News

We wish Ethan a very happy 18th birthday. Ethan is a valued member of the parish choir regularly playing the viola at  mass but when needed he plays the organ and ukele.

After mass on Sunday 14th May his birthday was celebrated with a birthday cake, St Anne’s buffet and drinks.

Furthermore we wish Ethan all the best as in September he will become an undergraduate as the London School of Economics.

The parishioners and friends of St Anne’s enjoyed a pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham Norfolk.

Thirty six people made the trip last weekend May 5th – 7th. Unfortunately Fr Kelly was unable to accompany the group due to illness but fortunately Fr Cummins from St Oswald’s Wrekenton travelled as the spiritual leader.

Everyone enjoyed the journey down by coach. John the coach driver, who was familiar with Walsingham, looked after everyone very well ensuring  a comfortable and safe journey there and back.

A full spiritual programme was enjoyed by all starting with a beautiful service in the village church on Friday evening which set the scene for the weekend.

Saturday’s programme included morning prayers in the church then a procession along the Holy Mile to the Slipper Chapel and Shrine where mass was held at midday. There was an opportunity to go to confession or to do the Stations of the Cross. Pilgrims lit candles and left prayers and petitions.

In the afternoon there was some time for relaxation. A trip to Wells by the Sea was on offer for those wanted some sea air. It would be fair to say the weather could best be described as bracing. It certainly blew the cobwebs away and the Fish and Chips proved very popular!!

Saturday was concluded with a lovely evening service in the village church followed by a candle light procession in honour of Our Lady in the grounds.

There was of course time for relaxation in the lounge bar before bed. St Anne’s people can always be relied on to lead a sing-song and armed with song sheets they didn’t disappoint.

Our pilgrimage ended with Mass on Sunday morning Good Shepherd Sunday. It was a lovely weekend both spiritually and socially. Everyone concerned wishes to express their sincere thanks to the organiser Pat Watson and her team for all the time and effort they put in to ensure everyone had a good time.

A Reunion of Pilgrims Past and Present  has been arranged for Thursday afternoon 25th May in the Church Hall. We hope to see as many pilgrims as possible. Afternoon tea will be provided. Please bring your photographs and memories.

After mass on Sunday 14th May Anais Julien Singh was baptised. We hope her parents Mundepp and Kathleen, their extended family and friends had a great day.

We welcome Anais into our parish and pray that God will nurture the seed that has been sown today.

Congratulations to the winners of the 200 Club in April

Week 13 April 2nd – Number 119 M Mielcarek

Week 14 April 9th – Number 88 George Elliott (Pat Elliott)

Week 15 April 16th – Number 26 Fred Elliott

Week 16 April 33rd – Number 1 Joan Stephenson & Number 157 John Kelly (Debbie Dunbar)

week 17 April 30th – Number 60 Andrea Green

Thank you to everyone who supports the parish through the 200 Club

The Intention for the mass on Sunday 23rd April was Kath & George Hagan’s Golden Wedding Anniversary.

Kath and George are “founder members” of the parish and have served our church in many ways over the years. George is currently an alter server and Father Kelly’s “handyman” whilst Kath is a member of the Finance Committee and is helping arrange this year’s ladies pilgrimage to Walsingham.

As always at St Anne’s there was a celebration in the Hall after mass with a buffet, drinks and anniversary cake.

Congratulations from everyone at St Anne’s and we all wish you both many more years together.