Spring 2012 - Grasshopper Hosting

Daly then discussed many of the issues which could arise in Ministering to the sick and gave practical
suggestions on carrying out our Ministry within the restrictions imposed by institutions. He also spoke with
feeling about our obligation to attend the Celebration of the Eucharist because not as many now attend or
choose to only when it is convenient and fits in without changing more material with other commitments.
During the days and at the Parish Representatives meeting views were canvassed on a number of practical
issues which had arisen.
4
Other issues
The lower attendance appeared to be due to the days being on consecutive Saturdays. It was
agreed that this was not ideal but was due to the commitments of the Parish Priest.
The venue was too far for some to travel to. It was agreed that in future at least one day would be
held in a Leicester parish assuming suitable accommodation could be found.
The dates clashed with parish fixtures especially First Holy Communion. It was however agreed that
the timing of either March or April was a good one. The Secretary agreed to notify all parish
representatives about the 2012 Renewal dates as soon as they were agreed. This was done in
October with a reminder to let all EM’s know.
It came to light that the January newsletter was not circulated by some parish contacts. Hence
some EM’s did not know the dates of the Renewal Days until the detailed attendance forms came
out later. It was pointed out that a letter was enclosed with the newsletter reminding the parish
contact to circulate it to all their EM’s.
The Secretariat was not being notified of EM’s who pass away, although a reminder was sent out
annually about the need to do this.
During the year Mr Paul Kamm the representative for the Leicester West Deanery resigned for personal
reasons. We thank him for his service. His replacement on the committee is Mr John Ambler from The
Most Blessed Sacrament Parish in Leicester.
The Renewal Days for 2012 are,
28 April at Our Lady of Victories, Market Harborough
12 May at St John Bosco - Leicester
Louise Kidd and Mary Hunt
Nottinghamshire
Our Renewal Days for 2011 were held on 9 th April at Our Lady & St. Thomas of Hereford, Ilkeston and on
the 21 May at Holy Trinity, Newark. We held mass in the morning, which in both cases was conducted by
the parish priest of the said churches.
At Ilkeston we were given a talk by Father Stanley Ofoegbu a Nigerian priest from Holy Spirit West
Bridgford, followed by a Holy Hour which was based on “Peace Throughout the World.”
At Newark we were given a talk by Deacon John Wilford, who kindly postponed his birthday celebrations
until the next day, Sunday, in order to be with us, which was much appreciated. This was also followed by a
Holy Hour on the same theme as Ilkeston.
Attendance at both days was just above average, there obviously being some room for an improvement in
attendance figures. To all of us let’s try and make 2012 a bumper year.
Generally both days went very well and were appreciated by all those who were there; once again we were
blessed with fine weather on both occasions.
Both Graham and myself would like to personally thank all those who attended for making the occasion a
memorable one. We would also like to thank the parish priests Father Peter Harvey from Ilkeston and
Father Michael O’Donoghue from Newark for giving their precious time and making their churches
available to us.