West Sacramento Dear Parishioners,
As I mentioned at Mass last weekend, I have invited both Fr Kevin and Mgr John Chaloner back to the parish on Tuesday 3rd October to celebrate their unstinting service to both Our Lady of the Valley and to St Hubert’s.
The evening will begin with a Mass of thanksgiving for them and their service to our communities and to pray for their future good health and happiness in their two quite different circumstances. Mass will begin at 7pm in St Michael and St John’s and afterwards we shall withdraw to the Parish Centre for a cheese, wine and nibbles evening during which presentations will be made. The evening will end at around 9pm.
Though our Hall is large we are not permitted to host more than 200 guests at any one time and so the event will be by ticket only; these will be available in the near future for £1 each. Tickets may be exchanged for a glass of wine; other drinks may be purchased at the bar and our ladies group will ensure a plentiful supply of tea. Please only purchase a ticket if you intend to come.
The organising committee did consider providing some form of entertainment but decided that the evening should rather be an occasion to meet and chat, particularly with our two guests of honour– though I will suggest that Fr Kevin bring his guitar along!
The Sabden community have already made arrangements for a farewell gift to Fr Kevin. Members of the St Michael and John’s community who wish to contribute to a presentation should enclose their donation in an envelope, clearly marked FR KEVIN, and either post it at the Presbytery or place it in the offertory collection basket at Mass.
St Hubert’s community please contact Rachel Alpe (01200 448293) regarding your photographs.
Last week I also mentioned that Fr Mark Paver will be with us on 16th and 17th September before he returns to Rome for a year to complete a further degree course. Mark was with us on student placement three years ago so it is a delight and an honour for us to welcome him back as a newly ordained priest. His brief visit will coincide with the Autumn Mass for our sick and housebound at which he will assist with the anointing.
Finally, work begins this week to repair the low wall in front of St Michael & St John’s, so please be careful when entering or leaving the church. The following week the external redecoration of all the Clitheroe parish buildings will begin and continue for 5 weeks.
Fr John