Newsletter 19th June 2016.
Today is the 12th Sunday in ordinary time.
The Parish Retreat for the Year of Mercy takes place at the Convent at Belmont Hill on Saturday. A word of thanks to the Sisters for hosting this.
This week we will be voting on whether or not Great Britain should stay in the EU so a prayer today that we will make a wise decision.
I have already mentioned to you the possibility of a pilgrimage to Aylesford on 3rd September. We have obtained a quotation for a coach and the cost will be £18 per person. If you would be interested, please put your name on the list in the porch and we can see if we can take this further.
I am pleased to tell you that the Rector has agreed that we can come to Valladolid again in the autumn. The dates are 24th to 28th October. It spans the feast of the martyrs and there will be a splendid celebration. We have been able to reserve ten rooms. Please let me know if you would be interested.
Lots of English saints this week: Monday is the feast of St. Alban, the first martyr in England: San Albano is the patron of our College in Spain and his statue is above the high altar in the chapel. Wednesday is the feast of Saints John Fisher and Thomas More who were put to death by Henry VIII. Fisher the Bishop of Rochester and More the Chancellor of the Kingdom.
Here is a prayer composed by Thomas More: O my sweet Saviour Christ, which in thine undeserved love towards mankind so kindly wouldst suffer the painful death of the cross, suffer me not to be cold nor lukewarm in love again towards thee.
Also to mention that Friday is the birthday of St. John the Baptist.
Class 5 from ST. Mathew Academy will be coming for a special Mass in the Church at 10am on Thursday.
I have already mentioned to you the problems with the work to the organ. The organ builders have over-run with another contract and could not fulfil the agreement to undertake the work here at the beginning of June. The yearly is carefully planned with dates for weddings and other events reserved well in advance. It will therefore be necessary to put the work back until the end of November when we have a gap. I will ensure that the work is completed promptly in time for Christmas.
Announcements of station names can cause some confusion – the best one is on the Northern Line – the next station is Oval – I am sure it isn’t – at a guess I would suggest that it is oblong.
Time for some serious poetry this week: how about this from Milton:
O may we soon again renew that Song,
And keep in tune with Heav’n, till God ere long
To his celestial court us unite,
To live with him, and sing in endless morn of light.
Spanish tortilla is a great favourite and here are few cooking hints. Use two eggs for 1/2lb of potatoes. Soak the potatoes well in advance, slice, and cook in olive oil in a frying pan with some thin slivers of garlic. Cook the tortilla in an iron pan and make sure that the oil is smoking before adding the beaten eggs and potatoes. As the egg begins to set, place a plate on top, turn the tortilla into it, and then return to the pan. Sometimes it works, but it can result in a terrible mess and burnt hands.
The boy has almost finished his school year and is looking forward to his holiday. Much of his time will be spent running round his grandfather’s garden, closely followed by his small sister who wants to share in everything. Already she is quite good at climbing trees.
Best wishes to you all,
Monsignor Nicholas Rothon