The Parishioner - Edition 24

Flame Youth Group continues to expand and develop and has been very busy since the last issue of the Parishioner. Apart
from a trip to Poland by 17 members of the group in the summer holidays, youth members worked towards a mission
statement for themselves and developed their many skills, from learning Irish dancing, to drama presentations on the theme
of a ‘difficult situation’. Flame members made up half the number of young people who attended the Youth Festival at
Aylesford and were happy to serve and read.
On a lighter note, the ‘Wet Evening’ in the summer was enjoyed by all, especially Fr Wojtek
who was visiting from Poland. The water bomb throwing competition was particularly popular.
The Fireworks party was enjoyed by nearly 60 children and their families, despite the heavens
opening just as the display was about to begin. Fortunately,
everyone was quite happy with the great BBQ cooked mainly by
Fr Peter – Chef Extraordinaire.
Even our work has proved good fun, with members managing
At Ayiesford Priory
the ‘Feed the Hungry’ project, wrapping buckets to collect contributions from
the carol singing at the Mall shopping centre or making chocolate angels, cakes or sweets for
What hit me?!!
sale after masses. The production of plaster-of-paris cribs and ornaments was a major project
which was well received by parishioners. The weeks
leading to Christmas were very busy and included a
visit to Pilgrims Way Rest Home for a carol service
after school and of course, a Christmas party with
games. We are looking forward to more trips to the
park, and other fun evenings in the next few months.
Managing the Feed the Hungry warehouse
Family Day
The Family Day in September, was a bit of a
gamble, as it was a new concept and was held
just after the return to school following the
summer holidays.
The venue, Lower Grange Farm, at Sandling, was perfect, with lots
of space, both indoors and out. Even the weather was
very kind.
The children began the
day in the huge barn
with craft activities and
games, while adults
were taken to the
conference centre for
workshops on varying themes. Canon Luke was
thrown in at the deep end in his first week at the
FLEDGLINGS CHILDREN’S GROUP
Fledglings, the group for our
children of primary age, has grown
and has taken up a busy
programme, assisted by a great
team of leaders and a growing
number of Flame Group members.
Fledglings meet
each month for a
day of fun centred on a relevant theme. October,
being the month of Our Lady, on the Rosary, with
the children learning how to say it and making
their own Rosaries. November’s meeting saw
the children taking home the Jesse trees and
4
Making plaster Christmas ornaments
parish by leading the first session, followed by Fr
Peter and then Fr Bart. These ice-breakers were all
much enjoyed and encouraged people to talk to new
acquaintances.
Families then joined together for a fantastic BBQ and
organised games for
all ages.
As evening fell a camp
fire was lit and the
day was brought to a
close with Mass
around the campfire. A
wonderful day was enjoyed by the many families who
attended and it is hoped that another day can be
arranged in the spring. Watch this space...
Advent wreaths that they had
made. The meeting in December
was taken up with making
Christingles and preparing for the
Nativity play that was included in
the parish Carol Service – such
e x c i t e m e n t , a s
everyone had a part to
play. Finally, the waiting began for
that ‘Special Visitor’,
including singing ‘Away
in a Manger’.
New members are very
welcome at Fledglings, who
generally meet on the 3rd
Saturday of the month.