Olympic Fever

OLYMPIC FEVER truly hit the streets of London... the atmosphere was electric and the excitement palpable as we tuned into the sports events taking place only a short distance from our parish in Soho. St Patrick's Church is the venue for the Mother Theresa of Calcutta Exhibition and also hosted NightFever, we were keen to take full advantage of the crowds flocking into the city.

The exhibition is beautiful, informative and really touches the heart. Each day, the Missionaries of Charity (Mother Theresa's Order of Sisters) were full of infectious enthusiasm and zeal for the Lord. They encouraged many passers-by to visit the exhibition. It was special to volunteer at the exhibition as it gave me an opportunity to learn more about the life of such an extraordinary woman and also to witness the impact her life continues to have on people. Guests to the exhibition are able to view Mother Theresa's actual bed, desk and her few possessions including a cross and a picture of Christ crucified. Also there is a chapel to place prayer intentions, the main exhibition hall and an area to watch her life and mission on DVD. I was in awe of the life she led and it was inspirational to work alongside her Sisters who continue to carry the torch once lit by Mother Theresa. Their shining radiance was a testament to the love of Christ within each one of them.  The Exhibition is open Tuesday-Sunday from 11am-7pm until 15th September, please do call in to see it.

NightFever once again captured our imagination at the power of God through each one of us. The event began in Germany after World Youth Day 2005 and they brought it to Soho, London in February this year. During the Olympics, the event took place over a period of 5 nights and what an impact it had! Personally it was amazing to see a continuous stream of people come into the Church from the streets. It was such a gentle way of inviting people in to light a candle at the foot of the altar. The transforming effect of the love and healing of Christ present in the Blessed Sacrament was evident to all. Most left the Church with beaming smiles and many others with tearful eyes. Those who were invited into St. Patrick's Church were from various cultures, backgrounds and religions, yet it was beautiful to be united together in One Spirit.

Summertime: Don't worry, we're still here

Looking at our blog you would think we were having a nice quiet summer - I assure you this is not the case, yes it is nice but it certainly isn't quiet!!  Although the classroom has gone very quiet now that we have no students over the summer it is quite a different story in the office and the parish.  In the office work is continuing in preparation for the new intake of students in October.  There has been a great interest in the school for the coming year and we are constantly in contact with potential students.  We ask that you keep the potential students in your prayers and us also as we discern about each applicant.

Although we are all working hard there is always time for a little break and time of rest.  Deanna has been to Poland for a pilgrimage while Edna had the opportunity to go to Ireland and visit Knock Shrine.  Both Deanna and Ciara were at the Medjugorje Youth Festival at the beginning of August.  Ciara also attended the Youth 2000 Clonmacnois Summer Festival in Ireland.

The Parish has also been buzzing lately with the arrival of the Mother Teresa Exhibition which is taking place in the Community Centre until 15th September.  Definitely worth a visit!  During the second week of the Olympics St Patricks was home to NightFever for a whole week! An amazing week of Adoration and evangelising was had.  Both Anne-Marie and Laurie have been back to St Patricks to help with events in the parish.

Over the next couple of weeks we will hopefully be posting some more detailed information about what each of us have been up to over the summer along with some photos.  Please continue to keep the school, parish and us in your prayers.

Keeping you all in prayer also