SOCIAL COMMITTEE
It is the aim of the committee to organise regular social events so that all parishioners may come together and enjoy each other’s company.
The first function, the Cheese and Wine Evening, was very successful. At the time of writing this, we are frantically preparing for the Barbecue in September.
A Pie and Pea Supper will be held towards the end of October, to be confirmed when we contact Mr. Wakefield, the caterer. The Annual Bazaar will be held in the Community Centre towards the end of November.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Committee is still learning the guidelines for running a Parish without a resident Priest. These guidelines include the preparation of budgets, publishing weekly collection figures and the paying of all usual running costs, i.e. heating, lighting, insurances etc., as well as the costs for the Hosts, Wine and Candles.
Arrangements are being made to have a water meter installed for the house supply and this will reduce the amount we are paying in water charges.
A new lawnmower has been purchased to enable two of our parishioners to maintain the grass around the Church and House.
MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE
The Committee is going to decorate the porch before Confirmation. They will be resetting the Holy Water Fonts inside the glass sliding doors so that the notice boards can be re-arranged for better viewing, and to make it more welcoming.
The cross in the gable over the glass doors is also being repaired. Church maintenance is our priority at present and consideration is being given to re-roofing the Church. In the house the room adjoining the entrance will be reorganized and made into a library for use by parishioners.
The grass in the field has been cut in readiness for the Parish Barbecue.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
I wish to contribute with a subject close to my heart and mind at this time. As a Senior Citizen, and an active Mass attender, I am really inspired by the way the active members of our Church have come together, and with the support of the whole Parish, have turned the Parish into life and service once more. In 1998 I suffered a fall and, after surgery, had to learn to walk again. So, with the help of a walking aid I am now able to move around again. It is a joy to be able to attend Mass once more and to meet people and my many good friends. My weekly attendance at the local Day Care Centre, provided by Social Services, is something I look forward to. With the help of the Carers we take part in quizzes, word games and activities, which exercise the memory and body.
The lovely, caring, and patient helpers transport us to the centre and return us home. Raffles provide funds to take us out on trips (especially boat trips) and a dinner at Christmas. A small charge is made for cooked meals and drinks, as well as help towards the cost of the Carers.
All this I believe has come to pass in response to petitions and prayers in honour of St Norbert and St Peter of Alcantara. In the Novenas shared in June and October at the Shrine of Our Lady of England, Storrington. Yes, through the powerful prayers of the Saints, God has promised to listen and grant our needs, but always according to His Holy Will.
Elizabeth Kendell
JOKES
(a) Can you name a musical insect?
(b) Which banknote loves to sing opera?
(c) Why does a witch ride a broomstick?
Click Here for the answers