Gifts of the Holy Spirit INSIDE ST MICHAEL S NEWS. 75 Years Young. The Word Was Made Flesh. School Report. Issue 91. Feast of St Michael 2016

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1 Issue 91 Feast of St Michael 2016 Gifts of the Holy Spirit by Clive De Souza Confirmation Catechist On Saturday 25 June we were delighted to welcome here at St Michael s, Bishop John Wilson, to celebrate Mass in which 20 of our young people were confirmed. Bishop Wilson, appointed as an Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster earlier this year, was visiting St Michael s for the first time. His smiling face and bubbly personality endeared him to all those he encountered, including the candidates as they completed their initiation into the Catholic Church by receiving this sacrament. INSIDE ST MICHAEL S NEWS 75 Years Young Page 3 School Report The Word Was Made Flesh Page 6 Page 8

2 Page 2 IN BRIEF with Mgr Jim Overton Building works: I am grateful to Gary Moore, a parishioner, for completing his excellent work on the paved area in front of the church entrance. A large number of people have commented on how very attractive this area now looks. I am also grateful to another parishioner, Richard Bartley of Electrical TT Ltd, for his excellent electrical work in the church, the church tower and the hall, as well as the installation of new cabling in the organ loft. I am delighted with the enlargement of the hall kitchen as the next stage of our second Growing in Faith project (the renovation of the parish hall). The third stage of the renovation will be the main hall, and the final stage will be the former bar area. I am deeply grateful to all of you who so generously have been or are contributing to the Growing in Faith Campaign and so making this renovation possible. The parish centre kitchen will be twice the size of the original Workmen take a much deserved break from the dust and rubble St Michael s News Feast of St Michael 2016 In Brief Church is open every day: During the Year of Mercy it has been a joy to see so many people coming into the church to pray and to light candles. Therefore, as far as possible, the church will continue to remain open. If the front entrance is closed, you may find that the side entrance is open. Confirmation Mass: Bishop John Wilson, who has been given pastoral oversight for parishes in the Western part of the Diocese, visited St Michael s Parish for the first time on Saturday, 25 June 2016 to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation to 23 of our young people. The Mass was a lovely, prayerful occasion and the confirmands and their families were delighted to meet Bishop Wilson afterwards in the parish hall. Fr Harry Hamill RIP: Fr Hamill served as an assistant priest in St Michael s from 1969 to On your behalf I represented the parish at his Requiem Mass at Westminster Cathedral on 30 June Cardinal Vincent Nichols was the main Celebrant and Mgr Martin Hayes, the Vicar General, gave the eulogy. Parishioners were present from the various parishes in which Fr Hamill had worked during his priestly ministry in the Diocese. May he rest in peace. His obituary is on page 8. Refurbishment of the grave of Fr Ron Aylward (Parish Priest of St Michael s ) and his mother Rosie Aylward: I am grateful to Peter Malloy for his lovely initiative in arranging for their grave to be refurbished. My thanks to all of you who so generously made donations of 830 to cover the cost of the refurbishment of their grave, an agreement with Lodge Brothers to maintain their grave over the next five years, and the celebration of five Masses for the repose of Fr Ron s soul. May they rest in peace. Sunday morning Mass times: My thanks to you all for so graciously accepting the Sunday Morning Mass times of 9.15am and 11.00am. Sheila Nolan RIP You will all be deeply shocked to hear of the tragic death of Sheila Nolan, our organist, on Monday 12 September at St Peter s Hospital. Sheila was a very gifted musician with a perfect sense of rhythm. She played for St Michael s Church for very many years with great generosity. We all owe her a great debt of gratitude. We extend our condolences to her parents Charlie and Bernice and to her brothers Chris and Kieron, and assure them of our prayers at this very sad time. May she rest in peace.

3 St Michael s News Feast of St Michael 2016 Milestone Page 3 75 Years Young! Mgr Jim s Birthday Reception by Mgr Jim Overton It was a great surprise to me that so very many of you came to my 75th Birthday Reception on 1 July 2106, or told me that you were not able to do so. I am most grateful to all those who made the lovely event possible. I was quite overwhelmed by your love, appreciation and support. So thank you all very much! Looking at the Parish Priests notice board I see that several of them stayed here quite a long time, Fr Edwin Owen 20 years, Fr Patrick O Callaghan 26 years and Fr Ron Aylward 25 years. Is longevity in the waters of sunny Ashford? Encouragement and support: Your faithfulness and loyalty in coming to Mass year after year, on Sundays and weekdays, to pray and to listen to God s word is a source of encouragement to me. It is also a joy to be part of your lives at baptisms and weddings, as well as to be a support to you on the sad occasions of funerals. I am deeply impressed and encouraged by the love that our parish families have for their children and the sacrifices they make for them, and also by the generosity of parishioners who serve and minister in the parish and support our charities. It is, of course, a great joy to us all that our beautiful church is now a Listed Building Grade II. It is such a lovely building to pray in and to enjoy the presence of the Lord. The future: I will try to continue to serve you all, if God gives me the health and strength. I hope that this parish will always be a community of welcome to all people. I do rely on you to take initiatives that you see are needed and to develop new areas, please remember that it is your parish, not mine, and that Parish Priests are only passing through!

4 Page 4 St Michael s News Feast of St Michael 2016 School Report - St Michael s St Michael s School Year 6 Leavers Party by Christina Rodrigues During the day, we were all excited about the forthcoming event, especially the girls who were discussing their outfits for the party! Of the 55 pupils in year 6, 48 came to the party; but sadly a few couldn t make it due to other commitments. The hall was decorated in green and gold (our school colours). There was a great selection of food provided, that had been kindly prepared by my mum and dad, Philomena Meddelton and Joanna Brandon. My uncle Charles provided a brilliant disco, with lots of lasers and lighting. He played many songs which we had chosen and even managed to play the songs which we had sung at our school production Shakespeare Rocks, earlier that week. Everyone danced at some point, especially when the show songs were played. For those not wanting to dance there was also a games area, full of board games, and crafting activities. In addition to this my mum and dad brought a huge cake to celebrate us all leaving St Michael s school: it was chocolate sponge and was topped with our school crest. When the cake was ready to be cut, I chose two names (1 boy and 1 girl) from the draw to cut the cake. Harvey and Gjuzel got the honour. To end the wonderful party, we said thank you to everyone who helped, my mum who organised the event, my uncle for the music and to all the other mums (Joanna Brandon, Philomena Meddelton, Tina Gale and Ruth Jones), who gave their time to help, and to the dads (Richard Aquilina and Nigel Jones) who managed the door. Finally, my dad took some photographs of the whole year 6 group together. A brilliant time had by all!

5 St Michael s News Feast of St Michael 2016 School Report - St Paul s Catholic College Page 5 A Level and GCSE Examination Success for Students at St Paul s Catholic College by James McNulty Headteacher St Paul s students have once again achieved great success in their A levels with 63% attaining A*- B results and 99% gaining A*- E grades. This is an improvement of 10% on our A*- B results. Joshua John-Jules, Elliot Heuchan, Ben Bradford, Kamran Mistry achieved excellent GCSE results The School has also had another fantastic set of results in the GCSEs this year and we are all extremely delighted with our students success. With 86% A*- C in English and Maths these results are our best ever! Again this demonstrates how hard work, determination and a positive attitude, together with the support of our wonderful teaching staff and parents alike, great things can be achieved. We are so proud of them all. ART after Mass Sunday 25 th September 2016 Free entry, raffle, refreshments, card sales Ashford Art Club, The Fordbridge Centre, Fordbridge Road (just next door) open from 10am - 5pm These results are testimony to the hard work and diligence of our sixth formers throughout their studies and the commitment of our staff who work extremely hard to help our students attain the grades they strive for. We are also delighted to announce that one of our students, Daniel Grimwade, has been offered and accepted a place at the University of Oxford starting in October to study Biological Sciences. This is a first for St Paul s. Daniel Grimwade and James Mc Nulty, Headteacher

6 Page 6 Saint Teresa of Calcutta: An icon of God s tender mercy St Michael s News Feast of St Michael 2016 Saint 1986 Túrelio (Wikimedia-Commons) Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, now known as Mother Teresa, was the third and final child born to her Albanian Catholic parents in the city of Skopje (a predominantly Muslim city in the Balkans) on 26 August At the age of twelve she felt strongly the call of God to become a missionary nun to spread the love of Christ. At the age of eighteen she left her parental home in Skopje and joined the Sisters of Loreto in Dublin. After a few months training she was sent to India, where on 24 May 1931 she made her first religious vows, taking the name Teresa after St Thérèse of Lisieux the patron saint of missionaries. She made her final religious vows on 24 May From 1931 to 1948 Mother Teresa taught at St Mary s High School in Calcutta, but the suffering and poverty she glimpsed outside the convent walls made such a deep impression on her that in 1948 she received permission from her superiors to leave the convent school and devote herself to working among the poorest of the poor in the slums of Calcutta. Although she had no funds, she depended on Divine Providence, and started an open-air school for slum children. Soon she was joined by voluntary helpers, and financial support was also forthcoming. This made it possible for her to extend the scope of her work. In 1950 Mother Teresa received permission from the Holy See to start her own order, The Missionaries of Charity, whose primary task was to love and care for those persons nobody was prepared to look after. She felt that serving others was a key principle of the teachings of Jesus Christ. She often mentioned the saying of Jesus, Whatever you do to the least of my brethren, you do it to me. She also said: Love cannot remain by itself - it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action, and that action is service. She chose to wear a white Indian Sari, with blue trimmings out of respect for the traditional Indian dress. For many years, Mother Teresa and a small band of fellow nuns survived on minimal income and food, often having to beg for funds. But, slowly her efforts with the poorest were noted and appreciated by the local community and Indian politicians. In 1952 she opened her first home for the dying, which allowed people to die with dignity. Mother Teresa often spent time with those who were dying. Some have criticised the lack of proper medical attention, and refusal to give painkillers. But, others say that it afforded many neglected people the opportunity to die knowing someone cared. Mother Teresa never sought to convert those of another faith. Those in her dying homes were given the religious rites appropriate to their faith. However, she had a very firm Catholic faith and took a strict line on abortion, the death penalty and divorce even if her position was unpopular. Her whole life was influenced by her faith and religion, even though she confessed that for many years she did not feel the presence of God. The Missionaries of Charity have spread all over the world, including the former Soviet Union and Eastern European countries. They provide effective help to the poorest of the poor in a number of countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, and they undertake relief work in the wake of natural catastrophes such as floods, epidemics, and famine, and for refugees. The order also has houses in North America, Europe and Australia, where they take care of the shutins, alcoholics, homeless, and AIDS sufferers. Mother Teresa said: Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love. In 1979 Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress, which also constitutes a threat to peace. She did not attend the ceremonial banquet, but asked that the $192,000 fund be given to the poor.

7 St Michael s News Feast of St Michael 2016 Saint/Grant Page 7 In later years, Mother Teresa was more active in western developed countries. She commented that though the west was materially prosperous, there was often a spiritual poverty: The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread. When asked how to promote world peace, she replied: Go home and love your family. Over the last two decades of her life, Mother Teresa suffered various health problems but nothing could dissuade her from fulfilling her mission of serving the poor and needy. Until her very last illness she was active in travelling around the world to the different branches of The Missionaries of Charity. Mother Teresa died on 5 September 1997, aged 87. She was beatified on 19 October 2003 by Pope Saint John Paul II and canonized on 4 September 2016 by Pope Francis. Now known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta, her Feast Day is celebrated on 5th September. Saint Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us. We Need bags of Help! by Lucy Berkeley St Michael s school has received some very exciting news but we need your help! Over the past year we have been working to improve the quality of playtime for the children, from building a sand pit in the playground to buying lots of loose parts for the children to build and explore with. With this in mind, St Michael s has been shortlisted to bag a generous cash boost from the Tesco Bags of Help initiative. Grants of 12,000, 10,000 and 8,000, all raised from the 5p bag levy, are being awarded to environmental and greenspace projects such as our play project. Voting is open at a Tesco in our local area (as far out as Egham and Sunbury), from 26 September to 9 October. Customers can cast their vote using a token given to them at the check-out in store each time they shop. WE NEED YOUR VOTES! We are aiming to win the 12,000 grant. Many of you shop at Tesco in the local area, and a vote for our play project could really make the difference! What will we do with the money? We want to develop a more natural environment with varied materials, textures and opportunities to inspire creative and imaginative play experiences. This will include new landscaping and a three metre tunnel running under a mound to add height and interest to play. We will add a storytelling area with rustic benches and stools and a story telling throne. The area will include den building posts at various heights, with drilled out holes for ropes and sheets. A zone will be added to inspire musical play using natural, upcycled materials such as wooden blocks, pipes, pots and pans. The use of a variety of textures and surfaces will make travel through the area interesting and inspiring for creative play. If we are successful in receiving the 12,000 grant, we will be able to achieve all of the above and also develop a natural wild garden area in a disused corner of our playing field under a tree. We will plant wild flowers, long grasses and scented plants that will attract local wildlife. There will be winding paths and natural seating throughout the area, allowing children to use the area during playtime and inspire their imaginative play. It will also create a new, open, natural social space. This is a fantastic opportunity so please tell your friends and family: Vote St Michael s!

8 Page 8 St Michael s News Feast of St Michael 2016 Catholic publications The Word Was Made Flesh Is there a future for Catholic publications? by Dylan Parry Do people read magazines and books nowadays? This question keeps buzzing around in my head as I prepare to move on from my role as editor of Oremus, the magazine of Westminster Cathedral. Some question the point of Catholic publications, for do they really help us spread the Word, or communicate our faith? Despite the rise of the internet and social media in recent years, which at first seemed to threaten the traditional press, the printed word remains. Not only does it remain, but more magazines, newspapers and books are published today than ever before. As it gets easier for people to become overnight authors or commentators on blogs and websites, those whose popular work deserves recognition quickly progress into the world of journalism and print. As a career, writing today is far more accessible and meritorious than it was 50 years ago. The wonderful thing about a magazine is that the reader feels a sense of belonging to it, a loyalty, a relationship with those who edit and write for it. Because they often tell me, the readers of Oremus are devoted to the publication, and their support for, and love of, the magazine have kept it going through thick and thin. Contrary to what people may assume, magazines actually rely on, and are enlivened by, their readers, not their writers, though the latter can be important, too! While sitting on a train or in a favourite armchair at home, it is usually easier and more comfortable to read a newspaper or magazine than to be fiddling with ipads and artificially bright screens. People often feel as if they have done something constructive with their time after reading the printed word. On the other hand, scanning computers and gadgets just isn t as rewarding. Magazines and newspapers also tend to be more stable than online material, by which I mean their content has had time to mature, to be edited and crafted into something rational and beautiful prior to going to press. The average magazine article will have been read and amended about ten or 20 times before it is printed. Various eyes will have checked it for accuracy, moderated its tone, or supplied a

9 St Michael s News Feast of St Michael 2016 Catholic publications smooth edge to blunt human thought. Much of the stuff that appears online, especially in personal blogs or on social media, tends to be written in the heat of battle or the spur of the moment, with little contemplation or craft. And hardly anyone will have given the content any editorial input. This is why I think Catholic magazines and newspapers still have a role to play in spreading the Word. They remain relatively popular because they offer a mature and reflective vision of what it means to be a Catholic, even if it seems there are far too many such publications for their intended market, which can keep prices down; Oremus, for example, is free! I used to write a blog years ago. I doubt it ever bought anyone to faith, or the Church, it was far too argumentative for that. But I know that Oremus has helped people come to know Christ or return to the sacraments. That is a joy for me. This is not to say that blogs or social media cannot do the same thing, they might be the first step in the process, while Catholic magazines, newspapers and books provide further rungs on the ladder that leads certain thirsting souls to a greater understanding of God. Editing a Catholic magazine can be difficult. It is a very demanding job and the financial rewards tend to be minimal. But I am grateful to know that some people have either come to experience faith for the first time or have deepened their encounter with God through articles that would not have seen the light of day without some effort on my part. This is a treasure worth having. When the Word became flesh, the Second Person of the Trinity became fully human, which is how we are able to enjoy such a close friendship with him. In the same way, a good Catholic magazine should be incarnational, making Christ alive to the reader, and bringing about his friendship among the community of those who read, write and edit it. Dylan Parry was the editor of Oremus from July 2012 to June In August he entered the novitiate to test a vocation to the religious life. Remembrance Page 9 Could there be another world, away from death and agony, for we who stood with flag unfurled and faced that human misery? Into the depths of deep despair, desperate we, who tasted blood and fought along without fanfare and battled on through heavy mud. Dare we say we stood for good, we who now desire release, from all the pain we once withstood, for freedom and for peace? How thoughts provoke this troubled mind and call on guilt in much profusion. That wanton death, not hard to find, in all the turmoil and confusion. Are we the ones who stood for right, who laboured long through night and day, in this our sad forsaken fight, can we in honesty, now say? Were we to now leave that theatre and turn our backs on such destruction and never again receive a letter, from loved one s home and their seduction? Pity they, who only stand and stare, waiting in vain for loved ones to return. They who only wanted Peace and swift repair but, in deep sadness, now, can only show concern. Roger Houlding Christmas Has Arrived (Sorry) The Christmas cards, candles, calendars and other items have been delivered to the Repository, but don t panic, they re not for sale yet! Diaries for 2017 are on sale for only 1 each, all proceeds go to charity; over 40 have been sold to date, thank you. The Repository is usually open after all Masses at the weekend and on Tuesday and Friday mornings. We have a range of Mass and greeting cards, and gifts for all occasions. Why not pay us a visit Patricia Gillespie and helpers

10 Page 10 St Michael s News Feast of St Michael 2016 Antiques and Collectors Fair Still Raising Funds After All These Years St Michael s Antiques, Arts & Crafts and Collectors Fair was started over 34 years ago in January 1982 for the purpose of raising funds for the parish. Over the years, we have seen many helpers come and go but we are very glad of our stalwart members: Catherine Windel and her team providing kitchen refreshments, Rod Stanford setting up and clearing up after the fair, and Peggy, Doris, Helen and Maisie, taking it in turns on the door. There are many expert dealers from auction houses who visit us. If you enjoy browsing fairs and markets, why not drop in and bring your unwanted items to sell or exchange. There are many stall holders who operate buy-sellexchange, who would be delighted to offer free advice and value guides, just ask at the door. The entrance fee is 20p and this is added to the bucket charity box each month. Light refreshments are available from 10 am. S A I N T M I C H A E L S ANTIQUE ARTS CRAFTS & COLLECTORS FAYRE In the PARISH HALL E v e r y b o d y W e l c o m e We must have something you may need. Why not pop in for a cup of tea, piece of cake and a chat. T H E R E M A I N I N G FAYRES FOR 2016 ARE: SAT.22nd OCTOBER SAT.19th NOVEMBER SAT.10th DECEMBER OPEN from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Refreshments at reasonable prices STALLS at each We will also buy or exchange bring any items along. If you are interested in having a stall and setting up shop for the day you can book one for 15. For details please contact Anna and Tony Hogan on ENQUIRIES

11 St Michael s News Feast of St Michael 2016 Pender s Project/Lourdes 2016 UPDATE When St Michael s began fundraising for the children of the Township of Lwandle, South Africa, I was deeply moved and honoured that the people of the parish were willing to assist me in my task of providing better education for the children of the Township. The response from the parish can only be described as remarkable and commendable. At present, I find myself in a dilemma. My bishop in Sweden has recalled me, due to health issues. I will leave South Africa at the end of November. This means that I can no longer guarantee that the project originally planned can be achieved. What is the way forward? I have reflected deeply on this, and now I would like to present to you what I believe is a viable and suitable solution, keeping the original concept of education as the primary focus. The main purpose of the project was to give the children living in the Township the opportunity to have a better education, as many state schools in South Africa do not have the financial means to use modern education methods. As a result, parents who can afford it, often choose to send their children to private schools. This is not a possibility for the parents who live in the Township. Therefore my suggestion is that the money we have raised will be invested in a trust that will pay school fees for a number of the children who live in the Township. I have already discussed the issue with Caritas, the charitable organisation run by the church in Sweden, to see if they would be able to assist us. As this organisation has zero administration fees, I think this is a good solution. The parents would simply apply to the trust for a bursary for their children and all applicable school fees would be paid directly into the school s bank account rather than given to the parents themselves. In the parish of Strand, there are two schools that would be suitable for the project; Loreto School and St Peter s Academy. I will contact the schools when I return to South Africa at the end of the month. Thank you again for your generosity, Fr Martin Pender Pender s Project Presents A N O T H E R { AUCTION EVENING } Coming soon in the next few months Lourdes 2016 by Patricia Gillespie Page 11 Give Us Your Money! (Please) We will continue to collect foreign coins for Pender s Project during October Everyone has done brilliantly with the project to date. We estimate a total on 29,000 of the 40,000 target has already been reached. For further information on Pender s Project please contact: Nicola Deeks on nfideeks@hotmail.co.uk or Once again we all had a wonderful time in Lourdes; meeting up with old friends and participating in the prayerful Masses and devotions. I was fortunate to sing in the choir again this year, including at the international Mass in the underground Basilica, with many other nationalities, it was an amazing experience! We prayed for our parish, all our friends and relatives and placed your petitions at the Grotto. We also lit candles and had Mass said for you all. Several parishioners have expressed an interest in going to Lourdes next year, it s usually the last week of July. Why not join us? Anna, Tabitha (Red Cap), Doris and Patricia Enjoying the sun in Lourdes after Mass in the Parish Church

12 Page 12 St Michael s News Feast of St Michael 2016 Obituary Fr Harold Edward Hamill RIP Fr Harry Hamill lived to be 89 years of age. Perhaps he did not expect such longevity, having written notes for his own obituary several years ago! He made it known that he wanted to be remembered as the youngest of four children born to Dr Philip Hamill and Louisa Maude Hamill, formerly Zehetmayr. Born in London on 19 March 1927, Harry, who was never known as Harold, attended schools in Hampstead and Cambridge. During the Second World War he was evacuated to Crowthorne, Berks: While at this school I felt the first call to the Priesthood, he wrote. In 1945 Harry was called to National Service but he opted to serve in the coal mines rather than the armed forces, a choice he never regretted because it was a good preparation for the Priesthood. While in the Coal Mines I realised that the Mass, etc should be in one s own tongue, that in dealings with other Churches we should be understanding, not condemning my political views went towards the left and I realised the importance of Social Justice, he wrote. Being a Bevin Boy had a profound influence on his thinking and the future direction of his life. Leaving the mines in April 1948, Harry went to Campion House, Osterley for two months before beginning formation for the Priesthood at Allen Hall, St Edmund s College, Ware. Ordained to the Priesthood on 12 June 1954 by Cardinal Griffin in Westminster Cathedral, Fr Harry s first appointment was to Commercial Road where he served until He then went to Hendon for one year, followed by a year in Somers Town. From 1962 to 1965 Fr Harry served at West Green before being assigned to the Cathedral as a Chaplain where he remained until He then went to St Michael s, Ashford, until He was then appointed to Hemel Hempstead, an expanding new town, to help establish a new parish at Grovehill. Ecumenical partnerships with clergy and laity were established and Fr Harry thrived, finding ministry there very rewarding. In 1980 Fr Harry was appointed to Grahame Park. In 1982 he was given permission for sabbatical leave, spent in Melbourne, Australia. On his return to the Diocese Fr Harry went to Hampton-on-Thames while Fr Scully, the Parish Priest, was recovering from surgery. In October 1983 Fr Harry was appointed to Old Hall Green and Puckeridge. By 1993 he felt the time was right to stand down as Parish Priest, preferring to be available for supply ministry where there was need, and Cardinal Hume accepted this. Fr Harry went to live independently in Osterley, close to St Vincent s church. He enjoyed regular Sunday lunches with his neighbour, the Parish Priest. With the advance of years, he would sit in the church porch greeting parishioners and sharing jokes with them. He liked to wish them a miserable Lent! He was a regular visitor to the Poor Servants of the Mother of God at St Mary s Convent, Isleworth travelling there on his motorcycle. He would celebrate Mass and stay on for a meal. On Tuesdays he would go for early Mass, then have breakfast before travelling to the Cathedral to hear Confessions.

13 St Michael s News Feast of St Michael 2016 Obituary Page 13 Fr Harry was a keen cyclist, bicycles and then motorbikes were his passion. I liked distance, not racing, he wrote. In the Holy Year, 1950, Harry was one of several seminarians who cycled to Rome. Unlike the others, he cycled back from Rome! In 1955 he graduated to a Lambretta scooter and twenty years later to Honda Motorbikes, initially a Honda 70, later a Honda 250. He loved to travel around Europe, and locally in London. The holdall slung around his shoulder carried vestments and all he needed for his ministry. Fr Harry travelled (on his motorbike, of course) to Ireland and Germany to research his family roots. He had a remarkable facility with numbers. Tell him the date of your birth and he would let you know the day on which you were born. He was an avid reader, especially of historical novels. He read about liturgy in the Catholic and Orthodox traditions. Books on liturgy were part of the eclectic mix on his shelves. He was gifted musically, and enjoyed to sing at Mass and elsewhere, and had perfect pitch. With increasing age, he reckoned he was going slightly flat and then he became profoundly deaf. He lived simply, not always tidily, and enjoyed his food, happy to sample and enjoy various styles of cuisine. A kind man, Fr Harry related well with people of all ages and was interested in their stories. He reflected the kindness and mercy of God, being aware of these qualities as sign of God s presence in his own life. As his health declined, Fr Harry was not given to self-pity. A fall from his motorbike precipitated his move to a care home and he went to Maryville, under the care of the Poor Servants, at Isleworth in For Fr Harry this was a home from home, and he flourished. A fine place, well run, with a very caring staff, he wrote to the Archbishop in September He concelebrated at daily Mass and attended local deanery meetings, but needed to be collected from and returned to Maryville. He was grateful to those who showed kindness to him. In the past year his health deteriorated rapidly. The Lord called him to himself on 8 June when Fr Harry died peacefully, having been anointed by the Chaplain at Maryville. Having served God and God s people for almost 62 years as a Priest, may the soul of Fr Harry now rest in peace. Usual service times Sunday Masses Saturday 6:00pm (first Mass of Sunday), 9:15am (including Children s Liturgy of the Word), 11:00am and 6:00pm Weekday Masses Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9:15am Saturday 9:30am No Mass on Thursdays Holy Days of Obligation Masses 9:30am and 7:00pm Eucharistic Adoration Saturday 10:00 10:30am Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday 10:30 11:00am Sacrament of Baptism Normally the second Saturday of the month. Contact Parish Secretary, Shenda Holmes, on or ashford@rcdow.org.uk From the Register September Baptisms: Harry Skehill, Arthur Grace, Ethan Balchin, Enie Ellix, Ciara Trafford, Emma Mansfield, Scarlett Packwood, Ava Rutland, Lottie Connolly, Caoimhe Gale, Aoibhinn Gale, Amelia Colaco, Hayley Price, Olivia Dantas, Deaths: Elsie Hughes, Gerard Donahgey, Donald Ing, Ellen Ray Marriages: Mark Pears and Nicola Hale, Andrzej Matraczek and Anna Szcwczyk; Luke Richards and Natalie Smith, Jake Barber and Laura Martin. Confirmation 25 June 2016: Isabelle Bowe, Jasmine Coles, Alex Cullen, Holly Davies, Cameron Edgar, Lily Elms, Lauren Elsey, Sebastian Fox, Nana Gyamfi, Regan Hillaire, Matthew Ighalo, Julian Littleton, Damian Matraszek, Connor McAvoy, Atiyyah N-Addo, Joshua Nolan, Eleanor Parry, George Porter, Charlie Sullivan, Tyler Torchia Zero Gravity Trampoline for SALE (13 I Diameter) 25 Contact Julian Game on or juliangame@aol.com (Ashford) BOING! We are very grateful to our advertisers who enable us to distribute the magazine free to our parishioners. If you would like to advertise your business in our magazine, please telephone: or ashford@rcdow.org.uk

14 Page 14 Regular Events Sundays: Charismatic Prayer Group, St Joseph s Chapel, 7:00pm Wednesdays: Choir Practice, TBC Alternate Wednesdays: Folk Group practice, St Joseph s Chapel, 7:30pm Alternate Thursdays: Ladies Circle, 8:00pm, Parish Centre Saturdays: Antique Fair (3rd Saturday of month) ~LOCAL ELECTRICIAN~ Do you want a quick response and a reliable service? No job too big or too small. When you need an electrical fault / problem solved, We will solve it for you. Extend the warm summer evenings with outdoor lighting & heating Watch the football outside via an external socket and aerial outlet For your local qualified electrician call Richard or facebook com/electriciantwarea/ Tea and cakes after 9:15am Mass Why not help out and Volunteers join our rota. Needed Contact Madeleine Now! Haxton Smith Parish Priest Mgr James Overton St Michael s Catholic Church, 112 Clarendon Road, Ashford, Middlesex TW15 2QD. Telephone: ashford@rcdow.org.uk Web: ashford Parish Secretary, parish registration, baptism enquiries and hall bookings contact: Shenda Holmes on Office Hours: Monday Friday (not Thursdays), 9:00am 1:00pm. St Michael s News Feast of St Michael 2016 Parish Contacts PARISH CONTACTS Altar Servers Heather Nolan Ashford Hospital Chaplain Frances Castledine Charismatic Prayer Group Frances Castledine Church Cleaning Anna Floyd Church Flowers Louise Lloyd Church Gardens Gavin Boyle Churches Together Demetri Pavia Collection Counters Kathy Lee Confirmation Clive De Souza Finance Committee Chris Derby First Holy Communion Sarah Davies Followers (8-14yrs) Colin Berkeley Folk Group Rachel Glynn Sarah Glynn General Intercession Writers Tess De Souza Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Tess De Souza Fundraising Committee Anna Hogan Housebound and Sick Parishioners Gavin Boyle Ladies Circle Maysie Boone Missio (formerly APF) Maureen Meek Parish Council Godwin Pullicino Readers Tess De Souza Repository Patricia Gillespie Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults Joan Conlon Sunday Friends (4-8 yrs) Rob Andrews St Michael s News Julian Game St Michael s School Anne Bulfin Transport Gavin Boyle Weekly Newsletter Shenda Holmes CALLING ALL PARISH GROUPS Give us your news! or ashford@rcdow.org.uk

15 St Michael s News Feast of St Michael 2016 Classified Page 15 Year of Mercy. The church is open every day during the Year of Mercy until 6:30pm so that you and your family can make a visit. St Michael s News is always looking for interesting and diverse articles, so if you would like to contribute a piece to the next edition in as many or few words as you wish, please do so. You can remain anonymous if requested and you can be any age. The copy deadline for the next edition is 9 December. Local hospital visits If anyone in your family is in hospital and would like a Hospital Chaplain to visit them, please contact Frances Castledine for Ashford Hospital on or the Chaplain s Office for St Peter s Hospital on Hospital Chaplains will only know if one of your family is in hospital if you inform them. Oremus The Best Things in Life are FREE This magazine is now a FREE publication! And it is our hope that it will continue to be so for many years to come. Everyone who now visits Westminster Cathedral, be they worshipper, pilgrim, wanderer or tourist, is most welcome to take home a copy of its official magazine. For more information and how to subscribe * please call Oremus: or go to Gift Shop On Line: cathedralshop.co.uk and click on Subscriptions. *A small postal charge is made to subscribers. ASHFORD HELPING HANDS A voluntary organisation established in 1995 Can we help you? We offer help with essential transport and also light housework, minor household repairs, accompanying on medical appointments, shopping, collecting prescriptions, dog walking, light gardening, letter writing, form filling and visiting elderly, disabled or housebound clients. If we cannot help you we may be able to direct you to an organisation which can assist you. or Can you help us? Ashford Helping Hands is run by volunteers and are always looking for more volunteers to man the telephones or to drive clients. Please telephone for more information

16 very best start to their education. Page 16 St Michael s News Summer 2016 Classified St Michael s News Nursery Opens at St Michael s School Issue 89 Easter 2016 We are extremely proud to have opened our maintained nursery. It has been a long held ambition to extend our outstanding educational provision to pre-school aged children. We provide a nurturing, safe and vibrant environment where the children are loved. They are encouraged to grow spiritually, emotionally and socially. A wide range of exciting, child led activities await our children every day so that, through play, they can learn to become independent, curious, kind and begin to develop skills in reading, writing and maths. This will ensure that they are ready to make the If you would like to advertise in St Michael s News, please telephone: or ashford@rcdow.org.uk NEXT ISSUE Dec Copy deadline 9 Dec We are very grateful to our advertisers who enable us to distribute the magazine free to our parishioners. If you would like to advertise your business in our magazine, please telephone: or ashford@rcdow.org.uk Continued inside on page 8 A quarterly magazine with a readership of over 1,500 4 ads from only 25 *......it could pay to advertise in St Michael s News. What a difference a year makes... *Advertising rate is for four box ads for one year Muggeridge & Hills General Building Carpentry and Decorating - Ashford For a quality job by a qualified tradesman Phone Martin on for a free estimate Printed by Colormax, 10A Woodthorpe Road, Ashford, Middlesex TW15 2RY Tel: St Michael s Repository......stocks a variety of cards and gifts for all occasions, including Mass Cards, Sympathy Cards, Birthday Cards, Get Well Cards and Baby Cards. The Repository is open after all weekend Masses and on Tuesday and Friday mornings.