newsletter 20th July 2014

Newsletter 20th July 2014
First thanks to those who came to the Parish General Meeting – and a special word of thanks to the outgoing members of the parish Council and the Secretary, and also thanks to the new members. A list of names has been placed in the porch together with a copy of the constitution of the parish Council.
A busy week ahead. To Canary Wharf on Monday morning for an investment meeting and to Douai Abbey on Tuesday for a meeting of the Historic Churches Committee. The Bishop is away and this means that there will be a Eucharistic Service at 10am on Monday and Tuesday this week and there will not be a 7.30am Mass on Tuesday.
The visits to Douai are almost enjoyable. I set off very early for a speedy trip round the M25 and then down to the Berkshire Hills. I try to arrive in time for the Morning Office in the Monastery Church which starts at 6.15. After a break there is the Mass and then time for breakfast before the work of the day commences. With luck we may finish by lunchtime and so I can avoid the worst of the traffic on the return journey.
The Deanery Pastoral Council is due to meet at Charlton on Monday evening at 8pm.
The School terms have all come to an end and I hope that everybody is enjoying a break.
I have re-ordered the Lady Chapel to provide a little more space and have found a carpet that we can use. I hope that it will work. Please take special care not to spill wax from the candles on the carpet.
The new baby – to join the great nephew is due within the next few days – so special prayers for the mother – and for all with babies on the way at this time.
I hope that we will have some warm days over the next few weeks. If you would like to come up to the garden – and possibly to use the pool during the week, please give me a ring to check that I am in so that I can check that the back gate is unlocked.
The choirs and organists are taking a break now for a few weeks – thanks for all their help and work for many weeks. The normal pattern of music at Sunday Mass will resume again in September.
Several Saints this week: Mary Magdalen on Tuesday, St. Brigid on Wednesday, St. James the Apostle on Friday and Saints Joachim and Anne on Saturday.
Many new buses are being delivered at present and those with eagle eyes have spotted them on the journey from the factory to the garage to which they are allocated. In June 1948, brand new RT648 was being delivered from Park Royal to London Transport. The driver took a wrong turning under a low bridge and managed to remove most of the roof. Repairs took about two months.
A prayer for this week:
Lord, you make all things work together for the good of those who love you. Kindle the abiding fire of your charity in our hearts, that the longings you inspire in us may reach fulfilment in accordance with your will. Amen.
Here is a recipe you might try this week. Cook some large potatoes and cut into quarters. Place them in a pan with some oil and add some finely chopped spring onions, and handful of mixed fresh herbs and then add some well beaten eggs. Cook over a very low heat for about 15 minutes until the underneath is set but the top is still a little runny. Add some feta cheese on top and brown under the grill for about a minute until it is set.
The time is fast approaching for Jubilee celebrations – Sunday 31st August – so I have put up some lists with requests for help in preparing for the day.
The famous words of Binyon’s poem are quoted frequently this year, but do you know the rest of the poem?
They went with songs to the battle, they were young
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,
They feel with their faces to the foe.
Best wishes to you all
Monsignor Nicholas Rothon