THE SOCIETY OF MARY
The North-West Ward of Our Lady of Victories
Newsletter – Summer 2006
From the Ward Secretary - R.I. McEwan
DUNWOOD HOUSE RUSHCROFT ROAD HIGH CROMPTON OLDHAM OL2 7PP
01706 840607
Dear Friends,
“People, Places & Things 1931-2006”
Many of you know that recently I have been busy working with Fr Alan Parkinson on an Anniversary Booklet to commemorate the seventy five years of the Society of Mary 1931 – 2006. The Booklet is called “People, Places & Things” and will be available from 10th September onwards. As members of the Society of Mary we all have our different reasons to celebrate this important anniversary year. I hope that as an act of thanksgiving you can join in as many of the national or local Ward celebrations as you possibly can this year. Details are to be found in Ave and in this Newsletter. In the introduction to the Booklet the Superior-General says the following:
From The Rt. Revd. Robert Ladds, Bishop of Whitby
FOREWORD
Anniversaries provide a legitimate time for looking back. Doing so is an opportunity to reminisce, recall gatherings both joyful and sad, to tell the stories of friends and times past. Having photographs available is a wonderful aid to memory and they so often are the trigger for amusement, emotion, conversation and recall of shared experience.
The Society of Mary has, for 75 years, been an important element within the life of the Church. Its contribution to worship and devotion, thinking and theology and to ecumenical relations has been significant and influential.
As well as formal and solemn markings of the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the Society of Mary, a light-hearted and light-touch dimension was felt appropriate. Father Alan Parkinson and Richard McEwan have had access to a large private collection of pictures and photographs. Members of our society, and others, have made further photographs and information available to them.
The result of their work and imagination is this Anniversary Collection. We hope it will remind and amuse as well as perform the more serious and significant task of charging us to live the implications of the Christian faith inspired by Our Lady, of deepening our life of worship and prayer and of spreading devotion to Mary by our love and honour of Her.
In looking back at this time of Anniversary, may we be strengthened and aided by Mary’s prayers for the future work of the Society, founded in Her honour and to the glory of God.
+Robert Whitby
Due to lack of time my Editorial for this Newsletter is my Introduction to the 75th Anniversary Booklet: “People, Places & Things”
“Without music, there is no mystery;
Without mystery there is no God;
and without God, there is no faith.”
The Barchester Chronicles by Anthony Trollope
I can remember that one of the first things that attracted me to Catholicism was the music. The small Derbyshire village where we lived had few religious opportunities and the village church only offered a service on the 3rd Sunday of the month and this had neither a choir nor organist. Indeed the service had very little to recommend it for nurturing adults or children and consequently most people stayed away.
As a keen thirteen year old I was forced to attend a large north Oxford church with my Grandmother. I later discovered that the sad unaccompanied music was called plainsong and that the glorious singing accompanied by an orchestra was Schubert’s Mass in G. This exotic and rather beautiful basilica was dedicated to S. Barnabas and the incomprehensible service that I had been caught up in went by the name of “High Mass”. I had not the faintest idea of what was going on “up there”, but I knew that something was going on: something real, something that I would have to find out more about……….
It would however be mistaken of me to claim this as a “Damascus Road” experience, but it is nevertheless an event that sticks in my mind all these years later. Recently, I have been sifting through photographs of long forgotten churches with Fr Parkinson, and we have considered amongst other things the question of why boys from remote villages (both of us were born in “the sticks” as they say) were stirred by Anglo-Catholicism in general and by the Society of Mary in particular.
When my Grandmother died I was given a box of photographs which included her pictures of S. Paul’s, Walton Street, Oxford (which are reproduced in this booklet). That was the church where she was married and she attended it regularly until it closed and merged with S. Barnabas’, Jericho in 1964. S. Paul’s, Oxford was very much a Society of Mary Church (they presented a silver crown to Our Lady of Walsingham in 1929) and was clearly the source of her devotion, and the clergy shared her sense of fun. On reflection the event of my attending High Mass at S. Barnabas’, done with a great deal of reverence and dignity, was, I believe, a moment that shaped the sort of Christian that I am. Thoughts flood into my mind when I think of my early tryst with High Mass and later Benediction. The first is quite childish in a way: the sense that I was participating in something ever so slightly naughty, not strictly “legal” in the Church of England. Allied to this I can recall a kind of post-Reformation twinge of guilt that I might actually be enjoying myself in church (heaven forbid!) which was a new experience and alien to anyone growing up in the village where I lived. But let us not underestimate the fact that so many of us came to the Catholic Faith because we were deeply moved by the drama of the Mass, performed with an emphasis on mystery, and we were drawn into a world where we experienced something of the divine and were caught up in a sense of the numinous. At its best, good liturgy is capable of instilling an awareness of both God’s transcendent greatness and His intimate closeness to us in the sacraments.
Never let it be said that the liturgy is just there for us to get something out of – it is our duty as well as our joy. But it seems to me that we need to hang onto this sense of the fun of worship more than ever. A sense of fun based not on the false heartiness that blights so much worship these days, but on the unquenchable joy that “The Lord Is Risen Indeed”, and as a result nothing else really matters in the end. Perhaps what Catholics in the Church of England need to keep alive at the present (or in some parishes rediscover) is the sense that religion is fun. I regret that we live in an age, and find ourselves in a part of Christ’s Holy Catholic Church which takes themselves and their opinions far too seriously.
So my first encounter with Anglo-Catholicism worship imbued me with a love of the slightly risqué, the not strictly-legal. (It is worth considering in passing that the Church of England would grind to a halt if we were to worry about that too much!)
Part of my Catholic identity had to do with not being afraid to “go a little bit further”. What is true of me is also true of the Society of Mary and those aims and objectives of the Society enshrined in the Constitution by our Founder Lord Halifax.
I first encountered this tendency during my first meeting with Fr Milburn who as Chaplain General first encouraged me to join the Society of Mary at a May Devotion held at S. Benedict’s Church Ardwick. This pioneering Manchester Church of noble proportions and haunting beauty (now redundant) was the venue for a great Northern Festival. Whenever I hear the beauty of Haydn’s Maria Theresa Mass I recall the drama of this great event which unfolded in front of a capacity congregation drawn from across the Northern Province. The choreography of the Pontifical High Mass was overseen by Fr. Milburn himself. His attention to detail taught so many of us the importance of using the new rites whilst presenting them in such a way, that people’s hearts continue to be uplifted to God so that they know the meaning of adoration. The powerful combination of beautiful music, carefully planned liturgy and the holiness of worship is one of the most potent spiritual forces for good in our modern world which too easily places a high value on trivia and mediocrity. This is still a characteristic of the Society of Mary.
The afternoon devotion had been organised by Harry Warrington who was the newly appointed General Secretary. Stories of his irascible behaviour and outbursts are legion but nevertheless this was combined with a great enthusiasm and love for Our Lady and the Society. His organisation of the procession was a further attempt to take things further – as an outdoor procession of Our Lady in the Diocese of Manchester was (and still is) rare. The event was made much more continental by the carrying of an exotically dressed image complete with glass eyes, earrings and hair which I noticed with astonishment was combed by one of the servers during Solemn Vespers! Fr Milburn (who had exquisite good taste) told me many years later that this statue had been borrowed from the private oratory of a wandering bishop (one of the “episcopi vagantes”) and towards the conclusion of the procession came to grief. On turning into Bennett Street and on the return to the church, a sudden gust of wind caused Our Lady’s frock to be blown up and resulted in her wig and the tremulent golden rays being blown in all directions. Bishop William Baker (formerly of Zanzibar) and an assistant bishop in the Diocese of Liverpool who was presiding at the event was not the least bit put out by this commotion and simply roared with laughter. His laughter was the kind of genuine laughter which is in some respects a hallmark of Northern Catholicism. I believe it is an essential ingredient and a proper perspective for Christians as we attempt to offer our best worship to God; shot through as it is with all our imperfections and human limitations. That story is written into the folklore of the Catholic Movement in the Diocese of Manchester.
I suppose that what is true of worship is true of doctrine too. The Society of Mary has always celebrated the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with as much style as it can muster. The Assumption is a doctrine which many fondly imagine that Anglicans are not supposed to believe in: a curious foreign doctrine that has no place in the sober world of English religion. I can well remember my confusion surrounding this very feast at a tender age. Why did some lectionaries not have it in at all, whilst others printed it in bold type? Why did the rest of Europe have a day’s holiday on the 15th August whilst we in England did not? Was I supposed to subscribe to this doctrine in order to be a “real” Catholic?
August contains not one but two great feasts, the Transfiguration of Our Lord and the Assumption of Our Lady. Both feasts are central to Catholic spirituality, because they speak to us of the glory of heaven. They celebrate the primacy of Divine Grace. Grace which breaks through the ordinary and transforms it and reveals holiness in our midst. On Mount Tabor the disciples are shown Christ as he truly is, as a human being, but also fully divine, suffused and surrounded by heavenly glory. The feast is there to remind us that it is from that glory that he came, and to that glory we are called. The feast of the Assumption is, at its most basic a celebration of that glory to which we are all called at the last. A glory prefigured in Mary the Mother of God. The Assumption is not a feast that says something about Mary, but rather, something about God and His love, God’s love for Her and His love for us.
I suppose another thing that we as members of the Society of Mary need to do is preserve this sense of glory; the supernatural. Heaven and its glory may all too often seem so far away from the world we inhabit. But the two great feasts of August make us look beyond ourselves – beyond the mean streets of a depressed former mill town in Lancashire, beyond the problems of the tower blocks of Kentish Town and beyond the tough estates of a former coal mining community in South Yorkshire. And let us make no mistake; the heavenly glory is not always easy to see in those places - remembered mostly for their levels of deprivation rather than their potential for glory.
Our Lady’s Assumption is truly the feast of the Church because it uncompromisingly celebrates the glorification of God’s faithful people. It is the festival of hope fulfilled, of triumph accomplished, a festival which tells the world that humankind for all its faults and failings has a splendid future.
May the mother of Jesus intercede for each one of us and for all people. Both the followers of the Christ of glory and of those who have yet to glimpse something of His brightness. May this seventy-fifth Anniversary year be one of great blessings for us and for the Society of Mary which we strive to serve. I hope that this publication will share with you some of the “People, Places & Things” where the Divine Grace has broken through the ordinary and has joyfully brought Jesus the Son of God and Child of Mary into our midst.
“Blessed are they which hear the word of God and keep it”, replied Our Lord when one of the crowd introduced Mary into the conversation.
(Luke 11.vv27-28)
“Heaven with transcendent joys her entrance graced,
Next to his throne her Son his mother placed;
And here below, now she’s of heaven possest,
All generations are to call her blest.”
Bishop Thomas Ken (1637-1711)
Richard McEwan
Member of the General Council of the Society of Mary
Feast of the Assumption 2006
RETROSPECT
The North West Ward Lenten Devotion
The Lenten Devotion was held at S. Catherine’s Burnley by kind invitation of Fr. Roger Parker. The speakers were Fr. Mervyn Thompson from S. Hilda’s Thurnscoe, South Yorkshire and Fr. Timothy Lipscomb from Preston Minster (with S. George’s). They spoke to us most movingly on the subject of “sacrifice and suffering”. They are both incumbents of their own busy parishes and we are most grateful to them and to Fr. Croft (who led us in the Stations of the Cross) for sparing the time to be with us.
The chief celebrant of the Solemn Mass was Fr Rodney Marshall. He was assisted by the Revd Lee Kenyon and the Revd. Paul Hutchins (deacons) who are both members of the NW Ward.
The Devotion included a Children’s Workshop organized by Tina Wolstenholme. After lunch the children did a special version of the Stations of the Cross written for younger people. Fr Stephen Smith & Tina and the children showed us their excellent work before Solemn Benediction.
Visit to Stonyhurst College
On Saturday the 8th of April we visited Stonyhurst College. The visit began in the Boys’ Chapel with High Mass at 12.00 noon. The celebrant was Fr Croft who was assisted by Fr Schofield and Fr Lipscomb. The homily was given by Fr David Nicholson a member of the General Council and 210 people received Holy Communion.
After the Mass we went to the Great Hall for a hot lunch which was followed by guided tours in groups. Visits included chapels, sacristies and collections and others on the more ‘business’ side of the school, such as the dormitories and the boys’ lives. So there was something for everyone.
After the tours, we returned to the Chapel for Solemn Benediction and to sing a litany to Our Lady of Stonyhurst. Benediction was given by the Rector of the College who was assisted (at his special request) by two Anglican deacons. Some people remained behind to explore the stunning gardens in springtime and others chatted to the equally famous BBC Blue Peter presenters who were recording a new theme tune for their show. If you listen hard you might even hear Fr Croft singing in the background. To all involved in making this visit so memorable - our best thanks.
The day was a great success and a wonderful privilege.
May Devotions
S. Faith’s Crosby: Sunday 7th May.
The May Devotion at S. Faith’s took place within the context of Solemn Evensong. This was most beautifully sung (Brewer in E-flat) by S. Faith’s choir. At the conclusion of the office Fr Parkinson (acting for Fr McEvitt) admitted 11 new members into the Society of Mary. This was followed by a sermon by the Rt Revd Dr Rupert Hoare Dean of Liverpool. The service concluded with Procession of Our Lady of Walsingham & Solemn Benediction. A wine & cheese party in the Hall concluded this happy event. We are most grateful to Fr Neil Kelley and his people for the warmth of their welcome and hospitality.
S. Hilda’s Prestwich: Sunday 21st May
The May Devotion at S. Hilda’s was a happy and well attended event. Before the Devotion began Fr McEvitt admitted 5 new members to the Society of Mary. The preacher was the Revd. Lee Kenyon (deacon of S. Cuthbert’s Darwen) who had been admitted to the Society that evening. The Devotion concluded with Procession of Our Lady & Solemn Benediction. A splendid reception followed. We are very grateful to Fr Croft and the people of S. Hilda’s for their kindness and wonderful hospitality.
Pilgrimage to Ladyewell: Saturday 3rd June
The Society of Mary and Forward in Faith shared a joint Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady at Fernyhalgh near Preston. The Chief Celebrant and Preacher was the Rt Revd Nicholas Reade, Bishop of Blackburn.
Our Pilgrimage was an occasion where our ecumenical friendships and developing relationships at this Shrine was again experienced at a very practical level We began at noon with a Rosary Procession from the beautiful Roman Catholic Parish Church (1794) to the Shrine. At the centre of the Rosary Procession was a fine statue of Our Lady which was the recent kind gift of Archbishop Patrick Kelly & the staff of Liverpool RC Cathedral to the North West Ward of our Lady of Victories. It was this kindness and wonderful spirit of co-operation which was the hall-mark of a very happy occasion. Many pilgrims who walked in procession along the lanes in the brilliant June sunshine toward the ancient Shrine experienced something deeply moving and profound in their journey of faith.
On arrival at the Shrine the music in preparation for the Solemn Mass filled the beautiful grounds. Two hundred and twenty five people received Holy Communion at the Solemn Mass.
Following the Mass there was a lunch break and an opportunity to enjoy the grounds. There is a beautiful set of Stations of the Cross in the grounds, a new and second-hand bookshop and a gift shop, so there was something to suite everyone’s taste!
In the afternoon the Sprinkling at the Well with special provision for the sick took place. The Pilgrimage ended with Benediction given by Fr Tom Hoole who is the newly appointed RC Priest Director of the Shrine. We gained so much from this beautiful gem in the heart of Lancashire.
THE NW WARD AGM
The Annual General Meeting of the North West Ward of SOM took place at 4.45pm on Sunday 21st May at S. Hilda’s Prestwich.
Results of the Election of Officers were as follows:
Ward Superior & Chaplains: Fr. Peter McEvitt
Holy Family Rectory 190 Lord Lane Failsworth
Manchester M35 OQS
Tel: 0161 681 3644 e-mail pbm@salutaris.fsnet.co.uk
Fr. Roger Parker – Blackburn Diocese
Tel: 01282- 424587 e-mail FrRogerParker@aol.com Mob:07977291166
Fr. Christoper Cook – Liverpool Diocese
Tel: 0151-7331742 e-mail Leoclericus@aol.com
Ward Secretary: Mr Richard McEwan
Dunwood House Rushcroft Road
High Crompton Oldham OL2 7PP
Tel: 01706-840607 e-mail richard@rmcewan9.wanadoo.co.uk
Ward Treasurer: Mr Christopher Cox
369 Kings Road Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 9EW
Tel: 0161-3306065 e-mail chrisjcox33@hotmail.com
Assistant Ward Treasurer: Mr Ivor Smith
92 Seaford Road, Bradshaw, Bolton BL2 4BU
Tel: 01204 303038
Membership Secretary: Mr Christopher Cox (details as above)
Miss Geraldene Greenhalgh
I would like to thank the retiring Ward Treasurer Geraldene Greenhalgh (Church Warden of S. Augustine’s Tonge Moor) for all the organisational skills that she has brought to this role. She has worked closely with Christopher Cox and the finances of the Ward are now on a sound basis. In addition, we would like to thank Geraldene for all the enthusiasm she has brought to the Ward Committee and her active part in the organisation of our events.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Dates for the 75th Anniversary Year
75th Anniversary Festival:
Sunday 10th September S. Alban’s Holborn 5.00pm
Solemn Vespers, Procession of Our Lady & Pontifical Benediction.
Preacher: The Archbishop of Canterbury
Saturday 16th September
Day Pilgrimage to Walsingham led by the Superior General
12 noon – Solemn Mass and Sermon
2.30 pm Sprinkling at the Well
4.00 pm Procession of Our Lady & Benediction
Saturday 23rd September at 3.00pm
Superior General’s Silver Jubilee S. Silas Kentish Town
Further details of all the above from Fr Rowlands 020 7485 3727
North West
Saturday 23rd September at 3.00pm
Walsingham Festival S. Augustine’s Tonge Moor
Preacher Fr Andrew Sage
Parish Priest of S. Stephen’s on the Cliffs Blackpool
NB: this is a new date which has been changed - due to a clash of events with Forward in Faith.
Please ignore the previous date.
Further details from Fr Davies 01204 523899
Saturday 9th December
FESTIVAL MASS OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
as part of the Society’s 75th Anniversary
at S. Agnes Church, Toxteth Park, Ullett Road, Liverpool L17 3BA
12.00 noon Solemn Pontifical Mass
Principal Celebrant: The Superior-General, the Bishop of Whitby
Preacher: The Chaplain-General, Fr. Graeme Rowlands
Priests wishing to concelebrate should notify Fr Cook of their intention by 1st December
13.30 Festival Lunch
After lunch, the Bishop of Whitby will speak about
“My Journey with Mary - a personal reflection.”
ALL WELCOME
**Easily accessible from the M62**
Lunch arrangements: Tickets £5.00, to be booked by Saturday 1st December.
Send cheque, payable to the Society of Mary, to:
Mrs Sandra Anderson 181 Tonge Moor Road Bolton BL2 2HR
Telephone: 01204 383158
Further details and directions/map from Fr. Christopher Cook
S. Agnes Presbytery, 1 Buckingham Avenue Liverpool L17 3BA
Telephone: 0151 7331742
Processional Statue
The North West Ward has never owned a processional statue. Rather embarrassingly, we have had to borrow ones from friendly parish churches. We have recently (rather too frequently) relied upon our good friends at S. Augustine’s Tonge Moor to help us out. Our Ward Secretary in conversation with Archbishop Kelly last summer was very kindly offered a statue of Our Lady & Child which was suitable and was large enough to make an impact in an outdoor procession. It was collected from the Metropolitan Cathedral in Liverpool by Michael Hilton and Christopher Cox. I would like to put on record our sincere thanks to the Archbishop and Mgr Peter Cookson for their kindness. It is not just the fact that we needed a processional statue (we did) but the wonderful good will which came with it. Michael Hilton has sensitively restored the statue and constructed a very sturdy bran-card on which it can be carried. It was used for the first time on our pilgrimage to Ladyewell. It will be kept at S. Agnes Toxteth Park and will be used at our NW festivals. The Bishop of Blackburn the Rt Revd Nicholas Reade re-hallowed the statue at the conclusion of the Mass at Ladyewell.
We gratefully acknowledge Michael Hilton’s hard work in bringing this project to fruition and the three kind gifts (cheques) given to the statue fund. These have paid for the restoration work and bran-card. We hope at some future date to buy a suitable antique crown and lace veil.
From the Membership Secretary: Mr Christopher Cox
369 Kings Road Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 9EW
Tel: 0161-3306065 e-mail chrisjcox33@hotmail.com
NEW MEMBERS
We welcome the following new members to our Ward:
Joyce Exley S. Agnes Toxteth
Barry Tomlinson S. Agnes Toxteth
Sandra Owen S. Agnes Toxteth
Eileen Jones. S. Agnes Toxteth
Heleema Neville S. Agnes Toxeth
Margaret Simpson S. Catherine’s Burnley
Fr Timothy Lipscomb Vicar of Preston
Audrey Packer S. George’s Preston
Arthur Packer S. George’s Preston
Susan Taylor S. George’s Preston
Dorothy Wade S. George’s Preston
Malcoln Pye S. George’s Preston
Reg Ashall S. George’s Preston
Mildred Ashall S. George’s Preston
Judy Royan S. George’s Preston
Vera Topping S. George’s Preston
Rosemary Jolly S. George’s Preston
Doreen Files-Whitlow S. Faith’s Crosby
John Files-Whitlow S. Faith’s Crosby
Patricia Rowlands Holy Family Failsworth
Mary Rowlands S. Paul’s Croxteth
Christopher Wood College of the Resurrection Mirfield
Stephen Gillam College of the Resurrection Mirfield
Graham Turner S. Thomas’s Wallesey
Peter Hart S. Barnabas’ Crewe
Fr Derek Lloyd S. Andrew’s Burnley
Jim Snaith S. Augustine’s Tonge Moor
For your prayers:
All those who have been ordained this Petertide and for the parishes where they will serve.
Ordained Priest:
“Ordained for men and women in the things that appertain to God”. Heb. 5v1.
Ordained Deacon
Silver Jubilee
We congratulate Fr Christopher Cook parish priest of S. Agnes’ Toxteth Park who celebrated his Silver Jubilee on 2nd July.
Sylvia Weston RIP
Sylvia died recently after a long battle with illness. Any who knew her will recall a strong and generous character who gave generously of her time and talents to the life of the church and other charitable bodies.
Aided, and supported by her husband Brian (in fact they were mutual aid and support to each other) she lived her faith to the full and had a great devotion to the Mother of Jesus.
A succession of Curate’s at Swinton & Pendlebury have good reason to be thankful for her kindness and support over the years and her determined fight against illness in recent years was an example to many.
May she rest in peace and rise in glory!
FROM THE WARD SUPERIOR: FR PETER MCEVITT
Holy Family Rectory : 190 Lord Lane : Failsworth M35 0QS
0161-681-3644
Chasing around the Deanery in recent months, attending this or that meeting or event, I found myself in the company of a collection of politicians, clergy, a Mayor and Mayoress and even an Archdeacon and a Bishop. An un-usual combination these days but a powerful reminder to those present of the inter connection between ‘Church & State’. Whilst waiting for the event to begin we were gathered in an ante room where the usual polite chatter was taking place. The common theme that emerged concerned the business of everyone’s lives. Almost everyone waiting in that room was thinking ahead to the next event/meeting that required their presence later that afternoon.
A lull in the general conversation came and a lone voice was heard to be saying to his hearer “you need to remember that even God himself rested on the seventh day”. Perhaps to some this may have seemed a rather quaint, even old-fashioned remark to hear but for the Christians present it was a very proper reminder that we do need to make realistic efforts to get the ‘work/life’ balance in order. A glance at any church newspaper or diocesan magazine will present you with a whole host of reports of people doing this and that in all sorts of situations. You rarely see a report of someone simply being.
For Christians the need to simply ‘be’ rather than endlessly ‘do’ is important. The taking of proper time to say our prayers and read our bibles and meditate upon them is essential if we are to avoid simply becoming yet another group who ‘do’ things with, for and to each other – a bit like another club.
In the middle of the summer holiday season and some very fine weather we do well to take some time out to relax and enjoy the wonders of the world God created and to follow His example by taking some rest. The following poem probably expresses better what I am trying to say:-
Prayer to Achieve Inner Peace
Richard Gushing (1895-1968) Cardinal and Founder
Slow me down, Lord.
Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind.
Steady my hurried pace with a vision
of the eternal reach of time.
Give me, amid the confusion of the day,
the calmness of the everlasting hills.
Break the tensions of my nerves and muscles with the soothing music
of the singing streams that live in my memory.
Help me to know the magical, restoring power of sleep.
Teach me the art of taking minute vacations
of slowing down to look at a flower,
to chat with a friend, to pat a dog,
to read a few lines from a good book.
Remind me each day of the fable of the hare and the tortoise,
that I may know that the race is not always to the swift and there is more to life than increasing its speed.
Let me look upward into the branches of the towering oak
and know that it grew great and strong because it grew slowly and well.
Slow me down, Lord,
and inspire me to send my roots deep
into the soil of life's enduring values
that I may grow toward the stars
of my greater destiny. Amen
Whatever you are doing this summer, do take some time to enjoy a little re-creation before the demands of the Autumn come upon us!
The great God of heaven is come
down to earth
The great God of heaven is come down to earth
His mother a Virgin, and sinless his birth;
The Father eternal his Father alone:
He sleeps in the manger; he reigns on the throne:
Then let us adore him, and
praise his great love:
To save us poor sinners he came from above.