We recently celebrated thirty years of marriage, and it was 'marked', very touchingly, by a surprise party arranged by our sons (over a matter of 4 days!!) What stunned  us, and still does, is the number and 'variety' of people who were involved!! . So diverse, from all different aspects of our lives, and  even during  the party  we  had  many phone calls from others who were unable to be there. Our foster-son in Tenerife and a call from the abbey at Mt. St. Bernard's. Friends, relatives, some we had not seen for most of the thirty years too ... It was incredible.
We have  so many  to thank,  especially our sons, friends and relatives who were there, but not forgetting those who were unable to be with us. Most of all we thank God for the gift of love, his strength, and all the many other gifts we have been in need of during those thirty years.
On  reflection,  we very often don't see how a marriage is an anchor for many others, a glimmer of hope, a goal and also a security of continuity in a fast-moving, ever-changing world of fashions, styles and values.
What  was  remarkable were  the  many  who wanted to thank us and celebrate with us. Perhaps the lesson for others, and ourselves is that none of us knows the effects our lives have on others, ordinarily, day in, day out, silently.

This group is primarily concerned with the parish magazine The Messenger, that Maria Stockton has produced for a year now, with quarterly issues. The publication has been well received in the parish and the mixture of news, photos and humour has  proved  very  popular. To date donations have more than covered the costs, due to the generosity of the people of the parish. Maria is chairperson of the communication group; Kate Heywood is Secretary; other members are Elena McGarry, Cyril Marsh, Caroline Mitchell, Eileen O'Neill and Peter Pennington.
The web site is the other main concern of the group and it is gradually gaining attention. The address is on every bulletin and even if you do not have your own computer and think that a mouse is a small, grey, furry creature, favourite snack of cats, you can still look at the parish web site by going to the local library. There the staff will be only too pleased to show you how to open the site, and then it is as easy as reading a book. There must be so many memories that people would like to share about the parish in which so many have lived all their lives. Please do get in touch with Kate and she can write a piece for the parish web site if you are not too happy about  writing it yourself. Please  note the new address of  our  parish web  site  www.stathome.co.uk.co All being well, we intend to produce a parish leaflet with essential information about the parish for newcomers and existing parishioners. If you have any suggestions about what should be included please let Kate know.