Mission, Study, and Fun, Sunday 9 May

We are still in excitement after our mission in Scarborough. We really enjoyed applying all the knowledge and experiences from this year into the different ministries. Along with street evangelisation twice a day we were able to put on assemblies for local primary schools, run a few youth nights and contribute to a prayer group for First Communion parents. We were grateful to have the opportunity to go to daily Mass and Holy Hour which gave us the strength we needed to do our mission. Going into the schools and interacting with the students was very enjoyable for us all. The message we brought to the students was “Jesus loves you!” They were challenged to be witnesses to that love, not only in their words, but by their actions too. We were delighted to be able to evangelise in such a beautiful location and were so heartily welcomed by the parish of St. Peter’s. Fr. William Massie, the parish priest, kindly arranged for us to stay with loving families. Their hospitality and generosity was overwhelming. They made sure to send us off each morning with an abundance of support and prayers. The kindness of our host families was an invaluable blessing. Our last day of street evangelisation we had a procession with an icon of Our Lord, as Christina played her guitar we sang songs of praise and worship. Many people were looking on curiously and were very much interested. As we engaged in conversation many hearts were touched. Along with asking if they had any prayer intentions we also offered them Scripture verses and miraculous medals. There is no doubt that the Holy Spirit was present and at work throughout the entire mission. Overall our mission to Scarborough was a huge success and it was humbling to be used to plant the seeds of God’s love. This week we have been working extremely hard to complete our fifth essay on Moral Theology. This section of the Catechism has been very interesting because we are learning the reasons behind the morals we uphold. This knowledge better equips us to witness to our faith and by the grace of God to “always be ready to give an account of the hope that is within us.” (1 Peter 3:15) Next week we will be treated to a short break in the Wiltshire countryside. We will be going with Fr. Alex to the home of his friends, Sarah and Paul. When we return we will be making preparations for our upcoming mission Spirit in the City, which will be held mainly in Leicester Square from 3-5 June. (Mark your diaries!) Throughout this month of Mary we pray that she continue to bless you and your loves ones. Have a wonderful, grace-filled week. God bless

Time to relax in the Countryside, Sunday 16 May

This week was a real treat for us all. The countryside of Wiltshire was absolutely amazing, picturesque home, huge garden, and lovely hills covered with yellow blossoms, making it a real getaway. We really enjoyed taking very long walks through the woods. In these walks, we were able to revel in the carpets of bluebells, ivy-covered trees, and to witness God's creativity in nature. The serene environment provided a beautiful backdrop for heartfelt conversations within the community. While watching deer run across the meadow, we reflected on the paths God has led us this year. This trip, so close to the end of our programme, presented us with an opportunity to pause from our active lives and look back in appreciation of God's bounteous blessings throughout the year. Sarah and Paul's generous invitation to their beautiful home was another one of these blessings. They kindly welcomed us into their house and made us feel a part of the family. Thanks to their daughter, Emilie, we never had a dull moment. She energetically engaged us in tennis, badminton, ping pong, and trampolining. A couple courageous girls even braved the frigid swimming pool. We also relished quiet time drinking hot chocolate around the fire place chatting, laughing, reading, and watching films. We were happy to have the family join us during our prayer times. Father Alex celebrated Mass each day in their sunny conservatory. Last night Christina had her German culture night assisted by former German student, Marcus. We indulged in sauerkraut and apple strudel to our hearts content. We also had a yodelling lesson and discovered some of us have a hidden talent. The German atmosphere brought out a fun-filled evening with laughter and camaraderie.

Next week we will be working on our last and final essay on the Ten Commandments. This will complete our course through the Maryvale Institute in Adult Studies of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. We also look forward to attending a Vigil in honour of Pentecost. I hope you are all filled the Holy Spirit and share in the outpouring of His gifts. God bless!!!! Pray for us as we continue to pray for you.