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Bishop
Kieran Opens St. Joan’s Centre
The 9th March will be etched in many
peoples memories. Bishop Kieran
celebrated the 11.15am Mass in the church with Fr. Tony and
Fathers Tim
Jelf, John Bradley and Deacon John Edwards. The altar servers
were ably
organised by John Pontifex. The church was packed, the hymns
were sung with gusto and the beautiful violin playing by Emma
Hinchfield was greatly appreciated.
After Mass, parishioners and invited guests went to the Wright
Room (the
hall) of the centre, collecting a glass of wine and nibbles
as they went.
Jenny Dorsa and her helpers had organised the catering very
well. Among the guests were the Mayor of Waverley and the
Mayor of Farnham with their consorts, together with representatives
from the architects, quantity
surveyors, builders, etc. John McIntyre gave a short introductory
address
describing the stages from the development of the idea to
the building of
St. Joan's Centre. Fr. Tony then spoke and thanked all those
you had helped. Finally Bishop Kieran gave a short blessing
and unveiled the dedication plaque - which will be mounted
on the wall of the Foyer.
Everywhere had been tidied up and looked smart - a special
thanks to
Redfields Garden Centre for the loan of shrubs for Fr. Robo's
Court.
A press photographer was present from the Farnham Herald
(which gave us an excellent write-up in the next issue) and
there were many others taking photos, including video. Everyone
seemed to be in a happy and chatty mood and the dedication
went with a swing - now all we have to do is finish paying
for it!!
INTEREST FREE LOANS a new
parish loan scheme to save interest on the parish debt (arising
from the funding of the construction of the new Centre) until
we have generated sufficient funds to get us back to “normal.”
Any amount is welcome (in multiples of £50). Forms and
details are available in the church porch if required; please
include cheque when returning the form.
DAY PILGRIMAGE TO WALSINGHAM
A Day Pilgrimage to Walsingham is planned for Friday 30th
May. Departure is from St Joan's Car Park 6.45am; return approx
9.30pm; 30 minute stop on route each way. Bring a picnic lunch
and tea. Cost, depending on coach size, no more than £24
–please book early, no refunds (seats can be transferred
to another). Day spent as each pilgrim wishes; Reconciliation,
Stations of Cross, Pilgrim Mass, Rosary, Adoration of Blessed
Sacrament, Evening Prayer & Benediction. For enquiries
& booking, contact Cecilia
Engwell or Dorothy McIntosh by email put Walsingham in
the Subject box in your email.
Friday Focus
This weekly Farnham Herald feature
gives Christians the opportunity to make public their views,
experiences or testimony, thereby publicising Christian views,
as part of our mission to spread the Gospel message. Our Church
had four slots to fill this year. Articles of approximately
200 words are invited. Further information from Michael McDonnell.
The Festival of Purim
Understanding
each other - a Guide to Jewish festivals and fasts. (21st
March 2008), celebrates the events of the book of Esther;
Haman's desire to destroy the Jews, his pique at Mordechai's
refusal to bow to him and Esther's successful appeal to king
Ahasuerus. The book of Esther is read, children dress up,
money is given to the poor and a festive meal is eaten and
drunk.
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