
Saturday, July 21st, was the day designated for the annual sponsored walk to raise funds for Life. Twenty hardy souls assembled at Waterton Country Park, not far from Nostell Priory, for a leisurely ten- mile hike. Six parishioners from Moorends, Simon, Nichola, Daniel, David, Kate and Keith joined the other walkers from other parishes in Doncaster to take part in the walk, which had been planned by Bob and Dinah Bestwick.
The weather was fine, rather like baby bear's porridge, not too hot and not too cold - just right! Along the route we had fine views of the lake, rolling fields, the stately contours of Walton Hall but it is amazing how far you can walk without realising it, if you are busy chatting. Lunch was provided by Joan Mangan in the team back-up car - lots of delicious sandwiches, pie and drinks. Fortified we all continued until the next stop for cake, biscuits and more drinks. Understandably there was a dash for the conveniences when we arrived back at the car park where we had started.
Drama was provided by an over-enthusiastic dog, Jess, which tried to take on a full-grown swan but backed off when she realised it was going to win. The closing of footpaths because of the foot and mouth epidemic meant that we had to wade through some over-grown paths and waist-high grass. At this point the cropped greens of the nearby golf course looked very attractive.
Most of the sponsor money has been collected in now and the final total raised by our parish will be published in the bulletin as well as the overall amount. This is a wonderful way of doing some good work for a worthwhile cause while enjoying yourself at the same time - so how about taking part next year?
Kate Heywood
FATHER JOHN MORIARTY
Father John was born in Co. Kerry, Ireland. He finished his secondary schooling in Dublin then entered the novitiate of the Holy Ghost Fathers, also in Dublin.
This was followed by studies at university in Dublin. Young Spiritans were sent on mission, mainly teaching, between one set of studies and the next. Young John was sent to Port of Spain, Trinidad, with six others, to teach for three years in a huge secondary school belonging to the Society. Following that came four years of theology in Dublin, where they had their own house of studies and their own Professors.
After ordination came appointments to mission. Father John, along with five others set sail for Nigeria in 1957.
The Spiritans were very much engaged in education in many of their missions. Seven of the ten years he spent in Nigeria were involved in teaching, at one stage building his own school. In 1968 the Nigerian civil war broke out. Those who were at home on leave were not allowed to return. Father John did some teaching in state schools in London, chaplaincy work in Montreal and then went back to Ghana for ten years. More teaching and chaplaincy work was followed by a year's sabbatical, and then to South Africa for four years training young aspirants to the Holy Ghost Fathers. Finally, he was back in England in 1991 working for the English Spiritans in Scotland.
Five years ago he found Stainforth Parish without a priest. The Spiritans allowed him to go, but now they require him to return, to do more of their work.
WANTED
Kate Heywood is making jam, but has run out of jam jars - again. Can you help?
Please ring Kate on 813117
