On the road to the Diaconate

On Saturday I had to sit an exam towards my degree. The hardest part was writing almost non-stop for two hours. I pity the poor examiners who have to try to decipher my writing; I have not hand written more than a few sentences for many years. Time to find the quill sharpener!

On Sunday I was conferred as an Acolyte and tow friends were conferred as Lectors (Readers). My installation as Lector took place last year. These are the two minor ministries we enter before ordination (God willing) as a Deacon. Bishop Pat presided at the service at our parish church of St. Joseph's.

 

Wayne receiving  the Bible

 

Aidan receiving the Bible

Me being installed as Acolyte

Father Tom (our PP), Wayne, Aidan, me, Bishop Pat

A few days in Eastbourne

Last weekend was the annual Catenian conference which was held in Eastbourne. Julia and I decided to take a few days off and make a long weekend of it. We left on Thursday stopping at Scotney Castle on the way down. We had not been there for many years, now the Victorian house which was lived in by the Hussey family is open to the public, the owner having died in 2006. The gardens are magnificent with many of the plants just coming into bloom.

 The Victorian House

 Castle and moat

A Henry Moore in the grounds, the Hussey family were friends with many artists and this piece was given to them.

On the Friday we walked from our hotel to Beachy Head a short five miles. Sadly it was rather misty, which turned to rain on the walk back, and so we were denied the magnificent views from the headland. In fact you could barely see the lighthouse just a few hundred yards away.

The "view" of the lighthouse

On Saturday after the conference we walked along the front towards the new harbour. On the way we came across this wedding which, for some reason, will be shown on Sky Living, which explained the elaborate boom cameras.

 A donkey was good enough for Mary!

 The TV gear

It seems that the baby came first!

All in all we had a great time, the social activities over the weekend were great, we had a good break and now it is back to the grindstone. I now have an exam to look forward to this Saturday which counts towards my degree in Pastoral Theology - prayers please!