Last Day of Term

The academic year has finally come to a close. There is still some work to do, I have two essays due in early July - all offers of help gratefully received! The photo shows what a fine body of students we are, or not as the case may be

The flags were out for the Jubilee Weekend - not for us

Back to Devon

Julia and I recently spent a few days at the Lodge, immediately following the last day of term at Wonersh. Helena and Sam joined us for a couple of days; we had a great time. We took them to Wistman's Wood on Dartmoor an which is a great place to go. The following day was not so good; so we went into Exeter and had a guided tour around the Cathedral - highly recommended.

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!

On Marriage

Quote from Sir Paul Coleridge, a senior family court judge:

'Marriage is not something that falls out of the sky ready-made on to beautiful people in white linen suits.
'It involves endless hard work, compromises, forgiveness and love. However right the person is, they might not be right two years later. It doesn't matter how wonderful you appear to be to your partner at the beginning, you will begin to display faults that we all have.
'In order for a relationship to last, you have to hang in there and adjust and change and alter and understand. Long, stable marriages are carved out of the rock of human stubbornness and selfishness and difficulties.'

Silent Retreat

The first and second year students in the Diaconal Formation Proramme went on a silent retreat at Worth Abbey this last weekend accompanied by some wives. It was a really great experience; it was a pity it was so wet as this curtailed walking in the grounds, but it did mean that we did more reading! Worth Abbey is a wonderful place; I would urge you all to go and visit.

parkrun No3

I found out this morning that a rugby club dinner on a Friday night is not the best preparation for a Saturday morning parkrun! Time today was 28:53 compared to 28:31 last time. Hopefully next time will be better.

Wedding Time

Last Saturday, Martin, a college friend who is a widower, married Julia the widow of another college friend. The wedding was  a small affair with just the families present. We went out to lunch with them on the Sunday and then went to Mass where they had a special blessing at the end of the service. It was a great day, wishing them all the best for their future together.

 At home before the service

 The Blessing

Long time friends