Keeping up with the goings on.

Since coming back from Woldingham I've not had a chance to write. So I'll try and bring you up to date with what has happened. I must say some of the events seem like a million years ago now and are a little hazy, I put it down to the fact that I've had a birthday and am now another year older.
Looking back at my diary I notice that I had a BBQ on the 5th August which is strange as I never mentioned it in my previous blog entry.
It was a bit of a mad thing to do, so soon after coming back, but I think I work better under pressure. I had planned it ages ago with my friend Sarah, who was ill in bed with a chest infection for the actual thing.
James from Catholic and lovingit, did a bit on his blog about it, but to be honest I think he was a little harsh about a certain priest. It would make a great article for the news of the world.
Just to set the record straight, all my guests where a pleasure to have round and Frances enjoyed the coffee so much she's gone and bought a percolator.
I think most of the following week was spent catching up with work, that's the only thing with my job, it's all very well having time off, but when I come back I've got twice as much work to get through.
The following Sunday (12th) I went on the Middlesbrough Diocesan pilgrimage to Osmotherley for the feast of the Assumption (yes i know the Assumptions on the 15th).
I'd forgotten how long it takes to get there, My car has really received a hammering these last few weeks.
We'd taken Angela and Gian-Luca (not sure if that's how you spell it) with us.
I had hoped to get there early and go to the priory, but there wasn't really enough time. I'd really love to write something deep and meaningful about the event, but as I said my memory isn't what it was and the only thing that springs to mind is it rained! God was once again pouring out his graces on to us.
I had hoped to do some something extra special to mark the feast of the Assumption, but everyone was busy.
I must correct myself here, we did do something extra special, we went to Mass.

On Monday my car was back on the road again, this time heading off on the M1 for Hartley Wintney in Hampshire, to visit the IN-LAWS.
We had quite a good journey down, blissfully uneventful. Spent the evening catching up with Roger, Sheila and Stuart.
Tuesday, popped down the round to the convent at Hook for Mass, this set me up for the day.
Later that day sheila took us to see Hishclere castle (which I seemed to have difficulty saying). This was the home of the 5th Earl of Canarvon who discovered the tomb of Tutankhmun. To find out more visit www.highclerecastle.comOnce again the weather let us down, which was fine in the house,(although a little spooky sounding in the large gothic style entrance hall. With the wind howling you half expected the door to creek open and some sinister looking butler to appear)but it made it a bit chilly for exploring the grounds.
On the way back we stoped off at the Roman remains at Silchester, we had a walk around the old Roman walls, the cob webs where well and truly blown away that day.
Wednesday, up bright and early to catch the train for London. Sheila had got tickets in February (For Jessica's birthday) for us to go and see "The Sound Of Music".
Before going to the London Palladium we spent some time in the British Museum. The thing is it's so huge you need about a week to see everything properly.
The thing that I remember most of all the things I saw there, was behind a Glass case was a Monstrance,Chalice and Ciborium. I couldn't help thinking how much more valuable they would be put to their proper use.

The Sound of Music was brilliant, I do love going to the Theatre.

August 23rd - my birthday.
Popped down to the convent for Mass. There is a home for the elderly at the convent, so Jess and myself went for a cup of coffee with the residence after Mass.
Popped back to say bye to the family before hitting the road once again.
The journey back was a nightmare, it took about six hours.
Finally arrived back in Hull, mum and Dad came round with Pizza, Fran and Paul came with French booze from their hols. James, Ella and Leona brought me a Cake round, which Ella had baked herself. Oh and Andy phoned. What a Lucky girl I am.

Fr Gregory, the Polish priest is leaving us for pastures new. So after Mass tonight we had a good-bye cake.

And that I think brings us up to date.

A Fortnight Of Faith

After a conversation with Ella on the telephone today, I realised that once again I've not blogged for a million years.
This week I have tried to frantically catch up with my work, after spending very little time at home over the last two weeks.
The first week of the school summer holidays was spent at the faith summertime (Baby faith) at Ampleforth as a helper.
It has to be said I didn't enjoy the vomit on the bus going.I've never known anybody to be so proud and cheerful at handing over a bag of puke as Jerson Thomas. I'm sure if he'd had a ribbon in his pocket he would of gift wrapped the bag for me.

As for Ampleforth itself, I loved it. Don't get me wrong it was hard work and the days where long, but so much good is done there. I think there are many adults in our parishes that would benefit from the nurturing that was provided in that short space of time.

A quick turn around and the following Monday I was in my little green tractor (Diesel- citron saxo) heading down the A1, trying to desperately keep up with the mini bus, driven by Fr William. My car is brilliant as long as your going downhill!
The destination Woldingham, Surrey for the Faith Summer Session.
Why, oh why didn't someone tell me about these things years ago.
Well I suppose I know the answer, God has a time and a place for everything.
I must admit I found listening to the talks took a fair bit of concentration, I know on one of the days I could of done with match sticks to keep my eyes open, but I have bought copies of the talks and intend to listen to them again (preferably when I've not had G&T's the night before!)
I think one of the main things that struck me was the reverence shown at Mass. The total participation of the congregation. ( And I don't mean they all sang a song and said a bidding prayer!) The prayerfulness before Mass was so refreshing. In contrast you go home and to be honest the noise levels before Mass are a disgrace. How strange that people don't sit in the doctors waiting room discussing the state of their souls. Yet they are quite happy to chatter about how good cranberry juice is for their waterworks, when they should be preparing themselves to receive our Blessed Lord.
Sorry about that - rant over.