The Parishioner - Edition 23

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Out and About with Phoenix Sponsored Walk to St Thomas More, West Malling, February 21st 2014 On Friday 21st February, in the evening, we did a sponsored walk from St Francis in Maidstone to St Thomas More in West Malling, a journey which took us past the hospital and through East Malling Research Station. The weather was perfect for the hike and when we arrived at St Thomas More we were welcomed warmly by Fr Peter Soper. Joined by Fr Peter, we had pizza, hot chocolate and played ‘murder in the dark’. We stayed the night in the priests’ house in sleeping bags, and in the morning had bacon butties, thanks to the Youth Club leaders. The whole thing was great fun and was a great bonding exercise for the members, and we raised a fantastic £465 for youth club funds. Philip Coatsworth Brightlights, 27-29 June 2014, Twenty one members of Phoenix Youth Club attended the Brightlights festival at Aylesford Priory. The weekend was a brilliant opportunity for all that attended to grow in their faith as well as make new friends within a lively Christian atmosphere. We enjoyed many different activities including Praise and Worship with the talented house band on the Friday evening, preparing us spiritually for the weekend that followed. During Saturday we had a very special visit from the parents of Blessed Chiara Luce Badano who told the inspirational story of their daughter and of her devotion to God. During the afternoon there were a variety workshops with something for everyone from sign language to rap to sport! In the evening we enjoyed music from Adam and Kid and Charley Pinfold with an amazing concert Kingsgate Beach – Saturday 22nd June 2013 Phoenix Youth Club went on a day trip to Kingsgate Beach on Saturday 22nd June. With sun cream, beach towels and food packed and ready we met at the Church early, in order to spend as long as possible at the beach. As we boarded the coach rain was spitting but not enough to dampen our spirits. After making our way through traffic, most heading to the air show at Manston Airport, we arrived at the beach by late morning. With the weather still quite dull, we had the beach all to ourselves and set about making the most of it. First, many of us went for a ‘paddle’ in the sea or in some cases a proper swim, even though the water was freezing cold! Following this, we ate our lunch, defying the gusty winds which blew the sand everywhere, including into our food. After lunch, as the sun came out, we played different games and sports such as: volleyball, dodgeball and cricket, as well as exploring many of the caves and cliff faces at the beach. With the afternoon drawing to a close but the sun still bright, we packed our belongings and made our way back to the coach, to return home after a great day out! James Williams Thorpe Park, Saturday 5thApril 2014 The Phoenix Youth Club was lucky to go on a trip to Thorpe Park in the school minibus driven by headteacher Mr Wall. We met outside the school at the early time, for teenagers, of 9am, and settled down for the journey, which passed quickly because we were so excited to arrive and go on all the big rides. On arrival, Fr Bart was amazed at how tall the rides were but he didn’t get the full picture until he went on his FIRST EVER rollercoaster– Stealth, much to the delight of some of us. Splitting off into two groups based upon year group and friends, we headed towards different rides to please the thrill seekers inside of us. With Fr Bart joining the younger group, following his experience on Stealth, we made our way to Nemesis Inferno where, between the seven of us, we deafened half of the other riders with our screaming. As lunchtime came round, we joined the older group at the picnic tables by the Rocky Express , a children’s ride which Lydia was too scared to go on, and shared stories . A decision was made by the entire Youth Club to go on Loggers Leap, which some regretted as we all got absolutely drenched, not only from the ride, but people with water pistols at the bottom of the drop where they pay to get you even more wet! While the majority of the Youth Club and Fr Bart went on Saw and Colossus, Lydia and a few other members went on a new water ride called Storm Surge. In the queue Lydia tried to think of as many excuses as possible to get out of going on it, but we didn’t let her give in and despite some screaming, I think she secretly enjoyed herself! We returned to the mini bus after a wonderful, but exhausting day and with some people close to sleep we left the theme park and made our way home Rebecca Saunders. which got everyone up and dancing. On the final day we were invited to watch a moving piece of live theatre by the Ten Ten Theatre Company about the worldwide problem of human trafficking. We were then encouraged to consider what we could do as Christians. Following this we had a moving Departing Mass during which we reflected on the weekend. We all had an amazing weekend and it was fantastic for us to see other young people so passionate about the Catholic faith. I must give special thanks to Liz Kilminster, Fr Bart and my mum, Lydia, for organising and taking us all to Brightlights. I greatly enjoyed the experience and I hope to reflect my strengthened faith in my daily life. Already looking forward to next year 26 to 28 June 2015! See you there!! Georgina Burchell 8 The Phoenix Youth Club is for young people from 15-18 who meet every Friday from 6.30 -9.30 pm in the Youth Room. Check out our web page: www.stfrancisparish.org.uk/phoenix.html
The flame Youth Group was established in November 2013 for young people aged between 11 – 14 years old. The group meets on Saturday evenings between 6 and 9pm. Their activities are very varied but always fun and include discussions and activities around a theme, along with games and social time. There have been many trips out including a few to London where we visited HMS Belfast, Brompton Oratory, Harrods and other places. There are members from a wide spread of schools and the group continues to grow, both in numbers and as source of support and friendship. They also support the parish Feed the Hungry project. Activities Camping is a favourite activity and members have already enjoyed nights away to Hope Hill in Meopham and Lower Grange Farm at Sandling. Cooking breakfast in camp – Frank (far left) is shy. Members of the group with bags of food collected for the Feed the Hungry project. Ready for early morning keep fit in camp. Rifle shooting – thankfully, with an instructor Youth Group members fly to Poland! On Tuesday 29th July seventeen members of the group flew to south-east Poland to meet with members of a youth group in Bialobrzegi, near Rzeszow. A video link has been established between the two groups as the first steps towards the next World Youth Day in Krakow in 2016. Look forward to reading about their time in Poland in the next Parishioner. 9
Page 1 and 2: S T F R A N C I S ’ C H U R C H M
Page 3 and 4: First Confession Nervous before, ha
Page 5 and 6: New parishioners received into the
Page 7: P E N T E C O S T Homily given by D
Page 11 and 12: St Marianne Cope Written and Illust
Page 13 and 14: Parish Trip to the Houses of Parlia

The Parishioner - Edition 23

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