2009 News at Our Ladys Churchdown

Youth Café

Our Lady's parish has been running the six week Youth Café course-the last meeting was on Youth Sunday. Julia Puddicombe is 15 and a member of our parish. This is her reflections about the Youth Café meetings. An average of 16 young people have been enjoying the course weekly:

“At the Youth Cafe, I found that I could easily talk to, and mix with, other people my age. We discussed important issues in our lives now, and how we could apply our religion to any circumstance. My faith has definitely become stronger since going to these sessions, and I feel much surer in my beliefs, which makes my whole life seem happier. I feel much more willing to be open about my beliefs now, too, especially with people in my age group. It was never awkward during the sessions - there was always a sense of fun about what we were doing. It was a great way to unwind, and a great chance to really get to know God, and understand the religion better. The DVD's were all really good, and all the people featured in them were people we could relate to. They helped break down the issues we were discussing, making them a lot easier to understand. Now that I understand God more, I find it a lot easier to pray when I am alone. I find myself talking to God much more - even just to say thank you for all the wonderful people in my life. I think the Youth Café was a really great experience, definitely worthwhile, and I hope that we can continue to meet like this in the future.”

The youth café now runs regular sessions in St. Mary's School hall

15th February
1st March
15th March
29th March
5th April
3rd May
17th May
3rd May

Rite of Election

On Saturday 28th February the Rite of Election took place at Clifton Cathedral. At the service people from around the Diocese who are to be received into the Catholic Church at Easter are welcomed. Some will baptised as Catholics and others who are already baptised will be received into full communion with the Catholic Church. Well over 100 catechumens (those who are to be baptised) and candidates took part. Caroline Turley is a candidate for our parish and will be received into the church at our Easter Vigil.

This is a short reflection from her about the Rite of Election: I had no idea what to expect, so hence, I went with no expectations. It was probably a good thing as when I found myself about to become face to face with Bishop Declan, I suddenly became very tongue tied. It was extremely short lived as the moment I approached him, I felt an incredible warmth radiate from him and he immediately put me at ease. It was a beautiful and moving service and one I was proud to share with the people around me.

See also: www.cliftondiocese.com/Rite-of-Election2009

Table Top Sale- 22nd March 2009
Our Church is going to have new lighting fitted so are trying to raise funds. The Table Top sale on the 22nd March after 8.30am & 10.30 am Masses was for that cause.

Lent Lunch - 14th March 2009
On Saturday 14th March the parish had a Lenten Lunch of soup, rolls, cheese and cake for the older members of the community with a special invitation to those who are mostly housebound. Some of our young people came along as helpers.

Olive Wood Sale - 15th March 2009
An olive wood sale took place in the Church Hall after 8.30 a.m. and 10.30 a.m. Masses on Sunday 15th March. It was organised by the Justice & Peace Group. For some of the inhabitants of the Holy Land it is the only source of income they have. It's all beautifully made by the people of Bethlehem. Joanne Moston, the peace activist, recently returned from Israel was there to answer any questions.